Going into the final day of the Squib Championships in Torbay the top of the leaderboard was very tense after a challenging week in frequently unpredictable conditions.
Squib 136 Ric’o’Shea, (Tom Jeffcote & Mark Hogan ) and Helmut Schoing (Nigel Grogan &Ben McGrane) were separated by a mere 0.2 of a point,this unusual scoring being the result from the average points awarded to Grogan & McGrane for redress, having appealed their black flag disqualification in Race .
RicOShea had to beat Helmut Schoing on the water to win the event.
Team Ric’O’Shea celebrate their 2025 Squib Championships win
The U Flag start was clear, the port end being favoured by most of the leaders and the left side of the first beat paid dividends. Croc sailed by Chris and Gillian Jordan was first to the windward mark closely followed by Squib 11 ( Dick Batt & Peter Richards), Ric’0’Shea and Bacchante, (Gez Brown & Harvey Worden). Unfortunately Squib touched the windward mark and had to do a turn. Helmut Shoing was in the teens with much to do.
On the second beat Ric’o’shea took the lead followed by Croc and the reigning champions Micky Wright and Alex Porteous in Spoof . Lady Penelope sailed by (Malcolm Hutchings & Andy Carley) and Sophie (Steve Hall & Dave Hyde) were making steady progress through the fleet. Helmut Schoing was also on a charge, now schoing in the first ten.
Ric’o’Shea won the race comfortably and the championship with a clear lead from Spoof, with Lady Penelope in third. Sophie took fourth place and Croc slid down to fifth. Helmut Shoeing came 8th.
Many thanks to the Royal Torbay YC and their excellent Race Team headed up by Bill Butcher and Chief Organiser Bob Penfold.TEam
Also thanks to our great sponsors; Batt Sails, Hyde Sails, Harken, Holt, Robline, Stich&Print, Sea Sure and Westway Sails.
2025 National Squib Champions Tom Jeffcote & Mark Hogan in Ric’0’Shea