Marlin Spike Rum Presents: John Broughton European Cup and UK Snipe Nationals at Stone Sailing Club
Marlin Spike Rum John Broughton European Cup and UK Snipe Nationals at Stone Sailing Club
15-18 August 2024
Marlin Spike Rum Snipe European Cup and UK Nationals at Stone © AJ Barrett / BR Sailing Photography
Stone Sailing Club on the Blackwater Estuary hosted the Snipe Nationals and European Cup. 31 UK teams competed over the first 7 races to become National Champions, which included 3 teams from Orkney. In addition, teams from various countries, bringing total competitors to 49 for the 8-race European Cup series, included representatives from France, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, Finland, Poland, Norway, Brazil, USA, and Japan.
A briefing was held on Thursday morning for the fleet to get acquainted with the race officer. Despite plans for 2 races, the committee aimed for 3 races due to light winds expected later. The boats launched off the beach in a Force 4 wind with significant gusts, leading to Richard & Debbie Marshall’s spreader bracket detaching from the mast, resulting in a dramatic mast inversion before the start line. Fortunately, they secured another mast for the following day.
The first race kicked off in 17 knots of wind. Manu Hens & Alexandre Tinoco took the lead from the first mark to finish, followed by Herman & Daan Vandormael. Peter Wolstenholme & Lloyd Roberts climbed to 3rd after overtaking 4 boats during a swift reach, only to invert their mast just before the gybe at the wing mark. Jose Valderrama & Juan Carlos Pascual settled into 3rd, with Matt Wolstenholme & Will Maguire achieving 4th place, becoming the first British boat until John Reed & Dan Pearson overtook them on the beat, although they reclaimed 4th down the reach to the finish.
Wind conditions intensified for the second race, building to 19 knots with gusts surpassing 25. Manu & Alexandre again led, pursued closely by Jose & Juan Carlos. Herman & Daan rounded the top mark outside the top 10 but maneuvered brilliantly through the fleet to pass the Spaniards on the second beat, reaching an impressive speed of 12.8 knots. Joe Warwicker & Riku Vaariskoski maintained 4th place as the first British team after navigating a pole tangle against Matt & Will at the gybe mark. The third race was not initiated, as wind strengths were recorded above the Snipe wind limit of 23 knots.
That evening, games night brought international teams together to compete for glory. The sponsor, Marlin Spike Rum, provided cocktails, leading to some light-hearted fun as teams engaged in various activities, including a sack race and spaghetti tower challenge.
Friday morning presented light winds, and the Race Officer kept the teams ashore until 2 PM when the wind began to fill. The resulting tricky racing conditions featured puffs from both east and south. Yohei Koso and Haruna Egawa took the lead after a fantastic start near the committee boat, while Peter Wolstenholme and Lloyd Roberts finished 3rd, losing their second position in the dying moments of the race to Manu & Alex, who claimed victory in this race as well.
The committee relocated the course for the second race further east into more consistent sea breeze at around 5 knots. Manu & Alex regained their winning momentum, with Joe & Riku in pursuit. Herman & Daan managed to secure 3rd place, followed by Yohei & Haruna in 4th.
After another delicious dinner prepared at the club, a cheese and wine reception was held, offering an opportunity for a lucky competitor to win PL sails. Sonia from Motril, Spain, won and was delighted.
On Saturday morning, the race committee scheduled the first start for 11 AM but postponed due to fickle winds. Local knowledge prevailed, and a 7-knot breeze filled in around 2 PM, allowing the races to begin. Despite challenges, including multiple attempts to start a race under black flag, the fleet eventually got underway, with Manu & Alex leading after another impressive performance.
With bow ties, jackets, and elegant dresses, the participants enjoyed a formal evening meal featuring a mystery raffle prize and lively entertainment, which kept the dance floor vibrant.
Sunday morning ushered in a consistent breeze, with the race committee aiming for 3 races to allow for a total of 8 races. Race 6 commenced in 11 knots, with Manu & Alex leading again. However, Jose & Juan Carlos made a misjudgment at the second windward mark, allowing Angel Ballesteros & Sonia Hidalgo to take 2nd place, with Matt & Will finishing as the first British boat in 3rd.
The wind dropped slightly for the second race to 9 knots, with Manu & Alex achieving another comfortable win. Joe & Riku cemented their victory as first Brits in 4th, clinching the National Championship. The final race began in 6 knots; Manu & Alex again took the lead, though Neil Martyn & Randi Stray made an exceptional move down the final run to take the win, becoming only the second boat to defeat Manu & Alex during the event. Yohei & Haruna secured 3rd, followed by Joe & Riku in 4th.
Despite fickle conditions, Stone Sailing Club successfully held 8 of the 9 scheduled races, providing excellent catering and entertainment. Thanks are extended to the sponsors, including Marlin Spike Rum and others, for their generous support, and special gratitude is given to Sue Roberts for her tireless efforts in organizing this remarkable event.
European Cup Results:
1st Overall: Manu Hens (BEL) & Alexandre Tinoco (NED)
2nd Overall: Herman Vandormael (BEL) & Daan Vandormael (BEL)
3rd Overall: Yohei Koso (JPN) & Haruna Egawa (JPN)
1st British Boat: Joe Warwicker (GBR) & Riku Vaariskoski (FIN)
1st Under 30: Jose Valderrama (ESP) & Juan Carlos Pascual (ESP)
1st Women’s Team: Charlotte Martot (BEL) & Katia Royer (BEL)
UK Nationals Results:
1st Overall: Joe Warwicker & Riku Vaariskoski
2nd Overall: Matthew Wolstenholme & Will Maguire
3rd Overall: Ben Harden & Lucy Ellery
1st Junior Team: Connor Line & Toby Bush
1st Master Team: Peter Wolstenholme & Lloyd Roberts
| Pos | Helm | Crew | Sail No | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | R8 | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Overall | Manu Hens | Alexandre Tinoco | 31274 | RYCB/CM Mahon | 1 | 1 | ‑2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ‑2 | 6 |
| 2nd Overall | Herman Vandormael | Daan Vandormael | 28990 | VVWG | 2 | 2 | ‑37 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 5 | ‑8 | 22 |
| 3rd Overall | Yohei Koso | Egawa Haruna | 30228 | Bough Beech | (DNF) | (DNF) | 1 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 23 |
| 1st UK Nationals | Joseph Warwicker | Riku Vaariskoski | 27782 | Bough Beech | ‑6 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 5 | ‑8 | 4 | 4 | 25 |
| 2nd UK Nationals | Matthew Wolstenholme | William Maguire | 28541 | Bough Beech | 4 | 5 | 7 | 13 | 13 | 3 | ‑26 | ‑25 | 45 |
| 3rd UK Nationals | Ben Harden | Lucy Ellery | 30757 | Stone/ Burnham | 10 | 6 | ‑20 | 6 | 7 | ‑21 | 11 | 17 | 57 |
| 1st Under 30s | Jose Valderrama | Juan Carlos Pascual | 29100 | RCM | 3 | 3 | ‑43 | 5 | 9 | 7 | 17 | ‑27 | 44 |
| 1st Masters | Peter Wolstenholme | Lloyd Roberts | 31905 | Bough Beech | (DNF) | (DNC) | 3 | 11 | 4 | 10 | 6 | 26 | 60 |
For complete results and more information, visit the official pages of the Snipe Class association.
Luca Moretti, an accomplished sailor and marine journalist from Genoa, Italy, has a lifelong passion for the sea that has defined his career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Genoa, Luca is celebrated for his vivid and insightful storytelling. His work captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime traditions of Europe, making him a well-respected voice in the sailing community. When he’s not writing, Luca can be found exploring the Mediterranean’s picturesque coastlines and competing in regattas, always seeking new adventures on the open water.