The final race of the RORC 2004 Points Season started from the Royal Yacht Squadron line on Friday 24th September under clear skies with a NNW force 4 -5 breeze and a distinctively autumnal feel.  First away at 17:45 were IRC 2 & 3, followed by IRC Super Zero, Zero & 1 at 17:55 and the Multihulls at 18:05, a total of 51 starters.  Only one yacht, Philippe Delapporte’s J109 pushed a little too hard and was over at the gun, having to return.  Reaching away from the line to the East a number of the fleet were able to hoist spinnakers, the remainder as the breeze freed off.  This had all the makings for a fast race.

Harry Heijst, aboard his S&S 41 ‘Winsome’ reported to Ocean 1 at 22:00 that they were making good progress achieving around 7 ½kts and were in company with a group of larger yachts.  During the night the breeze began to ease and for a time swung into the North East, not quite as had been predicted.  James Porter on his yacht ‘Chichester Psalm’ recording as little as 2kts from the North for a time in the channel.

Just over 8 ½ hours of racing saw Derek Saunders’ Volvo 60 ‘Venom’ cross the finish at Cherbourg to be the first yacht home at 02:34, ‘Fidessa-Fastwave’, ACP Sailing’s DK 46 the second yacht at 03:43.  ‘El Gringo’, Nick Hartshorn’s Ker 11.3 was the 3rd yacht home at 04:27, however this would not be close enough to prevent ‘Fidessa-Fastwave’ from taking the Quailo Cup for IRC Super Zero & Zero and the Cherbourg Trophy for BCT overall.  The breeze shifting through 40° the decision was made to continue on the straight route to Cherbourg, changing sails to suit (around 14 changes), as opposed to driving the shifts, which showed to pay off in the end.

The RORC would like to thank the President of the Yacht Club de Cherbourg, M. Jean-Yves Furic and the owners of the finish line committee boat ‘Canopy 2’, Gilbert & Nicolle Roger for their enormous assistance.   The competitors all greatly enjoyed the buffet kindly organized by Gery Trentesaux on behalf of the French Rolex Commodores’ Cup Teams, courtesy of UNCL and the Yacht Cub de Cherbourg.

Annual Challenge Trophies and Special Awards will be announced as soon as possible.

Trophies

Cherbourg Trophy – BCT IRC Fidessa-Fastwave (DK-46) ACP Sailing

Quailo Cup – IRC Super Zero & Zero Fidessa-Fastwave (DK-46) ACP Sailing

2nd  El Gringo (Ker 11.3)  Nick Hartshorn

3rd  Venom (Volvo 60)  Derek Saunders

Trophee des Deux Manches – IRC 1 Sticky Fingers (Mumm 30) Langlais / Lacour

2nd  Maverick 2 (IMX 40)  Dominic Chappell

3rd  Serendip (Prima 38)  Paul King

Yacht Club de France – IRC 2 Diablo – J (J105) Gary Fry & Nick Martin

2nd  Psipsina (HOD 35) John Loden

3rd  Pen Azen (J109) Philippe Delaporte

4th  Jumunu (J109)  Alistair Ray

Jolie Brise Trophy – IRC 3  Apsara (First 31.7) Jean-Michel Mercier

2nd  Blustery Day (First 32)   Colin Sinclair

3rd  Mavis III of Gosport (Carter One Tonner) Stephen Winter

RORC Trophy – BCT IRM  El Gringo (Ker 11.3) Nick Hartshorn

RORC Prize – 2 Handed Division Psipsina (HOD 35) John Loden

RORC Prize – Multihulls   Triohe (F 9AX)

RORC Medallion – Seahorse Division

Yeoman of Hamble (JV44 – One Off) David Aisher

RORC Medallions will be presented on Tuesday 28th September at 19:30 in the Clubhouse, 20 St James’s Place, London SW1.  All crews welcome.