Two members of the CBYA took part in the 2024 Torbay Royal Regatta hosted by the Royal Torbay Yacht Club.

Barry Mcrea joined Paddy Bettesworth to sail on Bewitched, Paddy’s J70. The regatta was well supported with over 40 entries. Bewitched was competing in the Sportsboat class which had 7 boats entered.

After 2 days of practice sailing, the 3 day regatta started on the Saturday with 3 races scheduled. The wind strength was 20 knots with gusts in the upper 20 range, which provided some exhilarating downwind sailing.

Day 2 saw an increase in wind strength with a steady 25 knots and gusts in the low 30’s. Although 3 races were schedule the Race Officer called it a day at 2, with the wind still building.

Day 3 saw another 3 races in more moderate breeze in the high teens with gusts of 20 knots.

The racing was extremely close. Bewitched took 2nd place overall, but in 8 of the races the corrected time was within 30 seconds of other competitors.

Barry was trimming the asymmetric spinnaker (without a winch) and believes his arms are a little longer than before, as speeds sometime hit 16.5 knots!

Bewitched  was also part of an Admiral Cup team comprising 3 boats (in different classes) where the lowest aggregate score of the team wins the Admirals Cup. The team  won this by 1 point!

Congratulation Paddy and Barry. Well done