Epic Conclusion to the 2025 JOG Season at the Henri-Lloyd Cowes-Lymington Weekend

The end of year racing spectacle, the Henri-Lloyd Cowes-Lymington Weekend, brought the 2025 JOG Season to a remarkable close. The event commenced under an unpredictable sky, dappled with both light and heavy airs that tested the grit and tenacity of the participating crews. The weekend reminded everyone of the exhilarating yet fine line that separates triumph from despair in tidal racing.

Saturday’s competition saw a relatively infrequent southerly breeze, allowing for an imposing 27-mile red flag course. The day concluded with every boat having finished by mid-afternoon, perfectly in time for a delightful pontoon party orchestrated by the JOG President Peter Rutter. The day’s victors included Scream 2 (IRC 1), Bellino (IRC 2), Elaine Again (IRC 3) and SailFish (IRC 4), while Sanity bagged the double-handed division.

The racing season debuted in March, with the familiar Lonely Tower and Great Escape openers setting the tone for an exciting year ahead. The competitors navigated challenging routes to Weymouth, Eastbourne and across the Channel to St Vaast and Deauville. The season will fondly be remembered for its thrilling races where victory margins were often a matter of mere minutes.

Bellino, in particular, has had an exceptional season. The team, led by skippers Deb Fish and Rob Craigie, transitioned from a two-handed to a four-up coastal series. Despite the odds, their resilience and dedication culminated in unforgettable victories, redefining the spirit of the competition.

The grandeur and excitement of the entire season, with its highs and lows, all led up to this final weekend - a tribute to the unyielding spirit of every sailor who braved the challenges and savoured the victories.