The Lockdown Cup Round 2 – Sailors or Space Invaders?

Yesterday (22 April 2020) saw five top British dinghy sailors, including Olympic medallists, national champions and eSailing experts take on five eSailing challengers for the title of the RYA YachtsandYachting.com Lockdown Cup Champion.

Mark Jardine, editor of YachtsandYachting.com and one of our race commentators gives us the low down on all the action as it unfolded….

“The sun is shining, the wind is up, and the temperatures are nudging the 20s in the UK. Without doubt time to lock yourself in a dark room, avoid all distractions and play computer games!

“We can’t get out on the water, but the need to compete in some sailboat racing is strong, people want to watch it, so The Lockdown Cup was the perfect solution. Our top five champions from Round 1 took on our five RYA YachtsandYachting.com competition winners in Round 2. Three fast and furious races, had the added incentive of an LPX Gore-Tex® Jacket for the top challenger, courtesy of Musto, official clothing supplier to the British Sailing Team.

“Would anyone beat the eSailing Demo Event and Round 1 winner Adam McGovern? Would our Olympians manage to string three races together? Would our challengers, who included eSailing champions, teach our hotshots a virtual lesson? It was all to play for with reputations on the line and it didn’t disappoint.”

“London 2012 Olympic Silver Medallist Luke Patience has been there or thereabouts in most of the races, and maybe his commentary view of the eSailing RYA Youth Nationals gave him the edge today. His 1, 2, 2 score line made him the deserved and convincing winner.

“It was bad luck for some to lose internet connection, the virtual equivalent of gear failure. Our youth challenger Max Tait, who was borrowing the neighbours’ Wi-Fi, was particularly hard hit by this, which was disappointing as he was right in the mix when his connection was working.

“Here’s what our racers thought about the day:

Luke Patience (winner): “A different winner each race shows there were not too many inches spare around the course! Great to see Scotland rising to the top step. Mon!”

David Hivey (runner-up): “Great racing again. Well done to the speedy Scotsman. This game is great as it rewards and punishes the same tactics that apply in real sailing. Probably why Luke won!!”

Donnie Gillies (third place and first challenger): “Well played Luke and Dave. Happy to make off with the Musto jacket!”

Adam McGovern (Demo event and Round 1 winner): ““Today’s racing was amazing! Far too many mistakes by myself, but hats off to Luke, watching the youth nationals has clearly paid off for him today!”

Nick Craig: “Well eSailed everyone! Can’t remember the last time I had over ten penalties in three races…”

eSailing has taken off during lockdown, and our aim is to livestream more and more as we get to grips with the tech and commentary. Catch you all soon on the sparkling waters off pixelated Portsmouth!”

If you want to get involved with eSailing then visit www.rya.org.uk/go/esailing to find out more and details on how to get involved.