After a year of waiting, we were excited to join the 19th Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit. The Covid pandemic meant that the 2020 event had to be postponed. Trustees Dick and Judy Lloyd, and our guest crews, were up with the lark ready for an early start. It was a grey morning, but the winds were good for a swift if choppy sail out to the Eddystone lighthouse. Pegasus was skippered by our operations manager Tom, and Dan as his first Mate. Emma skippered Moosk with Roo as first Mate.
Our busy sailing schedule meant that Johanna Lucretia was unable to participate this year as she was saying her farewells to a college group who had just returned from an amazing time sailing to Weymouth and back.
Skipper Reports
Pegasus
Having started at 0815 with a NE breeze we were at the Eddystone by 1045 after only one gybe. Once we rounded (3rd boat around) we were close-hauled on the way home, heading towards Looe until the wind came around to the SE. The wind shift meant we could get into Plymouth Sound without tacking. As we closed in on the Cattewater the wind started funnelling out of the river so after 4 short tacks we crossed the line at 1450. This was our fastest sail in the pursuit for Pegasus to date, and to top it off we were 3rd overall. An amazing result for everyone on board. A great sail.
Moosk
After a light downwind breeze on the start line, we got five sails up and had a cracking downwind sail to the Eddystone lighthouse, amazing gybing by the team, and staying pretty close to Pegasus who were flying. Once we rounded the Eddystone the wind disappeared but the swell did not, so it was slow progress back to Plymouth Sound. But we had pasties, tea and smiles, so all was not lost! A fab pursuit with an amazing crew. Well done all.
Each boat will receive a memento of the event.
Trophies
Pegasus was awarded the overall Third Place Trophy, and also the Plymouth Yacht Haven Trophy for being the highest placed boat from the marina.
We received a total of £815 in prize monies, and combined with sponsorship donations the event generated £7,771 for The Island Trust. Thank you to all those who so generously contributed!
If you would like to join us next year for the 20th Eddystone event, the date for your diary is Saturday 18th June 2022. Please get in touch if you would like to sail as part of our crew, or if you would like to find out more about entering your own boat in support of The Island Trust. Boat entry criteria is:
- Registration from 1st March 2022
- Entry fee approx £30 per yacht – see www.eddystonepursuit.com/faq
- Minimum sponsorship £100 per yacht
It is hoped that the 2022 event will be followed by the usual Prize Giving Supper at the National Marine Aquarium.
Get in touch
Please phone us on 01752 823007 or use the enquiry form below: