Commodore's July Newsletter
Published 01:00 on 1 Jul 2023
After weeks of unrelenting north easterly winds, each of our weekend races have suffered from a lack of wind at some point.
The first was the Inter-Parish Round Island Challenge sponsored for the fourth time by Jersey Electricity, for which we had entries from all 12 parishes. The day dawned with no wind in St Aubins Bay and the race officer Nick OHare had no choice but to send the fleet to St Catherines Bay where Abracadabra acted as start boat. As the fleet motored round they were met by a pod of dolphins enjoying their breakfast. The fleet headed along the North coast to end up becalmed off Grosnez. The wind slowly came back in, but only allowing 5 boats to finish. Congratulations to Lady Penelope skippered by David Carter winning the trophy for St Peter.
The Evacuation races also suffered from light winds. For the Friday night race to St Malo the starter very wisely set the shortened course at the SW Minquiers mark. The wind switched off as the fleet approached the NW Minquiers, filling in just enough for some of the fleet to make it to the finish line. Congratulations to Abracadabra skippered on this occasion by Jason Manning on winning the Jubilee trophy.
The fleet entered the Bassin Vauban dressed overall on the last lock Saturday morning. A buffet meal was held at La Trinquette and enjoyed by all the crews in a relaxed atmosphere as you can see from these photographs taken by Peter Funk. Very little wind meant the races back were cancelled, different to the previous year when they were cancelled because of too much wind.
The Evacuation reception was held on the following Wednesday evening and we were delighted the Lieutenant Governor could attend and present the defaced Ensign Warrants. Louise Stafford, the Assistant Harbourmaster, presented the trophy for the Friday nights race. View the photo album here.
While we were racing Friday night it was announced that Bill Harris had been awarded the MBE. A very well deserved honour as we head into the 25th Anniversary year of the Jersey Regatta, for which he has been at the helm of everyone.
The light winds theme continued for the Savills Inter-island Yacht Race, with a difficult start and ending, but great sailing in between. Congratulations to Abracadabra, skippered by Rhys Perkins, on winning this prestigious event and to the top three Jersey boats of Abracadabra, Jewel (skippered by Jeff Chinn) and Jai Ho (skippered by Alex Ohlsson) who brought the Sir James Knott Trophy back to Jersey. View the photo album here.
Office news Sarah will be leaving today and we wish her every success in her new employment. We have chosen her replacement and Marie-Claire will be joining us on the 17th July as the new Office Administrator. Please note that the office will not be open for the week commencing 10th July, however emails will be responded to as soon as possible over the week.
A feedback form has been added to our website, on the contact us page, to make it easier to submit and monitor any compliments, complaints or comments that you would like to share with us. There is also a paper version in the racks outside the office.
Dates for your diary.
July:
3rd: Dayboat Evening Series Race 5
3rd: Hettich IRC Evening Series 5
7th: Alex Bleasby Retired Gents Race 8
8th: Offshore Race 5: Jersey to Falmouth
8th - 14th: West Country Tour
17th: Dayboat Evening Series Race 6
17th: Hettich IRC Evening Series 6
24th: Alex Bleasby Retired Gents Race 9
August:
1st: Dayboat Evening Series Race 7
6th: Coastal Race 3: Port & Starboard Trophies
7th: Alex Bleasby Retired Gents Race 10
12th: Kalina Shields - Two Handed Race
13th: Under 30's Race
15th: Dayboat Evening Series Race 8
23rd: Alex Bleasby Retired Gents Race 11
26th: Offshore Race 6 - Centenary Triangle
30th: Dayboat Evening Series Race 9
Click here to view our 2023 event calendar.
Jeff Speller
Commodore
St Helier Yacht Club