The Royal Ocean Racing Club Easter Challenge concluded on Easter Sunday after three days of racing in the Solent. Two final races were held in bright sunshine, with a 15-knot westerly breeze easing and shifting north during the day. Seven races were completed across the regatta under the direction of Principal Race Officer Stuart Childerley.

Simon Patterson’s Fast40+ Standfast dominated IRC One with a perfect scoreline of seven race wins. Malcolm Offord’s TP52 Braveheart recovered from early non-starts to take second, while the De Graaf family’s Baraka GP finished third.

David Franks’ J/112 Leon led IRC Two, winning six races in a consistent series. The Army Sailing Association’s Fujitsu British Soldier secured second place with steady results, and Derek Shakespeare’s J/122 Bulldog finished third.

“The Easter Challenge has been a very good regatta for us,” said David Franks. “It is a proper shakedown. It tests the crew, the boat and the work done over winter.” He added, “You are racing properly. In the end, it often comes down to the team that makes the fewest mistakes.”

In IRC Three, John Smart’s J/109 Jukebox set the pace, winning the opening four races and maintaining strong results to secure overall victory. Oliver and Sam Love’s Frank 4 finished second, with Harry Heijst’s Winsome completing the podium.

“We definitely got quicker during the regatta,” said John Smart. “The teamwork improved all weekend, and that gives confidence for the season ahead.”

Coaching remained central to the event, led by Richard Moxey and supported by North Sails specialists, Olympian Vita Heathcote and coach Phil Devereux. Teams received on-water guidance and video debriefs ashore.

“The main aim is for teams to leave sailing better than when they arrived,” said Moxey. “You could see clear improvement across the fleet in demanding conditions.”

The prizegiving was held at the RORC Cowes clubhouse, where Vice Commodore Derek Shakespeare presented awards following the final races.

Competitors highlighted the value of the regatta. Lou Clayton described it as “a really valuable training regatta”, while Ian McMillan thanked organisers and coaches for their support and advice.