Judges Report on the Cruising & Other Competitions for the 2016 HYC Yearbook

This year’s judge was:
Rodney Clapson

This year we received nine entries for the Cruising Competitions, all of a high standard and covering cruises in the Ouse and Humber as well as a North Sea race from Ijmuiden to Scarborough, a cruise on the west coast of Scotland from Kilmelford to Tayvallich, a transatlantic cruise from the Canary Islands to Barbados, and a cruise from Brough to Brittany and Normandy. Since I first became a member of HYC in 1962 it has always impressed me how far afield our members get and how difficult it is to choose between one log and another, although at that time the majority of entries were for local cruises. The superb logs submitted for the first cruising cup this year are no exception.

The McKendrick Cruising Cup

To be awarded each year to the competitor who makes the most successful and instructive cruise. 

....is awarded to Bernard Wells for his cruise in “Stormwind” an Elan 433 sloop from Largs marina to the archipelago of St. Kilda, roughly 100 miles west of the mainland of Scotland. A successful and instructive log which shows that historical details can embellish a story.

The McKendrick Crusing Runner-up Cup

Upon the Judge’s suggestion, a second Cup is awarded to the runner-up.

This year it is awarded to Bruce Yardley for his cruise with Lady B, a Westerly Fulmar 32ft bilge keel sloop from Hull to Amble and the Farne Islands. The log is detailed, with useful information and good photographs. Haven’t we all been in close contact with those furrows in the Bridlington harbour mud ?

The John M. Hamilton Cup

To be awarded for an account of the most eventful and instructive 24 hours’ cruise. This cruise may be taken from a longer cruise, if the rest of the cruise is not entered for any other competition.

....is awarded to Stephen Lee who delivered the 23ft.6ins gaff cutter Nautilos to Barton on Humber from Lowestoft. Built in 1902, Nautilos is showing her age. “What could possibly go wrong?” asks Stephen in his account of the delivery cruise.

The Bluebird Perpetual Challenge Trophy

Awarded for the best presented log of the most innovative and instructional cruise of not less that two weeks nor longer than five weeks, undertaken by a yacht of 30 feet or less, in waters of the British Isles, including the coasts of Ireland, the English Channel, Norwegian Coast and the waters of the Baltic countries.

....is awarded to Andrew and Nicole How for their cruise from Neyland, Milford Haven to Liverpool with Vega, their 28ft. Dragonfly class centreboard sloop. These are waters seldom visited by HYC members but sound too good to miss.

The Up-River Trophy

Awarded for an up-river or canal cruise.

....is awarded to Nick Hall (with advice and help from John Chaney) for his account of a passage from Bishopthorpe, near York, to Brough with Sprite, his 1930s 17ft.6ins gaff sloop. Nick confirms my long-held suspicion that somewhere on the Ouse there is a never ending supply of tree branches and roots waiting to fall or to be thrown into the river.

Club Awards 2016

Captain's Cup:

Awarded at the sole discretion of the Captain.

I have no hesitation in awarding this year’s Captain’s Trophy to Ray Murtagh. Ray has worked tirelessly on many projects, including the refurbishment of the jetty at Brough and the construction of a brand new duty boat pontoon. His thoughtful, practical and forward thinking outlook has made him a pleasure to work with and an asset to the Club. I am very grateful for his help and support.

Centenary Tray:

To be awarded by the Officers for outstanding services to the Club.

The award this year goes to Keith Johnson. Keith has worked away quietly over many weeks, taking on board single handedly the total refurbishment of the tractor at Brough. This work required skill and patience, often taking place mid-week when the tractor was not in use. The finished result is truly amazing. It is members like Keith that allow the Humber Yawl Club to be cost effective and financially affordable to all.

Walter and Joan Webster Plate:

To be awarded by the Officers and Committee of the Club for a feat of outstanding seamanship.

The Seamanship Award is given to Glynn Morton who, in his yacht ‘Tryval’, a Rival 32, sailed from Peel in the Isle of Man to Grimsby via the Scilly Isles between the 20th April and the 8th August of this year. His ship’s log shows that he was single-handed for all of this time! A remarkable voyage considering that he is a relative newcomer to cruising. A short breakdown is as follows:
  20.04.16  Depart Peel, Isle of Man for Ardglass, Ireland.
    Ardglass to Bangor.
    Bangor to Ardglass
    Ardglass to Dublin
    Dublin to Peel
    Peel to Dublin
    Dublin to Wicklow
    Wicklow to Kilmore Quay
    Kilmore Quay to Tresco, Scilly Isles.
    Scilly Isles to Portland
    Portland to Brighton
    Brighton to Grimsby.
  08.08.16 Arriving Grimsby, Lincs.

Spindrift Prize:

Awarded by the Officers and Committee for services to the Club.

The ‘Services to the Club’ award is given to David Coultas in respect of his dedication at Winteringham Haven regarding the grass cutting over the last five years. He provides his own machinery and fuel, while refusing to accept reimbursement from the club which must involve a considerable amount of money.