2025 Cowes Dinard St Malo Race Report – Griffin Team Recap
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On Friday 11th July, the Griffin team lined up for one of their most competitive races of the year: the Cowes Dinard St Malo Race. There were 155 entries with 55 in IRC 3, including RORC Griffin. Report by RORC Griffin Will Jarman
The weather forecast promised a challenging passage with very little breeze. The start in the Solent was particularly tricky, with a patchy breeze requiring careful positioning. Opting for the Island shore, the team looked to gain an advantage with the tide.
As the fleet exited the Solent, the conditions shifted rapidly. The light easterly turned into a frustrating headwind, forcing boats to peel onto headsails in order to make progress westward and onto the English Channel. The team adjusted quickly, and focus was maintained through a tricky Western Solent exit.
After rounding the Needles then came the dead zone. A frustrating four-hour stretch followed, where the fleet was left baking in the summer sun, crawling along at little more than a drift. The team was tested but allowed us to think ahead on whether to head further east or west.
Relief eventually came as the breeze filled in again—this time from the north. Forecasts had anticipated an easterly, but instead, the wind gradually clocked around to the northeast. This allowed the Griffin team to make better progress into the Channel overnight, though the team still had to pick their way through several holes in the breeze.
Once the easterly finally established itself, the tempo of the race changed. The team rounded the Casquets Lighthouse cleanly and made good speed toward Guernsey, where the breeze strengthened further. With a clear sky and sunshine, Griffin powered through the final stretch. Flying the A5 spinnaker and with 20 knots of wind at their back, the team cruised into the finish line in St Malo on Saturday evening, closing out a tough but rewarding offshore race.
A special thanks goes to Hugh Brayshaw for his invaluable input on Channel currents and tidal strategies around the Channel Islands. His expertise was key in helping the team make the most of the shifting conditions. Looking ahead the Griffin team is preparing for their biggest race this season, the prestigious Rolex Fastnet Race. Fair winds to all those competing but most importantly, good luck to the Griffin team!
