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.

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.

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