RSA Frank Shuttlewood Cup – Race Report
Paglesham ➜ Horse Shoal ➜ Inner Crouch ➜ Paglesham • Sunday 23 June 2025
Conditions
- Wind: South-westerly, freshening from Force 3–4 to a lively Force 5–6
- Tide: Ebbing later in the race
- Course: Paglesham start ➜ Horse Shoal (port) ➜ Inner Crouch (port) ➜ return to finish
Entrants
| Boat | Helm & Crew | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vida Loca | John Walton | Retired (blown jib) |
| Chooch II | John & Michaela Greenwood | Retired |
| Eole | Peter Yerbury (single-handed) | 1st place |
| Momo 3 | Barry & Harrison | 3rd place |
| Imothes | John Langrick, John Walmsley & Dawn | 2nd place, damage sustained |
The Race
Five RSA boats took to the line for the Frank Shuttlewood Cup, under strengthening south-westerly winds and clear racing intent. Early leaders Eole and Momo 3 set the pace downriver, handling the conditions confidently as they passed Horse Shoal and turned at Inner Crouch, both marks left to port.
The wind continued to build, reaching gusts of 24 knots as the boats began the long beat home. Momo 3 rounded the final mark first, but on the return leg it was Eole and Imothes who staged the tightest battle of the day. Tacking short and often, the two boats traded the lead multiple times.
In the final approach, Eole slipped ahead to take line honours, crossing just seconds before Imothes, who limped over the line with a torn mainsail and damaged mast slide — proof of the day’s demanding conditions. Momo 3 followed in third.
Results on corrected time:
Imothes has 3rd place, Momo 3 2nd, and Eole wins the Shuttlewood Cup!
The full results spreadsheet (Excel) includes points in series and handicaps for the next race.
Retirements & Damage
- Vida Loca retired early after her jib blew out.
- Chooch II also retired mid-race.
- Imothes finished but sustained notable sail damage.
Unexpected Shore Action
Upon returning to the moorings, drama unfolded as Imothes’ dinghy was discovered adrift — its painter had been cut clean through.
Without hesitation, Jonathan Walmsley swam across to Potton shore and successfully retrieved the dinghy. A sterling act of seamanship and bravery — thank you, Jon.
Summary
- Big breeze, big effort: A Force 6 gust on the nose made for punishing upwind work.
- Tactical racing: Eole and Imothes delivered a nail-biting finale.
- On- and off-water action: The Frank Shuttlewood Cup saw excitement at every stage.
Congratulations to Peter Yerbury on Eole for a hard-earned win in testing conditions.
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