Half the Ton Twice the Fun!

Posted on August 10, 2025 by njsymonds

To celebrate the conclusion of the Half Ton Classics Cup 2025, the Prize Giving and Dinner was held at the Imperial Hotel. Every Half Ton entrant attended the dinner to mark the end of a successful, fun-packed regatta. The Royal Torbay Yacht Club Race Committee was also invited, giving the Class an opportunity to personally thank them for their invaluable help and support throughout the event.

The Prize Giving started with the Half Tonners awarding a Ladies Trophy for the first time. This was won by Midnight X.

Midnight X wining the Ladies Trophy

Vintage Trophy for Half Ton Classics Cup 2025 was won by Insolent.

Insolent – Vintage Trophy

Harmony was awarded the the Half Ton Corinthian Trophy.

Harmony – Half Ton Corinthian Trophy

Oplite won the fabulous Half Ton Class True Spirit Trophy.

Oplite – Half Ton Class True Spirit Trophy

2 Farr gave an out standing performance throughout the week. They won the overall Half Ton Classics Cup Trophy for 2025.

2 Farr – Overall champions of the Half Ton Classics Cup 2025

We had several boats that had never attended a Half Ton Classics Cup before. They had thoroughly enjoyed the weeks racing, social event and getting to know the other sailors.

Oplite & Pichenette

It was great to see so many family members who joined in as either part of the crew or as support during the week. The youngest Half Tonner in the making was David Evans’ grandson from Halfajet. He had great fun distributing his stickers to all.

Halfajet

Next year the Hankø Half Ton Classics Cup 2026 from 1 – 7 August will be held at Hankø Yacht Club. It will be organised by Royal Norwegian Yacht Club in their beautiful new yacht club looking straight out to sea. Invitations will be sent out in September. A full presentation will be given at the annual meeting a Half Ton Class Europe in Antwerp on 22 November. To see further information click here.

“Thank you all so much for your happy spirit and competitive skills. To a great event next year, Martin I am passing the baton over to you for next year.” stated by Peter Rutter.

To view all the photos of the Half Ton Classics Cup 2025 Prize Giving & Dinner please click here.

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Day 5 – Round the Cans to Finish the Regatta

Posted on August 8, 2025 by njsymonds

Race 10 started with the AP being hoisted. The Race Officer Bob Penfold decided due to the weather conditions to run a round the cans course.  The start line was fiercely competitive resulting in Farther Bruin being pushed out. 

50 North Photography – Start Line
50 North Photography – Insolent

Shifting breeze up the first beat filled in about 7 knots.  Per Elisa established a good lead which she held throughout the race.  Per Elisa was first to round the mark and rounded the windward mark before the last boat rounded the leeward mark.  Quokka was a close second followed by 2 Farr. 

50 North Photography – Per Elisa

Race Committee was determined to run another race but due to the light conditions and the time limit fast approaching the Race Officer made the decision to cancel Race 11. Tonight is the Prize Giving and Half Ton Classics Cup 2025 Dinner, every boat is attending and looking forward to celebrating such a fantastic fun packed regatta.

To see the results of Race Day 5 click here.

Tania from 50 North Photography is the official Half Ton Classics Cup 2025 photographer and to view her images please click here.

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Day 4 – Long Coastal Race

Posted on August 7, 2025 by njsymonds

Today it was the Half Ton Classics Cup 2025 offshore race.  It was looking like the Half Tonners would have prefect conditions as the wind was between 12-17 knots and in a south-westerly direction.

The fleet’s start was competitive and tight, with all boats crossed the line cleanly. The course started in the bay with a lovely long reach from the windward mark to the first mark, with 2 Farr in front with Quokka right behind.  2 Farr gybed at the second mark to avoid the ebbing tide that was going south and gained a clear advantage increasing her lead in front. 

50 North Photography – 2 Farr

For the Half Tonner Collector, this is the first time they have competed in the Half Ton Classics Cup.  They have really enjoyed being part of the regatta, but they found that this type of coastal race to be very difficult with only five people on board their boat.    

Harmony stated that the race was, “Wet, exciting, but it was a long race especially with Rob keep falling into the cockpit!”.

50 North Photography – Harmony

The coastal course took the Half Tonners to Emsstrom wreck before heading towards Dartmouth to Skerries Bank then back to the bay, a distance of 32 nautical miles.

Per Elisa commented, “The race was wet and wild!  For the length of the race, it was great to see how many boats were so close together at the end.  It was a lot of fun gybing between the kelp farm beds.”

First boat to finish was 2 Farr taking just over 5 hours to complete the course, happily all the boats finished the coastal course within the time limit. 

HeadHunter provided a positive update on the regatta stating, “The regatta is well organised, and the Club is working hard with all aspects to keep the sailors happy on and off the water.  Tremendous bay to sail in and have just had a taste of the lumpy waters outside the bay.  The boat is going well, couple of times we would prefer that the mast pointing more up right, and were looking forward to more hospitality tonight.”

For full information on Race 9 results click here.

50 North Photography are the official photographer for Half Ton Classics Cup 2025, please click here to view the regatta’s photographs.

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Day 3 – AP to Champagne Sailing

Posted on August 6, 2025 by njsymonds

The day started with plenty of bright sun, but with only about three knots of wind.  The Race Committee went out to hunt down the wind and AP was hoisted at 0930.  Luckily by 1045 there was enough sea breeze to invite the Class to come out into the bay to start Day 3 races.  The Race Committee planned to achieve four races, three windward – leewards and the fourth race around the cans. 

The Half Tonners had a clean start for Race 5, and their first leg it was an even 50/50 split to the first mark.  Surprisingly, 2 Farr did a hard left to port and it was Général Tapioca who were first to the spreader closely followed by Superhero.  By the second lap 2 Farr was first to the gate and won the race.    

50 North Photography – 2 Farr

Before the start of Race 6 the conditions changed to champagne sailing with 10 knots of wind, glorious sunshine and sparkling seas.  Checkmate XV and Hullabaloo XV were both OCS and returned to restart before joining the rest of the fleet. There was an even split across the fleet, 2 Farr took the advantage by tacking at the perfect moment giving them the lead to the first mark.  The fleet raced down to the gate on split gybes and again on the tack back to the spreader.  2 Farr took the lead early on, resulted in them winning the race overall.

2 Farr & Per Elisa

The sea breezes started to drop just before the start of Race 7.  It was an intense start resulting in the fleet starting prematurely and being given a general recall, everyone got off cleanly on the second start. Harmony was first to round the mark, Général Tapioca was close behind coming up from a port to starboard tack and interfered with 2 Farr who were on a starboard tack, therefore, needed to take a penalty turn to exonerated themselves.  First to the change mark was Harmony and they were able to maintain their position to finish first with HeadHunter a close second. 

Harmony

The last race of the day was around the cans taking the Half Tonners across the bay.  The wind dropped to 7 knots and shifted over 30 degrees.  This didn’t stop the fleet starting in tight formation enjoying good downward legs.  Harmony won Race 8.

Overall today’s racing has seen the Half Tonners race in close formation across the four races.  Looking at the results it is possible to see that there are only seconds between each Half Tonner.  Freelance stated about todays racing, “Good weather, good competition, tight racing, but every mistake you make loses you a place.  Good fun though and the Race Committee was excellent.”   

50 North Photography – Freelance

Racing continues tomorrow. To see the results of Race Day 3 click here.

Tania from 50 North Photography is the official Half Ton Classics Cup 2025 photographer and to view her images please click here.

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Day 2-  Sea Breezes, Sun and Fierce Competition

Posted on August 5, 2025 by njsymonds

To make up for yesterday the Race Officer Bob Penfold, ran four races today with three windward – leeward races and one race around the cans at the end.

The first race experienced sea breezes over 15 knots with a 30-degree wind shifts up to the first beat making for interesting racing.  The class was in tight formation crossing the start line with Collector having to return after being called OCS. 

50 North Photography – Checkmate XV & Quokka 9

Second race started with a general recall, but the Class made up for it on the second start with all boats crossing the line in style.  The fleet was clearly enjoying the sail back to the committee boat with their spinnakers, it was great to see the Half Tonners being so skilled at gybing with their spinnaker poles.  Per Elisa was first to round the change mark on lap 2 and 2 Farr came from second place to win the race.   

50 North Photography – Start of Race 3

By race three, the conditions became perfect for racing with the sun coming out and the breeze building once again.  Superhero was UFD at the start, but the rest of the fleet was able to get off cleanly.  The fleet was split evenly across both sides of the bay heading to the first mark, with 2 Farr rounding first. Whilst Quokka was on the run in second place around the mark, unfortunately one of their crew slipped off the boat loosing them at least three places. They decided it was only right to pick him back up!  Conditions changed on the reach back to the finish line causing several Half Tonners to broach in the gusting winds but thankfully no one else ended up in the bay.

50 North Photography – Halfajet & Quokka

Race committee set around the cans for the last race, and all boats had a good clean start.  The Half Tonners sailed closely together for the first couple of marks.  But due to the weather conditions, it became a procession race with few opportunities to change position.    

50 North Photography – 2 Farr

Racing continues tomorrow with a further four races scheduled. To see the results of Race Day 2 click here.

Tania from 50 North Photography is the official Half Ton Classics Cup 2025 photographer and to view her images please click here.

#HalfTonClassicCup2025 #RoyalTorbayYachtClub #HalfaTonTwicetheFun

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Day 1 – Racing Cancelled Due to High Winds

Posted on August 4, 2025 by njsymonds

The Half Ton Classics Cup 2025 entries came from across Europe to be here this week at Torbay, hosted by the Royal Torbay Yacht Club.  We have boats from Belgium, France, Ireland, Norway and Great Britain and to see the full list click here.

The Race Committee announced to the fleet first thing this morning that the racing will be delayed due to the high winds across the bay gusting up to mid to high 30s.  The Race Committee was hoping to start the Half Ton Classics Cup 2025 later in the day by giving everyone one race in the afternoon, but regrettably the gusts continued peaking up to 38 knots causing the racing to be cancelled on Day 1.

This didn’t stop the Half Tonners celebrating the start of the Classics Cup Series, the Pontoon Party hosted by Peter Rutter (Quokka) was brought forward to 1700 just when the rain stopped giving everyone the chance to come together and share stories about their journeys over to Torbay.

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HTCC 2025 Sailing Instructions Are Now Live!

Posted on July 24, 2025 by njsymonds

We are pleased to announce that the Sailing Instructions for the Half Ton Classics Cup 2025 taking place in Torbay from 2-8 August are now available for download from the official noticeboard. Please make sure to familiarize yourself with all the rules and regulations before the racing begins.

Skippers should note that in the sailing instructions have adopted the RORC’s modifications of IRC sail restrictions for a sequential race regattas.  Boats may only have for each day, the number of sails on their certificate.  However, during the regatta you may change the individual sails every day to suit the weather conditions. 

With regards to scoring and time limits, the two races with above 1 factor (long inshore 1.1 and the offshore 1.5) cannot be discarded and have no time limit.

To help clarify the UK’s attitude towards lifejackets, there must be a lifejacket for each member of the crew on the boat.  These are to be worn if there is a “Y” flag on the committee boat, after sunset, or at the crew’s discretion.  All lifejackets must meet the ISO 12402 standard.  Any crew wishing to wear buoyancy aid during racing may do so.

Half the Ton, Twice the Fun !

In addition to the exciting races planned for the week, we are delighted to share details of our social programme.

On Sunday 3 August, our hosts the Royal Torbay Yacht Club, would like to invite you to the Commodore’s Reception at 1930 to celebrate the start of the Half Ton Classics Cup 2025.  This event is being sponsored by the Half Ton Committee. The Club bar will be available before the Reception starts and the Club are offering a sailing supper menu if you wish to stay afterwards.

New for this year, the Half Tonners are invited to a Pontoon Party hosted by Peter Rutter (Quokka). Join us for drinks on Monday 4 August to raise a glass and share stories about the first day of racing.  We will be starting 30 minutes after the racing finishes, and the Club will be offering a sailing supper menu for anyone who wishes to have dinner afterwards.

There will be a Deluxe BBQ taking place at RTYC’s stunning terrace on Tuesday 5 August at 1900. Don’t miss out on this fun evening of good food, great company and the chance to catch up on the days racing.  To see the menu click here, tickets are £22.00 and can be purchased from Race Office at the Club.  Tickets must be purchased by Sunday evening.

Royal Torbay Yacht Club Terrace

On Wednesday 6 August RTYC’s bar will be open after racing and will be offering a sailing supper menu to everyone.  Please let the Club know if you wish to have a table.

Join us 30 minutes after the racing finishes at the RTYC on Thursday 7 August for a Gin Night hosted especially for all competitors! The Club will be producing special offers from their exclusive Gin Menu, supported by Plymouth Gin. It’s the perfect way to unwind and celebrate another successful day on the water.  There will be a sailing supper menu available afterwards.

The HTCC 2025 Prize Giving and Dinner will be held at the Imperial Hotel for 1900.  To provide a great final night of celebration we have had to guarantee a minimum number and therefore we would appreciate the Class attendance to this special event.  Tickets are £45 and can be purchased at registration, the dress code is smart casual.  To see the menu click here.  An email will be sent out soon giving you the opportunity to pre-select your choices and dietaries. 

Lastly, at registration each boat will receive 7 wristbands, these will give you entry to the free events.  During the regatta, RTYC’s bar will be open everyday from midday onwards so you can check out the race area while enjoying a drink with your crew. For a full break down of the social programme click here. 

We cannot wait to welcome you all to Torbay for an unforgettable week of competitive sailing and camaraderie.

#HalfTonClassicsCup2025 #RoyalTorbayYachtClub #HalfaTonTwicetheFun

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The Count Down Begins… What Competitors Need to Achieve Success in Torbay

Posted on June 26, 2025 by njsymonds

Count down begins, there are now only 4 days left to catch the Early Bird offer.  Early Bird closes on 30 June at midnight.  If you haven’t entered yet, there is still time. It promises to be a fantastic five days of racing and superb social events.  Enter now for the Half Ton Classics Cup 2025. There are 18 boats entered so far with guarantees from several other boats which is going to make it a exciting competitive event. Why not check out your competition and see who’s on the entry list.  

For those who have entered, it is time to start preparing by understanding the waters you will be racing in. Torbay is a large bay, facing east that enjoys protection from prevailing winds. Rupert Holmes explains that, “The bay is indented roughly two and a half miles and measures three miles from north to south. For the most part, depths are around 10 metres above chart datum but shoal closer to shore. On the line between Berry Head and the Ore Stone off the northern headland it drops to 25m – stronger tidal streams will be experienced here, as well as near the headlands. Tides rarely reach one knot, with the flood tide running to the north, while the ebb is southerly, although both sweep somewhat into the bay. Eddies can form further inshore, especially towards the north and south coasts of the bay. Torbay has its own micro-climate, partly thanks to its protection from prevailing winds. A couple of valleys in the southern part of the bay tend to funnel south-westerly breezes and can result in sudden windshifts as the breeze swaps between the two. In any westerly, breezes are likely to be shiftier than at other venues as the wind is coming off the high ground. Sea breezes, particularly where there’s rising air over the high ground of Dartmoor little more than 12 miles inland to the west northwest, have a significant effect in modifying the gradient wind. These generally start as a south-easterly that increases and swings to the south-west as the day progresses – this favours playing the shifts on the right side of the course. It’s therefore worth watching for the formation of cumulous clouds well inshore.” For the full article called “Win in Torbay” which discusses the local conditions and what the competitors need to know to achieve success in Torbay click here.

Torbay

Half Tonners who are using a trailer to bring your boat across to Torbay, have you booked your boat lift yet?  Or after sailing across will your Half Ton want a spry down before the racing beginnings?  To book your slot please call Torbay Marine Lifting on 07825 235 381. To be guaranteed your slot in time for the Half Ton Classics Cup you need to book now.

Torbay is a well loved holiday destination and accommodation is booked up fast, there are several options from hotels that are offering the Half Tonners a deal such as Imperial and Hampton by Hilton, plus there are B&Bs and campsites.  For further information please go to the Official Noticeboard to see the links.  

The deadline for the Early Bird Entry fee – is Midnight on Monday 30 June 2025.

#HalfTonClassicsCup2025 #RoyalTorbayYachtClub #HalfaTonTwicetheFun

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Have You Entered the Half Ton Classics Cup 2025 Yet?

Posted on May 20, 2025 by njsymonds

Half Tonners across Europe, you have been busy spending months getting your boat and crew ready for the new season, and now is the time to enjoy your hard work.  It was especially good to see that HeadHunter is back, congratulations on winning first place at Kip Regatta 2025!  

Headhunter

This season kicked off early with RORC’s Easter Challenge. Rob O’Leary brought over 2 Farr with his crew and they had their own class competition with the local boat Quokka.  Spi Ouest France had 8 Half Tonners racing and even with the Brittany drizzle Quiberon Bay retained all of its charm!  The National Championship in Norway this month, really showed that these beautiful Half Ton boats have a lot to offer.  Well done Midnight X !

2 Farr

Now it’s the turn of Half Ton Classics Cup 2025.  We are just a few months away from this year’s championship and the excitement is building.  If it is not in your diary already add it now, Half Ton Classics Cup 2025 will be held at the Royal Torbay Yacht Club, Devon on Saturday 2 – Friday 8 August 2025, book your place here. 

It is a truly international event with entries from Belgium, France, Great Britain, Ireland and Norway. Entries are coming in daily, and to see the list click here.

The deadline for the Early Bird Entry fee – is Midnight on Monday 30 June 2025.

It is a championship not to be missed with the racing taking place in some of the finest sailing waters in the world. The racing will be run by highly experienced professional race team managed by the Royal Torbay Yacht Club.

Have you entered yet? Entries are open and you can book your place here. 

#HalfTonClassicsCup2025 #RoyalTorbayYachtClub #HalfaTonTwicetheFun

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Royal Torbay Yacht Club Welcomes Half Ton Classics Cup 2025

Posted on April 17, 2025 by njsymonds

The Royal Torbay Yacht Club has been at the heart of sailing in Torbay for over 150 years and continues to meet the demands of the modern-day sailor. Offering a warm welcome to all visiting sailors and their guests. As one of the leading clubs in the South West, they have a strong racing focus with RYA British Youth Sailing Recognised Club status and an active Junior and Youth membership.

The historic Clubhouse sits proudly above the harbour within easy reach of the harbour and the town. The growing reputation of their restaurant has made the club the venue of choice in Torbay. The Clubhouse has a terraced garden with stunning panoramic views over Torbay and the race area. It is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy refreshments with friends after a day’s racing.

The sheltered harbour offers excellent facilities, berthing and pontoons. Carparking and space for trailers is conveniently located between the harbour and the yacht club. Pontoons with direct shoreside access with electricity on the northside of the harbour have been secured for the fleet between 2 – 9 August which is included in your entry. Craning services are available and can be booked by clicking here.

It is fast and easy to access the race areas, and the racing will take place in some of the finest sailing waters in the world. Torbay is an internationally renowned sailing venue hosting America’s Cup trials in the 1930’s, sailing events of the 1948 Olympics, the Cadet Class World Championships in 1997, the UK stopover for La Solitaire de Figaro in 2015, the prestigious J/70 World Championships in 2019, the Dragon Gold Cup in 2023 and numerous World, European and National Championships. Royal Torbay Yacht Club have a highly professional team of RYA qualified Race Officers, experienced Race Management and Mark Laying teams backed up by their first-class Event, Race and Results administration shoreside team.

Torquay is a spectacular venue, it is widely known as the English Riviera and is just a great place to be during August. Competitors and their families can be sure of a very warm welcome and will enjoy a friendly atmosphere, fabulous hospitality and great shoreside entertainment featuring Commodore’s Welcome Night, sailing suppers and the BBQ on the terrace.

Torquay is easily accessible by sea, road, rail and air. Motorway network right to the heart of the town, the Railway station is just a short distance from the harbour. Brittany Ferries operate from Plymouth, Poole, and Portsmouth with services to and from both France and Spain. International air flights operate from both Bristol and Exeter in addition to Birmingham, London Heathrow and London Gatwick.

The Royal Torbay Yacht Club is proud of it’s long and distinguished history of hosting major international events and is looking forward to welcoming the Half Ton Classics Cup 2025 to their Club.

The deadline for the Early Bird Entry fee – is Midnight on Monday 30 June 2025.
To enter click here.

#HalfTonClassicCup2025 #HalfTonClassicsCup2025 #RoyalTorbayYachtClub #HalfaTonTwicetheFun

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