XOD Racing at Poole Week 2024: A Thrilling Offshore Sailing Experience

XOD Racing at Poole Week 2024

25-30 August 2024

It’s life Jim, but not as we know it

Four Itchenor XOD boats made their way to Parkstone, joining a diverse group of XOD sailors. While some aspects felt familiar, others were intriguingly different.

The XODs were conveniently moored in pontoon berths, allowing easy access without the usual scramble onto a club rib. The locals followed a unique morning tradition, swimming to scrub their keels each day. Races began at a leisurely 2 PM, complemented by free beer afterward, although each boat mysteriously received only two beer tokens — raising questions about who would be left out.

The ambitious round-the-island races were scheduled, but surprisingly, no team ever completed the loop. Races commenced from a fixed platform, requiring competitors to cross the finish line after every lap. The shallow harbor featured confusing tidal channels and double high waters—was there a second moon? The sailing club had a vague resemblance to the Starship Enterprise, but the local sailors were exceptionally friendly.

The Itchenor sailors proved their mettle, achieving a commendable 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 22nd positions overall. Wind conditions varied significantly, from a lively 20 knots to gentle 5-knot breezes. The standout boat, X91 Astralita, helmed by John Tremlett and crewed by Fraser Graham and Tim Copsey, triumphed with three firsts and four seconds in the nine-race series, echoing their previous year’s success.

X58 Madelaine, with Penny Fulford, Nigel Buckley, and Jonathon Clark, clinched the final race to finish with 21 points, securing third place overall just ahead of local sailing legend Willie McNeill on X123 Lara. Meanwhile, Nik Froud on X72 Venus from Lymington took second place.

X187 Zoe, lent to Roger Yeoman and Chris Darling and crewed by Paul Ward, Nick Andrews, Miles DB-M, and John Hodgart, introduced a new level of complexity but persevered through several challenges to achieve 5th place. X152 Beaver, with Chris Blevins and his twin brother Tim alongside Anthony, showcased consistent performances, frequently competing in the teens with occasional appearances near the front. They arranged a dry delivery and noted the excellent facilities for craning in, which may attract sailors from distant clubs for next year’s events.

Overall, the week exuded a friendly atmosphere and provided a pleasant contrast to the intensity of Cowes Week.

Overall Results: