The 62nd Helford to L’Aber Wrac’h race was held on 23rd June 2023 This year we had thirteen yachts, 6 French and 7 English, taking on the challenge of the Channel crossing, with 11 boats crossing the finish line.
The wind was changeable, starting with a good breeze on the nose, which then went Westerly and variable near the French coast in the morning, the ultimate boat taking 3 hours to go six miles.
The 1st five yachts finished within within 32 minutes of each other, a credit to the handicap committee. Only two boats retired, one motoring on to L’Aber Wrac’h, seeing seven pods of dolphins and two whales on the way and the other returning to Helford.
The prizegiving was held at the Yacht Club des Abers with a speech by David Kerlan, Mayor of Landeda & L’Aber Wrac’h and Rob Hewett, representing HRSC. Rob and Sue Hewett presented the prizes.
RACE RESULTS – The Winners
1st Calypso Jean Francoise Caraes
2nd & Sundancer Trophy for 1st Helford Yacht – Xenia Paddy Royall
3rd Atahualpa David Guillam
Marie Jo Trophy was awarded to James Christie on Xenia, as the youngest competitor in the race.
The Bobby Martin Trophy for the 1st Yacht under 30” was awarded to Chris Clark on Grand Cru
FULL RACE RESULTS
Thanks must go to Daniel Dagorn, for the Prizegiving photographs and the YCA for the Race reception. Also to Rob Hewett, Anthony Jenkin, Johnny Walker, John Mills for Race Organization, and those who arranged and helped with a great Champagne reception.
