The 2022 Bar V Bench match for the GUT trophy was raced for the first time the Royal Yacht Squadron J70’s. All concerned were impressed by the immaculate presentation of the yachts. While the yachts are kept ashore in Shepherds Marina when not in use they were launched and rigged for racing when we arrived for the race briefing at 10 am.
Four yachts were raced. Michael Briggs and Crispin Winser helmed for the Bench and Adam Griffiths and Rory Caslin for the Bar. The Squadron provided a committee boat and rib to lay the marks for a square course of two rounds in Osbourne Bay. The races were held in ideal conditions of a 20 knot westerly in bright sunshine. There were two races before lunch and two in the afternoon.
The J70’s are quick and very responsive which unsurprisingly led to the fiercest and most competitive racing. The experienced team racing helms took every advantage of the yachts and conditions to overturn a winning or losing position several times in each race. The races before lunch were won by the Bar and those after those after were shared equally giving the Bar victory over the day subject to a protest by Michael Briggs which was not pursued in time honoured tradition. The Bench won the passage race home not least because the Bar did not listen carefully enough to the course.
Racing was followed by an invitation from Michael Briggs to tea and cakes aboard Kingfisher which was admired by all. There followed drinks and dinner at the Squadron where we were warmly welcomed by James Holman as Commodore. The dinner was graced by our former Commodore Sheila Jones though sadly John Ungley could not attend and was sorely missed.
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