SYC Summer Series, R5 - Yawl Report

Published 12:31 on 23 Jul 2026

Saturday saw 13 Yawls arrive on the start line in near-perfect sunny conditions, with a Force 3 south-easterly breeze and a fast-ebbing tide. The race committee set course 1-7-1-3-2-3.

Y161, with guest helm J. Burn, and Y168, helmed by Will Henderson, were both over the line at the start, while the remainder of the fleet got away cleanly. Y186 (Turner/Skelhorn) established an early lead, with Y17 giving chase ahead of a closely packed group comprising Y181, Y177 and Y187.

The fleet split across the estuary, with some choosing the Salcombe shore and others the Portlemouth side, before converging again at Snape's. Turner and Skelhorn managed to stay clear at the front into the Bag, pursued by the leading pack.

Exiting the Bag, Y186 continued to lead but was now being chased by Y168, which had recovered impressively from its premature start to pull away from Y17, Y177 and Y181. Further back, the blue fleet enjoyed a close contest of its own, with Y161 also recovering after its early start infringement.

The race then became a battle for line honours on the final leg to the shortened finish at mark 3. Turner and Skelhorn held their nerve, crossing the finish line just six seconds ahead of the Hendersons. Y17, sailed by Fells/Magee, finished third after breaking clear of the chasing pair of Greening/Ellis and Savell.

After the handicaps were applied, the results remained unchanged:

1st: Y186 Turner/Skelhorn 2nd: Y168 Will & Mandy Henderson 3rd: Y17 Fells/Magee

By P.Magee | Photos L.Burn