A dramatic final race win from Tom Bell saw him land Welland Yacht Club’s Tulip Trophy on Sunday.
This year the regatta was run on personal handicaps and over three races. With a moderate breeze and 13 boats taking part the lead pack started spread out a bit after the first mark.
But, with similar boats on different handicaps, nobody was too sure how much they would need to beat the other boat by to keep the lead. Within reach of the finish line, race one leader Will Cook capsized – something that would cost him later on.
That allowed Phil Robinson to win from Cook, with Paul Burton third and Bell fourth.
Race two showcased much of the same, with the start being crucial to the end result. This time Cook took the win from Robinson in second, with Shelly Woolridge third and Bell again fourth.
With three points apiece it looked like a two-horse race for overall honours between Robinson and Cook – but Robinson didn’t compete in the finale.
As the fleet started to separate, Cook couldn’t open up a big enough lead over the slower boats to maintain a high position and, once handicaps were applied, he dropped towards the back. That saw Bell take the win ahead of Burton, with Lucy Burton third and Paul Wilson in fourth.
Bell’s win in race three – together with his fourths in the previous two – was enough for him to steal overall victory from Cook in second, with Paul Burton third.
- This Sunday is Welland YC’s annual open day between noon and 4pm. The club invite you to join them for a bacon roll and a chat, before trying your hand at sailing and getting to see Spalding from a different perspective.
New members signing up on the day will receive 20 per cent off the cost of their membership.
