Finale Race of the Sailing Club Series - Yawl Fleet
Published 18:53 on 7 Jun 2026
Course 1-4-1-3-2-3-2-3
Due to unseasonably windy weather sweeping across the South West on Saturday, the decision was made to invoke the Extreme Weather Provision Rule and postpone racing until Sunday morning.
Conditions on Sunday were almost perfect, with a 1520 knot south-westerly breeze and racing taking place at the top of a neap tide. The only thing missing was a little sunshine.
Five Salcombe Yawl teams four from the Red Fleet and one from the Blue Fleet sacrificed their Sunday morning lie-ins and headed out to the start area. With two of the five crews still in contention for the overall series title, an exciting race was guaranteed.
Olly Turner and Chris Skelhorn in 186, and John Burn with Ross Borne in 170, simply needed to finish ahead of each other to secure the series. Unsurprisingly, as the starting horn echoed across the estuary, the two boats were locked in a close battle up the opening beat.
170 rounded Blackstone first, with 186 close on their heels. However, on the long downwind leg to Mark 4, 186 took the lead.
John and Katy Meadowcroft in 175 closed the gap to the front pair as the wind went light entering South Pool Creek on the leaders and they moved into second place, following 186 around the mark.
On the long upwind return to Blackstone, 175 overtook 186 and edged into a small lead. Despite determined efforts from both 186 and 170, they were unable to reel them back in, and 175 held on to take the win at the shortened finish.
186 crossed the line in second place, which was enough to secure the overall series victory, while 170 had to settle for third.
Mike Knowles and Pete Morris in 174 were unable to match the pace of the leading trio and finished fourth, with Simon Tweedle and his son Henry completing the fleet in fifth.
With five different race winners across the five-race series, the results demonstrate just how close and competitive the Yawl fleet currently is. A big thank you must also go to the race team, who changed their plans at short notice to enable us to get out on the water and bring the series to a fitting conclusion.
