Royal Lymington Yacht Club Penguin Trophy 2017
by Ann Brunskill 4 Jan 2018 03:53 PST
28 December 2017
Luke and Emma McEwen win the Penguin Trophy 2017 © Ann Brunskill
This year's Penguin Trophy was sailed in very light breezes of between 2 and 10 knots in the Lymington River, opposite the clubhouse, in Lymington River Scows. The traditional mulled wine and mince pies fortified both sailors and spectators in the chilly morning of 28th December.
With a strong ebb tide bolstered by the recent rain, it was fortunate that there is no penalty for touching marks as there were several hotly contested mark roundings in this very competitive fleet of 15 teams.
The various Olympic squad sailors, national and European champions and other Club sailors hoping for a chance at this coveted silver trophy ranged in age from seven to seventy-something.
Some had selected very small light wind crews but expert jib trimming and tactical input from the more experienced crews proved advantageous as the youngest crews focussed more on their provisions.
Race Officer Vince Sutherland and his team did a great job to get seven races in despite the light conditions. The first heat was sailed in almost no wind, making it very difficult to beat against the tide.
After three two-race heats the top six went through to a two-lap final race, won by Luke & Emma McEwen.
Results:
1st Luke & Emma McEwen
2nd Henry Lloyd Williams & Hannah Froud
3rd Jeremy & Max Vines
4th Connie Stock & Ollie Porter
5th Ollie Tait & Alice Wood
6th Dominic & Charlotte Patten