Cowes Etchells David Franks Cup – Royal Yacht Squadron Racing Event
The Royal Yacht Squadron recently hosted the inaugural David Franks Cup for Cowes Etchells, in recognition of David Franks’ contributions to the fleet. The event featured 16 boats with a mix of corinthian, youth, and professional teams, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of racing.
On the first day, after a brief delay, the fleet completed three races in 8-12 knot winds. Louise Racing, skippered by Tommy Hough, secured an early lead by winning the first race. The second race saw Ted Blowers’ team on Audrey claiming victory. Tommy Hough continued his success by winning the final race of the day, ending the day in the overall lead.
Day 2 brought similar conditions, with slightly stronger winds. Greig City Academy in Palaver dominated the first race. Shaun Frohlich’s Exabyte bounced back to win the second race. In the final race, Audrey narrowly defeated Louise Racing to claim the overall victory.
The prize-giving ceremony celebrated the top finishers, with Audrey, led by Ted Blowers, emerging as the overall winner. The event also honored David Franks for his dedication to the class. The fleet looks forward to future editions of the competition.
Overall Results:
1. Audrey (Ted Blowers)
2. Louise Racing (Tom Hough)
3. No Dramas (Andrew Lawson)
4. Exabyte (Shaun Frohlich)
5. Ada (David Maclean)
6. Palaver (Corneille LePrince)
7. Rocketman (Rob Goddard)
8. Strait Dealer (David Franks)
9. Ziggy (David Bromilow)
10. Astrid (Ben Cooper)
11. Mano (Harry Blythe)
12. Shamal (Max Bradley)
13. Jolly Roger (Tom Abrey)
14. Pulse (Maisie Harkess)
15. SUMO (Cameron Yates)
16. Ariel (Naomi Richards)
The Champions of Champions series concluded with Louise Racing claiming the top spot. The next event in the calendar is the European Championships on October 11th-13th.
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Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.