Exploring Burnham Week 2024: Highlights and Activities for Day 8
Burnham Week 2024 Day 8
24-31 August 2024
Strong winds, high swell, and the inaugural Dinghy Town Cup marked the final day of Burnham Week 2024, with David Evans’ Hullabaloo clinching the Town Cup Trophy for the second consecutive year.
Ten boats gathered for the start of the Dinghy Town Cup, beginning at the Burnham Sailing Club line, with a challenging course that included two laps around Cliff and Canewdon. The 30-knot winds propelled the first boat to the finish line in just over one hour and seven minutes, while one of the ILCA 6/Laser Radial boats reached a remarkable speed exceeding 20 knots.
The winner of the Dinghy Town Cup was Duncan De Boltz, sailing an ILCA 6/Laser Radial, followed by Matthew Picket from Up The River Yacht Club on an ILCA 7/Laser and Bill Taylor from Creeksea Sailing Club in a Phantom.
Due to the conditions, most one-design fleets chose to cancel their races. However, four Squibs took on the strong winds and high swell, starting from the Pile House line, heading east to Rubberball, and then up the river to Cliff and Canewdon. Rojo 32, helmed by Nick Bacon and crewed by Richard Tucker, emerged victorious, described by onlookers as performing “like a rocket” up the river. Following them were Burnham Week 2024 Squibs Regatta winners Ray Apthorp and Ian Simons on Nemesis 806, along with Ben Hutton-Penman and Ian Brand on Easy 83. Unfortunately, Phillip Aspinall and David Sheppard on Guy Fawkes 72 had to retire due to spinnaker halyard issues.
Ningaloo, skippered by Mick Hill, was the sole class 6 boat at the start. After completing a shortened course, the crew headed to the bar to prepare for the prize-giving.
Six boats participated in the Commodores Cup for class 5 local handicap with spinnakers, including three 707s chartered from the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club. Richard Taylor’s Rondo had to retire shortly after the race began, and Daryl Mylroie’s Eclipse also returned after finishing a downwind leg, leaving the three 707s to vie for the trophy. A broken mainsail forced Alex Hill’s 7105 to retire as well, with 7035, helmed by Carl Anderson representing the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, leading at the time. However, during the final downwind leg, Jack Mills and his crew on 7059, named Outlaw for the week, excelled in spinnaker handling under the day’s conditions and ultimately won the Commodores Cup 2024.
Ten boats vied for the prestigious Town Cup, catering to class 1 and 2 participants. Conditions at the mouth of the River Crouch were quite challenging, prompting five boats to return home early. Arcadia of Harwich, owned by Penelope and Mark Gillett, retired due to a snapped reef line and a torn jib.
Secrets, skippered by Chris Agar, led the remaining competitors, even after a capsize during a spinnaker hoist, followed closely by David Evans’ Hullabaloo and Bob Fawkes’ Tigo IV, with Mark Lyons’ Martinique trailing further behind.
Ultimately, Hullabaloo, skippered by David Evans and crewed by Nick Evans, Helen McCaw, Rupert Brown, Ella Brown, and Will Chetwynd-Staypylton, was positioned to secure victory on corrected time, claiming the Town Cup Trophy for the second consecutive year.
For detailed results, please visit www.burnhamweek.com/results-2024.
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.