Amongst the fleet of Salcombe Yawls, the Salcombe Yacht Club Cadet Yawl was being sailed by Julian Meek, son Ben and Labrador Ted, during the starting procedure Ted made a break for Millbay but was recovered, however they later retired on the downwind leg.
Spud Rowsell was recalled from the Salcombe Yawl start due to starting early, so David Greening and Stephen Galvin made the early running, and opened up a one hundred yard lead after the Blackstone Mark, this gradually was whittled down by Geoff Gilson and Chris Spencer –Chapman and Spud Rowsell and Kevin Driver who found more breeze.
Eventually Rowsell overhauled Greening whilst beating along the Portlemouth shore, despite picking up some serious damage when a yacht reversed into the side of “Red Rooster”. Rowsell held the position to take first from Greening and then Gilson.
Meanwhile Jon and Clare Lewis were first home in the Yawl Blue fleet for older boats.
Next week sees the start of Salcombe Yacht Club Merlin Rocket Week, with a record number of 120 boats or 240 competitors from all parts of the country taking part.
Salcombe Yawl Red Fleet
1st Salcombe Yawl 184 Peter Rowsell and Kevin Driver
2nd Salcombe Yawl 177David Greening and Stephen Galvin
3rd Salcombe Yawl 170 Geof Gilson and Chris Spencer-Chapman
Salcombe Yawl Blue Fleet
1st Salcombe Yawl 150Jon and Clare Lewis
2nd Salcombe Yawl 138Barney Greenhill and Crew
3rd Salcombe Yawl 161Peter Stratton and Nigel Hannaford