There was a competitive yet friendly atmosphere when crews took to the water for this year’s Savills Channel Islands Hobie Cat Championships.
Now in its 31st edition, the popular event was organised by the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club (RCIYC) and sponsored by Savills Jersey for the fifth year running.
Some 30 Hobie Cats and 60 crew took part in the races, which were held over the weekend of August 20th and 21st in St Aubin’s Bay.
Classes included Hobie 16s, Hobie 18 Wildcats and Hobie Dragoons which were raced by junior sailors.
Prize giving took place at the RCIYC on Sunday evening, where thanks and appreciation were extended to the race team, safety boat and mark laying crews, the beach team and to Savills for their valued sponsorship and support. Geri O’Brien, who leads the residential sales team at Savills Jersey, was also on hand to present trophies to the winners.
James Wilding, Commodore of the RCIYC, said: “With a steady westerly wind of 11 to 14 knots and fine weather, there was the usual buzz in pre-race anticipation on the beach as the teams prepared their boats ready to launch for the first race.
“After excellent racing and near perfect conditions throughout Saturday, Sunday dawned with south westerly winds of 6 to 9 knots. This produced more good racing, albeit quite technical as crews were concentrating in the lighter winds on the long championship courses set by the race team.
“As ever it was a fabulous two days and we’d like to thank Savills for their continued support and enthusiasm.”
Geri added: “The Hobie Cat Championships is a brilliant occasion that brings people of all ages together. Huge credit must go to the RCIYC for staging such a fantastic two days. As a business we are passionate about the communities in which we live and work – and we were only too pleased to once again support this wonderful event.”
Results
Hobie 16 ‘A’ fleet
First – Gordon Burgis and Kenny Snell
Second – Andrew Boyd and Kim Troll
Third – Aaron le Cornu and Rachael Smith
Hobie 16 ‘B’ fleet
First – Will Dengate and Oli Haslam
Second – Archie Willetts and Thomas Harris
Third – Philip Richardson and William Richardson
Hobie Wildcats
First – Darren Stower and Graeme Monks
Second – Andy Hart and Bob McAllister/Michael Kinross
Third – Adrian Jesson and Simon le Huray
Hobie Dragoons
First – Lucas Mc Allister and Thomas Allo
Second – Olin Rogers and Ilya McCarthy
Third – Olly Hunt and Jamie Washington