SAILING
RUDY Jurg and Colin Simonds flew the flag for host club Bembridge to win the annual Illusion inter-club team race championship last weekend — coming from fourth overnight to take victory.
After a great day of racing on the Sunday, the duo took the win on count back from husband and wife team Mark and Jo Downer, representing Royal Victoria Yacht Club.
Pro-sailor Graham Sunderland — with newcomer to Illusion sailing Robbie Southwell — were third on behalf of Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club and, surprisingly, the overall leaders from the previous day, Graham and Julia Bailey came fourth for the Royal Yacht Squadron.
Six teams from Island sailing clubs took part in the competition, which has been hotly contested since the mid-1990s.
In tough conditions on Saturday, the Baileys had a great day winning most races.
Two teams did not make the cut, and they were Andrew Christie and Richard Ambler, and Rupert Holmes and Kass Schmidt.
Bembridge’s next event is their Christmas Cracker on December 29 and 30, and a very high turnout is expected. A 30th anniversary lunch of the Illusion class will also be held that weekend.
The club’s Ice Breaker Trophy will be sailed December 31 and January 1.
YARMOUTH SC
The skill of estimation was the key for the club’s Navigators’ Series last weekend.
On Saturday, the fleet had to start at the time they thought would be best to cross the line as close to 12.30pm as possible.
And in the end there was only one who managed the feat.
John Smith in his Scow was the first away and he finished just a couple of minutes inside the finish time.
Everyone else went over, and was disqualified.
Sunday’s race was the converse of Saturday’s, with light winds and far more finishers.
Winning was Graeme Bowen, with Alan Toms second and Alex Gallimore in third.
The results meant Toms took the overall prize, with Smith second.