windward spreader from SVYC's Committee boat, Penguin, positioning himself ... sure it really is a team trophy each memb
ISLAND KEELBOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS
PRINCE PHILIP’S CUP 2016 is the 60th anniversary of the Prince Philip’s Cup and also the 30th anniversary in its current guise using Sea View Yacht Club’s Mermaid fleet. The competition for the trophy, which was originally presented by His Royal Highness in 1956, was set up to promote good relations between the Cowes Clubs and which has latterly been extended to include all clubs who race sailing boats on the Solent. Due to light winds during the morning the competitors happily undertook the first part of the remit, building friendly relations, chatting merrily about their seasons so far, before all joining together to enjoy lunch together prior to the wind reaching a sufficient strength to let the competition commence. As soon as he was able to Martin Harrison (Race officer) set a windward leeward course with a windward spreader from SVYC’s Committee boat, Penguin, positioning himself and the course just off the Clubhouse in an effort to maximise the breeze and minimise the tide. This positioning, by happy coincidence, also allowed the spectators to get a great view of the racing. The fleet spent the afternoon sailing four back to back races allowing us to get a result. The event is always hotly contested; the Mermaids being identical apart from the external hull colour, ensure it really is crew verses crew. In order to make sure it really is a team trophy each member of the crew is normally required to helm two out of the six races (one in the morning and one in the afternoon). This year with only four races able to be run just one helm got a shot at a second race, but it also meant no discard would be available so every race counted. Ten Clubs fielded teams, but unfortunately the Royal Ocean Racing Club had to withdraw on the day due to unforeseen circumstances meaning nine teams took to the water in what was always going to be an event which could be anybody’s right until the very end. Peter Hunter, the competition’s long time organiser, coordinated with the Race Officer to get the competitors back at the end of racing in time to enjoy tea and cakes, followed by a few well earnt beers. The races were all very close all round as you would expect from the sailors who attended but sadly the result this year hinged on the result of a protest from race one, as the protest took some time to conclude it was not possible to announce the result on the day. After everything was taken into account the result this year was that The Island Sailing Club emerged victorious. The remaining podium places going, as in 2015, to the Bembridge Sailing Club in second and the Royal Thames Yacht Club in third. With a last few tales of the day over tea and cakes, everyone said they were looking forward to being back next year to compete for the 61st time in this coveted competition! Thank you very much to all who took part.
Jon Curtis SVYC Sailing Director
All photographs by kind permission of Nick Hewitt.
