Around Lundy race

 
 

 

The Lundy Race

If any one has photos to share please send on disc to iyc or email iyc@btinternet.com

2010 results

RACE / CUP  
Class Sail No. Yacht Name Yacht Type LOA STD Config Config Start Time Finish Time ELAPSED TIME Handicap Corrected Time Position Pos in Class
hours min sec   hours min sec hh:mm:ss
1 9166B INDEPENDENT BEAR CORBY 40 40 f/ibf/c f/ibf/c/hi-tech 9 30 0   16 2 45 06:32:45 754 08:40:53 4 2
1 92034 PELICAN DRAGONFLY 920 30 l/ob/c l/ob/c/kev jib 9 30 0   16 51 15 07:21:15 782 09:24:15 10 4
1 IRL 5476 KIND OF MAGIC IMX 38 37'6'' b/ibf/c b/ibf/c/hi tech dns dns
1 GBR9019 BLUE PEARL OYSTER LIGHTWAVE 395 12M f/ibf/c irc conversion 9 30 0   18 11 48 08:41:48 817 10:38:41 17 6
1 GBR1609 BLUE JAY J109 35 f/ibf/c d/ob/c/kev 9 30 0   16 23 46 06:53:46 802 08:35:55 2 1
1 7709 R JUST JAY J109 35 f/ibf/c d/ob/c/kev 9 30 0   16 57 39 07:27:39 802 09:18:10 9 3
1 GBR 5835 R AZTEC 2 HOD 35 35 f/ibf/c f/ibf/c/kev 9 30 0 dns dns
1 IRL3275 FOXTROT BENETEAU FIRST 36.7 36 fb/ibf/c fb/ibf/c/ht 9 30 0 dns dns
1 9653 DAYDREAM X 332 33 b/ibf/c d/ibf/c/hi-tech 9 30 0 dns dns
1 8808 SHADOW COLVIC UFO 34 10.4M f/ibf/c Byron Cert 9 30 0   19 4 20 09:34:20 967 09:53:56 14 5
2 2 STRUMPET WESTERLY REGATTA 330 33 f/ib2/0 2k/ibf/c 8 45 0 17 56 47 09:11:47 1000 09:11:47 7 4
2 H38 YEMAYA LEGEND 38 38 f/ib2/c 2k/ib2/0 8 45 0 19 29 53 10:44:53 1018 10:33:29 16 8
2 FR310 HAZE FULMAR 32 2k/ibf/c 2k/ibf/c 8 45 0 17 39 20 08:54:20 1016 08:45:55 5 2
2 342 PETER T 2 FULMAR 32 2k/ibf/c 2k/ib2/c 8 45 0 19 45 48 11:00:48 1026 10:44:03 18 9
2 CO 692 ROSETTA DEL MAR CONTESSA 32 32 f/ib2/c f/ib3/c 8 45 0 dns dns
2 K3143T PATCHAMIE KINGS CRUISER 32 F/IB3/C F/IB3/0 8 45 0 rtd rtd
2 GBR5985T TUILE JEANNEAU SUN 2000 25 BYRON CERT BYRON CERT 8 45 0 dns dns
2 10 MOONTIDE HUNTER 30 30 2k/ib2/c/st 2k/ib2/c/ar 8 45 0 18 24 56 09:39:56 1040 09:17:38 8 5
2 22 SHAMARA SADLER 29 29 2k/ibf/c 2k/ibf/c 8 45 0 19 41 15 10:56:15 1042 10:29:48 15 7
2 1144C STRIP POKER CLUB19 20 f/ob/c f/ob/c 8 45 0 rtd rtd
2 TT 21 ZEPHYRUS WESTERLY TEMPEST 30 f/ibf/c 2k/ibf/c 8 45 0 17 52 26 09:07:26 1052 08:40:22 3 1
2 GBR5740T EAUZONE MOODY S31 31 f/ibf/c 2k/ibf/cc 8 45 0 19 12 11 10:27:11 1070 09:46:09 13 6
2 SS55 SEA SENSE SOUTHERLY 115 37.75 sp/ibf/c sp/ib2/0 8 45 0 rtd rtd
2 A534 SNIFTER ACHILLES 24 24 3k/ob/c 3k/ob/c 8 45 0 dns dns
2 41 PETER T HUNTER 30 30 2k/ib2/c/st 2k/ib2/Code0/ar 8 45 0 rtd rtd
2 36 CHACONNE MOODY 31 31 2K/IB2/C 2K/IB2/0 8 45 0 rtd rtd
2 E23 WESTERN BIRD OCEAN BIRD TRI 30 f/ib2/c f/ib2/cc 8 45 0 rtd rtd
2 9599 PATRON MOODY 31 31 2k/ib2/c 2k/ib3/0 dns DNS DNS
2 A534 MERLIN ACHILLES 24 24 f/ob/c f/ob/0 8 45 0 19 3 8 10:18:08 1121 09:11:25 6 3
2 157 ELIANNE KONSORT 28 2k/ibf/c 2k/ib3/cc 8 45 0 dnf dnf
2 25 Mi AVELON TRAPER 501 28 f/ib2/c 2k/ibf/cc 8 45 0 dnf dnf
3 GH66 IMSHALLAH GOLDEN HIND 31 3k/ib3/c 3k/ibf/0/sml rig 8 0 0 rtd rtd
3 515 WHITE SPIRIT COLVIC 26 26 2k/ibf/c 2k/ib2/c 8 0 0 19 8 0 11:08:00 1156 09:37:51 12 3
3 23 MYSTERE COBRA 850 29 2k/ibf/c 2k/ib3/cc 8 0 0 rtd rtd
3 356 CAMELIA MIRAGE28 28 2k/ib3/c 2k/ib3/0 8 0 0 rtd rtd
3 124 ARCADY SADLER 26 26 f/ibf/c 2k/ib2/0 8 0 0 19 8 43 11:08:43 1174 09:29:36 11 2
3 6841Y SKIPJACK MOON SADLER 25 25 2k/ibf/c 2k/ib3/c 8 0 0 dnf dnf
3 1106 WAYFARER MOODY 27 27 2k/ib2/c 2k/ib3/c 8 0 0 rtd rtd
3 4 TIR AN OG CORNISH CRABBER 29 d/ib2/0 d/ib3/0 8 0 0 rtd rtd
3 H8-80 FORTUNE HALMATIC 27 2k/ib3/c 2k/ib3/0 8 0 0 rtd rtd
3 P323 IDLE HOURS LEISURE 235L 23 2k/ib2/c 2k/ib2/cc 8 0 0 rtd rtd
3 GBR2087L COQUETTE FASTNET 22 22 2k/ibf/c 2k/ob/cc 8 0 0 18 4 30 10:04:30 1220 08:15:30 1 1
3 F309 MIRAGE HURLEY FELICITY 20 l/ob/c 3k/ob/0 dns DNS DNS
3 H MON AMI HURLEY FELICITY 20 l/ob/c 3k/ob/0 8 0 0 rtd rtd
3 143 NOVEMBER FOX PAGEANT 23 2k/ib2/c 2k/ib3/0 8 0 0 rtd rtd
3 CR979 TAWAHI 11 CENTAUR 26 2k/ib3/c 2k/ib3/0 8 0 0 rtd rtd
3 2200 THESSALY GIRL CENTAUR 26 2k/ib3/c 2k/ib3/0 8 0 0 rtd rtd
3 128 ELSIE MAY WESTERLY NOMAD 24 3k/ib2/c 3k/ib2/0 8 0 0 dns dns
3 O1984 MANDOLIN FASTNET 22 22 2k/ibf/c 2k/ib3/0 8 0 0 rtd rtd
3 E616 WATER OF LIFE MC WESTER 27 27 2k/ib3/c 2k/ib3/cc 8 0 0 dnf dnf
 
   
     
               
               
               
               
             

2010 Entries

01 ZEPHYRUS OF COMBE S. WHITE ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

02 VENTURE M. KUSMIDROWICZ ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

03 TIR AN OG N. JOHNSTONE WATERMOUTH Y.C.

04 SKIPJACK MOON S. FRADGLEY LYNMOUTH

05 STRUMPET R. CAMPBELL SWANSEA Y.S.A.C.

06 PATCHAMIE M. FOOT BIDEFORD

07 WAYFARER D. ALLSFORD WATERMOUTH Y.C.

08 WIDGEON WITHDRAWN

09 THESALLY GIRL D. TURK ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

10 EAUZONE B. GEAR ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

11 SHAMARA G. DAVIES ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

12 ELIANNE J. & A. CLEMENCE ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

13 CAMELIA M.J. WATKINS WATERMOUTH Y.C.

14 PETER T (II) R. THOMPSON / C. WALLACE ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

15 MYSTE'RE J. GABRIEL ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

16 FORTUNE S. ASHTON ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

17 IMSHALLAH C. CLEMENT ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

18 MOONTIDE P. BRADLEY CARDIFF Y.C.

19 IDLE HOURS A. DAVIDSON-GRANT ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

20 SEA SENSE P.HUGHS N. DEVON Y.C.

21 HAZE A. REEVES / M. SILVESTER ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

22 Mi AVALON A. MASLEN ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

23 TUILE G. CHAPMAN THORNBURY S.C.

24 KIND OF MAGIC T. ACKLAND MUMBLES Y.C.

25 PATRON N. TAIT N.DEVON Y.C.

26 ARCADY S. BRANKIN THORNBURY S.C.

27 WESTERN BIRD T. SAXON ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

28 FOXTROT P. PETTIFOR SWANSEA Y.S.A.C.

29 YEMAYA L. ALLEN N. DEVON Y.C.

30 MANDOLIN A. POULTON ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

31 MIARAGE C. MARMAN ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

33 WHITE SPIRIT D. RANDELL PORTISHEAD Y.C.

34 DAYDREAM S. CUTFORTH SWANSEA Y.S.A.C.

35 PELICAN M. RATCLIFFE SWANSEA Y.S.A.C.

36 CHACONNE A. GREEN THORNBURY S.C.

37 SNIFTER R. HUDSON THORNBURY S.C.

38 TAWAHI 2 M.BELL ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

39 BLUE JAY G. BURGESS SWANSEA Y.S.A.C.

40 STRIP POKER C. BROOKS CARDIFF Y.C.

41 COQUETTE D. WELCH ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

42 PETER T D. KNOWLER SOLVA

43 BLUE PEARL P.REYNOLDS PORTISHEAD

44 AZTEC 2 M. MARTLEY SWANSEA

45 INDEPENDANT BEAR N. WHITE SWANSEA

46 JUST JAY P.DAVIES AYSAC

47 NOVEMBER FOX ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

48 WATER OF LIFE WATERMOUTH Y.C.

49 ROSETTA del MAR

50 ELSIE MAY S TONGS ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

51 MERLIN N.CRUTCHFIELD INSTOW Y.C.

52 MON AMI J. BROWN ILFRACOMBE Y.C.

53 SHADOW S. MORGAN BARRY Y.C.

ENTRY CLOSED

HOW IT ALL BEGAN…

In 2005, a series of events were organized right across the United Kingdom as part of the Sea Britain theme to mark the bicentenary of Nelson's famous and decisive naval battle at Trafalgar on 21 st October, 1805.

There was the spectacle of the biggest Fleet Review in modern times in the Solent, inspected by Her Majesty The Queen. Included in the 167 naval ships from over 30 countries were no fewer than 6 aircraft carriers!

News of the magnificent victory at Trafalgar, and of Nelson's death, was relayed to Falmouth by Lt. Lapenotiere in HMS Pickle, thence by post chaise to the Admiralty in London. Recent research by historians has revealed that Lt. Lapenotiere originally hailed from Ilfracombe, having spent his formative years in the town!

Ilfracombe Yacht Club wanted to play its part in the Sea Britain festivities, and following a conversation with Ilfracombe Harbour Master Lt Com. Rob Lawson, it was decided to establish an annual Round Lundy Race with the Trafalgar Cup presented for the overall winner. The support, advice and encouragement received from Sir Robin Knox Johnson confirmed that this would be an exciting and challenging course for yachtsmen to complete. Given the distance involved, the prevailing winds and the strong tidal flows around the island, the Round Lundy Race immediately caught the attention of the Bristol Channel sailing community, with entrants coming from many ports up and down the Channel.

Now in its seventh year, the 2011 Race will be held on Saturday 18th June, and a vigorous and exhilarating day's sailing is anticipated. The registration of the yachts will start in January. Its popularity means that places are limited….will you be joining us on the starting line?…..

 

 

Ilfracombe Yacht Club, The Quay, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 9EQ

Tel 01271 863969

 

 

Lundy SlideShow 2009

Please be Patient the show takes about 1 minute to load

Thank you to the Photographers who have shared their memories with us

please submit any more you would like to add to

dave.j.welch@btinternet.com

For more Lundy Photos please visit

http://www.picturebox.me.uk/ events &

http://www.robpuigphotography.co.uk/ events

2009 Results

Class Sail No. Yacht Name Yacht Type LOA Start Time Finish Time Elapsed time Handicap No Corrected Time Position Pos in Class
hours min sec hours min sec hh:mm:ss
1 169 GEM FARRIER F9-AX TRI 31 9 30 0 18 3 43 08:33:43 743 11:31:25 10 7
1 92034 PELICAN DRAGONFLY 920 30 9 30 0 18 44 49 09:14:49 774 11:56:49 11 8
1 IRL 5476 KIND OF MAGIC IMX 38 37'6'' 9 30 0 17 25 58 07:55:58 794 09:59:27 2 1
1 GBR 929 R TRIFFIC CORSAIR TRI 27 9 30 0 18 44 13 09:14:13 802 11:31:03 9 6
1 GBR 5835 R AZTEC 2 HOD 35 35 9 30 0 17 40 24 08:10:24 805 10:09:12 3 2
1 35 TRINITY KELSALL K35 TRI 35 9 30 0 18 59 59 09:29:59 880 10:47:42 8 5
1 38 BARBAROSSA BAVARIA 38 9 30 0 18 57 38 09:27:38 902 10:29:18 6 3
1 8808 SHADOW COLVIC UFO 35 9 30 0 19 56 24 10:26:24 973 10:43:47 7 4
1 H38 YEMAYA LEGEND 38 38 9 30 0 RTD RTD 997 RTD RTD RTD
                               
2 FR310 HAZE FULMAR 32 8 45 0 19 20 2 10:35:02 1016 10:25:02 5 3
2 CO692 ROSETTA-DEL-MAR CONTESSA 32 8 45 0 19 23 54 10:38:54 1024 10:23:56 4 2
2 342 PETER T 2 FULMAR 32 8 45 0 RTD RTD 1026 RTD RTD RTD
2 S555 SEA SENSE SOUTHERLY 115 37.75 8 45 0 RTD RTD 1037 RTD RTD RTD
2 GBR 8234 T MATILDA COLVIC VICTOR 41 8 45 0 DNS DNS DNS 1050 DNS DNS DNS
2 GBR 1497 L DIGNITY JEANNEAU SUN 2000 20 8 45 0 DNS DNS DNS 1052 DNS DNS DNS
2 GBR5985T MILKY WHEY MOODY 31S 31 8 45 0 DNF DNF 1070 DNF DNF DNF
2 TT 21 ZEPHYRUS WESTERLY TEMPEST 31 8 45 0 DNF DNF 1072 DNF DNF DNF
2 356 GRACIE LEGEND 356 35.5 8 45 0 DNF DNF 1078 DNF DNF DNF
2 E943 SAMANTA SOUTHERLY 115 37.75 8 45 0 DNF DNF 1058 DNF DNF DNF
2 FR312 OCEAN DREAM FULMAR 32 8 45 0 RTD RTD 1087 RTD RTD RTD
2 41 PETER T HUNTER 30 30 8 45 0 DNF DNF 1101 DNF DNF DNF
2 GBR9688T TIDECATCHER MOODY 35 35 8 45 0 DNS DNS DNS 1103 DNS DNS DNS
2 K8662Y ARDUA MOODY 31 31 8 45 0 RTD RTD 1104 RTD RTD RTD
2 10 MOONTIDE HUNTER 30 30 8 45 0 DNF DNF 1101 DNF DNF DNF
2 22 SHAMARA SADLER 29 29 8 45 0 DNF DNF 1114 DNF DNF DNF
2 E922 GENEVIEVE MOODY 29 29 8 45 0 DNF DNF 1122 DNF DNF DNF
2 40 MERLIN ACHILLES 24 24 8 45 0 19 43 32 10:58:32 1122 09:46:56 1 1
2 6434 PRECEPTOR SADLER 29 29 8 45 0 DNF DNF 1125 DNF DNF DNF
2 9599 PATRON MOODY 31 31 8 45 0 RTD RTD 1126 RTD RTD RTD
2 25 Mi AVELON TRAPER 501 28 8 45 0 RTD RTD 1127 RTD RTD RTD
2 5330 Y LUNDY BIRD OCEAN BIRD TRI 30 8 45 0 DNS DNS DNS 1143 DNS DNS DNS
                           
3 E23 WESTERN BIRD OCEAN BIRD TRI 30 8 0 0 RTD RTD 1155 RTD RTD RTD
3 4 TIR AN OG CORNISH CRABBER 29 8 0 0 RTD RTD 1158 RTD RTD RTD
3 157 ELIANNE KONSORT 28 8 0 0 RTD RTD 1172 RTD RTD RTD
3 124 ARCADY SADLER 26 26 8 0 0 RTD RTD 1174 RTD RTD RTD
3 515 WHITE SPIRIT COLVIC 26 26 8 0 0 DNF DNF 1175 DNF DNF DNF
3 23 MYSTERE COBRA 850 29 8 0 0 RTD RTD 1180 RTD RTD RTD
3 F309 MIRAGE HURLEY 20 20 8 0 0 RTD RTD 1194 RTD RTD RTD
3 GH66 IMSHALLAH GOLDEN HIND 31 8 0 0 DNS DNS DNS 1205 DNS DNS DNS
3 E950 WIDGEON CENTAUR 26 8 0 0 RTD RTD 1208 RTD RTD RTD
3 H8-80 FORTUNE HALMATIC 27 8 0 0 RTD RTD 1214 RTD RTD RTD
3 356 CAMELIA MIRAGE 28 28 8 0 0 RTD RTD 1218 RTD RTD RTD
3 1106 WAYFARER MOODY 27 27 8 0 0 RTD RTD 1219 RTD RTD RTD
3 6841Y SKIPJACK MOON SADLER 25 25 8 0 0 RTD RTD 1234 RTD RTD RTD
3 HYC MON AME HURLEY 20 20 8 0 0 RTD RTD 1239 RTD RTD RTD
3 9478Y VENTURE COLVIC COUNTESS 28 8 0 0 RTD RTD 1249 RTD RTD RTD
3 P323 TAMARISK PAGEANT 24 8 0 0 RTD RTD 1254 RTD RTD RTD
3 143 NOVEMBER FOX PAGEANT 24 8 0 0 RTD RTD 1254 RTD RTD RTD
3 2200 THESSALY GIRL CENTAUR 26 8 0 0 RTD RTD 1256 RTD RTD RTD
3 79 JEMIMA CENTAUR 26 8 0 0 RTD RTD 1256 RTD RTD RTD

 

The Ilfracombe Yacht Club would like to thank Steve White for starting the 2009 Lundy Race on Saturday 8 th August, especially as he is competing in the fastnet race on his own yacht Toe in the Water on Sunday 9 th August.

Thanks to the sponsors Guy Cotton, Pai-san Hong Kong Polo Shirts, St Austell Brewery, Gulf Oil Marine, Clovelly Estates, CQC, Mullacott Marine and all the other local business's without who's help the event would not take place.

Special thanks to Lee and the water Taxi crew for ferrying the competitors safely.

The Race started with a reasonable breeze but by mid day when most boats were trying to circumnavigate Lundy the breeze died away to a mere flutter.

The larger faster boats in class 1 completed the course. Only three Yachts from class 2 steered the right course and crossed the finish line before 8pm. The overall winner local Yacht Merlin Class 2, keeping up with the theme 2 nd place was Class 1 Yacht Kind of Magic and in third was Class 1 Yacht Aztec2. Out of 49 starters only 11 Yachts completed the course in the allocated time scale. Seabirds and Dolphins kept the rest of the fleet amused as they battled to the finish. A Grand barbeque and a few beers welcomed the skippers and crew on return to Ilfracombe Yacht Club.

Trophies and Prizes were presented to the winners by the Race Sponsors.

For 2009 Lundy Photos Visit http://www.robpuigphotography.co.uk/ events and http://www.picturebox.me.uk/index.htm events.

 

Many thanks to our official photographers Colin Wood and Rob Puig for there excellent photographs of the 2009 Round Lundy Race. Photographs can be purchased as very reasonable prices from their Web Sites as above.

Feedback 2009

Thanks to the sponsors Guy Cotton, Pai-san Hong Kong Polo Shirts, St Austell Brewery, Gulf Oil Marine, Clovelly Estates, CQC, Mullacott Marine and all the other local business's without who's help the event would not take place.

After a 5 hour drive from Les Sables to Cherbourg and 2 and a half hour ferry crossing to Poole, Steve came to pick me up at the ferry terminal. It was good to see him again. About half an hour later we got at his home where Kim and the boys gave me a warm welcome. After a quick cuppa tea, yes, I'm definitely in the UK, we hit the road towards Ilfracombe, Devon, in the Bristol Chanel. It took us 2 and a half hours to get there because of the very dense traffic. Once there, we met Sebastian who covers the UK and Ireland for Guy Cotton, Steves sailing gear provider. Guy Cotton sponsors the prizes for The IYC Round Lundy Race. Steve was invited to come over for the local event. He gave a lecture at the IYC Club House about the Vendee Globe, how he got into it and how it all went. You could hear a fly buzz around during the lecture. The locals were all ears for the man who had circumnavigated the globe. No need to say that he was cheered loudly at the end. The next morning Steve, Seb and I went to the IYC way too early in the morning, according to my standards that is. Steve had the honour to trigger the gun for 1st start of the 5th edition of The IYC Round Lundy Race. After that we got onboard a small motorboat to assist at the next 2 starts. With a very light breeze and a blue sunny sky, it was quite something to be out there.  
I'd like to thank Andy, Marc, Sharon, the Ilfracombe Yacht Club and all the ones that have welcomed us in Ilfracombe. It was a short stopover, but well worth it. Hopefully some day I'll have the opportunity to go back there, but for a few days this time so that I can visit this little gem on the Bristol Channel properly. Thanks again!!!

We're on our way to Gosport now to get the final preparations done onboard Toe in the Water for the Fastnet Race.

Duff

http://yachtpals.com/node/6147

Vendee GlobeYachtsman

Steve White

Starts Lundy Race 2009

 

 

 

 

 
 
 

Please CLICK HERE for a PDF copy of this notice

 
 

Please CLICK HERE for a PDF copy of the Entry Form

 
 
 
 

 

 
 
Slide Show Lundy 2008
 
 

A ROUND LUNDY R ACE

Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved in the organisation of the Around Lundy Race this year. The day proved once again to be a great success thanks to the dedicated members who put such much thought, time, planning and hard work into producing such a spectacular and enjoyable event.

I would very much like to congratulate and to thank everyone involved in the organisation of this year's race, without whom it would not have been possible for such an exhilarating day to have taken place. So much thought, time, planning, hard work and effort goes into putting on a spectacular and enjoyable event of this magnitude. From the planning and projection committee (which has already started on next years race), through getting sponsors, checking the legal side, insurance and rules, involving official bodies, getting trophies, certificates, a marquee and all the food prepared, timing the entrants, working out tides and handicaps, taking the entries, updating the web site, liaising with authority, advertising, getting relevant permissions, decorating the harbour, etc the list could go on and on and all this before a boat has even left the harbour. Everyone involved deserves a big thank you for giving (not just us sailors), but also the town in general a spectacular day to remember!

The day proved once again to be a great success (despite the foreboding weather forecasts), attracting entries from 62 boats from all over the Bristol Channel. Sizes ranged from the impressive Challenge 72 right down to the more modest 20 footers.

The web site shows it all, the smoking starting cannon; the jostling to be the first to get away; the heavy gusting winds that bared weighted keels right up out of the water; big boats; little boats; grey skies; mist; blinding squalls; tidal races; a flotilla of intensely bright coloured spinnakers contrasting dramatically against the severity of the “dark side” of Lundy; elegant goose wings; the home run across open sea with Bull Point firmly fixed in the distance and seemingly never getting any nearer; boats of all shapes and sizes skidding on their sides through the finish gate; the empty harbour with all the boats away; and the triumphant return of the happy but tired crews; food; drink;relaxation and merriment after the long intense day; prizes; pride and relief; camaraderie; an immense feeling of being part of something special; something that you just have to do, that just has to be done, and once done, has to be done again.....and again.....and again. A fantastic day.

My only complaint?......that I have to wait until 8th August 2009 before I can do it all again!

Thank you all

Jane Gear

The Around Lundy race was held on Saturday 21st. This race has become what must be the most challenging and fun race in the whole Bristol Channel.

It is designed for enjoyment and can be taken as seriously or light heartedly as any crew wishes to make it. Although as with any race the aim is to win, with 45 miles, two tidal races, multiple back eddies, the far side of Lundy half way and if you don't make it in time, and the wind drops, there is no way you are going to get back against the tide in a cut off time of 11 hours. The real challenge for any team is can they finish the course on time and can they keep far enough away from the rocks with the wind and tide against them without turning the engine on!

This was the fourth race and every race has thrown up something different each year, from total becalming, to tacking on the out or home straight, to torrential rain, blazing sun, and much else.

However despite the terrible weather forecast, with the whole country surrounded in red on the inshore map, and a Force 5 to 7, poor visibility and fog and rain all day predicted with rough seas apparently building, this year's race has to be way the best so far. Weather conditions could not have been bettered. The sight of boats battling their way up the West side of Lundy, all goose winging, or with colourful spinnakers or cruising chutes out was magic. A strong wind challenging every bit of strength you had not to broach, averaging force five to sixes with hardly anyone reefing, keels out of the water, seas no greater than moderate, and no rain till after the race, there was not one boat who did not have a fantastic days sailing. And wherever one was placed, even last, for a sail like that against boats coming from Cornwall, Wales, Bristol and all over the Bristol Channel it was so sad that no other boat from NDYC entered.

The work that goes into the organisation deserves supporting and for the fun and exhilaration it gives every boat and crew member, I would really urge more boats from the NDYC to go in for it. I have done every race to date and we have never had a bad one.

Niki Tait (North Devon Yacht Club)