The 13th Annual Hywel Poole Memorial Race was sailed this weekend (7th June 2025), with 29 boats sailing either the ‘Long’ or ‘Short’ course watched on by Hywel’s parents Denise & Mike .
Following application of the large pink hands to their sails / hulls in memory of Hywel’s large hands and passion for pink shirts, the fleet launched into a nice south westerly breeze. The race started with an open line across the full width of the Menai Strait and the fleet proceeded down the straits towards Caernarfon. Following the start, the tide turned and the flood tide started to flow making progress to Caernarfon a little more challenging.
The Junior’s sailed a shorter course and turned at channel marker B14 and headed back to the finish line off the club house, whilst the long course sailors continued on their trip to Caernarfon. Upon reaching the turning mark laid off the castle, it was a quick run back down the straits with the tide to the finish line.
The RS400 helmed by Jonny McGovern and crewed by June Riley took the honours for the long course, with an unusual tied second place being taken by the 29er of Ben Greenhalgh and Tom Sinfield with identical corrected times as the RS200 of Tats Greenhalgh and Phoebe Greenhalgh. Crossing in third place was Rebecca and Jacob Knock in their RS200.
The Short course was won by Sophie Venning in her Topper with second and third places being taken by Harrison Hogan and Ethan Watkin Jones in their RS Terra Pro and Sport respectively.
As part of the prize giving, Densie and Mike were awarded Honorary Life Membership to PDSC and presented with certificates by the club commodore.
Huge thanks to everyone who supported the race and to Funky Starfish and Force 4 chandlery in Plymouth for their continued support and donation of prizes.
