2025 Shrimper Championship at Mylor Yacht Club
by Brian Phipps 2 Sep 17:34 AEST
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 |
Trophy Winners:
- Shrimper Open Champion - Brian Phipps & Paul Chatfield. Ysella 298
- 1st Shrimper inboard - Alan Mills & John Montgomery. Reward 842
- Windsport Shrimper Trophy - Claire and Bel Bailey. Salome 346
- 1st Lady helm - Hattie Smart. Squib 002
- Falmouth SOA personal handicap Trophy - Alan Mills. Reward 842
- Youngest sailor award - Wilf Pinchin