Record numbers at Boxing Day model yacht regatta at Setley Pond
THE 2018 Setley Cup and Seahorse Trophy for model yachts attracted a record entry on Boxing Day.
Forty-three monohulls contested the Setley Cup and 13 multihulls the Seahorse Trophy at a packed Setley Pond.
It was the end of an era for this unique event as Stuart Jardine, who has run the races for many years, decided to step down and let the younger generation have a go.
Races were contested in very light wind varying from west to south east and produced new winners. The Setley Cup victor was Sylvia McEwen with Silver Bullet. William Reeve and George Chetwood with Will and George Racing took the Seahorse Trophy.
With light breezes and a lot of water in the pond, it was a year for long poles and waders for the helpers to make sure that most of the boats were able to race across the pond. Registration and results were handled by Jane Pitt-Pitts and Patricia Banks ( monohulls) and Lyndsey Froud (multihulls).
On the start/finish lines it was a challenge to get the boats moving at all, often in the wrong direction. This required many helpers with Dorinda & Brenden Nellis, coordinating the results on north side, assisted by Andrew Hurst and many others. On the south shore Chris Baldwick coordinated with help from Ado Jardine, David Harris and others.
Probably the busiest and hardest task of all went to Nik Froud with his young crew in the rescue dinghy. Chief photographer was Roy Froud.
A spokesperson for the event said: “We must thank all the young sailors for bringing along all their families to help and support them.
“Many thanks again must go to the Solent Radio Controlled Model Boat Club for allowing the Setley Junior Model Yacht event to be held.”
Results. Setley Cup (Monohulls): 1, Sylvia McEwen, Silver Bullet 9pts; 2, Maisie Hutchinson, Shimmer 14 pts; 3, Tom Wharmsby, Candy Cane, 23 pts; 4, Ben McEwen. Stealth, 23pts; 5, Angus McEwen, Blue Rocket, 29 pts; 6, Nora Hutchinson, Skittle Boat, 32 pts.
Seahorse Trophy (Multi-hulls): 1, Will Reeve & George Chetwood, Will & George, 10 pts; 2, Finn Gabriel, Maxicat, 13 pts; 3, Jasmine Acester, O&W, 13pts; 4, Molly Mordaunt, Splash, 15 pts; 5, Dick Rogers, Dangercat, 18 pts; 6, Mandy Tricker, HopeNI, 19pts.
