Portishead yacht wins Shanghai Cup, Bristol Channel IRC Championships 2024
by Tim Pearson 4 Jul 00:24 NZST
29-30 June 2024
Shanghai Cup Cardiff Winners Ctrl-J © Timothy Gifford
In partnership with Cardiff Bay Yacht Club, over the weekend of 29th /20th June, PCC crews headed to Cardiff for the second weekend of the annual Shanghai Cup, Bristol Channel IRC Championships and Nimrod Cup.
Hosted by co-organisers Cardiff Bay Yacht Club, crews once again pitted their skills and tactics in pursuit of arguably one of the most impressive cups available!
Going into the Cardiff leg, PCC boats were well placed in the overall leaderboard so stellar performances were needed to maintain their standings. In stark contrast to the first day of the Portishead leg, winds at Cardiff were light so crews had the extra pressure of keeping their sails full.
With Sunday's conditions being broadly similar to Saturday's, crews sailed six races across the weekend in addition to the three sailed previously in Portishead.
After the racing, crews headed back to Cardiff Bay Yacht Club for the results and prize-giving and it was PCC boat Ctrl-J, skippered by Andy Williams that took first prize overall. However, the accolades didn't stop there as this was the third time in a row that Ctrl-J had won giving them a Shanghai Cup hatrick! Jaloha, the J/80 from Pembroke Haven Yacht Club came 2nd overall and PCC boat Hero completed the podium positions with 3rd overall.
As another successful Shanghai Cup, Bristol Channel IRC Championships comes to a close, the organising committee extends their thanks to all the competitors from across the Bristol Channel for taking part and to all the race committee, mark layers, scorers and photographers who ensured that the racing could be safely and successfully run. The racing will return next year.
PCC crews will now continue their club racing before some of the boats head off to Ireland for Volvo Cork Week in the middle of July. The next major Bristol Channel event will be the Holms Race on 28th September, organised by PCC.
If you'd like to join future races but don't know where to start, contact us to find out about the latest crewing opportunities that may be available. You don't need a boat to join in the fun!