Royal Ocean Racing Club - North Sea Race Report

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North Sea Race Report

As part of the North Sea Regatta, which is now sponsored by ABN AMRO, the Royal Harwich Yacht Club at Woolverstone were once again the welcoming venue for the Vuurschepen Race from Scheveningen to Harwich where a Prizegiving party was held on the Thursday evening co-hosted by the RORC. The race back to Scheveningen is the traditional RORC North Sea Race with additional entries from the UK. Taking part in his first North Sea race was the RORC Vice Commodore, Chris Bull, with his J145 JAZZ.

Harwich Harbour Authority were kind enough to allow, for the second year running, the use of the Oil Pollution Barge ‘Haven Hornbill’ as the Principal Committee vessel which was stationed for the start of the North Sea Race, on the Friday morning, ½ mile North of Stone Banks. Assisting with the start was the Royal Harwich Yacht Club committee boat ‘Lion’ at the outer distance mark, and a RIB, ‘Lion 6’ to spot in the centre of the line.

To allow for the forecasted breeze to settle in direction ‘AP’ was flown for a short period, this also allowed time for the fleet to reach the start line which was slightly further out than the position given in the SI’s. ‘AP’ was lowered at 1034 and the start sequence commenced at 1035 with the first start for IRM, IRC, IMS 1-3 and ORC (Club) 1 getting away at 1045. Boats on the first start were set to do 190 miles with a shorter course of 149 miles for boats in the second start.

With a predominately north east 4-5 backing to north west this was going to be a fast race which would be of some comfort considering the bitterly cold and wet conditions.

Piet Vroon’s Lutra 52, TONNERRE, was first to round Smith’s Knoll Light Buoy at 2358 and the first boat home at 0908 (BST). JAZZ crossed the finishing line at 1107 followed by Steven Blom’s Grandsolei 45, SATORI at 1220. The committee boat, supplied by the Scheveningen Yacht Club, with Kim Nauta, Monique Eggink and team taking times were in for a long day while they waited for the 63 boat fleet to finish.
The precision of the Dutch competitors in reporting their arrival to the finishing team and the speed of bringing in declaration cards to the office was most impressive and greatly appreciated.

Problems due to gear failure, and for some seasickness, were to beset six boats who were forced to take prudent action and retire. The warm welcome from the Yacht Club Scheveningen was greatly appreciated by the cold, tired competitors.

Steven Bloms was delighted to find he had won IRC Zero, IRC overall and IMS1 with his Grandsolei 45, SATORI. DAIKIN AIRCO (M.C.J. van der Heijden’s HOD35) came first IRC2 and second overall. They also won the CYCA Trophy for BCT, IMS (long course).
Of the GBR entries in IRC1 Peter Clements First 45 CARRONADE took second place to the Dutch T’SPANWIL IV a J44 owned by Andreas Tienpont. The Swan 43 CISNE, Theo van Rongen, was to take first place in IRC3 and a second in IMS3. M.J. Ringers X332 YELLOW ROSE took the honours for IMS3. IMS4 was won by Kors Meijer’s SOLUTION TOO

Of the 21 boats in ORC Club 1 doing the long course, John van der Starre’s Sunfast 37 HAPPY won with R Krijgsman’s SUNFAST second. The J92, JIM JAMS owned by P H van der Pol won ORC Club 2

GBR entry Double Plush stuck out the unpleasant conditions to finish at 21 37 (BST). While many had found it an uncomfortable race one crew member from Double Plush thought it was a wonderful, exciting race – but then he is down to crew on a Challenge Business, Global Challenge boat which will set off around the world in October.

Thanks to the Royal Harwich and the Yacht Club Scheveningen for all their help with this special race in the RORC calendar.

.The ABN AMRO North Sea Regatta continues with four more days of inshore racing next week-end. For further information see their website www.nsr.nl

Trophies to be presented at the restaurant “Visaflag” Sunday 23 May 1600

Chris Bull, RORC Vice Commodore presenting trophies to Cesne

CYCA Trophy     1st Best Correct Time, IMS (long course)
Lora Challenge Cup    1st IMS 2
Carter-Ruck Trophy     1st IRC 2