93ʳᵈ Stonehaven Cup Report

Written by Paul Wooman
Chair RS Quest Association Australia

January 2023

Race 7 & 8 were sailed in a light variable north eastly wind of less than 10knots with flat sea a contrast to the much fresher conditions of the first 6 heats.

Series leader John Akhurst struggled in the race 7 to finish 10th, whilst the RMYS’ Heather continued on its winning ways supported by fellow team members, Scarlet and Joe White, strengthening their grip on the Otto Meik Teams Trophy.

By this stage of the regatta, crew skills and boat handling had become second nature and were a treat to watch.

Race 7 Results – Start 1010 hrs

Winner RS Quest #1035 Heather – Skipper Ashley Wahlqvist, Myra Barber, Zoe Vlasic, RMYS – Winner 93rd Stonehaven Cup 2023

A surprise first place was posted by RBYC’s team boat, Harmony skippered by Jarvis Dart, Jenson Oldham and Xavier County leaving the highly competitive Heather to be satisfied with a second place and another RMYS Scarlet taking third. Misfortunes continued to plague the John Akhurst who had raked up three consecutive race wins and had to settle for a slightly improved 8th place.

Race 8 Results – Start 1119 hrs

Race 9 & 10 started with a steady 12knots sea breeze providing perfect racing conditions providing RBYC’s John Akhurst with an opportunity to score well to win. However, race placings changed again with King Island Boat Club team member, Greg Hennessy, skippered by Brab Mead, and his crew Peter Cole and Angus Poulson sailed extremely well to take second place from another new place getter Acrospire from the RMYS team in third place. Spectators enjoyed seeing the sharing of race results.

Race 9 Results – Start 1500 hrs

Race 10, the series decider revealed yet another new race winner in Acrospire, skippered by Nick Michelle, and his crew, Ava Sheehan and Carli Preston from the RMYS. Acrospire sailed brilliantly to beat across the line ahead of the eventual series winner and highly competitive Heather from RMYS taking second place, from Emma skippered by Charlie Stellmaker, Alex Perry and Max Poulson of the KIBC team finishing third and a well-deserved third place over all in the series. John Akhurst of the RBYC placed 7^th and so claimed second overall in the series.

Race 10 Results – Start 1600 hrs

Invitation Race Results – Start 1300 hrs

Jock Sturrock Memorial Trophy

Second Invitation Race Results – Start 1405 hrs

Andrew Linacre Memorial Trophy

Final Series Placing

Presentation dinner

The Stonehaven Cup presentation dinner was a fabulous evening of fun and happiness, Commodore Ian and Commodore Niesje Hees RBYC and Commodore Gary Johnson and team manager of the KIBC attended the presentation.

We congratulate the winner of the Stonehaven Cup skipper, Ashley Wahlquist and her crew, Mayra Barber and Zoe Vlasic aboard the RMYS Heather, who together sailed a very consistent regatta.

Well done to the crew of the RBYC John Akhurst skipper Nathan Stanford and his crew, Patrick Stanford and Oli Martin. A strong performance this year, with another 12months of training this crew will be hard to beat next year.

Charlie Stellmaker, first year skipper and his crew, Alex Perry and Max Poulson of the King Island Boat Club team were a great surprise taking third place over all, KIBC look like another strong contender for the Cup next year.

Many new skippers and crews made their debut at this year’s Stonehaven Cup, we congratulate them all for their participation and commitment to their respective club teams and demonstrating good sportsperson ship toward each other. Camaraderie between competitors has always been a strong element of the Stonehaven Cup competition.

Royal Brighton Yacht Club will host the 94th Stonehaven Cup in conjunction with 12 Foot Cadet Dinghy reunion from the 3rd to the 7th January 2024.

Paul Woodman

Chair – Quest Association Australia and Stonehaven Cup National Council