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XOD Joan Shaw Trophy at Itchenor Sailing Club
7-8 September 2024
X50 during the XOD Joan Shaw Trophy at Itchenor © Sula Riedlinger
Six XODs took to the start line for the first race, which turned out to be the only race of the afternoon.
X177, helmed by Nick Andrews, led the fleet off the line, followed closely by Wenda X71 and the all-woman team on Thora X101. During the second lap, the wind completely shut down, allowing Wenda to find a few zephyrs and pull ahead for a significant win. The results were Wenda in first, X177 in second, X101 in third, X132 in fourth, X65 in fifth, and X152 in sixth place.
With the wind dropping to less than two knots and the tide turning to go out, the race was abandoned for the afternoon, and the fleet was towed back home for tea and cake.
Sunday
The fleet awoke to heavy rain and a light 8-12 knot southerly breeze, sparking concerns about attendance for the two races scheduled. Eventually, four XODs made their way to the club, and by then, the rain had stopped, providing a more promising outlook.
X39, helmed by Roy Griggs, X26, helmed by Chris Darling, X174 with Alastair and Jackie Ashford—who was making her return to crewing after an injury— and X50, sailed by Mike Moss and Tom Watkins, prepared for the first race. The course was set for a short two-lap windward-leeward between East Head and Star. As the starting gun went off, X174 jumped the gun and had to turn back, while X50 took an early lead, heading directly toward the East Head shore with X26 close behind.
After getting underway, X174 chose to split from the fleet and head toward the Pilsey shore. At the top mark, X50 rounded first, followed closely by X26, with X174 sneaking in third, ahead of X39.
During the downwind leg, X50, despite struggling to adjust their setup since Cowes Week, managed to fend off X26, leading around the Star mark. On the final beat to East Head, X26 had to maneuver to clear the air from X50, which ultimately allowed X50 to extend their lead and secure victory. The final standings for the race were X50 in first, X26 in second, X174 in third, and X39 in fourth.
Race 2 featured a course set for Dunes, Peacock, East Head, Thorney, Peacock, and Gallon Line finish. With ominous black clouds approaching, X50 made a hasty start, having to make a 360-degree turn at the committee boat as X174 and X39 blocked their path. Simultaneously, X26 miscalculated their timing and found themselves over early on Port tack.
As the first two boats from Race 1 faced setbacks, X174 took the opportunity to gain an early lead toward Dunes. Fortunately, the dark clouds parted, but the wind faded away. X174 and X50 engaged in a slow-paced tacking duel near East Head, both battling against the incoming tide.
After a lengthy struggle, the race officer wisely shortened the course to a Gallon Line finish. In the end, X174 managed to hold on and win by a boat length, with X50 applying significant pressure. X26 finished in third and X39 in fourth.
Overall, X50 Xcitation won the trophy by a single point, followed by X174 Fox Glove in second and X26 Catherine in third. X39 Gone Away emerged victorious in the Stocker fleet, while X101 Thora topped the Pilsey fleet.
Congratulations to all participants! The next event is the final big trophy of the year, the Autumn Championships, scheduled for 5th-6th October. We hope to see everyone there, with visitors welcome to join in!
Source
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.
