Lymington River Scow Nationals at Royal Lymington Yacht Club

Lymington River Scow nationals © Ann Brunskill

Twenty-eight boats participated in the 15th LR Scow Class Association National Championships at the RLymYC on the weekend of 2nd and 3rd July. The competitors were blessed with wall to wall sunshine and gentle breezes on both days and, due to the skill of the race officer Toffer Blachford ,did not have to hang around too long for the sea breeze on Sunday. Racing was keen in all five races and the single handed class was hotly contested with the final result being decided on who had the lower discard, both Robbie Claridge and Mike Urwin having won two races and come second in two!

The double handed and the juniors started at together, this format having proved successful in previous years, as it gives the juniors something to work for and keeps the adults on their mettle. All the races were won by the same juniors so a separate prize for the adults was much appreciated.

There were only two incidents; one protest and one capsize. On finding he was heading straight to another boat due to gear failure the competitor decided to capsize rather than hit it. He then righted the boat and completed the race and should be complemented on his seamanship.

The single handed class was won by Robbie Claridge in ‘Scrumpy II’, second was Mike Urwin sailing ‘Nutshell’, and third Cathy Ashe-Vie sailing ‘Black Magic’. The double handed class was won by Dubbie Robinson with crew Ann Blacoe sailing ‘Clarissa’, Christine Hughes crewed by her husband David in ‘The Saucy Mrs Flobster’ was second with Jayne and Peter Burchell third sailing ‘Sky’. The junior fleet was won by Henry Marsh crewed by Freddy Collings in ‘Stormy Haven’, with Henry’s brother James crewed by Beth Milledge in ‘Challenger II’ second and Will Davies and Charlie Dodd in ‘Haven Sent’ third.

Annie Littlejohn presented the prizes and Mike Urwin gave a vote of thanks to the Royal Lymington Yacht Club for hosting the event.

Overall Results:

Single Handed Fleet

Double Handed Fleet