Hamble Winter Series 2025 Race Week 6, sponsored by The Bugle, Hamble
by Trevor Pountain 20 Nov 04:38 NZDT
15-16 November 2025
Recently qualified National Race Officer, Kathryn Clark, was the CRO for Sunday's racing. She took the CV Baldur out towards East Knoll (4H). "The wind," said Kathryn, "behaved almost exactly as forecast - mostly 12-15kn from 035." The plan for this Sunday, sponsored by The Bugle, Hamble, was to give IRC 1, 13 miles; IRC 2, 12 miles; and IRC 3, 11 miles. The courses would stretch from the Meon Shore to the North shore of the Isle of Wight.
A lack of shipping movements in and out of Southampton gave competitors the option to try and take advantage of the tide in the Thorn Channel. This led to a wide spread of yachts on the run from Darling Buoy (4R) to Williams Shipping (3W). "A great sight from the CV," remarked Kathryn.
In IRC 1, Gavin Howe, Tigris, Sunfast 3600, was a little concerned when he spotted Cool Runnings, Ross Bowdler's Open 7.50, out on the racecourse. Despite its monster rating of 1.099, this little machine can really light up down wind, in the right conditions. Fortunately, for Tigris, the wind softened on the way to the island and Cool Runnings had to make do with a second place. Mad Dash, Elan 410, Sam Tregelles, was third, but said Sam, "We had the most fun in the fleet with our spinnaker handling!" The only thing that flew past them, was the Hamble Lifeboat with one of their friends onboard.
In IRC 2, Jukebox, J109, John Smart, beat With Alacrity, Sigma 38, Chris and Vanessa Choules into second place, but only by 15 seconds corrected. What WA would have given for a few more knots of breeze. Rosie Berry, who only entered the day before, brought Jeanie, J109, through into third place.
She ended up with a huge smile and a bottle of Gin from the sponsors. Mojo Risin', J109, Rob Cotterill and Hot Rats, First 35, Robbie and Lis Robinson were fourth and fifth.
Their consistency over the series, means they are well placed in third and second in the overall standings, with two races to go and one more discard. Let's hope they can handle the JOG dinner on Saturday and the Sunday sail. The good news is the JOG Awards are in the Harbour Hotel, Ocean Village.
In IRC 3, Protis, Quarter Ton, Team Hamble, were missing their bowman John Santy. John had gone to Twickenham the day before and was rather the worst for wear, before the kick off! Led Pritchard was shoved forward to play with poles and look for marks. Banter, Mustang 30, Ian Handley and Tim James got a great start but caught some snakes at the top of the first beat whilst Protis and Quokka 9, Half Ton, James Crew, were on the ladders.
This left Banter in a decent battle with the other two Mustangs, Dark Horse and Erick the Red and the Impala 28 of Ben Meakins.
Protis came home first - well done Led. Quokka pushed Banter into third with Polly in fourth followed by the two other Mustangs. Whilst it is still possible for Banter to overtake Protis in the overalls they will have to be almost perfect.
Back in the HRSC clubhouse a good number of competitors thanked PRO Peter Bateson for a great course. Peter very chivalrously diverted them on to Kathryn Clark.
Mark Wilson the manager from The Bugle, presented the prizes to some very happy winners. A voucher to use in the pub was the first prize in each class. The second place had a choice of a bottle of gin or a rather large create of beer. Third had the prize that second had left.
Next week is Race Week 7.
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