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Bournemouth Digital Poole Week 2024 – Overall

25-30 August 2024

Studies in Concentration

The final day of Poole Week 2024 was filled with excitement and challenges as sailors faced light winds and busy harbor traffic. The warm and calm atmosphere during the Bournemouth Air Festival led to an influx of motorboats and various watercraft, which often disregarded the rules of the road, complicating the racing experience. A reassuring presence, however, was the Border Force cutter, patiently waiting as the fleet rounded the gybe mark.

Due to the lack of wind in the top triangle, where the ILCAs and Flying Fifteens should have been racing, the race committee had to relocate the start line to the east of Brownsea Island. The only race of the day followed a windward-leeward course, and while there were some disputes regarding the course interpretation among the Flying Fifteens, these were resolved in time for the prize-giving.

In terms of results, Bob Alexander and Huw Willetts secured victory for the week, finishing ahead of Richard Whitworth and Trefor Jones in second place. Geof Gibbons, teaming up with Dave Moy and transitioning from Wayfarers to Flying Fifteens, claimed third in a competitive fleet.

The Parkstone Platform fleets started in deeper water, experiencing a stronger ebb for their initial starts, which resulted in a few boats being Over the Starting Line (OCS) and having to fight their way back. Despite the tricky conditions, the overall results were mostly unaffected. Nigel and Gareth Yeoman won Race 5 in the Dolphins, asserting victory over Richard Whing and Gail Davies, who ended the week tied on points. Many XODs opted out of the final race, which traditionally involves the crew taking the helm, but Penny Fulford demonstrated prowess in the penultimate race, securing third place overall.

Noteworthy was John Tremlett and his crew of Fraser Graham and Tim Copsey in the XOD fleet, who consistently finished in the top two throughout the week. Their remarkable performance included only a single sixth-place finish and earned them the illustrious Britannia Cup for the second consecutive year, a trophy that recognizes excellence without allowing for discards.

Peter Loretto, chairman of the Poole Week committee, celebrated a well-deserved victory in the RS200s, sharing a start with the 400s. His crew, Lily Tointon, often found themselves competing closely with the 400s, finishing second in the first race on Friday. Sean and Helen Murray dominated the 400s, achieving a series of wins and finishing the week a clear 11 points ahead.

The event showcased numerous skilled sailors across various fleets, and the peculiarities of Poole Harbour meant that even local sailors had to adapt to the shifting conditions. Notably, the XODs from Lymington and Itchenor swept the leaderboard, claiming seven of the top eight positions. Rob Jackson from the Cayman Islands almost clinched victory in the ILCA 6s, leading overnight, but the final day’s conditions hindered his performance.

Regardless of the outcomes, Poole Week proved to be a vibrant celebration of sailing, where the competition was only part of the experience. Some boats, like Mark and Tessa Woodhouse’s XOD No. 12, Dawn, reveled in celebrating their centenary. Poole Week has cultivated a unique atmosphere over the years, drawing participants and spectators alike year after year.

At the prize-giving, everyone acknowledged that the event’s success depended on a dedicated army of organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters, especially the title sponsor, Bournemouth Digital.

As Poole Harbour settles into a quieter phase, the memories and excitement from this special week of sailing and socializing will keep spirits high until everyone can come together again in 2025.

For provisional results, visit www.pooleweek.org.

Check out photos at www.SailingScenes.com.

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