Manx Sail Racer

The Isle of Man Yacht Club, Port St Mary hosted the 2009 IOM Dinghy Championship over the weekend of 29/30 August. A disappointing 13 boats entered, half the regulars were off-island either sailing elsewhere or on holiday.

Conditions were tough and tested competitors’ stamina and boat preparation.

Two races were completed on Saturday afternoon with only 7 finishers in each.

Race Officers Pete Hinds and Chris Williams-Jones had to delay the start while the first wave of broken entries was towed ashore by the very busy and well-handled safety-boats.

The WSW strong breeze made it very hard work for even the most experienced sailors over the windward/leeward courses. The racing was close despite the difficulties, the top four places occupied by reigning champions, Russell and June Collister and three previous winning helms, Mick Kneale, Smiler Williams and Andrew Dean.

Sunday morning and the wind had eased a little but gone round to the SSW raising a fair old chop - the Race Officers had a very roly-poly session anchored in the Yellow Peril. Four races were completed in rapid succession, the safety-boats again dealing with many incidents early on in the testing conditions.

The racing was exciting stuff with all boats absolutely flying down the waves (as long they remained upright and didn’t break anything). A special mention here for Izzy Sharpe (under-13) who, sailing a tiny RS Tera, stuck out the whole Sunday session - the seas must have been frightening in this little boat. Well done Izzy.

By the narrowest of margins, the championship title was won by Smiler Williams and Tom Cringle (RS400). Last time Smiler won this was in 1992, then sailing a 505. Runners-up were Russell and June Collister (RS200) who have held the title for the last seven years. Third place went to the National 18 sailed by Mick Kneale, Phil Hardisty and Donald Edwards. Fourth was Andrew Dean and John Cowell (RS200). Last time Deano won this was in 1989 sailing a Fireball.

Best placed Laser (Radial) was Ben Swindlehurst and best under-18 was Ali Hinds also sailing a Radial. Ben and Ali were in the 2009 Island Games sailing team, of course. Best under-13 Izzy Sharpe.

The club ladies provided very welcome hot soup and rolls on Saturday and an excellent buffet at the presentation Sunday afternoon. Many thanks to IOMYC for efficiently hosting yet another successful event.

Overall results (top eight):

1^st Smiler and Tom (RS400) 7pts, 2^nd Russell and June (RS200) 9 pts, 3^rd Mick, Phil and Donald (Nat.18) 11 pts, 4^th Andrew and John (RS200) 20 pts, 5^th Ben (Radial) 24 pts, 6^th Ali (Radial) 32 pts, 7^th Pete Barlow and crew (Nat.18) 47 pts, 8^th Joe and Kate Stockman (Laser 3000) 47 pts.

Report thanks to Mick Kneale

Photos by Dave Kneale are available in the MSR Gallery