A Wild July Regatta
Published 22:05 on 27 Jul 2026
Shotwick July Regatta, 26th July 2026
The July regatta was not for the faint hearted! Shan was there to share the pain and the glory of the Shotwick racers that braved the weather.
The warm settled weather of this hot summer had been replaced by grey clouds and a brisk WNW wind for the fourth regatta of the year. Nine boats had signed in, although there had been discussion about three gybes on the course in such windy weather.
The first race started with seven boats crossing the start line. Jeremy took a flying port end dash at speed and crossed in front of all the starboard tack boats. It was a long hard beat to the windward mark at 3, with Phil Watson rounding in front of Jeremy. The first gybe mark was at 1 and the whole fleet rounded unscathed although Ian had already had a quick swim on the fast reach to 1. It was a spectacular sight with everyone planing to 5, with more spray than boat visible. Jeremy and Phil rounded 5 and didnt gybe over at first, but the gust built and they were both over. Sensible Dave and Colin in Solos decided on a chicken gybe which paid off as they reached 9 first. Meanwhile there was mayhem behind as more boats were capsized than sailing. 9 was the third gybe mark, Dave gybed but the lack of depth meant a centre board pushed up, he went paddling too. As the OODs surveyed the scene the fleet were all upside down between 9 and 8, the decision was made to abandon the first race.
The course was altered to 1 gybe, long reaches and an avoidance of the whole area of shallows between 9 and 8. The hardy bunch of Ian, Jeremy, Phil, Colin and Brian started race 2. This time Phil took the lead at the windward mark and held on to it. The chasing pack not far behind, this was quick and furious racing, with plenty of spray, (warm Im told) and fast laps, under 6 mins. There were notable highlights. Colin held into his boat by the toe straps whilst the rest of his body was under water careering to the shore, he just managed to manoeuvre the boat clear seconds before dry land. Ian was another story, his body bent double as he fought to keep the boat upright (photo!). Meanwhile at the front of the fleet Phil had pulled out a solid lead on Jeremy. As the OODs prepared to hoist the shortened course flag Phil capsized on the final reach, Jeremy sailing behind in a lightning probably thinking he now had a chance of winning on handicap. All the fleet completed race two, a very happy bunch, but all too tired for a third race in the afternoon!
So who made the podium?
July Regatta race 1: 1. Jeremy Cooper (Lightning), 2. Phil Watson (Streaker), 3. Ian Duncan (Laser) - but race abandoned so all DNF.
July Regatta race 2: 1. Jeremy Cooper (Lightning), 2. Phil Watson (Streaker), 3. Ian Duncan (laser)
Photo of Ian D on the edge! More photos and some impressive video on the Shotwick Lake Sailing Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ShotwickLakeSailingClub/
All photos and Facebook video by Dave Thomas
Last updated 22:21 on 27 July 2026
