#rys200 – The Royal Yacht Squadron's Bicentenary International regatta is complete. "Four seasons in one week," was the apt summary from crew member Richard Mason of Dorade of Monday's gales, and a gradual wind reduction to the windless afternoon that ended the regatta yesterday.
IRC Class 1's course was shortened from five to four legs at Saltmead in the western Solent. The race was won by Tom Siebel's Swan 90 Odin, sailed well by her crew which benefitted from the talents of Peter Isler as Navigator, and Steve Hayles as strategist/trimmer. Overall honour for the week ultimately went to Tony Langley's brilliantly sailed TP52 Gladiator.
Winning all four races in the J Class, capped by a come-from-behind victory today, Velsheda maintained her excellent record on what are considered the famous yacht's 'home waters' by winning the class.
The three grand Classics, Eleonora, Mariquita and Sumurun started in the same direction, and were given one long leg to a mark near the forts off Portsmouth, against the tide. A breakage to the top of her mast cost Mariquita a position in this last race and the overall victory went to Robert Tobin's 1914 built Sumurun, which gained two second and two firsts in the series.
Class 4 was abandoned in the light winds today while Class 3 had only one finisher, Rives Potts' Carina. The win sealed her overall victory in class for the owner, who also represented the visiting New York Yacht Club teams as their Commodore.
Class 4 sailed enough races for a series during the week however. "We sailed hard until the time limit expired," said owner of the winning Anna Mai Phil Hutchinson.
IRC Class 2 were a little more lucky. Simon Henning's Mumm 36 Alice completed today's race as winner nailing overall first place.
There was total US domination of the Team Racing and Level rating events.
