Paul Adams Memorial Cup – Race Report
Paul Adams Memorial Cup 2026 - Race Report
Author - Sarah Bennett
Day 1.
The forecast was relatively bleak but the decision was made to put to water to race in memory of Paul.
3 catamarans and a bath tub otherwise identifiable as a 470 and a topper launched from the beach. The wind strength was a good 5 gusting 6. The start was a port flyer and thankfully the fateful words of “coming through” were not heard from Pete as his crew kept him under control. The first beat was wet. The cats tacking was slow which is where the 470 got its advantage. The topper having made it to the beach huts decided enough was enough and made a stately return home. From the windward mark to the leeward mark- all hell let loose. It was a tight reach. There was spray and water and spray and shouting and whooping and really no one had a clue- it was so fast. So wet. So thrillingly terrifyingly terrific. At the leeward mark all gybes went well but the 470 capitalised again briefly on its agility. Not for long though as the Dart came screaming through and put so much distance between them and the other boats so quickly it was unbelievable. The Prindle having rectified its poppy up rudders again also came through and the Hobie which had struggled on a tack coming up to windward was also speedily regaining the pack.
The second ride out to leeward was a repeat of the first- but the cats could not quite shake the pesky 470. On the way back to the windward mark the Dart was flying and then the helm (Jo) went round to port instead of hooking to starboard. Shouts from the 470 careering down to the mark out of control helped them realise there was no extra leg. On the final leg to the finish the 470 decided to spinnaker it- but could not keep the Hobie or the Prindle off from racing through. In true style Paul’s Hobie took line honours with Johnnie waterskiing off the back of the boat and Kerry- Paul’s daughter clinging on for dear life at the front.
Before anyone had any chance to consider whether a second race was a good idea the start sequence went again. ( Thanks Gervase!). At the start of the second race it was noticeable that there was a big squall heading in the direction of the race. Start line went well- Oli holding “coming through” at bay. It was very evident on the first beat that the wind had gone up several notches. The groans and yelps in the 470 being emitted by the crew increased in intensity. Interestingly the Prindle took a new approach to capsizing - going other backwards and sinking slowly stern first. Reminiscent really of the Titanic. Before the arrival at the windward mark- the Dart called it a day as the squall hit full on. The Hobie and the 470 ploughed on. It was grim. Lashing rain and wind and frankly two boats out of control. The crew on the 470 had lapsed to silence- largely due to the fact that she was underwater and taking in the good old Bognor swill! Suffice to say the race was completed. Grey faces pulled boats up the beach. An hour later it was naturally the best adventure that had ever happened. All for you Paul. Love you. X
Day 2
Wind strength - strong force 6 gusting 7. After much contemplation the decision was made to go sailing after eventually finding a wind report that was to the liking of the 3 helms who still had their names in the hat. The race briefing prompted further discussion about whether 2 laps or 1 lap would suffice. Those who clearly thought 1 lap was sensible in the conditions stupidly did not speak out. The overly enthusiastic Prindle team wanted 2 possibly 3. At the threat of the situation getting worse all agreed to 2.
Rescue was launched and the buoys laid. The start line was really well set as it offered opportunities for both a starboard and port start.
The two cats- Prindle madness and Paul’s Hobie went for a starboard start whilst the blue bath tub went on port. Predictably this caused an element of panic. Prindle madness cleared the line at full speed and with Oli out on the wire whooping. Paul’s Hobie struggled initially to pick up speed but once unleashed powered towards to bath tub which thought it would clear in front. Crash tack by the bath tub saved a nasty situation. (BTW crash tacking in that wind is no fun for the crew!!).
The leg to windward was at best painful. The wind was all over the place, strong but then with holes. It seemed to take forever to get to it. The Hobie was getting in its stride and sailing well, pulling away. The Prindle went over (standard), but the mad ones righted it quickly. The leg out to the wing mark was fast but not like yesterday’s reaches. It felt lumpy and uncomfortable- but not to Paul’s Hobie- they were flying. From the wing mark back to the leeward mark was one big surf. The bath tub went down a wave and lost complete control. Involuntarily jybed and as the boat was going over in spectacular fashion both the crew and the helm threw themselves over the side and brought the boat back.
Whilst fumbling round slightly disoriented in the bottom of the boat with ropes whipping and sails snapping, the crew timidly asked what the next move might be. Luckily the helm had a plan. Meanwhile the Hobie had forged forward and the Prindle went pelting down the down wind leg with the crew on the wire whooping at the top of his voice. At least some one was having a good time! Second lap and the Hobie’s luck at remaining upright ran out and over she went. Rescue boat was there to assist and amazingly the boat was righted without a righting line! As assistance had been given the Hobie called it a day and headed to shore, leaving the battle between the Prindle and the bath tub. The Prindle was loving life. The helm Pete was literally laid on the tramp whilst Oli crew alternated between waterskiing off the back of the boat and bouncing round on the side. As conditions worsened the crew of the bath tub 470 clung on and prayed for dry land. The surfs down the waves were spectacular and exhilarating so long as the weight on the boat was finely balanced.
The Prindle looked like it had a 150 hp on its transom. Eventually the two laps were completed and the boats were landed in a big dump safely thanks to the shore help. The rescue boat was also retrieved safely due to great team work and great driving. Whilst it is questionable as to whether boats should have raced today- the race was successfully completed, all boats returned with their correct number of crew and all boats were successfully retrieved.
A huge thanks then to the race office team and the shore team and to rescue boat ( John, Ian, Steve and Sam) for the support over the two days. Sailing in memory of our much missed Paul would not have been possible without all these people. Following the race Carole and family were able to scatter Paul’s ashes in the sea just off the club he loved so much. A fantastic weekend of sailing and memories in honour of a great man.
Results:
470 ( aka bath tub) won the Adams cup with 3 wins.
Prindle madness and Paul’s Hobie tied on 9 points each after that. An agreed tie.
The White Dart came 4th.
