Scrumpet wins boat of the show
by Mark Jardine 6 Mar 2016 06:42 NZDT
5 March 2016
Concours d'Elegance trophy for Truswell
The 2016 Concours d'Elegance for boat of the show at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show has been won by Glen Truswell's International 14 'Scrumpet'. Sarah Treseder, CEO of the RYA, and Mark Jardine, editor of YachtsandYachting.com, spent Saturday morning browsing the fantastic range of dinghies on display.
Deciding between the final two entries, the 7-year old Scorpion 'Perdita' and Glen's I14 was incredibly difficult, but Sarah summed up the final choice, "They were both absolutely beautiful examples of their class, both immaculately presented and lovingly brought to the show by their owners and that really showed. It came down to that 'wow' factor and particularly the 14 stopped us dead in our tracks when we were walking along - it really had that sharp intake of breath moment where we thought 'this is the boat of the show'. I really think both, and indeed a number of boats at the show, are exceptionally well presented. It was a tough competition."
Glen Truswell said on winning the award, "I'm absolutely delighted, I've been bringing new boats to this show that I've built myself probably every couple of years since the year 2000. To have finally made the grade and won the big silver trophy, I'm absolutely delighted. For everyone who helped sponsor and assist my campaigns as well, Selden Mast and Lennon Sails, it's a great accolade for all the work that they put in the background."
On his next major events in the boat Glen said, "Our training commences next weekend, 45 days sailing in the run-up to the World Championship in August at Carnac, France."
Special mentions must also be made to the Tideway Owners' Association, the Firefly class for 'Tanglefoot', the Salcombe Yawl class and the Osprey class for the exceptional boats on display. The Merlin Rocket class also for the stunning classic 1946 Merlin no. 16 'Gently', originally owned and built by Jack Holt, complete with rotating mast.
The Concours d'Elegance winner is the recipient of three months worth of banner advertising on YachtsandYachting.com worth £600 and the Concours d'Elegance trophy.