The Hunt Cup at Lymington Town Sailing Club
by Claire Sleigh 1 Jan 2018 07:24 UTC
31 December 2017
Lymington Town Sailing Club Hunt Cup 2017 © Lou Johnson
This annual dinghy race was well supported again this year. Race officer Rob Milledge set a course in the Lymington River to allow friends and family to have a grandstand view of the proceedings, an infinite number of laps supervised by ARO Lyndsey Podger.
The forecast 27 knots did not materialise, and the competitors had a perfect 13-16 knots breeze to sail in. However, as always, the race is won or lost in the bar with the fancy dress outfits. The racing rules of sailing are jettisoned in favour of a bar start, with the competitors finishing a stirrup cup (or toe-strap cup) before they are released to sail.
First on the water was Ben George, who was instantly disqualified for being too enthusiastic. John Cooper and Becci Wigley sailed their Folkboat Jen round the course avoiding ferries, pontoons and beaching on the lee shore. They were joined by a total of 10 dinghies sailed by a motley selection of Santas, boat mechanics, scuba divers, desperados evading capture, and Wally, if you could spot him.
Third place went to Luke and Emma McEwan as scuba sailors, second by John Cooper and Becci Wigley as Friar Tuck and Mother Superior, and first prize went to Nick Simmons and Fiona Mayo as Smokey and the Bandit.
The Club starts the Open Perishers Series next Sunday. All competitors are welcome to our club start line for an 11:00 hrs start.