The Valentine’s day Trophy was held in Bembridge harbour on a fine sunny morning. The day was graced with a gentle south westerly breeze (6-10 Kts 210-255 degrees). The race committee decided to complete the regatta in one day owing to a forecast of storm force winds for the morrow.
The first race was disputed by Raymond Simonds and Andy Fenner, the latter winning by a short length, as he did in the second race.
The third and fourth race were won by Mark Downer.
The fifth race, after a general recall, was started with flag Uniform as the preparatory signal which resulted in Mark Downer, Andy Fenner and Bill Daniel being DSQ. This left Raymond Simonds in an unassailable lead go into the sixth race.
The last race was won Jo Downer (a very popular win). Andy Fenner, who was in contention despite his DSQ in the fifth race, was unfortunate to run aground on a falling tide forcing him to retire.
It was remarked by Jo Downer that it was the first time that she had beaten her husband Mark in a regatta, which proves that the spirit of St. Valentine still flourishes.
Results:
1. Raymond Simonds – 12
2. Jo Downer – 16
3. Mark Downer – 19
4. Alastair Speare-Cole – 27
5. Andy Fenner – 28
6. Jonathan Nainsby-Luxmore – 30
7. Bill Daniel – 33
8. Jonny Raymond – 36
9. Owen Pay – 43
10. Monty Irwin – 44
11. Hugh Doherty – 45
12. Robin Ebsworth – 49
13. Olly Laughton-Scott – 51
14. Mike Toogood – 52
15. Mike Issaias – 61
16. John Birchenough – 64
