by Tor Cheney

The Royal Southern Yacht Club is looking forward to the Salcombe Gin July Regatta, taking place this weekend on the 8th-9th of July.

As the third event in the club’s prestigious Summer Series, this regatta promises great racing as well as shoreside entertainment. With a projected participation of over 50 boats and favourable weather conditions, it is shaping up to be a weekend of exhilarating competition.

Royal Southern July Regatta – photo © Paul Wyeth / RSrnYC

 

With 56 teams on the Black Group Leaderboard and an additional 26 teams in White Group, the competition is fierce, and the stakes are high as only two regattas remain in the Summer Series.

The release of the Summer Series Standings has made the teams to beat in the July Regatta clear. In the Black Group, Jeremy Hill’s Moral Compass is topping the table in the HP30 class. Following their remarkable performance at the Round the Island Race, where they secured a commendable 12th position overall in IRC, they will be looking forward to some shorter races this weekend.

Royal Southern July Regatta – photo © Martin Allen Photography

In IRC 1, Ian Atkin’s Dark’N’Stormy has been a force to be reckoned with, boasting an impressive 8 bullets in 12 races. However, Michael Blair’s Cobra poses a significant threat and is expected to provide a fierce competition this weekend. James Chalmers, at the helm of Happy Daize, leads the charge in IRC 2 with 13 points after 12 races. Meanwhile, the battle at the top in IRC 3, one of the largest classes, remains tightly contested between Ian Handley’s Banter, Oliver Love’s Frank 3, and Peter Rutter’s Quokka 9. Louise Makin, with Journeymaker, currently sits atop the J111 class standings.

Royal Southern July Regatta – photo © Paul Wyeth / RSrnYC

In the White Group, John Greenland leads the J70 class on Woof, while Phil Tilley dominates the SB20 Class on Tan Gwyllt.

As a fitting conclusion to the day’s races, competitors will gather at the Royal Southern Yacht Club on Saturday for the Salcombe Gin Reception. Following this, the evening will be set alight with a mesmerizing live performance by Katy Kelly, providing the perfect opportunity for sailors to debrief, unwind, and enjoy the street food, Salcombe Gin to some live music.

Royal Southern July Regatta – photo © Paul Wyeth / RSrnYC