Things hotting up at Scarborough Yacht Club
by Pete McIntyre 10 Apr 2016 12:25 BST
10 April 2016
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Scarborough Yacht Club North Sea Race © Pete McIntyre
Things are really starting to hot up for Scarborough Yacht Club's annual North Sea Race, which will start on Saturday the 2nd July at 1100hrs.
Last year the Club had the added attraction of a challenge laid down by the Commodore, with him completing the course by bicycle!
With Scarborough being a forward thinking Club, we have embraced the fact that the two handed scene is the fastest growing class in yachting and this year, for the first time, we have the introduction of a two handed class and judging by the interest shown already, it will make a very competitive class.
If that wasn't enough and to add an international feel to the event, we have an entry from Switzerland and a large group of the finest Dutch shorthanded sailors, who are taking part in their '500 mile race', which will depart from Ijmuiden on the 27th June and after finishing in Scarborough, join us for our North Sea race which will then become their second leg.
None of this of course detracts from the fully crewed boats and we welcome teams from up and down the coast, from the Tyne to the Humber to compete in this prestigious yacht race. Sometimes renewing old acquaintances and sometimes for the security that sailing in a large fleet offers for smaller yachts and the first time crossings.
Sailing across the North Sea is a true challenge of seamanship and one, which is dreaded by a lot of south coast sailors! The relatively shallow sea can produce a nasty short pitched sea, in addition you have to face up to what ever the weather throws at you, gale force winds and calms alike, once you are on your way, you have to take whatever comes. Add to this the numerous obstacles in the form of drilling platforms and wind farms, traffic separation schemes and other vessels and you have the reason why so many yachts relish this challenge.
Crews will fight every inch of the way to gain even a small advantage over their competitors and it's easy to see why, with the end result often decided by only a few seconds.
When the racing is over the unbelievable camaraderie that develops between competitors has to be experienced to be believed as crews relax and cruise in the idyllic surroundings of the Dutch inland waterways before preparing for the long passage home.
More information at www.syc.org.uk or 500mijl.nl