International 14 Walker Trophy at Itchenor Sailing Club

I14 Walker Trophy at Itchenor © Rob O'Neill

I14 Walker Trophy at Itchenor © Rob O'Neill

After Saturday's racing was cancelled due to some unseasonal weather, Sunday presented the perfect opportunity for a fleet of eight race hungry boats to make up for lost time.

The Walker Trophy is a unique event at Itchenor, focusing on super short, super cup racing with a race target time of 15 mins. It is an event that pushes teams hard and always creates some excitement, this Sunday was no exception.

Race 1: With a glamour 10 to 12 knots and flat water we couldn't have asked for much better. The fleet got off the line cleanly into a drag race for the lesser tide at the edge of the channel. At the end of lap one it was Martin & Ian followed by Archie & Harvey battling for the win. In the end Martin & Ian held on to the lead until the end but Glen & Ed managed to overtake Archie & Harvey up the final beat to clinch second.

Race 2: After a slightly slow start Glen & Ed came back strong taking the lead at the top mark and enjoying the clear air to slightly escape. Behind there was a tight battle between Andy & Rich against Archie & Harvey for the second place. In matching boats it was nip and tuck but in the end Archie & Harvey managed to sneak through and take second from Andy & Rich.

I14 Walker Trophy at Itchenor - photo © Rob O'Neill

Race 3: This time it was Archie & Harvey's turn to enjoy the clear air, leading from lap one and never looking back. Glen & Ed fought back from fourth on lap 1 into second at the finish just ahead of Martin & Ian.

Race 4: Having been fired up by their late charge in Race 3 Glen & Ed took the lead in lap 1 and held on all the way to the finish. Behind was a very close 3 way fight between Martin & Ian, Andy & Rich and Archie & Harvey. In the end Martin & Ian found the banana skin, dropping out of second place on lap 2 with Archie & Harvey taking second and Andy & Rich third.

I14 Walker Trophy at Itchenor - photo © Rob O'Neill

Race 5: Lighter winds for the penultimate race added some double jeopardy to the tired crews. With large passing lanes upwind and downwind available it was all to play for. Archie & Harvey made it to the top mark first, followed by Glen & Ed, Martin & Ian and Andy & Rich all tightly packed together. Both Martin & Ian and Andy & Rich soaked down with a beautiful gust sneaking inside Glen & Ed by the bottom mark. This battle let Archie & Harvey escape slightly but with the breeze becoming patchy it was all to play for. By the finish it was Archie & Harvey taking the win with Martin & Ian holding off a late charge from Glen & Ed who managed to pip Andy & Rich.

Race 6: The final race and potentially the most important, the race home and event decider. With one discard, Archie & Harvey and Glen & Ed started on joint points with the overall winner to be decided by the race winner. First blood went to Archie & Harvey, just about pulling off a port flyer, however it was Glen & Ed who rounded the top mark first. Spearing in a gybe set, Archie & Harvey chose the other side of the course on the long downwind back and made it pay, coming in to the final mark a couple of boat lengths ahead. With the added complication of a FitzGerald family battle at the mark with Andy & Rich coming in hot, It was all down to the last reach, Archie & Harvey choose to remove weed allowing Glen & Ed to close the gap completely but in the end the experience of Archie & Harvey prevailed holding on to the win of the race and the event.

I14 Walker Trophy at Itchenor - photo © Rob O'Neill

It was great great see so many boats out on the race course, especially having Jock & Emily from HISC. It looks like the fleet is in for another cracking season of racing that will keep everyone on their toes.

Finally, thank you to the race team who were able to get so many races run.

Overall Results: