Brains Not Brawn

The final day of the Red Funnel Easter Regatta organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club saw light airs yacht racing for the third day in row. The Race Committee set up windward leeward courses similar to yesterday. A light northerly breeze of eight knots gradually diminished during the day, so much so, that the second race was shortened for three of the classes.

Coach Jim Saltonstall continued to give top tips to the competitors: "Whether you are sailing in big waves with 40 knots of wind or ghosting along in light airs, you need to sail to the best of your ability to get the results that you wish for. In very light conditions, sailors really need to concentrate on maintaining their focus. Boredom can create mental apathy and the bottom line is that concentration levels have got to be 100% in light airs, just as much as at any other time."

Class Super Zero

Peter Harrison’s Farr 52, Chernikeeff 2 staged a great end to the regatta reeling off a hat trick of bullets to win their class. "I am the oldest guy on the boat" explained 25 year old skipper, Luke Cross. "It is the same crew as last year and things are really coming together well and all of the crew are from the UK Sailing Academy (UKSA) in Cowes. We have been out for the last two weekends racing and I think that really helped, but it is always nice to get a win early in the season. Jim Saltonstall was really helpful, especially with the main and jib trim; we had both of the trimmers off the boat and he showed them how to set up the trim and that made a huge difference."

The RYA keelboat’s TP52, John Merricks II was second and Tony Langley’s Farr 45, Atomic of Cowes was third in class.

Class Zero

This is the first time that owner-driver, Michael Bartholomew’s King 40, Tokoloshe has sailed at the regatta. Michael and about half of the crew are from South Africa. "We have really enjoyed the regatta and I must say that the relaxation of the rules to allow coaching is a good idea, especially as the event is at the start of the season. Our intention is to compete inshore and offshore with the RORC this season prior to the Rolex Fastnet Race in August" commented Bartholomew. Neil Martin’s J 133, Jammy Dodger was second and Jan-Willem Jannink MAT 12, Foxy was third overall in class.

Class One

Tim and Sophie Harrington’s X 35, Vortex, managed to hold off Peter Robson’s, First 40.7, Playing Around and Paul Anderson’s A 40, Toe in the Water to clinch the class, a repeat of their win in 2007. "This has been a fantastic start to the season for us and a great boost for our campaign this year, which will include Cowes Week and the X 35 Nationals. All credit to the RORC for managing to get six races in under difficult conditions" commented Tim Harrington, shortly after racing.

Class Two

David & Jackie Riley’s Corby 33, No Retreat came out on top, but only by half a point from Chris & Hannah Neve’s, First 34.7 No Doubt. Nick and Suzy Jones’ First 34.7, Astarte was third in class. "Paul Blowers was outstanding on tactics for us this weekend and deserves all the credit. He was also mean to me and extremely kind to my wife so he really got everything spot on!" joked David Riley, "I would also say a big thank you to designer, John Corby who has been extremely helpful and supportive."

Class Three & Quarter Ton Class

In IRC 3, Louise Morton’s Quarter Tonner, Espada won by three points but in the Quarter Ton class alone, the 1981 Farr designed Espada, was just one point ahead of Mike Till’s Quarter Tonner, Bullet. Paul Kelsey’s Quarter Tonner, Runaway Bus was third. The Quarter Ton Class has made quite a resurgence and it is hoped that more of them will be at the Red Funnel Easter Challenge next year.

RORC Racing Manager, Ian Loffhagen commented after racing: "The Red Funnel Easter Challenge once again lived up to its name; last year we had too much wind and this year the challenge was barely enough to race. The successful competitors were those who got their heads out of the boat and reacted to the changes in conditions with the correct wind and tidal strategies."

Jonathan Green, Red Funnel’s Sales & Marketing Director presented prizes to the class winners and commented: "Red Funnel have been supporting the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Easter Regatta for many years. The event has grown from a handful of boats kick-starting the sailing season, to a popular and successful regatta. We are proud to continue our support and welcome old and new faces to the Isle of Wight."

The Red Funnel Prix d’Elegance Trophy was awarded to Toe in the Water. Toe in the Water Director Tanya Brookfield said: "Toe in the Water would like to thank the Royal Ocean Racing Club for all its support. The event organisation this weekend has been excellent and we appreciate their continued enthusiasm for our competitive sailing initiative for injured servicemen."

Full results are available on the RORC website.