South West Water Pursuit Race and Annual Prize Giving
Published 09:50 on 6 Dec 2024
Saturday saw 18 boats take to the water for the annual South West Water Pursuit Race. A fresh S-SW breeze, paired with low tide created a challenging start for competitors. The notorious Batson mud claimed several victims, with a few boats temporarily stuck before they could even reach the starting line.
The race itself, however, proved to be less treacherous once underway. The 90-minute pursuit race, a perennial favorite among sailors, followed the course 1-7-1 and showcased a thrilling blend of tactics and speed. Even so, the tricky conditions caught a few off guard, most notably Chris Skelhorn in his Solo, who found his mast stuck in the mud just off Tosnos Point.
Charlotte Simmonds, sailing a Laser 4.7, put in a stellar performance. She held off fierce competition from the more experienced Solo sailors for much of the race. However, the day belonged to the Merlin Rocket of John and Katy Meadowcroft, whose sheer speed and tactical precision saw them surge ahead in the closing minutes.
As the seconds ticked away, the Meadowcrofts overtook Tim Laws Solo, Tim, unable to fend off the faster Merlin, finished a commendable second. Meanwhile, John and Frankie Burn, also in a Merlin Rocket, secured third place after a closely fought battle.
End of Season Celebration and Prize Giving
Following the earlier excitement on the water, sailors and supporters gathered at Cliff House for the dinghy laying-up supper and the highly anticipated end-of-season prize giving. The evening proved to be as much a celebration of camaraderie as of competition.
Guests were treated to a stunning slideshow of Lucys Best of 2024 photographs, which perfectly captured the spirit and joy of the sailing season. The images reminded everyone—whether prize winners or not—of the many highlights enjoyed both on and off the water this year.
The prize giving itself was a lively affair, with cheers, laughter, and a fair bit of friendly heckling filling the room. Outstanding performances were recognized across a variety of categories, celebrating the achievements of sailors young and old. Charlotte Simmonds received well-earned praise for her exceptional race performance throughout the year.
A special thanks was extended to bar manager Russell and his team, as well as to Adam, the chef, whose efforts ensured the evening ran seamlessly. From the delicious food to the exceptional service, the atmosphere was one of pure enjoyment and appreciation.
The night concluded with plenty of smiles, shared stories, and plans for the season ahead. As the curtain falls on 2024, it is clear that the SYC sailing community remains as vibrant and enthusiastic as ever. Congratulations to all the prize winners, and gratitude to everyone who made the season such a resounding success.
Heres to another fantastic year in 2025!
