2009 Ralph Herring Report

The season opener of the East Anglian Offshore Racing Association championship saw an impressive turnout of 22 boats for the start of the 50 mile Ralph Herring Trophy race from West Mersea to Burnham. The fleet was book ended by two of several new boats; Angus Bates' J133 "Assarain" at the top of Class 1 and Scott Kaczor's Mini Tonner "Shallot" at the other end of the scale. Also new to EAORA was Peter Wards's Highlander "McGregor111" & Ian McGee, Trevor Bassett & Graham Minter's Prima 38 "Oz Privateer".

A stiff NE breeze, which increased over the course of the race, ensured that any off season rustiness was soon blown away as several teams went about headsail changes on the first beat up the Wallet to Medusa. The class 1 yachts were soon thorough the fleet with Assarain showing a particularly impressive turn of speed. The north flowing tide also helped ensure the smaller boats were able to stay in touch.

After Medusa the fleet fetched to the North East Gunfleet before bearing away for the downwind leg back to the Crouch. Most boats waited until after Sunk Head Tower before hoisting spinnakers and an exciting ride ensued as a strong breeze coupled with a decent sea kept all teams on their toes.

In Class 1, Alan Bartlett's Humphrey's 11m "Inn Spirit" was keeping up with its high rated competitors with Jason & Judy's Payne-James's Dufour 44' taking line honours. Adrian Lower's J109 Jaguar of Burnham and S, J & R Galloway's Elan 40 Titian battled it out for the lead on the water in Class 2 with Duncan & Becky Haley's lower rated SJ320 "Double Trouble" keeping close enough to save their time on the bigger boats. In class 3 Tigo IV, the 2008 season's runner up, was also putting in a typically consistent performance.

When the results were released at the Royal Burnham Yacht Club that evening, Tigo IV had won overall with Inn Spirit second and Double Trouble third with these three yachts winning classes 3, 1 and 2 respectively. It was also a triumphant event for the Crouch Yacht Club, represented by all of the top three vessels.