June 2003

This biannual event has become very popular with local and foreign yachts; entries this year topped 160 boats, of which 20 were X-Yachts.

This prompted us to organise an exclusive pre race seminar for X-Yachts owners and crew, on Tuning and Sail Trimming. This Seminar was given by Jochem Visser, and judging by the results it was well worth while!

Racing conditions over the 4 days varied from light winds of 6kts to over 20kts .

Class 2 had over 50 entries and was dominated and won by Anthony Gore Grimes in his X-302, “Dux”. Anthony also got the Sovereign’s trophy for best overall  performance under IRC, and in addition won the class 2 national Championship.

Class 1 had 30 entrants and Anthony O Leary from Cork in his X-99 “Antix” got second Place overall in IRC.

In Class 0, we had 20 Entrants, and managed to lead this class in our IMX-45 “Fanatix”, all the way to the last race, where we finished third overall in IRC, losing by a narrow margin to some one off racing machines, caused in part, to the fact that race was finished due to sea conditions, at the leeward mark, which did not allow us extend out our normal lead on the windward leg.

However a very proud result for X-Yachts, where we managed to dominate the results board.

We now look forward to the X-Yachts Gold Cup in the Hamble.

Conor Fanning, X-Yachts IRL / GB