Regatta-Video 5min
26.08.2011
2011 Half Ton Classic Cup
Author: Fiona Brown
Michael Kershaw's Chimp Wins 2011 Half Ton Classic Cup supported by South Boats
Even a complete lack of wind and racing couldn't dampen the spirits of the Half
Ton sailors on the final day of the 2011 Half Ton Classic Cup supported by South
Boats. While they waited in vain for the wind to fill in they found other ways
to entertain themselves including water fights, some dastardly piracy and crew kidnapping
with ransom demands (the victim assures us she was very well treated by her captors),
and even a beer race with the first boat to propel itself without engine to Half
Ton Class Chairman Bert Jansen aboard Envol winning a case of Belgian beer.
Whilst there was disappointment at loosing the two final races it was clear that
all felt their Champions were worthy winners and at the prize giving Hampshire's
Michael Kershaw and the crew of Chimp received a rousing reception as they claimed
the trophy. Helmed by Ireland's George Kenefick the crew also included Graeme Love,
Ian Brown, Roger Merino and Ed Fitzgerald.
Speaking after racing Michael Kershaw was both thrilled and a little surprised to
find himself holding the trophy noting that his crew selection came about as much
through luck as judgement and that they had never sailed together as a crew before
the first race of the championship. He praised the outstanding quality of the competition
and thanked the members and staff of the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Race Officer
Rob Lamb and his team, the Half Ton Class and Richard and Ursula Hollis who led
the Regatta Committee for what he described as a fantastic marker event for the
class with so many boats. Certainly 38 boats is possibly the biggest gathering of
Half Tonners ever, including the Half Ton Cups of the class's heyday in the 1980s.
Half Ton Classic Cup Day 4
Completing the podium line up were defending champion Philippe Pilate's French team
aboard General Tapioca, a 1978 Berret, and Concorde, the 1989 Gautier design, owned
by Francis Marshall from Cornwall. The battle for third between Concorde, Tim and
David Cunliffe's Insatiable and Robbie Tregear's Per Eilsa had been fierce and Francis
Marshall was thrilled to receive his third prize having beaten both boats by just
1.7 points. Insatiable claimed fourth on count-back with Per Elisa fifth.
In the Production Boat Division the winner was Francois Michelin's Chani, one of
Ron Holland's wonderful Golden Shamrocks. In second place was the SJ32 Fletcher
Lynd, owned by Fredric Denis, and Michael Langhan's Albin Ballad Strolch came third.
There were also plenty of humorous prizes including a bucket and spade for Sibelius
who went aground on Ryde Sands, a No Parking sign for Red Cloud who took up temporary
residence on one of the marks, and a Best Party Games book for Hullabaloo XV who
were the last the leave the bar every night! Special prizes were also awarded to
General Tapioca, Ian Van Burn's Fantasy and Toni Stuschek and Janne Tulokas' Blues
in recognition of having competed in all five editions of the revival Half Ton Classic
Cup.
Arguably one of the most important prizes of the entire event is the Half Ton True
Spirit Trophy, which is awarded not to the winning team, but to the team that best
represents the true spirit of camaraderie and competition in the Half Ton Classic
Class. The members of the fleet elect the winner and by a massive number of votes
the 2011 recipient was confirmed as Jean-Benoit Boels' Envol crewed by Diego Boels,
Lionel Coquelet, Bert Jansen, Olivier Michel, Adrien Michele and Tom Jansen. At
11 years old Tom Jansen was also the youngest competitor and it was a lovely sight
to see him proudly holding aloft the keeper prize, a unique canvas printed photograph
by local photographer Hamo Thornycroft.
Class Chairman Bert Jansen concluded proceedings by once again thanking the 38 teams
from seven nations for making the trip to Cowes and invited them to join him for
the 2013 edition of the Half Ton Classic Cup, which will be held in France at a
venue to be confirmed.
- Ends -
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