Yachting World Dayboats Participation at the Salcombe Town Regatta 2024

Yachting World Dayboats at the Salcombe Town Regatta 2024

3-10 August 2024

Twelve YWDBs participated in the Salcombe Town Regatta, showcasing a delightful blend of fun and competitive sailing. The diverse crews, ranging in age from 8 to 17, rotated daily, which provided invaluable experience for the younger sailors while maintaining family harmony by limiting the times kids sailed with their own parents.

Race 1 began with a trip to Blackstone, followed by a passage through “The Bag” to Gerston. The fleet split around Ditch End, with those opting to head into the stronger current gaining a significant lead over those who clung to the Eastern shoreline longer to avoid the tide.

Mike Hewitt took the lead with James Hewitt in second place, while Georgie Bullingham, crewed by Mark, delivered an impressive performance, finishing third. Georgie and Matt Straker were the only non-Blewett-Hewitt entries to make it to the podium throughout the week!

The subsequent race saw a shift in tactics; the early strategy of heading towards Snapes Point failed for many. However, Mike Hewitt maintained his lead over his brother Andrew and father Pete in race 2, resulting in a familiar Hewitt family finish of 1-2-3.

After the races, participants enjoyed a wonderful YWDB Class meal at the Salcombe YC. Some parents were seen donning their new Toms Trunks, which led to both embarrassment for the younger crew and a promise of future refusals to wear them! Many helms and crew arrived a bit fatigued the next day as they headed towards the start of race 3.

During the third race, competitors faced a challenging beat to Blackstone, followed by a scenic route down Southpool creek. As the entire fleet reached the mark simultaneously, the rounding was handled with courtesy and a distinct lack of chaos. The transition from lightweight Aero boats to more substantial YWDBs required adjustment, but Antony and Marcia Lynall competed well, finishing the regatta with two 5th place results. The racing remained tightly contested, with numerous position changes throughout.

Mike Hewitt not only led on the water but also nurtured new champions off the water. The much-anticipated ice cream eating contest became a highlight, with new entries joining the rigorous training regimen of their coach resulting in a prestigious podium finish. Congratulations to Max, Stan, Margaret, Lexie, and Hattie!

Thursday’s sailing was wisely cancelled due to strong winds. Instead, many participants opted to visit Bantham and enjoy the famous “swoosh.” Canceling a day of racing can be a tough decision, especially with potentially manageable winds, but in this case, it proved to be the right choice. Special thanks to the race officer who arrived early in the pouring rain to prevent unnecessary boat launches.

The third race proved to be gusty, and the concluding beat to the club finish line challenged lighter crews. Colin Blewett successfully stayed ahead of both Mike and Andy Hewitt, while Simon Bullingham secured a lead over Matt Straker, only to lose out to Team Lynall at the finish line.

In the fourth and final race, the class joined the rest of the regatta fleet for a pursuit race. The racing throughout the week was exceptionally close, yet Mike Hewitt’s consistent performance allowed him to secure the regatta victory with a race to spare. However, second and third places were still fiercely contested leading into the final race.

Simon Bullingham initially led the final race around Blackstone and Southpool but was overtaken by the Blewett-Hewitt family. He fended off challenges from Matt and Cora Straker for most of the race, though Matt’s fortunate gust of wind at Blackstone allowed him to slide past just before the finish line.

Genevieve Bullingham, the only junior to helm a race, achieved a commendable 8th place in the final race, showcasing the talent of younger competitors. Colin Blewett finished 2nd overall, sailing with the help of his daughters, each of whom managed to secure a first and a fourth place finish. This balanced performance mitigated any potential crew selection conflicts for the upcoming National Championships in Falmouth 2025.

The Salcombe Town Regatta is an enjoyable event and serves as a fantastic introduction to high-quality fun racing for younger generations. Appreciation goes out to Ian “Scud” Stewart and the entire team at Salcombe YC for executing a seamless regatta. Their commitment, from safety boat crews to the race committee and kitchen staff, ensured the success of the week, which was deeply appreciated by all participants.

Special thanks also to the sponsors, including Salcombe Rigging Services for their support, Salcombe Brewery for providing beer during the briefings, and Yeoward’s for supplying fuel for the safety boats. This collaboration ensured that the race fees benefited local charities, demonstrating the regatta’s commitment to the community.

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Oliver Hayes

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.