The Vital Spark Pursuit Race 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: