The RC35 Championship has concluded for 2023, with Ben and Jono Shelley in their J109 'Mocking J' claiming their inaugural Championship victory.
The final event, The North Clyde Regatta hosted by Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club, started with Charlie Frize’s Corby 33 Banshee leading the other Corby 33, John Stamp’s Jacob VII and Mocking J by 3 points.
After an even first day, with three different boats securing wins in the three races sailed, Banshee still had her nose in front to retain the overall Champion, with Jacob the closer contender.
"Five different winners for the RC35 events in 2023 and eight different models of yachts competed"
However, Mocking J secured two bullets on the final day on the North Clyde Regatta, ensuring an event win and with Charlie Frize’s Corby 33 Banshee in fourth place they ended on equal points for the season.
Mocking J took the Championship on countback thanks to two event wins through the season. Jacob took the final step on the podium in third place.
The season-long Championship consisted of six events spread between Scotland and Ireland, with 14 boats competing within a tight IRC handicap band of 1.010 to 1.040. With races won and lost by seconds and events regularly being decided on countbacks, concentration, teamwork, and decision-making are critical.
The RC35 Class is looking forward to its seventh year in a healthy state—five different winners for the events in 2023 and eight different models of yachts competed in the Class.
RC35 Class Supporters are North Sails, Marlow Ropes, Harken and Musto.