2025 Shrimper Championship at Mylor Yacht Club

by Brian Phipps 2 Sep 00:34 PDT 29-31 August 2025

2025 Shrimper Open Championship at Falmouth © Brian Phipps

Shrimper teams blow a hole in the remnants of hurricane Erin

Despite the challenging forecast over the three day "Shrimper Open Championship", hoisted by Mylor Yacht Club, Falmouth, the event attracted a record entry. The event followed close on the heels of Falmouth Sailing week, attracting a number of sailors from further up country to encompass both events with convenient local moorings and storge on hand between events.

Day 1 saw a forecast of 18mph with potential 28mph gusts. A wise decision by the fleet and the race officer confirmed all teams sailed with a minimum of 1 reef in the mainsail attracting the less confident teams to give it a go. Three short races were contested across the fleet on a turning tide making on course decisions a challenge. By the end of the days racing Shrimper Ysella sailed by Brian Phipps and Paul Chatfield lead the leader board closely followed by Tarragon and Jackdaw just 2 point behind. A welcome of "Cornish Pasties" and bar chit-chat, hosted by Mylor Yacht Club rounded off the day's events.

Day 2 saw more wind and squally showers with the fleet heading out under the same minimum reefing requirement. Drama on the start line a few gear failures kept the safety boat teams busy and with reducing visibility across the course area the race officer decide one race was enough excitement for the day and the fleet headed home with Ysella taking line honours closely followed by Lucinda sailed by Peter MacFarlane. BBQ and refreshments followed just to round the afternoon off

Day 3 gave no respite on the wind front although the sun decided to show its face on and off, a slightly depleted fleet headed out for race 5 and 6 but the breeze just kept coming delivering the highest recorded gusts. Race office Steve Nicholls and team did an excellent job managing the challenging conditions to deliver a course that kept everyone on their toes. With the lead changing various times Ysella managed to lead the fleet across the finish line to take the championship Trophy, followed by Jackdaw and Tarragon.

The end result? Whilst some boats had a few scars, all boats and teams got home safe and sound. Battles across the fleet were hotly contested for the various trophy's up for grabs. The Cornish Cream Tea (cream on top!) prize giving took place at Mylor Yacht Club under sunny skies. A good time had by all, even with the challenges. Next year's Shrimper Open Championships date already set 4,5,6th September 2026 with the aim of attracting an even bigger entry.

Overall Results:

Pos	Boat Name	Sail No	Helm	R1	R2	R3	R4	R5	R6	Pts
1	Ysella	298	Brian Phipps	1	1	‑4	1	1	1	5
2	Jackdaw	626	Stuart Sly	2	4	2	‑6	2	2	12
3	Tarragon	367	Michael Lyons	4	3	1	3	3	(RET)	14
4	Misty Blue	254	David Aslett	‑17	5	11	4	5	3	28
5	Lucinda	172	Peter MacFarlane	9.5	7.5	‑10	2	8	4	31
6	Squib	2	Hattie Smart	6	6	6	7	7	‑10	32
7	Sterren Vor	518	Miles Pinchin	(DNS)	19	3	5	4	5	36
8	Sophie	455	Chris Fuller	8	9	8	(RET)	6	6	37
9	Reward	842	Alan Mills	13	10	‑15	8	12	7	50
10	Little Tern	678	James Parker	9.5	‑15	13	11	14.5	8	56
11	White Rabbit	718	Andy Barker	3	2	5	(RET)	DNS	DNS	60
12	Salome	346	Claire Bailey	7	11	9	DGB	(DNS)	DNS	61
13	Moondance	816	Andy Noble	5	12	7	13	(RET)	DNS	62
14	Percy	264	Patrick Farrell	‑14	14	14	14	9	13	64
15	Carla Louise	727	Clive Henderson	12	13	16	(DNS)	14.5	9	64.5
16	Dawn of Polruan	889	Steve Przybylski	11	‑16	12	12	16	15	66
17	Drake	86	Ray Gall	20	7.5	20	(DNS)	10	11	68.5
18	Jackana	400	James Wickett	18	17	19	9	13	(DNS)	76
19	Annie	503	Bob Cox	15	18	17	(DNS)	18	14	82
20	Humbug	802	Mark Jenkins	19	20	‑21	15	19	12	85
21	Blackbird	534	Andrew Grigg	(DNS)	DNS	DNS	10	11	DNS	96
22	Sparrow	1078	Richard Salisbury	16	21	18	(DNS)	17	RET	97
23	Stella Maris	1120	Helen Fearney	21	22	22	(DNS)	DNS	DNS	115
24	Pelican	102	Tom Phipps	(DNS)	DNS	DNS	DNS	DNS	DNS	125