Lord Birkett Trophy - RS Vareos race at Ullswater YC

by Steve Conway on 9 Jul 2014 The iconic Lord Birkett Trophy Event was sailed over the weekend of 5th-6th July on Ullswater, hosted by Ullswater Yacht Club. This year there were at total of 211 entries including 58 RS class boats, of which three were RS Vareos; Andrew Cutting, from Ullswater YC sailing Vaereo 490, Mike Cowan from Bassenwhwaite SC sailing 303, and Steve Conway from Loch Lomond SC sailing no 470.

The wind direction on both days allowed the course to be set to the South to round Wall Holm Island to port returning to the North end of the Lake rounding a mark off Gale Bay before heading South again to the finish Line; a course of approximately 14 miles. The wind on Day one was force four increasing noticeably between the higher peaks half way down the lake.

The race got underway after three general recalls and was completed by the lead boat a 49er in 90 minutes. Andrew finished in 87 place, Mike in 136 place and Steve in 165 place.

The wind on day two was lighter being force two - three for much of the race but as the lead boats were reaching the North end of the Lake it backed by 120 degrees so the broad reach North up the lake became a beat and the final leg was a spinnaker run to the line. Andrew finished race two in 98th place giving him an overall position of 86th, Mike unfortunately did not finish giving him an overall position of 176th and Steve finished race two in 144th place giving an overall placing of 157th.

The whole event was managed extremely well by Ullswater Yacht Club who made everyone feel very welcome, and whose impeccable organisation meant that all the cars, boats, tents and motorhomes were accommodated on the site without Full results