Lymington XOD Saturday Series Week 16: Exciting Yacht Racing Action
Lymington XOD Saturday Series Week 16
29 June 2024
With several boats missing on their way to compete at Poole week, potentially due to unfavorable weather conditions, ten X boats appeared on the start line by mark H. Today, being the date closest to their birthday, the X boats were racing for the Jardine Trophy in honor of Class legends Stuart and Ado Jardine.
The race team aboard Mike Cowan’s Big Blue faced challenges with a strong flood tide due to ebb and a shifty northerly breeze that was anticipated to shift west. Additionally, there were 60 29ers scheduled for their practice race, making the day quite busy.
The start line was fiercely contested, but unfortunately, X33 tried a bit too hard and was called OCS. Lone Star and Zest led ahead of Crumpet. The course twisted and wound across the Solent, and while it seemed the placements were settled, a shift in the wind to the west occurred on the penultimate leg to point C.
On the reach to the finish, Crumpet managed to hold off a rapidly charging Mayfly, while X-ray quickly got their kite up to surpass a well-sailed Nefertiti.
Overall, Lone Star (Stuart Jardine’s old boat) leads the Saturday Series by two points, with the boats in second to fourth position tied on points.
Jardine Trophy Results: (top five)
1st: Lone Star, Paul Woodman, Oliver James, and Phil Lawrence
2nd: Zest, Phil and Jo Brewer, and Debbie Miles
3rd: Crumpet, Barry and Carol Dunning
4th: Mayfly, Rory and Amanda Paton, and Chris Baldwick
5th: XRay, James Markby, David Bedford, and Ruari Grimes
Full Lymington XOD series results can be found at rlymyc.org.uk/afloat/results/XOD-results.
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.