Cowes: The home of pretty hanging baskets and sailing.
Two days of extreme weather conditions meant little action on the water at the 2008 Red Funnel Easter Challenge. However, day three of the Royal Ocean Racing Club event produced some quite stunning Solent racing, with plenty of spills and thrills.
It was well worth the wait! Boats were divided into five classes (from IRC SZ to IRC 3) and each class took part in two races. Prize giving took place at Cowes Yacht Haven’s Event Centre. Winners were:
Class IRC SZ
1. GBR528R, Ran, TP52, Niklas Zennstrom, (1.369, 2, 1, 1)
2. GBR952R, Henri Lloyd – Cutting Edge, TP52, Robert Lutener & Martin Elwood (1.36, 5, 2,3)
3. GBR76R, Volvo RYA Keelboat Programme, TP52, Volvo RYA Keelboat Programme (1.358, 7, 3, 4)
Class IRC 0
1. IRL3939, Silk Glove, Ker 39, Colm Barrington (1.131, 4, 1, 3)
2. GBR945R, Fever, Swan 45, Stuart Miller (1.184, 6, 3, 3)
3. GBR1545R, Poppy of Portland Marina, David Lancefield (1.136, 8, 7,1)
Class IRC 1
1. IRL3008, Blondie IV, King 40, Eamonn Rohan (1.116, 3, 1, 2)
2. IRL2007, Jump Juice, Ker 37, Conor & Denise Phelan (1.098, 5, 4,1)
3. GBR236R, Erivale III, Ker 39CR, Jerry Otter (1.118, 5, 2, 3)
Class IRC 2
1. GBR7031T, Sanguma, Ker 31, Chris Walmsley (1.036, 4, 1, 3)
2. GBR7712R, Zarafa, HOD 35, Peter Scholfield (1.031, 4, 2, 2)
3. GBR73R, Salvo, Beneteau 34.7, Peter Morton (1.012, 6, 5, 1)
Class IRC 3
1. GBR4992R, Jack Sparrow, J/92 S, Paul & Marie-Claude Heys (0.987, 2, 1, 1)
2. GBR4365, Dean & Dyball Enigma, MG346, Ian Braham (0.95, 4, 2, 2)
3. GBR9395R, Elusive, Elan 333, Jackie & Robert Dobson (0.981, 6, 3, 3)
The Red Funnel Easter Challenge Prix d’Elegance Trophy went to Colm Barrington’s Ker 39 Silk Glove (IRL).