Posted on 5th September 2025

Shrimper teams blow a hole in the remnants of Hurricane Erin

Despite the challenging forecast over the three day "Shrimper Open Championships 2025", hosted by Mylor Yacht Club , Falmouth, the event attracted a record entry. The event followed close on the heels of Falmouth Sailing Week and a number of sailors from further up country attended both events taking advantage of convenient local moorings and storage facilities between events.

Day 1 saw a forecast of 18mph with potential 28mph gusts. A wise decision by the class captain and the race officer confirmed all teams sailed with a minimum of 1 reef in the mainsail attracting the less confident teams to give it a go.

Three short races were contested across the fleet on a turning tide making on course decisions a challenge. By the end of the first days racing Shrimper Ysella sailed by Brian Phipps and Paul Chatfield lead the leader board closely followed by Tarragon and Jackdaw just 2 point behind.  Hot "Cornish Pasties" and bar chit-chat, hosted by Mylor Yacht Club in their excellent waterside facilities rounded off the day's events. 

Day 2 saw more wind and squally showers with the fleet heading out under the same minimum reefing requirement. Drama on the start line caused by a few gear failures kept the safety boat teams busy and with reducing visibility and strengthening winds across the course area the race officer decided one race was enough excitement for the day and the fleet headed home with Ysella taking line honours again, followed closely by  Lucinda sailed by Peter MacFarlane, a visiting sailor from Poole. A BBQ and refreshments followed the racing just to round the afternoon off

Day 3 gave no respite on the wind front although the sun decided to show its face on and off. A slightly depleted fleet headed out for race 5 and 6 but the breeze just kept coming delivering the highest recorded gusts. Race Officer, Steve Nicholls and team did an excellent job managing the challenging conditions to deliver a course that kept everyone on their toes. Although the lead changed a number of times Ysella managed to lead the fleet across the finish line to take the championship Trophy , followed by Jackdaw and Tarragon.     

Although some boats had a few scars, all boats and teams got home safe and sound. Battles across the fleet were hotly contested for the various trophies up for grabs. The Cornish Cream Tea ( cream on top!) Prize Giving took place at Mylor Yacht Club under sunny skies.  A good time had by all, even with the challenges. Next year's Shrimper Open Championships date already set 4, 5 and 6 September 2026 with the aim of attracting an even bigger entry. Full results link

https://myloryachtclub.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/results/results_2025/shrimper_open_2025.htm

Trophy Winners :-

Shrimper Open Champion :- Brian Phipps & Paul Chatfield. Ysella 298

1st Shrimper inboard:- Alan Mills & John Montgomery. Reward 842

Windsport Shrimper Trophy :- Claire and Bel Bailey.  Salome 346

1st Lady helm :- Hattie Smart. Squib 002

Falmouth SOA personal handicap Trophy :- Alan Mills. Reward 842

Youngest sailor award :- Wilf Pinchin Sterren Vor 518

Higher res pictures available on request contact: brian.phipps@windsport,co,uk <mailto:brian.phipps@windsport,co,uk>  07974

194308

Shrimper Champs 2025 Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAtjC8HebG8

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAtjC8HebG8&t=15s> &t=15s 

Brian Phipps

 <mailto:brian.phipps@windsport.co.uk> brian.phipps@windsport.co.uk

+44 (0) 7974 194308