Woodspring Model Sailing Club (MSC) near Bristol hosted the final two rounds of the 2025 RG65 Traveler’s Trophy (TT) series over the weekend of 8th and 9th November. Thirteen sailors entered and eleven made it to the start line on both days. It was great to see a range of established designs (Ivy, Uno, Scurry, Scuttle) entered alongside some new developments. Tobias Laux (161) tested a new 3D printed prototype (Proto0), while a new promising looking design based on an existing successful Marblehead (F6) was trialled by Jim La Roche (57) and Graham Hetem (60).
On Saturday, competitors were greeted by a lovely autumn sun and a light west/south westerly breeze for TT11. Race officer Alan Barnstable promptly started the countdown for the first race. Race favourites Alan Bennett (68), Tobias Laux (161), and Dorian Crease (70), all crossed the line early and were recalled. Vernon Appleton (73) took full profit and sailed to an unthreatened first race win. Vernon confirmed his good form in races 2 and 3 with a 2nd place and another win. From race 4 onwards it was Alan Bennett, with his well-tuned Ivy, who finally managed to establish his dominance, winning nine of the following 13 races. After 16 races sailed, Alan Barnstable called it a day, with Alan Bennett finishing first with 17 points in front of Tobi with 27 points, Vernon with 35 points, and Dorian with 40 points. Places 5 to 9 were heavily contested and were only separated by 6 points, confirming how exciting and tight racing was. The day ended for most competitors with local beers and pizza in the Port Bar in Portishead – an excellent evening.
Close racing at the first windward mark.
RG65 TT11 final results.
The weather forecast for TT12 on Sunday could not have been more different to Saturday’s. It was expected to be grey, wet, and windy. The wind shifted to a more southerly, offshore direction, which made for very shifty, gusty conditions and challenging course setting. Competitors started with their large A rigs, with some reducing to B rigs or lower aspect A rigs during the day. However, the forecasted 20 mph wind never established itself, and most competitors were back on their A rigs by the end of the day. The start of the day was difficult for Alan Bennett who had to retire twice during the first 5 races due to a collision at the gate and due to leaves caught in the appendages. After that, it was again a similar story to Saturday and Alan sailed away from his competitors, winning 10 out of the next 11 races. The last few races were tight, with Tobi attempting every tactical trick to try steal another race win with limited success. At the end of the day and after 16 races, it was Alan Bennett finishing 1st on 16 points, followed by Tobi (25 points), Dorian (45 points), and Vernon (60 points). 5th place went to our youngest sailor, George Bennett, who showed a very strong performance including winning race number 3. At the prize giving, Alan Bennett was also presented with the RG65 Traveler’s Trophy for winning the 2025 series! Congrats and well done!
RG65 TT12 final results.
Competitors and Alan Bennett with his RG65 TT 2025 trophy
The two days have shown that a 3D printed RG65 (161) can be competitive in the UK. It is only a few grams heavier than a conventionally built boat and if print quality is high, it is also stiff, strong, and robust enough for racing, as has been shown in Germany and in the IOM class before. Hopefully we will see a few more 3D printed boats entering events in the next season, as they offer a relatively inexpensive yet competitive route into the class.
3D printed RG65 prototype (Proto_0) sailed by Tobi Laux.
We look forward to the 2026 TT series, dates will be communicated here soon!
