Spirited Turnout Honours Ashley Crawford at Annual Winter Race: Plym Yacht Club

Once initiated by the esteemed member of Plym Yacht Club, Ashley Crawford, the annual winter pursuit race had set out to motivate sailors to embrace the chill of the sea during Christmas season. As time needed, the event has adapted itself beautifully to the evolving Plymouth sailing scenario, aimed at being as inclusive to all water enthusiasts as possible. Unfortunately, in the summer of 2025, the sailing fraternity was stunned by the sudden demise of Ashley Crawford. However, his vision lived on through the winter pursuit race held later that same year, drawing 22 entries amidst the crisp sea air.

The first race saw smaller ILCAs making the most out of their agility, prominently leading during the initial stages. Gradually, older, larger vessels caught up, marking their territory. The ultimate victory was clinched by Joe Wellerd’s Flying Dutchman, overtaking Tom Tantam in the final upwind leg of the route. The second race, however, made a promising start, initially led by the Bahia of Matt Owen and Ed Warren. As the wind eased slightly, other boats, particularly the RS200s, sprung into action. Particularly commendable was Dave Clewer’s Amatol’s good run in race 2, before it was beset by a blown spinnaker.

Yet, the shores of victory warmly embraced 14-year-old Jake Brian, who performed extraordinarily while battling changing wind conditions. His consistent performance on his ILCA 4 earned him the top spot in the nail-biting race, followed closely by Tom Gurney and Dave Burrell. After the thrilling challenge on water, the participants gathered at the clubhouse where they kicked back, warmed up, and shared stories to commemorate Ashley’s spirit, thanking everyone who braved the frosty conditions.

Ashley Crawford’s legacy continues to live on, inspiring sailors to embrace the icy Christmas winds and the joy of racing at sea. Already, anticipation is high to see what the 2026 race brings, and how the next generation of sailors like Jake Brian rise to meet it.