Sharp takes second place in Dhream Cup

Saturday 28 July 2018

Local sailor Phil Sharp finished second in the Dhream Cup, after 736 miles at sea from La Trinite, round Fastnet Rock to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin.

Sharp completed the race in four days and nearly three hours, arriving just 42 minutes after Yohann Richomme.

Following his incredible six second win in the 1,000 mile Normandy Channel Race last month, Phil Sharp set off at the helm of Imerys Clean Energy on Monday along with 29 other Class 40s. 

Pictured: Phil ready to set off on Monday. (Phil Sharp Racing)

Speaking after a full solo day at sea, Phil said: "“It’s good to be back in solo mode, and I always forget how demanding life is onboard, when you have to make a sail change – everything is twice as physical as double handed sailing, but about five times more complicated!

"The major difference is having no-one to pass over to when you are dead tired and need to get some rest. And then falling into a 20 minute trance, rather than deep sleep, so you can wake up slightly less exhausted than when you lay down."

Pictured: On the third day of the race, Phil, like all the other skippers, was desperately looking for some wind. (Phil Sharp Racing)

While he spent the first couple of days among the first three, the Jersey-born sailor dropped to fifth place on Wednesday. He described the race as a serious test of his patience, noting: "I imagine the other skippers are just as frustrated. We spent the night literally parked outside the Channel with no wind, and the sails dripping backwards and forwards."

After rounding Fastnet Rock, Phil got back to second place after an "exhilarating racing." “I can’t believe how tight the racing is still," he said. "It really is like a leg of the Figaro, but in proper offshore race boats!"

Pictured: The Dhream Cup was Phil's last single-handed race before the Route du Rhum. (Phil Sharp Racing)

With 15 nautical miles to go, Phil was still in second place. "It’s down to the wire," he wrote. But his opponents were not ready to give up. “It’s incredibly exciting out here," said Phil. "The fight for second is currently on between the three Mach 3s & us! Lots still to play for – these waters can make or break you in just one small coastal eddy or headland, so max concentration required."

It’s incredibly exciting out here – the fight for 2nd is currently on between the 3 Mach3s & us! Lots still to play for out here - these waters can make or break you in just one small coastal eddy or headland, so max concentration required... Back to work! pic.twitter.com/PeK5dYE82g

— Phil Sharp (@Phil_Sharp_) July 27, 2018

Setting foot on solid ground for the first time after four days, Sharp said: "I am totally chuffed! After such an intense battle for second place, honestly, it’s been super hard, but totally worth it.”

He said the finish was decided just an hour before the arrival. He said the racing had been insanely close and that he had never been pushed this hard in solo mode.

The Dhream Cup was the last opportunity for skippers to test a single-handed set-up in race mode ahead of November’s Route du Rhum. The solo transatlantic race between St. Malo and Guadeloupe is 3,543 mile long. Over 120 boats across six race classes are expected on the start line, and once again, the Class 40 will represent the largest fleet with 50 entries.