Camel Week at Rock Sailing Club

There was a brisk wind for the sailors at Camel Week this year © George Dale

There was a great turnout of boats for the 2016 Rock Camel Week: no fewer than 99, made up of 66 dinghies, 26 Shrimpers and 7 catamarans. This is a six-race series for all classes over the week.

Two Race Officers presided over the racing: RYA Officer David Homer from Devon for the dinghies and cats, Rock Sailing Club's Keith Snelling for the Shrimpers, each with their crew of assistants. No fewer than 16 trophies are raced for over the week.

The weather, largely speaking was such to give the sailors some fast, exciting racing. David Homer was able to set long courses, running from near the railway bridge to the North end of Daymer Bay; testing beats to encourage tactical racing and long reaches to enjoy sheer speed. At sea, Keith set courses designed to test the tactical ingenuity of the Shrimper sailors.

Consistency over the series is the name of the game in this type of racing and it was Mike Lyons in his Blaze singlehander 'Twist & Shout' (that dates him!) who was the overall winner, followed by Stewart and Jack Bowen in their RS200 '2ABs and Beyond', while third place was taken by local legend and one-time world champion Andy Barker with Jackie in their Fireball.

In the cat fleet there was only one boat that would win: Olly Harris and son Ben in their Nacra Blast 'Moschops'. With five first places they were unbeatable. Georgina Williams with Peter in their Dart 18 'Pink Panther' took second and Jums Greaves with Tamsin Millington Drake in their Hobie 16 'Smoking Bimbo' were third.

The Shrimper fleet enjoyed some great sailing out in the bay and the first three places showed how close the racing was. First place was taken by Peter and Sam Thomas in 'Racy Lady' with two first places and three seconds. Second were Rod Offer and Paul Harris in 'Aurora', with two first places, two seconds and two thirds, while third were Mark Peek and Graeme Statton in 'Haggis' with one first,and four third places. It really is consistency that produces good placing in series racing.

Meanwhile, on the social scene, there was the traditional barbecue and the ever-popular Quiz Night, as well as many a tale to tell over 'Smudge's Bar'. Chris in the galley and Club Manager with his crew at the bar ensured the fleet with their friends and relations were well fed and watered.

At the prize-giving thanks were expressed to Sharps Brewery who generously sponsored the event.

www.rswsc.co.uk