21 boats came to the start line on Sunday 21st June for the 21st
Anniversary Regatta of the Sigma 38 Class staged in the Central Solent
under the Royal London Yacht Club’s burgee. A gentle NW wind of
around Force 2 to 3 in the early morning enabled the regatta to take place
after grim forecasts the evening before of flat calm conditions. The event
took place in the wake of the Island Sailing Club’s annual
Round-the-Island Race in which similiar light NW winds prevailed until the
late afternoon when a sea breeze developed.
The Anniversary Regatta might never have happened as the Committee Boat
Centime Too’s skipper Richard Gough suddenly became indisposed the
night before and frantic efforts were made to secure another committee
boat. Credit must be given to class member Philip Meakins for offering to
step down from the regatta and use his boat Festina Leute as a committee
boat. Club members Dicky Bradbeer, Simon Chides and Mark Fear also kindly
offered to step into the breach with their boats. In the end a full
overnight recovery was made by skipper Richard Gough and we were able to
use the planned vessel for this regatta.
In the first race, starting on time at 1030, Mefisto (Kevin Sussmilch)
crossed the line first in the 50 minute race followed by Festina Leute
(Philp Meakins). Monet (David Cooke) was third.
The next race started precisely one hour after the first and With Alacrity
(Chris Choule) took line honours in the 55 minute contest followed by Light
( Rob Denning & John Rainger) and Festina Leute.
The final decider race, finishing off Cowes, was won by Festina Leute to
take the no-discard series and The Royal London’s Queen Victoria
Jubilee Cup. This was presented to the owner and crew of Festina Leute by
Commodore Philip Shears in a short ceremony at exactly 3 pm as planned in
the club after racing. The day was enjoyed by nearly all who took part,
both competitors and race committee.
The class, through their Class Secretary Susan Rainger, were a pleasure to
deal with on the special occasion of this anniversary. Sigma 38s - we want
to see you all again at the club one day !
For the results please click to to the right.
Bob Milner, CRO
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