South West Sailing

Despite the absence of Jonathon Money and Phil Badger two of the major protagonists in the Sunbeam fleet this year’s championship held last weekend proved to be close and exciting with a 3-way battle for 2007 title.

Slight favourite after a clean sweep of Falmouth was Caprice skippered by Lennie Trenoweth and last year’s winner after a thrilling tussle with Jonathon Money and Polly V18.

This year in the absence of Polly the challenge stemmed from Saucy Sally (Peter Crockford), Verity (Neil Andrew) and Phantasy (David Townrow).

Two races were scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday with competitors allowed 1 discard in the 6 race series. The Royal Cornwall received 13 entries and although there was little sunshine the breeze co-operated with the wind strengthening through the weekend for the full programme to be completed.

Race 1 went to Saucy Sally followed home by Caprice and Verity with Phantasy back in 5th place separated from the main contenders by Tantivy skippered by Richard Holt.

Tantivy and her skipper performed exceptionally well all weekend and as fairly new to the class can be regarded as a definite threat to the established order next season.

Race 2 and the results reversed with Caprice winning from Saucy Sally followed by Phantasy and Verity to leave the pair tied on points and the leadership overnight.

Saturday was equally close with Caprice taking first blood followed by Phantasy, Saucy Sally and Verity. Race 4 was won by Phantasy with Tantivy upsetting the order by taking a fine 2nd relegating Caprice to 3rd with Verity 4th and Saucy Sally 5th.

Come the annual dinner at the Club on Saturday night Caprice had established a 4 point lead over her rivals to just require a good opening race on the Sunday to retain her title.

It always looks simple in theory but of course it never is in practice and of course Caprice posts her discard in the opening race on Sunday to leave the door slightly open to her main challengers Phantasy and Saucy Sally.

Phantasy wins the opener from Tantivy, Saucy Sally and Verity to make the final race a shoot out between Phantasy and Caprice with Saucy Sally just 2 points behind and awaiting any slip up between the leading pair.

The most members of the Trenoweth family have been sailing almost since they can walk and Lennie Trenoweth is one of the best helmsmen in the Port and well use to pressure situations.

Caprice is always up with the leaders for the Final Race of the championship and takes the gun at the finish followed home by Saucy Sally, Verity and Phantasy back in 4th.

Caprice retains the title from Phantasy who finishes tied for 2nd place on points with Saucy Sally but finishes Runner-up on countback of race wins.

Gripping racing to the end and underlining the quality currently to be found within the Sunbeam class.