Tomes Cup

The finale of the Top Dog Trophy Series 2024-25 took place in Victoria Harbour on Saturday, the 3rd of May, completing the series of four pursuit races to determine the top-performing boat for the season.  

With a forecast of light wind for the day, it was a relief for the 67 boats contesting the Tomes Cup to find 6 to 8 knots of southeasterly breeze at the start. During the day, however, the wind blew between 4 and 10 knots and sailors had to contend with a strong outgoing tide.

Race officer, Gareth Williams, set a start line just off Hung Hom in the eastern sector of the harbor. The various fleets raced between Hung Hom and Shau Kei Wan before the RO shortened course at Kowloon Bay.

In this pursuit race, the Pandora fleet was first off, followed by the Ruffians, Dragons, and Flying Fifteens. Chasing them down to the projected target finish time of 1630 were the Impala, J/80 and Etchells fleets, with the Sportsboats and five Big Boats bringing up the rear.

An exceptional effort was made by the Pandora, Solstice, which held on to its lead for the first lap and a half, with the Ruffian, Buster, swiftly closing the gap as they approached Hung Hom the second time. In the end, Serendipity (Sportsboat) finished 1st at 1620 near E1. Buster took the runner-up spot, with Gnu (Impala) in 3rd place.

Following the race, a prize presentation was held at the club, with awards made not only to the winners of the Tomes Cup but also to the overall winner of the Top Dog Trophy Series 2024-25. In this, David Kong's Out of Africa marginally beat Serendipity, claiming the Top Dog title. Dion Houghton's Serendipity finished 2nd, only three points behind, while 3rd place went to Marina Hoyle's Merlin (Sportsboat).

David Kong was delighted that his Cape 31, Out of Africa, had lifted the Top Dog Trophy. "We enjoyed the series very much and it was really very close racing with the VX One, Serendipity, and I'm glad we came out on top. A big 'thank you' to all the race management guys, as well. They did a great job."

What was David's secret for having performed so well? "Make no mistakes."

                                                                                                                —photos Guy Nowell / RHKYC