Please select your home edition
Edition

JOG OneSails Yarmouth Racing Weekend at the Royal Solent Yacht Club

by Martin Banfield 17 Jun 13:12 UTC 14-15 June 2025
Class 4 during the JOG OneSails Yarmouth Racing Weekend © John Green Cowes / www.instagram.com/solentsailphotography/

June is always a busy month in the Solent with multiple regattas in play so the "passage race", in JOG Yacht Racing style, provided a great opportunity in a good breeze and sunshine to experience a different taste to "round the cans" events.

The Race Officer took the fleet from the start off the JOG line at Egypt Point, out to Bembridge Ledge, back through the Solent Forts, and via the northern mainland shore to a finish off Yarmouth.

With strong Spring Tides, the cross Solent legs provided tactical opportunities with several place changes in the closing miles of the race.

Results appearing as soon as competitors crossed the line, saw a class 4 win by Sailfish, the well sailed Gibsea 90, just proving that its not always the big budgets that give exciting racing. Class 3 leader, Javelin (J105) also took line honours, a feat they repeated on the return race. Class 2 winners, Bellino (Sunfast 3600) sailed by Rob Craigie, RORC Commodore Deb Fish and crew beating Griffin, another 3600, by a full 8 minutes, Griffin taking second place.

A slightly depleted Class 1 fleet was dominated by Scream 2 (J120) sailed by JOG's past Captain, Stuart Lawrence beating Stickleback, the J45, by just a minute and a half on corrected time over a 36 ml course, taking just 4hrs and 15 mins. That timing alone illustrates the fast-paced downwind run to the Ledge which saw the fleet turning back into a foul tide until well back along the Solent as the tide again turned to help the beat back to the finish.

At the OneSails prize-giving, effusive thanks were given by the 200 odd crew members present to the Royal Solent Yacht Club for their hosting as well as to the generous sponsors who provided kit bags and goodies to each of the winning teams.

A special Generation JOG prize from our season sponsors, Henri-Lloyd was awarded to Milo Gordon, crewing on Stickleback who had also clocked up an impressive 166 miles crewing in the current season.

The double-handed class winners, Joyride (J97), sailed by Ed Rogers & Paul Nichol were mid fleet in class which may demonstrate that multiple sail changes and turning corners in such a competitive environment is easier with a bigger crew!

The return race on Sunday saw less testing wind speeds but continuing strong tides which required some careful navigation to pick the best route for a course which saw a windward beat from the start towards the mid Solent and a tactical slalom from north to the southern side and back again to the TeamO buoy off Calshot before an "off the wind" leg across the western front of the Bramble bank and a final beat to the finish against a strong foul tide. The reaching leg certainly favoured the boats able and willing to carry code sails or reaching spinnakers with several unexpected place changes which, for some, were reversed on the final beat home. Several yachts found to their cost that it's up on the beach for some tidal relief as soon as possible after crossing the front of Cowes or see yourself going backwards on each tack!

With just a 17 ml race, the race officers had themselves a sprint from Yarmouth back to the JOG box in time to finish the early finishers!

A glorious day in the sun saw some leader changes over the two days with Dusty P (First 40) winning class 1 and Spectrum (Impala) taking podium in class 4. Javelin and Bellino again took class wins in classes 3 and 2 respectively and Joyride taking a second, double handed, win.

It's not every weekend that sees sunshine and great sailing, generously provided by OneSails we presume! Of course, it could be that us sailors need the occasional bonus!

Related Articles

RAILBLAZA Trident Carbon Fiber Modular Push Poles
Ideal for shallow water anglers RAILBLAZA, manufacturer of premium quality, user-friendly electronics, fishing and boating mounting systems and accessories, has announced the launch of its new Trident Carbon Fiber Modular Push Pole, ideal for shallow water anglers. Posted on 8 Jul
New Online BoatUS Foundation Course
Taking on Biggest Cause of Accidents: Distracted Boating A quick look at the annual U.S. Coast Guard recreational boating accident statistics shows “operator inattention” and “improper lookout” to be perennial placeholders in the top five primary contributing factors in boating accidents. Posted on 8 Jul
NOAA changes Atlantic bluefin tuna retention limit
Announcing changes following feedback from the sportfishing industry and recreational anglers On June 3, NOAA Fisheries announced changes to fishing regulations for private vessels limiting the harvest of one school size bluefin tuna (27 to 47 inches) and charter and head boats would be permitted to retain two school sized bluefin tuna. Posted on 8 Jul
Simrad Yachting introduces AutoTrack feature
For its HALO 2000 & 3000 Radars Simrad Yachting, a leader in marine electronics and navigation, today introduced the new AutoTrack™ feature for its HALO® 2000 and HALO 3000 Radars. Posted on 7 Jul
Big Deal, Bayliss 75' on the water update
Built for owners with a long-standing relationship with our boatyard Bayliss Boatworks is proud to announce the delivery of Big Deal (Bayliss 75'), a custom sportfishing weapon designed and built for owners with a long-standing relationship with our boatyard. Posted on 5 Jul
The enhanced Yellowfin 54 Offshore
The most stable ride in its class Welcome to the next evolution of the 54 Offshore. We have evolved the Yellowfin 54 Offshore to redefine your boating experience. Posted on 4 Jul
Michael Rybovich & Sons construction updates
Progress on hulls from 84', 62' down to 42' New construction updates of 70' S/F Hull # 9, 42' S/F hull #10, 75' S/F hull #11, 84' S/F - Hull # 12. Posted on 4 Jul
Bayliss Boatworks new construction updates
The team is making solid headway on Mama Seata Tarheel is shaping up beautifully, with our exterior carpentry team recently installing the teak coaming and coverboards in the cockpit. Posted on 3 Jul
A new chapter begins
Two new flagship models for the Open & Heritage Series Introducing the all-new Heritage 321 — the ultimate family center console and the new flagship of the Heritage Series. Posted on 2 Jul
Marine Auctions: Special July Online Auction
The bidding will end on Tuesday 22 July at 2pm AEST The alternative way of selling any type of vessel or marine asset with proven and successful results. Posted on 2 Jul