RNLI Passage Race

Sunday 6th July 2025 – 1300hrs

*** 2025 Race Report ***

The 2025 Passage race was a qualified success.  Congratulations to all those who took part and to the winners, Dan Ellis in Devon Yawl Jess, and Robin Graham in a Laser Radial.  Loki was the first over the line of all six yachts which entered, sailing the standard Passage race with a modified start; after handicaps applied then Ocean Dragon with Chris Wilcox at the helm was the winner.  Full results are published below. The RNLI will receive a significant sum from all 31 boats that entered, donations and purchases.

There were 20 knot NW gusts outside the breakwater and it was difficult to balance the needs and desires of the able-bodied, younger and less experienced crews.  I am indebted to the wise counsel and skills of Adrian Kemp from Plymouth Youth Sailing and Debs Wiseman, but any decisions were my responsibility.  Adrian and I discussed whether to cancel the under 18s race, dinghies and dayboats the day before, but the forecast suggested that we might be able to run a race, even if some competitors chose not to compete.  We made decisions on the day on Mountbatten Breakwater, in consultation with forecasts, observations and reports from the King’s Harbour Master. Arrangements were complicated by ship movements and the Brittany ferry, and the permanent removal, two days before the event, of Dunstone buoy, at the start line.

I set a triangular single-lap course from West Mallard to Melampus, Asia and back to the line, with a view to accompanying any YYC dinghies back to the Yealm in good time afterwards.  Many entrants attended the shore briefing on Mountbatten Breakwater and most decided the conditions were too challenging, but Ben Jennings’ crew in Drascombe Lugger Meander gave Dan a good fight and George Stacey (Laser Radial), Rosie Duncan Carrick (Laser 2 fun) and Joseph Wellerd’s Flying Dutchman crew all completed the short course.

Apologies to Shirley Pegg, Maddie and Kirsten that numbers were down, although many of us enjoyed the excellent food, drink and camaraderie after the race, and the sailors and rescue boat crews certainly needed it.  Thanks to all the safety boats and other organisers, who ensured everyone returned home safely.  We will review the arrangements for communicating changes to race instructions, especially as dinghies and yawls have to set out from the Yealm, usually without phones and radios, over an hour before the race; apologies for my failings in that respect.

We are seeking a Race Officer for next year’s race, and now is the time to start planning!

Well done and thank you

Robert Jeffery

RNLI Passage Race Officer

Yealm Yacht Club

Information

This is a charity race open to all comers with proceeds going to the RNLI. The race is open to dinghies, dayboats, yachts and is suitable for young and old alike. The race starts from Jennycliff Bay in Plymouth Sound and ends at Mouthstone Point or Yealm Yacht Club depending on class. Afterwards you will be welcome to eat, drink and reflect on the race at the YYC clubhouse.

The race is split into the following classes (handicap framework in brackets):

Class 1 – Yachts & Sportsboats (YYC Handicap)
Class 2 – Devon Yawls, Dayboats & Keelboats (Portsmouth Yardstick)
Class 3 – Dinghies (Portsmouth Yardstick)

The Sailing Instructions for 2025, including full course and entry details, are below.

Please enter using the online form . YYC members, or entrants who have registered on the site before should use the white “Sign in to Enter” button. New entrants should use the green “Register and Enter” button

If you have any queries please email Rob Jeffery at passagerace@yealmyachtclub.co.uk

Results (2025):

(Use the “dropdown” arrow in the Class (left hand) box to see the results for your entry class)