Commissioning Cup Race Report 2025
A NNW moderate North Westerly breeze welcomed a mixed fleet of dinghies, keelboats and Trimarans to the annual Commissioning Cup at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club on Sunday, 30th March.
The Spring tide had already started ebbing at the Warning Signal and the resultant confusing sea created difficult conditions for the lighter crews getting on the water for the first time this year as they jostled for prestart position.
Gear failure resulted in the trimaran 3D retiring before the start but the conditions proved no problem to "Sanity" with Nigel, Sally & Richard who attacked the line and crossed at the "gun" at full speed to commence the beat up to Osborne Bay. Strider, helmed by Richard with Jane, Andy, Ian and Graeme was caught by the acceleration but was soon on the chase around the triangular course.
The wind and conditions allowed for good competition with most of the sail wardrobe coming out and despite a noble effort by Strider they were unable to catch up and Sanity sped to line and race honours.
The start of the MOCRA race was the Warning signal for the mixed fleet of Teras, Lasers, ILCAs, RSs and Squibs who jostled competitively at the pin end and as the Preparatory signal was removed, Jolo found himself over the line and facing the rest of the fleet bearing down to the line before being able to return and start in a reasonable place.
Meanwhile, Neil and Mark in the RS400 and Charlie and Harry in their Squib sped away on starboard, followed closely by the rest of the fleet. The wind against tide created difficult conditions for the smaller dinghies and less experienced crews resulting in several capsizes around the windward mark and the subsequent gybes on the downwind leg.
The short chop did not help the smaller dinghies and a mixture of capsize and gear failure caused Megan, Gregor, Bea and Leo, sailing solo to retire keeping the attending RIB crews busy.
The remaining fleet continued at speed with the more experienced crews enjoying some splendid planning under spinnaker and fine measured control of the conditions by the single handers. Close competition ensued on the half mile "sausage" course with some clever jousting at the leeward mark.
RIBs were now fully occupied with the retirees and driver Fred taking early rest following an unscheduled meeting with an errant boom, so time was called and the "Sierra" signal hoisted bringing the remaining fleet home.
Finishing times were adjusted for the number of laps completed. The Final result was a win for Charlie and Harry, closely followed by Neil and Mark. Bruce and Karen sailed a steady but assured race and just pipped Jolo in to fourth place with Steve and Chris completing the fleet.
Last updated 14:25 on 21 April 2025
