Classic Winsome`s Phenomenal Victory in RORC De Guingand Bowl Race 2026: A Seamless Display of Sailing

The 2026 RORC De Guingand Bowl Race turned out to be a vivid symphony of top-notch seamanship, admirable speed, and strategic racing. The entire racing canvas featured a formidable mix of seasoned sailors, agile speedboats, and razor-sharp decisions that made for a spectacle worth witnessing.

The classic yacht, an S&S 41 Winsome, owned by Harry Heijst, stood tall among all, striding ahead to seize the cup on IRC (International Rating Certificate) Overall after time correction. Ben Owens JPK 1010 Leonard, manned by a two-person team, trailed behind by a mere 13 minutes and 29 seconds, illustrating the cutthroat competition at hand.

Heijst highlighted a few tactical victories on the course, one of which involved a smartly executed double gybe just before a buoy and a timely tack change for the bigger breeze, essentially demonstrating the crew’s years of experience and rehearsed efficiency.

A key highlight of the race was the nerve-wracking duel for Monohull Line Honours between RORC Vice Commodore Derek Shakespeare’s J/122 Bulldog and Nick & Jacquetta Edmonds’ J/45 Stickleback, in which the latter emerged glorious, just 73 seconds ahead. This marked the pinnacle of arduous competition, seasoned mastery, and the sheer joy of boating.