Jul 10, 2019
The first Vital Spark Pursuit Race – run by the Royal Southern Yacht Club – turned out to be a family affair, with three generations of the Clatworthy clan taking the Sigma 38 Red Macaw to victory on Sunday.
Tactician and helm Jo Clatworthy sailed with husband Shaun, her parents John and Jackie Edwards and twin daughters Tilda and Freya to a memorable win, albeit under grey skies on a slightly unseasonal Solent.
“It was good fun with a nice light breeze which was perfect for us with two four year-old twins on board,” said Jo. “It was a nice race actually and I am glad it finished just before the rain started – a really good day and we did it with a sprayhood. We had three generations of the family with us, though we left the dog at home,” added Jo.
The Royal Southern’s annual pursuit race – supported this year by the Hamble-based marine electrical services specialists The Vital Spark – saw Red Macaw come home ahead of Dudley Stock’s X-302 Xtract, with Lis & Robbie Robinson’s First 35 Hot Rats taking the final podium place in the 12-strong racing fleet. An ICOM handheld VHF radio and a bottle of 10 year-old malt whisky went to the winners, with a marine watch, headtorch and bottles of rum to the runners-up. Presenting the prizes was The Vital Spark owner Craig Cossar.
“Everyone seemed to have a really good time despite the slightly gloomy weather, and unlike recent days at least there was enough of a sailing breeze to run the race,” said Craig. “The Vital Spark hopes to be back again next year for what is always an enjoyable morning out on the water with a good Sunday lunch to follow.”
Find full race results below:
Position | Finish Time | Name | Boat Name | Boat Type | Sail No. |
1 |
12:01:35 |
Jo Clatworthy / John Edwards |
Red Macaw |
Sigma 38 |
GBR 8369 |
2 | 12:08:46 | Dudley Stock | Xtract | X-302 | GBR 754 R |
3 | 12:09:50 | Elisabeth Robinson | Hot Rats | Beneteau First 35 | GBR 960 R |
4 | 12:14:30 | John White [Noj] | S X Girl | X-37 | GBR 9837 T |
5 | 12:18:35 | John Rutherford | Degree of Latitude | Oyster | GBR 3853 L |
6 | 12:21:36 | Vicky McPherson | Rumpul | 1219 | |
7 | 12:24:06 | Munro, North, Munro | Dino Volante | Sigma 33 | GBR 4530 |
8 | DNF | Peter Ryan | TC | Bavaria 34 2001 | GBR 4666 L |
8 | DNF | David Greenhalgh | Denali | Hanse 370 | GBR 3592 L |
8 | DNS | Gillian Ross | Gene Jenie | J/97 | GBR 9401 R |
8 | DNS | Mark Longstaff | Five Thirty One PM | Rogers 27 | GBR 5612 T |
8 | DSQ | Craig Cossar | Vital Spark | Dufour 34 | GBR 9130 T |