RCYC and the Virtual Endeavour at the Dinghy Show 5 Mar 2013

RCYC has had a practical involvement with the Dinghy Show for many years, thanks to the efforts of our energetic Endeavour man, Edwin Buckley. RCYC’s involvement has taken several forms, including short races on a pool with a wind machine providing an indoor wind force but last year a ‘virtual Endeavour’ was introduced, without the need for wet suits and buoyancy or indeed moving from your screen!

The Virtual Endeavour, created by SailXhas proved even more popular in its second year and Sunday March 3rd was the final day of the racing. After six weeks of intense web based one design racing in a ruled environment, with nine regattas to count, the result went to the wire of the final which took place from 12 noon.

In the Class competition (top ten competitors for each to count)the 29er took the honours, with the Musto Skiff in second and the Scorpion third. Matti Lyons from Ovington Boats accepted the prize on behalf of the 29er Class from our Commodore.

Robert Coyle then went on to present the individual trophy. The winner, ‘Blow’, from the Musto Skiffs was not present (a true web racer) but accepting this on the winner’s behalf and in second place (for the second year) was Keith Escrit (K11)sailing for the 29er Class. In thirdplace was ‘bobisgr8’ from the Streaker Class.

Speaking to Robert about the competition Keith, who has also sailed on behalf of the Vortex Class in recent years at the Endeavour itself, emphasised how competing in this type of competition was not only great fun but also was an excellent way to learn tactics and knowledge of the rules. After many years of sailing he admitted he felt he had learned a great deal during the first two months of taking part in SailX racing about which rules apply when and which tactic works where!