Highlights from the 28th Waller-Harris Two-handed Triangle Race
Alexandra
Waller-Harris Two-handed Triangle Race Overview
The 28th edition of the Waller-Harris Two-handed Triangle Race took place from July 12 to 14, 2025. This iconic event, hosted by the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club, featured a fleet of twelve boats embarking from St Aubin's Bay, Jersey. The race showcased not only the skill of the sailors but also the allure of sailing in picturesque coastal conditions.
Race Details and Conditions
Fair winds marked the event, ensuring a generally pleasant sailing experience. The race kicked off on July 12th at 10 AM, with participants enjoying a shy reach in sunny conditions and a light easterly breeze that gradually strengthened. Spinnakers were raised as the boats navigated past the Passage Rock buoy, continuing south towards Bourdinots finish line off St Cast.
Leg 1 Results
Rhys Perkins and Bob De la Haye's Abracadabra (A35) triumphantly claimed the line honors, finishing the first leg in a swift five and a half hours. The IRC fleet saw competitive sailing, with Bob Milner and Bill Harris aboard Grace (Grand Soleil 46.3) seizing YTC honors. Nick Bailhache and Malcolm Coles on Fillipene (Moody 31) excelled to win on corrected time, beating Nick and Karen O'Hare's Honky Tonk (Westerly Fulmar) by five minutes.
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Day Two: Tactics and Conditions
Day two, starting off the Bourdinots buoy at 11 AM, offered a mixture of sunny skies and ominous clouds stirring up squalls. This racing leg from Bourdinots to Binic required tactical finesse as boats encountered changing conditions. The first mark was the Banchenou buoy to the northeast, presenting a distinct challenge as participants navigated the only beat of the three-day event.
Leg 2 Results
Spinnakers filled the air once again, with competitors rounding the buoy amid shifting winds. Though Abracadabra had initially established a lead, it was Altair (First 36.7) that surged ahead to claim line honors. Notably, Grace managed to take line honors yet again, while Honky Tonk bested Fillipene by a margin of three minutes.
Final Day: Homeward Bound
The third day commenced at 9 AM off the pierhead in Binic. The fleet faced a favorable south-westerly breeze paired with brilliant sunshine, promising an enjoyable sail back. A forty-five-mile race awaited as boats skirted the St Brieuc wind farm, presenting them with a thrilling ride on varied seas.
Leg 3 Results
Abracadabra once again made a clean break, showcasing its speed and agility under spinnaker as it dispatched towards the Hinguette buoy and ultimately the finish line at St Helier roads, concluding their journey in an impressive seven hours. Altair finished half an hour later, while Honky Tonk narrowly edged out Fillipene by seven minutes, with Chris Deahl and Caroline Maffia's Stella Maris (Sadler 34BK) securing third place in the YTC fleet.
Community and Culture
The Waller-Harris event extends beyond racing; it serves as a social gathering where crews enjoy shared meals and community connection. The pre-event supper at the RCIYC clubhouse fosters camaraderie. In addition, this year’s event highlighted exquisite dining experiences at local establishments, like the P'tit Mousse and Le Nord Sud, capped by lively entertainment from local troubadours.
Logistical Insights
The availability of a pré-avis arrival and departure facility at both ports streamlined procedures, enhancing the experience for all involved. Overall, this year represented a classic Waller-Harris Race with delightful weather and fierce competition.
Final Results Overview
| IRC Results | YTC Results |
|---|---|
| 1. Abracadabra - Rhys Perkins & Bob De la Haye - 1+2+1 (4) | 1. Honky Tonk - Nick & Karen O'Hare - 2+1+1 (4) |
| 2. Altair - Darren Stower & Rachael Morris - 2+1+2 (5) | 2. Fillipene - Nick Bailhache & Malcolm Coles - 1+2+2 (5) |
| 3. Arctic Tern - Philip Burton & David De Carteret - (3+4+4) (11) | 3. Stella Maris - Chris Deahl & Caroline Maffia - 3+6+3 (12) |
Conclusion
The Waller-Harris Two-handed Triangle Race not only celebrates sailing prowess but also emphasizes the joy of community and shared experiences on the water. As GetBoat continually stays updated with such exhilarating events, it opens doors for sailing enthusiasts to explore and rent boats tailored to every preference and budget. By utilizing GetBoat, adventurers can set forth on their nautical journeys equipped with comprehensive details about their vessels, ensuring a seamless leisure experience.
Experiencing new locales is always dynamic; it's an opportunity to delve into rich cultures, vibrant natural settings, and the unique attributes of local life. When planning your next seaside excursion, consider the allure of boat rentals, as every bay, inlet, and lagoon offers stories just as captivating as the regional cuisine and architecture. Explore these opportunities at GetBoat.com.
To sum up the insights from the Waller-Harris Race, it signifies a blend of racing, community, and commitment to the sailing culture, promising thrilling adventures on the open sea while highlighting the joys of finding the perfect boat for your excursions.
