Lipton Cup win to Shogun

by Bernie Kaaks on 21 Nov 2010 Today's long race in RYCVs Lipton Cup Regatta was sailed in conditions very similar to yesterday, with a light breeze early, filling in for some exciting racing during the afternoon.

Robert Hanna's Shogun was the toast of the big boats today, following up yesterday's strong performance by giving Living Doll a real fright in the battle for line honours. Shogun led the fleet during the mid stages of the race but was finally worn down by Living Doll by a margin of just 2 minutes. With a solid handicap win today, Shogun was a clear winner on both IRC and PHD handicap divisions ahead of Alan Whiteley's Cougar II.

In a much improved performance, Robert Date's Scarlet Runner earned a second ahead of Briuce McCracken's Ikon in today's race.

Grant Botica sailed a remarkably consistent series in the Adams 10 Executive Decision. His win today won him the series win ahead of Dave Ellis' new Archambault 31 Penfold Audi Sport by just 1 point. That result was reversed in the AMS division with Ellis taking the honours by one point. Max Peters' Adams 10 Top Gun was third in both.

Rod Miller sailed the Sandringham entry Gienah to victory in division B's PHD section, ahead of Bullet (David Cartan and Duckmobile (David Seaman).

Wavelength (Brendan Kruger) dominated Division C by winning all three handicap sections. the S80 Up 'n' Go sailed by Gary Mckinven placed second in PHD and AMS, followed by Footloose (John Robb). Third place in IRC went to Tanya Stanford's Nouannie.

Cruisers sailed in two divisions - Division E with spinnakers and Division F without. Robin Warlond's Shorething lived up to her name with straight wins to sew up Division E, while Barry Johnson's Coco won the jib and main series.

Division D was for small boats and trailables. David Wallace's Bluebird, Drambuie won the series with three wins and a third from the four races, followed by Peter Roberts' Tandeka.

There were some fascinating duels in the sportsboat fleet as Thompson7's and SB3's strutted their stuff. Each had their moments, but bragging rights went to Stephen Fries' Wysiwyg V, followed by Tony Kopp's Astro Boy and Connor Burdon Bear's Oceanburo Girls.

Well over 100 yachts entered the regatta this year, a great outcome for competitors themselves, their sponsors and the RYCV.