Royal Gourock Yacht Club to add new event to May calendar

 

THE Royal Gourock Yacht Club is launching a new addition to its calendar in the Round Gantocks Rally on Saturday, May 16.

This event is designed to celebrate the joy of sailing and the sense of community it fosters.

With a start time of 1pm, the rally boasts a relaxed, non-competitive sail around the Gantocks, aimed at promoting participation and fun over competition.

The event is open to everyone, from seasoned sailors to novices who love being on the water.

Rowers are also encouraged to participate.

This family-friendly event will wrap up ashore with a well-earned beer and a burger.

Southampton International Boat Show welcomes back the Wooden Boat Stage for 2026

 

Jasmine Hill, Event Director of Southampton International Boat Show said: "The Wooden Boat Stage embodies the heart and craft of the UK's wooden boat industry, bringing stories, skills, and projects to life for our visitors. We're excited to expand the stage in 2026, offering an even bigger platform for talent, innovation, and the timeless appeal of wooden boats."

Also, new for 2026, the Wooden Boat Stage Afloat will expand the experience onto the water, showcasing a special collection of standout wooden boats with unique stories and outstanding craftsmanship for visitors to experience up close.

"Wooden boatbuilding represents the very best of craftsmanship, where traditional techniques meet modern thinking, and where every build is a reflection of skill, care, and experience. It's a discipline that connects people to the water in a uniquely authentic way. The Wooden Boat Stage gives that craft the platform it deserves, allowing us to share not just the finished boats, but the process, the people, and the stories behind them. Expanding the stage in 2026, and also showcasing wooden boats afloat, will help us reach new audiences and continue building momentum for the future of the craft." Colin Henwood, Wooden Boatbuilders' Trade Association

The Wooden Boat Stage schedule will bring alive the passion, craft, people and projects from the UK's wooden boatbuilding industry, showcasing the history and heritage alongside modern wooden boatbuilding, promoting the viability of wood as a sustainable material for the future.

In 2025, the Wooden Boat Stage hosted 68 sessions delivered by 34 organisations, featuring more than 60 individuals, including Jazz Turner, Conrad Humphreys, and Dan Lee. This year, the programme will once again be led by the WIBB, WBTA and BBA, ensuring it remains a true community effort. Applications are now open for those with a story to tell, a project suited to the stage, or a relevant skill to demonstrate. The organising group is particularly keen to support younger and lesser-known individuals in the industry who may not have previously had the opportunity to showcase their craft and encourages applications from those wishing to share their work with show visitors.

Apply here: forms.gle/yMRFgJKuSaMWTyFT9

The Southampton International Boat Show takes place from 18-27 September. Wave 2 tickets for the show are on sale from £21. Book your tickets here: www.southamptonboatshow.com

'Sailing after my stroke helps me in every way'

 

Kim Davies, from Hindhead in Surrey, took up sailing after beginning to use a wheelchair having been hospitalised in 2019.

Davies, who uses a specially adapted boat, is to take part in a 10-hour relay sailing event on Saturday, raising funds for the Samson Centre – a Surrey charity supporting people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

She said: "Sailing has helped me in every way. I don't know what I would do without it."

Davies began sailing with Sailability, a programme which Frensham Pond Sailing Club runs to helps people with disabilities to get onto the water.

The club has more than 30 boats and helps people to sail independently either for leisure or in racing events.

The sailing club is to run a 10-hour sailing race on Saturday, with boats taking it in turns to sail in short stints between 09:00 BST and 19:00.

A JustGiving page for the event has so far raised more than £1,200.

Chris Gay, of the sailing club, said: "It's a brilliant example of what Sailability is all about.

"We get people into the boats, and they can sail just like everyone else. It just levels the playing field.

"The event is for a great cause. It brings everyone together."

SailGP Returns to Bermuda this weekend

 

The Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix returns to the island's crystal clear waters, after a year hiatus as the fifth stop of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship, bringing high-octane stadium racing to one of the world's most iconic destinations. More than 5,000 spectators are expected to witness SailGP's international fleet of teams battle for glory in identical F50s at speeds approaching 100 km/h.

This year's event features an upgraded fan experience at Morgan's Point, headlined by elevated waterfront seating and local artists DJ Rusty G and Kassie Cains. While the BONDS Flying Roos arrive in peak form following their victory at the inaugural Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix, the reigning 2025 Season champions Emirates Great Britain now trail behind by a seven-point gap as 12 international teams compete for national pride and the largest prize pot in the sport of sailing - U.S. $12.8 million.

The Rolex SailGP Championship returns to Bermuda, a venue synonymous with elite foiling performance and high-stakes tactical racing. Renowned for its pristine waters and fickle, breezy conditions, Bermuda has historically served as the backdrop for some of the most dramatic moments in the league's history.

As the 2026 Season leaderboard begins to solidify, the technical course will reward aggressive precision while ruthlessly punishing minor errors. Twelve international teams will compete, though the Black Foils (New Zealand) remain sidelined as they continue extensive repairs following their Auckland incident.

Bonds Flying Roos arrive as Championship Favorites

Australia's BONDS Flying Roos land in Bermuda riding a wave of clinical consistency, firmly entrenched at the top of the season standings. Following a dominant victory at the recent Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix last month, the Australian crew has mastered the art of converting strong starts into podium finishes.

The Aussies now look to extend their championship grip and fend off an increasingly competitive chasing pack, knowing a statement win in Bermuda could cement their status as the definitive team to beat in 2026.

weden's Artemis Racing targets Back-to-Back Success

Artemis (Sweden) enters the weekend with significant momentum after securing their first-ever SailGP podium at the Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix. Driver Nathan Outteridge, a veteran with deep experience navigating Bermuda's unique wind patterns, characterized the breakthrough as "a big step in the right direction."

The result marked Outteridge's first event final since his return to the league, and a strong performance here could officially transform the Swedish squad from rising contenders into genuine title threats.

Momentum Rising for U.S. SailGP Team leading into home events

The U.S. SailGP Team has surged from a last-place finish in 2025 to a dominant third overall in the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship. Following a breakthrough event win in Sydney, driver Taylor Canfield credits this turnaround to a rigorous off-water process focused on data-driven preparation and consistent point-scoring.

Representing the United States on home waters in Bermuda and at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix (May 30-31), Canfield and team remain focused on closing the gap with the league-leading Australians through disciplined execution and clear communication. With momentum building, the American squad is prepared to compete for the podium across the full range of wind conditions.

Emirates Great Britain seek redemption after Rio Stumble

The Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team arrives in Bermuda focused on a total reset following a shock result in Rio. Despite entering the previous event as championship leaders, the British crew endured a rare off-weekend, finishing at the bottom of the fleet.

Driver Dylan Fletcher was candid in his assessment, noting the team "didn't sail well enough," but with a formidable season record and proven success in Bermuda, the defending Rolex SailGP Champions are primed for a high-intensity rebound.

Defending Champions Spain Signal Resurgence

After a turbulent start to the season, Spain's Los Gallos are finding their form at a critical juncture. The reigning Bermuda champions, who secured a spectacular victory on these waters in 2024, are signaling a resurgence that threatens to disrupt the current standings. Aiming to turn their recent tactical gains into a statement result, the Spanish crew arrives focused on reclaiming their status as one of the league's premier front-runners.

Racing gets under way at 2 p.m. local time on Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10. For the latest news, tickets, updates and broadcast information ahead of the Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix, visit SailGP.com/Bermuda.

Annandale Sailing Club Open Day and beginner training

 

The chance to try sailing – for free – is on offer at Annandale Sailing Club, Castle Loch, Lochmaben this coming Sunday, May 10.

The club, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, is throwing open its doors for its annual Open Day from 12 noon to 4pm, giving members of the public the chance to enjoy a sail around the loch (weather permitting) and find out more about the sport.

As well as sailing with one of the club’s experienced members, visitors can also explore the dinghy park, viewing different kinds of boats, and tour the clubhouse, where refreshments and home baking will be on sale.

Information on all the club’s activities, from novice sailing courses to racing, power boat courses and first aid, will be available.

Annandale Sailing Club Commodore Trudie Mitchell said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming everyone to the club on Sunday. We have a great team of volunteers to help out on the day and answer any questions. Sailing is a wonderful sport for people of all ages, families and individuals, and Castle Loch is a beautiful location to try it.”

Buoyancy aids are provided for anyone venturing out onto the water on Sunday. Soft shoes and weather-appropriate clothing should be worn.

*For anyone keen to learn to sail, Annandale Sailing Club is offering beginner lessons on Saturday mornings from May 16. The cost is £15 per session and each session runs from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

A five-day training course is also on offer from July 13.

For both these training opportunities, no previous experience is necessary. Children must be aged eight or over  Anyone interested see www.annandalesailingclub.myclubhouse.co.uk or email annandalesailing@gmail.com

Final Call for Poole Regatta 2026 – Entries close at midnight on the 8th May

 

Just a few days remain until the standard entry deadline for the International Paint Poole Regatta 2026. Sailors from across the UK and northern Europe have until midnight on Friday 8th May to secure their place at one of the UK's most established, enjoyable and welcoming sailing events. Racing takes place across the late May bank holiday from 23rd to 25th of May.

Exclusively for 2026, Poole Regatta will also be hosting the RORC IRC European Championship running from the 22nd to 25th May.

Hosted in the outstanding waters of Poole Bay, Poole Harbour and beyond, the Regatta has built a strong reputation for delivering exciting yet accessible racing for a wide spectrum of sailors. Whether you are a seasoned IRC racer, one design competitor, or part of the cruising fleet looking to step up the challenge, the regatta offers a format designed to suit a wide variety of ambitions and experience levels.

To accommodate the wide range of classes, Poole Regatta operates multiple race courses throughout the event. Carefully managed by experienced race officers, these courses are designed to deliver fair, varied, and engaging racing conditions for all fleets. From windward-leeward formats to ad hoc, triangular and trapezoid courses, competitors can expect a programme that tests both boat speed and race strategy.

Beyond the racing, Poole Regatta is equally renowned for its vibrant social programme. Each evening, competitors come ashore to enjoy a schedule of events designed to bring crews together. The regatta's social scene plays a key role in its appeal, offering visiting sailors the chance to connect, unwind, and experience the unique atmosphere of Poole's sailing community.

From the competitors' reception at Poole Quay Boat Haven on Friday night, Saturday at Parkstone Yacht Club, Poole Yacht Club's party with live music on Sunday, through to the prize-giving at The Royal Motor Yacht Club on Bank Holiday Monday, the regatta will provide many opportunities to mix with like-minded yacht racers.

Don't miss out on what will be one of the most memorable sailing events of 2026 and your chance to pick up some of the first silverware on offer this season. Find out more and enter before midnight on the 8th May by visiting pooleregatta.co.uk.

Snettisham club out to attract new members at annual sailing open day

Crowds are expected to gather at Snettisham Beach Sailing Club this weekend as the popular coastal venue hosts an open day aimed at attracting new members and showcasing its activities.

The event, taking place on Sunday 10th May, from 10.30am to 4pm, will offer visitors a chance to experience sailing first-hand while enjoying a range of entertainment both on and off the water.

Organisers say the day will feature live sea racing, alongside demonstrations on the club’s inland lake where junior sailors will highlight the more social side of the sport.

 Instructor-led taster sessions will also be available, allowing newcomers to get out on the water under expert guidance.

Away from the shoreline, visitors can relax in the clubhouse, which boasts panoramic sea views, or enjoy refreshments from the on-site bar.

A live music performance by Sirens At The Helm is scheduled for the afternoon, adding to what promises to be a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.

Club representatives will be on hand throughout the day to discuss membership options, with visitors also able to sign up for a variety of sailing courses.

Located on the north Norfolk coast, the club has built a reputation for its welcoming community and strong junior programme.

Sunday’s event is seen as an opportunity to build on that, encouraging more people to get involved in sailing.

Organisers say they are hopeful for good weather and a strong turnout, with activities designed to appeal to all ages and experience levels.

We have launched a twice-weekly newsletter covering sport in Fenland and West Norfolk.

To subscribe, visit: https://www.lynnnews.co.uk/newsletter

Solo Circumnavigation of Great Britain & Ireland to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK

 

Paul Smith is an amateur sailor taking on a personal challenge to complete a solo circumnavigation of Great Britain & Ireland to raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK — helping to drive forward the search for a cure for dementia.

The challenge sees Paul sailing alone around the entire coastline of Great Britain & Ireland in his 28-year-old Beneteau Oceanis 321 sail boat— navigating changing weather, powerful tidal streams and long stretches at sea. This is a true endurance challenge that will test both seamanship and resilience.

Dementia affects millions of people, touching families, friendships and communities. By supporting this challenge, you’re contributing directly to groundbreaking research that aims to change the future of this devastating condition.

Every pound raised goes directly to Alzheimer’s Research UK.

 https://www.justgiving.com/page/sailingcaptainpaul

Current Location: vesselfinder.com/?mmsi=235099222

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SailingCaptainPaul 

Topper Southwest Traveller Series at Paignton Sailing Club

 

A great event, hosted by Paignton Sailing Club. The Toppers were welcomed to Paignton by the sunshine, with light winds forecast and an easterly swell to add to the conditions. New faces joined the fleet to compete in some tightly fought races.

The Race Officer got the boats out quickly to get racing off, with the wind forecast to drop and a hope of four races to allow a discard.

Race 1, saw steady light airs with an even split up the beat. After 2 rounds Alex took the first win for the 5.3's, closely followed by Edith then Brooke. In the 4.2 fleet it saw Harry McCormick take his first win, in his first ITCA traveller.

The second race got off quickly, with no recalls. The course favoured the left hand, with the first 4 boats finishing closely. Harry MacLeod took race 2 win, with Edith and Alex 2 & 3.

Race 3, saw Alex take his second win of the day, followed by Brooke and Harry.

Going in to the last race, the first places could all change, and the whole fleet were close on points. The race team made an adjustment to the start line, ensuring another clear start and a great race.

Overall Results: (top three)

5.3 fleet

1st Alex M

2nd Edith

3rd Harry

4.2 fleet

1st Harry McCormick

2nd Jonathan

3rd Harriet

The prize table looked amazing, with the popular addition of ducks for race wins. Thank you to Paignton SC, Race officer Sean and his team, Stu and Bex for organising and all the volunteers, competitors and parents.

Looking forward to the next event, across the bay at Brixham Yacht Club.

ISORA Offshore Race 1 Draws 18-Boat Fleet for Holyhead

 

Eighteen boats are entered for the opening ISORA offshore race of the season from Dún Laoghaire to Holyhead on Saturday May 9th.

The 55-mile crossing is scheduled to start at 08:00, with online entries remaining open.

The channel fleet shows a strong Irish turnout, with 12 entries from Irish clubs and six from Wales and the UK.

The Royal Irish Yacht Club leads club representation with five entries, followed by the National Yacht Club in Dún Laoghaire with four.  Despite the strong RIYC turnout, there is no update so far on the return of former champion Rockabill VI after an early season rig issue.

Pwllheli Sailing Club fields two entries, while Holyhead Sailing Club also has two boats on the start line.

Among the Irish contenders, 2024 ISORA champion, the J109 Ruth (Shanahan Family, National YC) lines up, after a second coastal race win, alongside recent coastal race performers including J109 Indian (Simon Knowles, Howth YC) and First 40.7 Tsunami (Peter Ryan, National YC).

Greystones SC’s Sydney 43 El Syd (Frank Whelan) continues its early-season programme, while Royal St George YC’s J122 Aurelia (Chris and Patanne Power Smith) arrives after a win in April’s coastal race opener.

Royal Irish YC entries include the NMD43 Cristina (John Treanor), the Sunfast 3300 Razorbill (Ulric Kenny), Sigma 38 State O’Chassis (Michael Murphy), Elan 333 White Lotus (Stuart Trotter) and two-handed Elan 31 entry Katanca (Barry O’Connor).

The Welsh challenge is led by Darling xx (Nigel Ingram, Holyhead SC), Lightning (Paul Sutton, Holyhead SC), and Pwllheli SC entries Finally (Paul and Sam Kitteringham) and Pata Negra (Sam Hall).

Other notable entries include Excession (Robert Temple/Matthew Harrison), Hijacker (Grzegorz Kalinecki), and double-handed No Xcuse (Patrick Hogan, National YC).

In IRC terms, the highest-rated boat is Cristina (1.206), ahead of El Syd (1.164) and Pata Negra (1.154), suggesting a competitive battle for line honours.

As Afloat reported previously, early-season ISORA coastal races on both sides of the Irish Sea have already highlighted close racing, with boats such as Ruth, Aurelia and Loinnir showing consistent form.

The offshore opener now shifts the focus to endurance, navigation and tidal strategy across the Irish Sea, with conditions likely to play a decisive role.

Beck Trophy final races at Overy Staithe Sailing Club

 

Saturday 2nd May provided a perfect early morning for the Seafarer's Pennant race, which was also the 3rd race of the club's Beck Trophy. The wind was a steady force 2 south westerly and came with brilliant sunshine.

The fleet split on the start line with the sea wall side paying and Alex and Paul in their Sharpie arriving first at the first mark followed by Andy Turner in his OK ahead of a cluster of OKs snapping at his heels. Alex Scoles in his OK set about catching the Sharpie while Bernard Clark and Spike Turner were both trying to figure out a way past Andy on a course with very few beats. Eventually they managed it but not enough to offset the personal handicaps in use. In the meantime Rob Archer in his Laser and Mark Beck in his Europe closed from behind on the OKs.

1st OK Alex Scoles 2343

2nd Laser Rob Archer 2365

3rd Sharpie Alex Smith & Paul Beachell 2367

4th OK Andy Turner 2368

5th OK Bernard Clark 2390

Sunday May 3rd saw the fleet racing for the Shipwrecked Mariners Pennant, which was also race 4 of the Beck Trophy.

It proved to be a very light and frustrating race in which the juniors did extremely well just to finish in their Toppers. The wind was a south westerly force 1, sometimes less.

The OKs started well with Alex Scoles in the lead at the first mark followed by Bernard Clark and Mark Beck in his Europe. Pete Turner went back even though he wasn't over the line at the start. However on the first run a minor luffing match between Bernard and Alex left a nice gap along the edge of the marsh and out of the tide for Pete to sail into, which he did and took the lead, never to be headed.

Further back the Sharpie of Alex Smith and Paul Beachell was doing it's best to catch up after a moderate start but short tacking is not the Sharpie's forte and they struggled to make headway. Andy Turner finished third, only to be informed that he was OCS, rather disappointing after an 80 minute test of patience on the water. Amongst the clinker built boats Paul Goakes and Natasha Dow sailed well to finish 9th with Will Worsley and Sam Britton in 8th in a Family 14.

1st Bernard Clark (OK)

2nd Pete Turner (OK)

3rd Sam Worsley (Laser Radial/ILCA 6)

4th Mark Beck (Europe)

5th Alex Smith/Paul Beachell (Sharpie)

Beck Trophy

Four races were sailed, with 3 to count, with personal handicaps applied. Those undertaking duties were allocated average points for the races which they were on duty. A total of 22 boats competed over the 2 weekends and 4 races.

1st Pete Turner

2nd Bernard Clark

3rd Alex Smith/Paul Beachell

4th Spike Turner

5th Mark Beck

Fireball Leinster Championship at Skerries Sailing Club

 

Ewen Barry and his daughter Thea were clear winners of the Fireball Leinster Championship at Skerries Sailing Club at the weekend.

In a fleet of 16 boats and in a wide variety of conditions they sailed consistently fast to beat the second placed Fireball of Chris Bateman and Bella Waterman by 8 points to 15. Third place went to Josh Porter and Cara McDowell on 15 points. By scoring two wins on day one of the event they beat frequent winners Noel Butler & Stephen Oram into 4th place on tie-break.

The event, in tandem with the 420 Ulsters, took place over two days of the bank holiday weekend.

Saturday's racing saw great conditions with winds of about 12 - 18 knots south-easterly while Sunday's racing was postponed for about 30 minutes to allow the lighter winds to settle in direction and strength. Principal race officer Liam Dineen, assisted by Helen Ryan and Micheline Shiels set trapezoid courses on Saturday. Somewhat constrained by geography these were short sharp courses which for Fireballs involved a long final reach and a downwind finish.

While on the short side of short, this allowed both fleets to enjoy four races on the Saturday leaving Sunday open to two much longer races to complete the series of six.

Sunday's racing over traditional Olympic Triangle courses took place in about 6-10 knots of breeze. Race five was shortened after the second leeward rounding as the breeze became increasingly feeble but the final race saw a steadier wind, especially out to sea. The tricky judgement call all weekend was where to go - wind versus tide, versus possible wind bends and shifts, all the while trying to remain in decent pressure.

On the Saturday there were frequently gains inshore due to a wind bend despite better breezes out to sea. On Sunday heading out to sea seemed to pay best especially in race six. In the silver fleet Jack McDowell & Hugo Micka took first, followed by Alan Henry & Alan Stamp, and Rachel Deasy & Daithi Murphy.

All in all this was a fantastic first summer event for the Irish Fireball fleet, frustrated from seeing the Munsters postponed due to the fuel protests. It was a great shakedown for a very busy season which will see probably the largest ever Irish Fireball fleet head to the UK in July for the World Championship in Torbay. One interesting observation in terms of the fleet and affordability over the weekend - the winning boat was of the newest design with twin poles and all modern bells and whistles- but second placed boat was thirty years old! As always, it's not really the boat, it's the sailors...

Next Travellers Event for Fireballs is the Nationals in Howth Yacht Club 19, 20, 21st June but before that there is a great opportunity for Fireballs (and other dinghies) ro enjoy decent racing at the two-day DMYC regatta 6th & 7th June. All dinghies welcome!

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Crew Club Fleet R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 Pts

1st 15183 Ewen Barry Thea Barry MBSC Gold ‑4 2 1 1 3 1 8

2nd 14870 Chris Bateman Bella Waterman MBSC Gold ‑6 3 4 3 1 2 13

3rd 15022 Josh Porter Cara McDowell NSC/MYC/SSC Gold 1 1 8 ‑10 2 3 15

4th 15061 Noel Butler Stephen Oram NYC Gold 2 4 3 2 4 ‑6 15

5th 14855 Matthew Cotter Conor Twohig Howth Yacht Club Gold ‑8 7 2 6 7 4 26

6th 15114 Daniel Thompson Harry Thompson RStG/WHBTC Gold 3 6 5 8 6 ‑12 28

7th 14938 Niall McGrotty Neil Cramer SSC Gold ‑11 5 9 7 5 5 31

8th 14915 Frank Miller Ed Butler DMYC Gold 10 ‑11 11 5 10 7 43

9th 14740 Jack McDowell Hugo Micka MYC Gold 9 8 7 9 13 ‑14 46

10th 15016 Louise McKenna Hermine OKeeffe RStG Gold ‑14 9 10 12 8 8 47

11th 15156 Jack McNaughton Edward Coyne DMYC Gold ‑12 10 6 11 12 10 49

12th 1506 Alan Henry Alan Stamp GBSC Silver ‑13 13 13 4 9 11 50

13th 15060 Rachel Deasy Daithí Murphy Tralee Bay SC Silver 5 12 ‑14 14 14 13 58

14th 146 Jon Evans Aidan Caulfield Sligo YC Gold 7 14 ‑16 15 16 9 61

15th 14691 Pat McGoldrick Paul Ter Horst SID Silver 15 15 12 ‑16 11 15 68

16th 14630 David Mcilwee Peter McMullan Bray Sailing Club Silver ‑16 16 15 13 15 16 75

Bray Sailing Club Lift-In Launches Fleet And Raises RNLI Funds

 

Bray Sailing Club launched 24 cruisers in a tightly timed lift-in on Saturday (2 May), raising more than €1,000 for the RNLI.

The County Wicklow operation was completed in four hours in near-ideal conditions. With Bray Harbour’s tidal limits, organisers worked to a narrow window to ensure all boats were afloat on time.

Members now turn to a full programme of 33 races. The season includes three away weekends and a cruise in company to Knoydart in Scotland. One new boat joins the fleet, alongside a change of ownership.

A club breakfast for more than 60 members, provided by Gerry Rowe, replaced a fee with donations to the RNLI. Contributions totalled almost €1,100 for the Greystones branch.

Cruiser Class Captain Mark Whelan said the result reflected strong teamwork. “These days don’t run themselves,” he said. “The organisation, cooperation and hard work were clear from early morning through to completion.”

He added that safety and coordination were key. “From lifting crews to logistics and public access control, everyone pulled in the same direction to get the job done properly and safely.”