EDYC Wayfarer Duffin Cup 2008

EDYC - Wayfarer Duffin Cup 2008

On Saturday 14th June 2008 we were delighted with a turnout of 12 Wayfarer boats on the water along with a compliment of 27 crewing members.

We had a great day, with a lunch in the Clubhouse at noon and the first race start was scheduled for 13:30. Actually we didn't get away until about 14:00. …some lunches were bigger than others!!

We had two race events.

The first was a team relay race with three boats in each team sailing a triangular course in Holm Bay. At the end of the first lap the 'baton' being carried aboard the first boat had to be passed on to the second boat in each team and the same exercise repeated at laps 2 and 3. The winning team was the first team to have their 3rd boat cross the finish line along with another boat from their team. To encourage as many as possible to take part and to help even out the handicap, boats carrying a compliment of more than the standard two crew were given additional points.

Our second race was a figure of eight course around Dunnyneil and Long Rock, with a start and finish at the committee boat. This was not sailed as teams and each boat had to decide which way they 'tied the figure of eight' around the islands. This was to introduce an element of seamanship / tidal understanding / and tactical sailing (characteristics rarely found in Wayfarers!).

It worked. The lead boats headed north, then west to east through the gap between the islands, up the eastern side of Dunnyneil, around the north of the island, down the western side, through the gap again west to east, down the eastern side of Long Rock and then reached across to the finish line (First)….or so they thought……one helm decided to take the opposite route…south and up the eastern side of Long Rock, east to west through the gap, up western side of Dunnyneil, around the north of the island, down the eastern side, through gap again east to west and back across to finish line…to win!!! - Congratulations to Rodney & crew of Lammergeier - superb tactics and tidal knowledge.

It was a great race with a lot of 'cutting corners' with centre boards raised and skippers holding their breath hoping not to hear that awful crunching sound!

The fleet retired back to the clubhouse for well earned refreshments and prize giving ceremony.

We had asked Alister Duffin to come along and present the trophy and we were delighted that he was able to do so.

What he didn't know was that the Commodore would also be there, and it was with great pleasure that the assembled Wayfarer Clan were able to watch Alister being awarded 'Honorary Life Membership' of EDYC in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Club since its founding 40 years ago.

The Duffin Cup was then presented to the winning 'Red Team' - W9299 (Euphorbia), W8589 (Plane White Trouble) & GP14 13180 (Alkoran).

Many other prizes were awarded for categories as varied as 'Star Crew', Youngest Competitor, Oldest Wayfarer on the Water (Boat!), Most Promising Helm (keeps promising to come out on Wednesday nights but rarely makes it!).

Helms who didn't fly their spinnakers were made to take the 'walk of shame' to collect their 'Gold Medals' inscribed 'I wish I'd flown my spinnaker', and from those boats that did fly their spinnakers, there was a prize for one crew - the 'Needs more practise Trophy'.

It was a great fun day and I hope enjoyed by all and confirms that the Wayfarer Class is alive and well and will welcome anyone who would like to come and join our clan.
Thanks go to our OOD Alistair, to Roy on Safety Boat and to every one else who helped with the event.