LAURENT GILES ONE OFF SLOOP WHOOPER WINS PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2019

This year’s Panerai British Classic Week saw a fleet of over 50 classic yachts from across Europe put through their paces in the challenging tidal waters of in the Solent in all weather conditions.  Owned and helmed by regatta-regular Giovanni Belgrano, the Laurent Giles One-Off Bermudan Sloop Whooper sailed a tightly contested six-race series to win the regatta overall, taking home the BCYC Trophy and Panerai clock.

Organised by the British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC), the UK’s premier classic yacht regatta began in true Cowes fashion.  The sun was shining, and Cowes Yacht Haven buzzed with the anticipation of a week’s sailing alongside some beautiful yachts and their like-minded owners and crew. As the week progressed, results came down to the wire with three of the overall class results decided by the outcome of the final race.  The weather gradually worsened and tested crews to their limits, culminating in high-intensity sailing in 30knots and driving rain during race six on Friday.

Tough conditions tested the fleet

Off the water, entrants and their guests enjoyed daily hospitality in the Panerai marquee and a varied programme of social events, including a relaxed waterside evening at Commodore’s House and canapés on the lawn of the prestigious Royal Yacht Squadron at sunset.  A lively Open Yachts Pontoon party saw crews share drinks and stories well into the night, whilst the final Regatta Dinner and prize giving rounded off the week with a touch of class.

Drinks and canapés at the Royal Yacht Squadron

A strong home crowd of UK-based yachts varied from a 26ft Stella up to a 63ft Spirit Yacht, whilst the international contingent at this year’s regatta was one of the largest ever.  Beautiful classic yachts and their animated crews from France, Monaco, Holland, Germany and Switzerland brought a new level of energy and camaraderie to the Solent.

 One international entry that stood out from the fleet all week was the renowned Fife Gaff Cutter Viola from Monaco.  On the water she looked immaculate and was skilfully raced (including during a man overboard pick-up under sail).  Shoreside, her crew became the talk of the regatta with their big smiles and laid-back attitude.  On Friday night, Viola was one of the big prize-winners picking up a total of six trophies for overall je ne sais quoi, overall authenticity*, the seamanship award, NAB Tower overall winner, highest placed gaffer and second overall in Class 3.

When asked about their regatta experience, the crew onboard Viola commented that it was “Pure happiness.  We love racing in Cowes but what we didn’t expect from the regatta was to meet so many smiling, friendly people.  We have had a fantastic week and certainly hope to be back next year.”

Fife Gaff Cutter Viola

Throughout the six-race series, the overall regatta trophy was hotly contested and the eventual winner was decided on count back.  It went down to the wire but Giovanni Belgrano and the crew onboard the Laurent Giles one-off sloop Whoopersneaked in ahead of Jonathan Dyke and his Robert Clark 10 Tonner Cereste.  Whooper also took away first prize in Class 3 and the Class 3 authenticity award.

Giovanni Belgrano owner of Whooper, commented, “The regatta has been extraordinary, just like every year we come here.  My crew and I are very grateful to Panerai; they have been an incredible supporter of the event.  We also want to thank the organisers; BCYC and Mary Scott-Jackson and her team.  This year they raised the bar of the event even higher.”

Giovanni added, “I am so thankful to be here with my young crew.  They are very mature sailors, who are learning quickly and showing us older ones a few things already.  Thanks to Mikado and Viola, who both sailed an amazing week and pushed us to raise our game on the water.  We sailed our best and we are very proud not only to have won the overall racing prize, but also the authenticity award for our class.” 

Reflecting on the ethos of the regatta, Giovanni commented, “It’s important to remember we boat owners are all winners this week and I am extremely proud to have come here amongst other classic yacht owners.  I was among the original founders of the BCYC and one of the core principle of the organisation is that we are all simply caretakers of these wonderful yachts and as owners our ultimate goal is to do the best for our boats.”

Overall regatta winners, Giovanni Belgrano and the crew of Whooper

When it came to the class results, Lord Irvine Laidlaw’s Spirit 52 Oui Fling stole the show in Class 1 putting in a sleek and unstoppably quick performance all week.  Class 2 came down to the final race and afterCetewayoripped her mainsail in gusts of 30knots, Jamie Matheson’s Sparkman & Stephens Two Tonner Opposition pulled into first to win the class.  Whilst Viola started the week incredibly strongly in Class 3, the oldest yacht in the regatta, Mikado, and Whooper were not letting go easily. As the week progressed and the winds got stronger, it was Whooper who pulled in front to take the trophy. Class 4 was a two-horse race from the start with Jonathan Dyke’s Cereste and Andrew Gilmour’s Stella Timoa (both Suffolk-based) entering into an east-coast tussle.  Cereste triumphed in the heavier winds on the final race to take Class 4 overall.

Ahead of the 8mR Worlds, Panerai British Classic Week was delighted to welcome 8mRs from across Europe.  The class was closely fought between Anne Sophie, Carron II and Falcon, with Falcon from Switzerland winning overall.  The 6mR class was won by regatta stalwart Sioma and Bravade won the 6mR modern class.

Class 1 (modern classic, Spirit of Tradition yachts) winner, Spirit 52 Oui Fling

BCYC Commodore Jonathan Dyke said, “It was a fantastic week with testing conditions at each end of the weather spectrum.  Thanks must go to the Royal Yacht Squadron Chief Race Officer Dai Prichard and his team for some clever course setting that challenged both the smaller and larger yachts.”

Jonathan added, “Whilst this was Panerai’s final sponsorship of any classic yacht event worldwide, we received very positive feedback from regatta entrants and BCYC members.  We are committed to the future of the regatta and look forward to seeing such an eclectic, beautiful fleet of classic boats back in Cowes for next year’s event.”

This year’s regatta also saw the BCYC implement several new environmental changes. The drinking-water station could be seen in near-constant use, whilst sustainable, biodegradable cups, bin bags, plates and cutlery were introduced at the two dock party events.

Jonathan Dyke commented, “There is always more that can be done, but we are taking advice from World Sailing and will continue to reduce the environmental impact of the regatta each year.”

*Building on the BCYC’s aim to promote ownership, knowledge and appreciation of classic yachts, this year’s regatta included IRC prizes based solely on race results and a set of authenticity prizes. For this second group of awards, an experienced group of experts judged the authenticity of each yacht.  Once this was decided, the ‘authentic yachts’ then became eligible for ‘authenticity prizes’, which were based on IRC race results (combining authenticity with performance on the water).  The panel of judges was led by group editor of Classic Boat, Yachts & Yachting and Sailing Today, Rob Peake, and comprised classic yacht builder Martin Nott, marine writer and photographer Nigel Sharp, Hannah Cunliffe from National Historic Ships, editor of Classic Boat Steffan Meyric-Hughes and yacht designer Paul Spooner.

All photos: Chris Brown Photography. For the FULL LIBRARY OF IMAGES from the regatta, please click here.

To view the REGATTA VIDEO, click here.

WET AND WILD RACING ON DAY 6 OF PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

The final day of Panerai British Classic Week 2019 saw competitors huddle into the Panerai marquee out of the rain for breakfast and briefing.  Spirits were high ahead of the last day of racing, but the weather was not!  Decked out in full wet weather gear, crews left the dock at Cowes Yacht Haven and headed out into the Solent in driving rain.

All the 6mRs decided to forgo their race in favour of staying in the warm, so it was up to the wider fleet to go and have one last blast around the Solent.  With a fluctuating 10-12knot breeze swinging between the south and west, yachts tested the line whilst keeping an eye on a looming 200m vehicle carrier coming down the channel and into Southampton.

Royal Yacht Squadron Chief Race Officer Dai Prichard and his team started the fleet together on a combined line but set two separate courses: one for the 8mRs, Class 1 and 2, and one for Classes 3 and 4.

Fleet start on the RYS combined line

The 8mRs and Classes 1 and 2 set off from the line on an easterly upwind leg with the tide to Gurnard Ledge.  Rounding the mark to starboard, the three classes headed west under spinnakers against the tide to Williams Shipping.  Taking care to avoid cross-channel ferries, the yachts headed up around Williams Shipping and made a quick tack to set off on a cross-channel beat to Snowden just off Cowes Harbour.

With the wind building from the south, the yachts rounded Snowden to port and battled to hoist spinnakers for the leg back across to Hill Head in the Hamble estuary.  By the time the yachts had rounded Hill Head to starboard, the wind was gusting 25-30knots apparent and the smaller yachts clung on valiantly through the wind and waves.

Rounding Royal London to port, spinnakers were hoisted (and clung on to) on the downwind, cross-channel leg back to Marava.  With safety paramount in high winds, a few yachts could be seen reverting to white sails half way down the leg (especially after two yachts were seen with blown-out sails due to the wind).

Gybing around Marava to starboard, the 8mRs and Classes 1 and 2 sailed back upwind against a (by now) westerly running tide to finish on the RYS line.

Challenging mark rounding and spinnaker hoists in heavy winds

The course for Classes 3 and 4, took them on a cross-channel reach with the tide to Lepe Spit.  Keeping an eye on the depth over the spit, the yachts bore away around the mark to starboard and set off downwind on a short inshore leg to Royal Thames. Gybing around Royal Thames, it was a reach across to East Knoll and a spinnaker drop to take the mark to starboard.

Heading upwind into the swell of the Solent, Classes 3 and 4 beat into the middle of the channel as the tide carried them down onto South Bramble.  Taking the mark to port, some yachts took a similar view to the faster classes and chose to stick to white sails, whilst others went all-in on the final race and hoisted spinnakers on the long leg to Velociwrap Graphics at the mouth of the Hamble.

Reaching across to Hamble Yacht Services, the yachts headed up around the mark to starboard and beat back against the tide to the RYS finish.

Once back on the dock, crews could be heard sharing stories of the fast-paced, adrenaline-fuelled action on the water as they started to pack up their yachts ready to head back to home ports.  This evening, the final overall results and prize-winners will be revealed at the glamorous Regatta Dinner.

All photos: Chris Brown Photography

IYRU 10m Anteren

40 Sqm Spidsgatter Venya

8mRs Helen and Athena approaching Royal London YC

Sparkman & Stephens Bermudan Sloop Firebrand

Sparkman & Stephens Two Tonne Sloop Easy Glider

Sparkman & Stephens Two Tonner Sloop Opposition

LONG INSHORE RACE TESTS PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK FLEET ON DAY FIVE OF THE REGATTA

Day five of Panerai British Classic Week kicked off with a 9am briefing ahead of the long inshore race sponsored by Classic Boat.  After several days’ racing and socialising, crews could be seen rallying themselves ready for another day out on the water.  After refuelling on coffee and croissants, the fleet left the dock with the promise of a strong wind building all day from the south-west.

The 6mRs set off promptly at 11am on the RYS inner line heading east to East Bramble for first of two round the cans races. The main fleet followed closely behind, starting with an easterly running tide on the RYS outer line.  Spinnakers were hoisted as the fleet crossed the line, creating a line of brightly coloured kites that spanned most of the width of the Solent.  With ominous dark grey clouds to the south and breaking blue sky and sunshine on the other, it was quite a spectacle for spectators and passing cruising yachts.

Rain held off and the sun broke through the clouds by early afternoon

After a long first downwind leg to Darling Associates Architects the fleet descended in groups upon the mark, making for a lively rounding to port.  Spinnakers were dropped on the approach as yachts gybed around the mark to head upwind and photographers could be seen snapping away as close collisions were avoided between the yachts heading upwind into the oncoming downwind fleet.

With high water at 13:30, the tide turned to run to the west at approximately 12pm, meaning most of the fleet was able to beat back up the channel with the westerly tide.  From Darling Associates Architects, yachts set a course in 12-15knots across the channel (taking in the view of the iconic Norris Castle on the northern shore of the Isle of Wight) to Trinity House, opposite the entrance to Cowes Harbour.

Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford and Stella Timoa

Meanwhile the 6mRs had completed their first race and went straight into their second round the cans race of the day.  Starting on the RYS inner line, the 6mRs set off downwind to N Ryde Middle to port, back upwind to Prince Consort to port, followed by Fever-Tree to starboard.  A short leg inshore took them to Royal London YC and back to Fever-Tree before beating with the tide to the RYS finish.

Back to the fleet and the long inshore race…

Making sure to avoid in and outgoing ferries, the fleet rounded Trinity House to starboard and hoisted spinnakers for a cross-channel broad reach to Hamble Yacht Services in the Hamble estuary. With the wind and tide now coming from the west, the fleet gybed around the mark and opted to stay close inshore for the downwind leg to Browndown.

Light cloud and patchy sun shone down on the fleet as they dropped spinnakers on the approach to Browndown before a cross-channel beat with the tide up to Snowden, opposite the entrance to Cowes Harbour.  As they rounded Snowden, helms bore away leaving the mark to port and hoisting spinnakers for a final downwind leg with the tide to West Ryde.  The moorings immediately after the mark, off the Cowes breakwater, were a potential banana skin but yachts managed to negotiate their way through without incident.

Spirit 46 Dido’s crew were well prepared for the upwind leg

After a short downwind leg, the fleet sailed a fast-paced beat back with fair tide to the RYS finish line.  Having been fast on the water all week, Spirit 52 Oui Fling continued her impressive performance taking line honours, followed by Guernsey-based Spirit DH63 Gwenhyfar and Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford.

On corrected time, Flight of Ufford won Class 1, with Oui Fling in second and Spirit 37 Strega third. Opposition took the top spot in Class 2, followed by Anteren and Aeolus in joint second. Whooper won Class 3, with French yacht Volonté in second and the oldest yacht in the regatta, Mikado, third. Stella Timoa took another first in Class 4, followed by Cereste and Nausikaa. Anne Sophie won the 8mRs, with Carron II in second and Falcon third.

The two 6mR races produced the same positioning with Melita taking two thirds, Thistle two seconds and Sioma two firsts.

Owner of Flight of Ufford Sean McMillan commented, “The long inshore race was fantastic, a wonderful but demanding course in lovely breeze.  We had a very difficult transition with an enormous container ship in the middle of the channel but that’s Cowes; different circumstances are thrown at you all the time and you have to react, it’s exciting.  There is nowhere else that has the complexities of racing in Cowes, it’s my favourite place in the world to race.”

All photos: Chris Brown Photography

FAST-PACED ROUND-THE-CANS RACING ON DAY FOUR OF PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

After a lively dock party yesterday, helms and crews eased themselves in the Panerai marquee for breakfast ahead of the daily briefing with Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) Chief Race Officer Dai Prichard.  With a 10knot breeze established from the south west, racing started on time from 11am for all classes. 

With the sun peeping through the cloud, all classes started on the RYS inner line in a warm breeze. With an easterly running tide about to turn, the RYS side of the line was the favoured end of the start.  White horses started to rear up across the Solent as the 6mRs followed by the 8mRs and Classes 1, 2 and 3 set off on the upwind leg towards Cowes Yacht Haven.

Fast-paced tacking kept crews on their toes as the yachts beat their way close inshore to escape the last of the tide, making for exciting viewing for spectators on the parade in front of the Royal Yacht Squadron.  Rounding Cowes Yacht Haven to starboard, the yachts set off on a cross-channel reach to Sevenstar Yacht Transport.

Spirit 37 Phantom on the first leg of the morning race

Sailing a longer course, the 6mRs, 8mRs and Classes 1 and 2, beat their way up the Solent to West Lepe.  Rounding the mark to starboard in the beginnings of the foul tide, yachts hoisted spinnakers as they set an easterly inshore course for NE Gurnard, off Lepe Spit.

From NE Gurnard, it was another cross-channel reach to sail via CHS to port en route to the RYS finish line against a ripping westerly tide.

From Sevenstar Yacht Transport, Class 3 took a shorter beat to craftinsure.com.  Rounding the mark to starboard, the yachts set off for NE Gurnard followed by a cross-channel reach to CHS and a final short downwind leg to finish on the RYS inner line.

6mR modern Bravade and 8mR Anne Sophie finishing in front of the Royal Yacht Squadron

Class 4 sailed a different course altogether, beating up to Gurnard Ledge, followed by a cross-channel broad reach to Lepe Spit (keeping a careful eye on the depth sounder). An inshore beat to YachtDataBank followed by another broad reach down the Solent to CHS and the RYS inner line to finish.

Race 4, Class 1 was won by the dominant Spirit 52 Oui Fling, with Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford in second and Spirit 46 Helen of Durgan in third. Cetewayo took Class 2, followed by Anteren and Aeolus, whilst Whooper won Class 3 ahead of Mikado and Volonte. Class 4 was won by Cereste, with Timoa in second and Vigilant in third. Falcon won the 8mR class, followed by Carron II in second and Anne Sophie in third.

Sioma won both the 6mR races, Thistle took two seconds and Melita two thirds.

Class 4’s Cereste during the morning race

Whilst it doesn’t count towards the overall points, the Ladies’ Race remains a popular feature of the regatta with 25 yachts from across the 8mRs and Classes 1-4 entered this year. Racing with the westerly running tide from an RYS combined line, the fleet set off down the channel to Gurnard Ledge off the northern coast of the Isle of Wight in 12knots of wind from the south-west.  From Gurnard Ledge, spinnakers were hoisted on the broad reach leg across the channel to Quinnell, with navigators judging the tide carefully to take the mark to port. 

From Quinnell, it was another beat with the tide along the mainland shore to YachtDataBank. From there, it was a short downwind spinnaker leg east to Sevenstar Yacht Transport and a gybe around the mark to starboard before the cross-channel broad reach to CHS and on to the RYS inner line to finish.

Louise Morton, owner and helm of IYRU 10m yacht Anteren, commented on her regatta experience so far, “I’m absolutely loving it, it’s such a great regatta with superb racing amongst such beautiful boats.  I’ve always wanted to come here, and I am so pleased we made it this year.”

Louise added, “I loved the ladies’ race today, great racing and thank goodness for the fair tide beat!”

All photos: Chris Brown Photography

CHAMPAGNE SAILING ON DAY THREE OF PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

Tuesday of Panerai British Classic Week started with sunshine in abundance but a distinct lack of consistent wind.  The AP flag was raised by the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) race office, before briefing was held in the Panerai hospitality marquee over coffee and croissants.

Crews made the most of the delay, with many choosing to relax and enjoy the downtime and others taking the opportunity to do some mid-regatta maintenance.  Towards midday, the wind filled in from the south-west and the yachts eagerly headed out into the Solent for the removal of the AP flag.

Class starts kicked off just after 1pm in blue skies, sunshine and a light breeze. All classes set off from the RYS inner line heading upwind with the westerly running tide.   Most yachts opted for the channel end of the line to maximise the tide, whilst paying careful attention not to overshoot it.

Class 1 start

Today’s race saw the 6mRs, 8mRs and Class 1 head out to Gurnard Ledge off the north coast of the Isle of Wight before rounding the mark to starboard and hoisting spinnakers to cross the channel (and the tide) over to YachtDataBank off the mainland coast.

By this point, the Solent was at its best.  Sun glistening on the water, barely a cloud in the sky and a (fluctuating) 7knots of wind; champagne sailing all round.

Classes 2, 3 and 4 sailed a slightly shorter course, racing upwind to Cowes Yacht Haven (just short of Gurnard Ledge) before crossing over to YachtDataBank on a spinnaker reach.

From YachtDataBank, the 6mRs, 8mRs and Class 1 dropped their kites to beat with the tide to West Lepe in the middle of the channel.  From West Lepe, it was a spinnaker hoist and a downwind leg to Sevenstar Yacht Transport just outside the Beaulieu River estuary.

Classes 2, 3 and 4 set a westerly course upwind to craftinsure.com, before Classes 2 and 3 took a reach to Gurnard Ledge and on to Elephantboatyard.co.uk.  Rounding the final mark to port, Classes 2 and 3 joined Class 4 on the homeward leg to the RYS line.

Meanwhile, the 6mRs, 8mRs and Class 1 sailed back upwind to craftinsure.com, rounding the mark to port before hoisting spinnakers for the final run to the RYS finish line.

At Egypt Point, the wind died, and yachts were faced with an oncoming tide, which resulted in the whole fleet coming together to inch their way to the finish line.  A pocket of windless air sat directly between the fleet and the line as crews tried desperately to hold on to every little gain.  

Varying tactics were employed, with some yachts choosing to take the shorter route, closer to the shore, whilst others took a wide berth around the point and went out into the channel to find more wind.  It was a game of cat and mouse as many yachts made multiple sail changes in the short distance between the point and the line.  

The fleet crept towards the finish line

A crew member from Viola commented, “The finish was unbelievable with all the yachts together at the end, but we really enjoyed the race, beautiful conditions, and we love racing in the Solent.”

Owner of Timoa, Andrew Gilmour, added, “We had a great start and a good first beat in lovely conditions.  We then entered the lottery of the flat zone off the Royal Yacht Squadron, where it was anyone’s game!  We were lucky enough to find some breeze to get us over the line in a good position.”

In Class 1, Spirit 52 Oui Fling took first, with another Spirit 52 Happy Forever in second and Spirit 46 Dido in third. Opposition was first in Class 2, followed by Aeolus in second and Firebrand third. The much-admired Viola won Class 3, followed by Cerinthe and regatta-regular Whooper. Stella Timoa won Class 4, with Cereste in second and Nausikaa in third. In the 8mR Class, Anne Sophie came in first with Carron II in second and Falcon third. The 6mR class was won by Sioma, followed by Melita and Thistle.

To view all results, visit: panerai.sailracer.org

All photos: Chris Brown Photography

Fife Gaff Cutter Viola

Gurney 63 Crusade

Concentration onboard Opposition

Onboard Viola

Celebrating crossing the finish line

Cheers!

TACTICAL RACING TO THE HISTORIC NAB TOWER ON DAY TWO OF PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

It was a bright and early start for competitors on day two of Panerai British Classic Week ahead of the 30nm NAB Tower* race.  With 12knots of true wind from the north east, it was a prompt 8am fleet start on the RYS inner line for Classes 1-4 as the yachts set off towards the iconic Horse Sand and No Mans Land Forts.

The opening leg saw the fleet riding white horses upwind with the easterly-running tide towards the first mark (Winner).  Crews could be spotted decked out in wet weather gear as they lined the capping rails on a wet and windy ride out to the forts.  With the wind shifting from the north round to the east and back again, competitors were kept on their toes as they sailed between the forts and out towards Winner.  Rounding Winner to starboard, there was a mixture of strategies as some yachts went for a spinnaker hoist, others a code zero and a few sticking with white sails on the tight reach towards the NAB Tower.

Spirit yachts on the upwind leg towards the forts

Rounding the tower to starboard, the fleet gybed back towards the Solent on a downwind leg towards Darling Associates Architects.  The conflicting currents at the NAB Tower proved favourable for the front-runners, but less so for the slower classes, which slowed their pace before they sailed into the channel of the Solent and the westerly running tide.  

Wind shifts certainly were the order of the day and close attention had to be paid to the constantly changing breeze and the strong tidal currents.  By the time the leading yachts bore away to round Darling Associates Architects to port, there were intermittent pockets of 3-4knots of light breeze swinging between the north and east.  

Whilst they missed out on favourable tide around the NAB Tower, the second half of the fleet benefitted from a stronger breeze as they glided down the Solent towards the finish.  

BCYC Commodore and owner of Robert Clarke 10 Tonner Cereste, Jonathan Dyke, commented, “We had a lovely first leg and laid the forts in a single tack.   Rounding Winner, we hoisted the asymmetric and kept the headsail to gain advantage in the shifting wind and cross running tide.  The conditions ended up light and flukey, with big holes of no wind in some places, but we had a glorious spinnaker reach back.  Another great day on the Solent!”

Spirit 46 Dido crossing the line

Negotiating 2.5knots of fair tide carefully to ensure they didn’t overshoot the wrong side of the line, the fleet headed to Snowden and a shortened course, committee-boat finish line in sunshine and blue skies.

The latter yachts in Class 4 unfortunately fell victim to the tide, which had turned against them by the time they sailed the home straight to the finish.  The last yachts putting in a valiant effort and crossing the line just before 6pm.

Spirit 52 Oui Fling led the fleet from the off and comfortably took line honours, followed by Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford and Class 2 IYRU 10m yacht Anteren, who sailed had a fantastic race, third over the line.

On corrected time, Oui Fling won Class 1 with Spirit 46s Helen Durgan in second and Whisper of Lymington in third. Class 2 was won by Anteren, followed by Cetewayo and Firebrand. Fife Gaff Cutter Viola continued her winning streak and took Class 3, with Mikado in second and Volonté in third. Jonathan Dyke’s Cereste won Class 4, with Zaleda in second and Stella Timoa in third.

Overall, the NAB Tower race was won with a margin of five minutes by Viola, with the Germany-based 8mR Anne Sophie in second and Anteren third.

Fife Gaff Cutter Viola keeping pace with Laurent Giles 7/8 Sloop Cetewayo

The 8mR class opted to sail two round the cans races in the Solent instead of the longer NAB Tower course, joining the 6mRs, who raced a single round the cans course. The two classes enjoyed some fast-paced racing first thing in the morning, followed by some lighter wind and sunshine towards lunchtime.

Carron II had a fantastic day on the water, winning both 8mR races. Athena took second in the first race, followed by Falcon in third. In the second 8mR race, Saskia came in second and Helen third. In the 6mRs, Melita came in first, followed by Sioma and Thistle, with Bravade taking the top spot in modern 6mR class.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL RESULTS

Tomorrow brings race three and class starts at 11am followed by the annual Open Yachts Pontoon Party sponsored by Spirit Yachts and Classic Boat.

*An imposing 27m tall x 12m wide steel and concrete cylinder, the historic NAB Tower was built off the east coast of the Isle Wight in 1918 to help protect the south coast from German submarines during World War One.

Front-runner on the water Spirit 52 Oui Fling

Bermudan yawl Lutine

Wet weather gear required!

Stella Timoa put in an epic day to complete the course just before 6pm

LIGHT WINDS & CHALLENGING TIDES ON DAY ONE OF PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

Day one of Panerai British Classic Week 2019 kicked off in beautiful sunshine as crews gathered for complimentary breakfast in the Panerai marquee.  With old friends catching up and new faces becoming acquainted, Cowes Yacht Haven was buzzing with early regatta excitement.

Briefing began at 9.30am with a welcome and the usual ‘housekeeping’ from the British Classic Yacht Club, before Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) Chief Race Officer Dai Prichard delved into the details on the week’s racing.

With briefing over, the varied fleet of 54 classic and modern classic yachts headed out on the water for the annual Concours d’Elegance parade.  By this point the sun had gone behind the clouds, but spirits could not be dampened as the fleet, led by Spirit DH63 Gwenhyfar in Class 1, cruised passed the Royal Yacht Squadron in procession. In keeping with tradition, caps were raised to greet the Royal Yacht Squadron officer on the shore.  Special mention must go to the French crew of Fife Gaff Cutter Viola, who brought a touch of class to the occasion with their matching purple polos and panama hats.

Fife Gaff Cutter Viola during the Concours d’Elegance parade

The sun peaked out from behind the clouds for the individual class starts, all of which were from the RYS inner line.  Heeding warnings from Dai Prichard as to the strength of the westerly running tide, all classes played it safe and it was a clean sheet with no yachts OCS. Spinnakers were hoisted as the yachts crossed the line and the 6mRs, 8mRs and Classes 1-3 set off on a broad reach towards 3G, whilst Class 4 headed for 3K.

With the tide ripping down the Solent and the wind dropping, crews struggled to fill their spinnakers on the long leg to the first mark.  All classes rounded 3G to port (3K for Class 4) and took on the challenge of the second leg, crossing the channel towards 3Q. 

The second leg proved to be a test of patience and perseverance as tacticians battled with very little wind and strong tide.  Close attention was paid to sail trimming with the smallest tweaks resulting in crucial gains.

 BCYC Regatta Chairman Michael Briggs, owner of Fife Clyde Linear 30 Mikado (built in 1904 and the oldest yacht in the regatta), commented, “It was a very calm day on the water, with everyone sitting to leeward and tiny sail adjustments making all the difference. Dodging the tide around Leep Spit proved to be a make-or-break moment.”

The 6mRs, 8mRs and Class 1 sailed across the channel under spinnakers towards 3E, before doubling back to 3P to port and the RYS line to finish.  Classes 2 and 3 went via 3H and on to 3P to port and the finish.  With the afternoon ticking by, the race committee shortened the course for Class 4 with a finish on the committee boat line at 3Q. 

The 6mR class was won by Thistle, followed by Sioma and Melita, whilst a closely fought 8mR class was won by Falcon, with Carron II in second and Anne Sophie in third. Spirit 37 Strega (one of the smallest of the nine Spirit Yachts at this year’s regatta) won Class 1, followed by Oui Fling and Flight of Ufford. The Tina One Tonner L’Esprit du Morbihan took Class 2, with Firebrand in second and Aeolus in third. Class 3 was won by the Fife Gaff Cutter Viola, followed by Mikado in second and Sunmaid V in third. The 7 Metre Cruiser-Racer Zaleda won Class 4, with Vigilant in second and Timoa third.

The sun shone down on the fleet to welcome the yachts back into Cowes Yacht Haven and a well-deserved drink in the Panerai marquee.  Crews could be heard sharing on-the-water stories, anecdotes and challenges before they headed off for the welcome reception on the lawn at the prestigious Royal Yacht Squadron.

Spirit DH63 Gwenhyfar leads the way in the Concours d’Elegance parade

Laurent Giles Sloop Cetewayo

8 Metre Anne Sophie

Spirit 52 Oui Fling

All photos: CHRIS BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

OVER 50 YACHTS ENTERED FOR PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2019

This year’s Panerai British Classic Week will see over 50 classic yachts compete in a six-race series in the Solent from 13th to 20th July.   Stand-out entries for the regatta include three Fifes, an ex-America’s Cup challenger and yachts from France, Holland and Switzerland.

Organised by the British Classic Yacht Club and sponsored by luxury watchmaker Panerai, the UK’s premier classic yacht regatta will include an interesting variety of classic and modern classic yachts from across Europe.

Notable entries amongst the fleet include three William Fife III designed yachts, including Viola; a gaff cutter built in 1908.  Currently based in France, she is well known on the Mediterranean classic yacht scene and recently won her class at Voiles d’Antibes.  Nyachilwa, a Fife-designed fractional Bermudan sloop built in 1952, will race in Class 4.  The third Fife, Mikado, is a Clyde Linear 30 Rater built in 1904, and is the oldest yacht in the fleet.

Above: Viola © Odile Boyé-Carré

Another gaff cutter, Cynthia, achieved acclaim earlier this year when she was shortlisted in the Classic Boat Awards’ Restoration of the Year (over 40ft) category.  Designed by WT Jacket, and built in 1910,
Cynthia has recently been restored over five years by respected, retired rigger Peter Lucas.  Following the restoration, Cynthia has a new rig very close to the original gaff cutter version, having had a Bermudan rig for most of her life in between. 

In Class 1 (modern classic, Spirit of Tradition yachts), nine Spirit yachts (comprising a 63 Deckhouse, three Spirit 52s, three Spirit 46s and two Spirit 37s) will race alongside a Gurney 63 Custom yacht, Crusade.

Above: Spirit Yachts © Paul Wyeth

Class 2 will include the famous 12m Bermudan sloop Sceptre, which was built on behalf of the Royal Yacht Squadron to challenge for the 1958 America’s Cup.  Today, she is carefully maintained by members of the Sceptre Preservation Society for cruising and racing around the UK.

In the lead up to the 8 Metre Worlds (taking place in Cowes from 20th July), seven 8 Metres will race in their own class at Panerai British Classic Week.  Falcon, Frøya and Carron II (all 8 Metres) represent some of this year’s international entries, coming from Holland and Switzerland respectively.  

BCYC commodore Jonathan Dyke commented, “The variety and notoriety amongst this year’s entries shows the UK classic yacht scene is still thriving.  With several international entrants in the fleet, it’s clear the Solent remains one of the most attractive venues for racing in Europe.  We are very much looking forward to welcoming these beautiful yachts and their passionate owners to Cowes on Saturday.”

The six-race series organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron will include a schedule of varied and quality courses, including the popular Nab Tower race from last year.  Criteria for entry is IRC classic yachts of 24ft and over or modern classic, Spirit of Tradition yachts.  Fast-paced racing for classes 1-4, an 8mR and a 6mR class will take place in the challenging tidal waters of the Solent against the historic, picturesque backdrop of the Isle of Wight.

This year’s event will have two elements to the prizes.  All yachts will race towards the primary IRC overall and class winner prizes, which will be awarded solely on race results.  Building on last year’s emphasis on authenticity, race results will also go towards a second set of prizes to be won by yachts deemed as authentic by a panel of independent judges.  

The experienced judges comprise Classic Boat group editor Rob Peake (as lead judge), classic yacht builder Martin Nott, marine writer and photographer Nigel Sharp and yacht designer Paul Spooner.  Two new additions to the judging panel have been announced.  Hannah Cunliffe from National Historic Ships and Steffan Meyric-Hughes, editor of Classic Boat magazine, bring a wealth of experience from the world of classic yachts.

The social scene ashore will be lively as ever with the traditional welcome reception on the lawn at The Royal Yacht Squadron on Sunday 14th July.  During the week, skippers, crew and their guests will enjoy daily hospitality in the Panerai Lounge.  On the Tuesday, regatta attendees will have the opportunity to peruse the fleet of timeless classics during the Open Yachts Pontoon Party (sponsored by Spirit Yachts and Classic Boat).  A new event for this year, the crew Pontoon Party, will give competitors the chance to socialise and enjoy a BBQ in front of Cowes Yacht Haven on Thursday. A week of entertainment will be rounded off on Friday 19th July at the Regatta Dinner and prize-giving followed by dancing to a live band.

Click here for details on how to enter or contact Mary Scott Jackson: mary@msjevents.co.uk / +44 (0) 1983 245100.  For media enquiries, please contact Helen Porter: helen@oceanpr.co.uk / +44 (0) 7544 701715.

ENTRY OPEN FOR PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2019

The British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC) has announced entry applications are open for its annual Panerai British Classic Week regatta taking place from 13th to 20th July in Cowes.  Sponsored by Panerai, the event attracts classic yachts and enthusiasts from across the UK and Europe.

The six-race series organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron will once again include a schedule of varied and quality courses, including the popular Nab Tower race from last year.  Criteria for entry is IRC classic yachts of 24ft and over or modern classic, Spirit of Tradition yachts.  Fast-paced racing for classes 1-4, an 8mR and a 6mR class will take place in the challenging tidal waters of the Solent against the historic, picturesque backdrop of the Isle of Wight.

This year’s event will have two elements to the prizes.  All yachts will race towards the primary IRC overall and class winner prizes, which will be awarded solely on race results.  Building on last year’s emphasis on authenticity, race results will also go towards a second set of prizes to be won by yachts deemed as authentic by a panel of independent judges. The experienced judges comprise Classic Boat group editor Rob Peake (as lead judge), classic yacht builder Martin Nott, marine writer and photographer Nigel Sharp and yacht designer Paul Spooner.

This year’s event will be the final classic regatta sponsored by Panerai following the announcement that the luxury watchmaker is ceasing its Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge.  The brand will still be connected to sailing through other initiatives, such as the sponsorship of Luna Rossa, the Challenger of record of the 36th edition of the America’s Cup.

BCYC commodore Jonathan Dyke commented, “We are extremely grateful to Panerai for its support over the last nine years and we are honoured to host what will be the final event in the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge.  Going forward, the BCYC remains committed to organising British Classic Week in Cowes.  The regatta will continue to host world-class racing and cruising in an iconic British location with all the camaraderie that comes with bringing classic yacht enthusiasts together.”

© Chris Brown

The social scene ashore will be lively as ever with the traditional welcome reception on the lawn at The Royal Yacht Squadron on Sunday 14th July.  During the week, skippers, crew and their guests will enjoy daily hospitality in the Panerai Lounge.  On the Tuesday, regatta attendees will have the opportunity to peruse the fleet of timeless classics during the Open Yachts Pontoon Party (sponsored by Spirit Yachts and Classic Boat).  A new event for this year, the crew Pontoon Party, will give competitors the chance to socialise and enjoy a BBQ in front of Cowes Yacht Haven on Thursday. A week of entertainment will be rounded off on Friday 19th July at the Regatta Dinner and prize-giving followed by dancing to a live band.

Keen spectators will be able to enjoy fantastic views of the racing from the coastal paths and secluded beaches along the north shore of the Isle of Wight.  Line starts and finishes in front of the famous Royal Yacht Squadron allow shore-based crowds to get close to the action on the water.

A daily programme of ‘cruise in company’ events will see the cruising fleet sail to a variety of beautiful locations including lunch breaks at the Master Builders on the Beaulieu River and the Royal Victoria Yacht Club in Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight.

The British Classic Yacht Club’s motto is Per Ardua ad Marum (Through hard work to the Seas), paying homage to the commitment required to own and maintain a classic yacht. Most of the classic yachts are privately owned, meaning that for many their upkeep is purely down to the devotion of their owners and crew. With such a rich heritage of classic yachts being built and sailed on Britain’s coastal waters, it is a wonderful spectacle to see so many beautifully maintained yachts racing alongside each other.

Click here for details on how to enter or contact Mary Scott Jackson: mary@msjevents.co.uk / +44 (0) 1983 245100.  For media enquiries, please contact Helen Porter: helen@oceanpr.co.uk / +44 (0) 7544 701715.

Best Ever Sailing in the Sun

The unprecedented summer heatwave provided wonderful weather for our 2018 Regatta. We were assisted by the generous and welcome support of Panerai which makes our BCYC Regatta part of the Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge. The efficient and ever cheery office with Mary Scott-Jackson and her team made the shore side admin smooth while Helen Porter of Pier Marketing ran the publicity.

The later starting times made for a relaxed start to the day while the forecast light to non-existent winds proved to be mercifully inaccurate and the Fleet enjoyed good to firm breezes every day except Thursday, and even that was sailable. RYS Chief Race officer Dai Prichard and his team, played a masterful hand, holding the boats ashore or on buoys until the breeze filled in, and setting good courses to take advantage of the initially Westerly, and latterly Easterly breeze. For the slower classes the dreaded North Sturbridge proved challenging in the fading breeze on the Long Inshore Race. We really must consider banning that buoy from future races. All classes enjoyed close racing but early leads were established in Class 1, by Flight of Ufford, Class 2 by Bojar, Class 3 by Whooper and Class 4 by Suvretta. As the racing continued, Andrew Pearson and Bojar’s hopes of continued domination were stranded on Ryde Sands and Cetewayo began to display speed in the lighter winds. In Class 4 Jonathan Dyke’s Cereste began a late charge to overhaul Suvretta which went down to the wire on Friday. Flight of Ufford and Whooper proved unbeatable in their Classes.

Class 1 enjoyed a big turnout with the regulars being joined by new faces to provide a good spread of competition across the various sizes. Newly Launched Yawl Gwenhyfar sailed from the Channel Islands and sported a Mizzen Staysail on the runs and enjoyed racing against Chloe Giselle. Helen of Durgan and Whisper of Lymington had a good tussle, while recent owners, the Anthony’s, on Dido had a more adventurous week than planned, finally suffering a direct hit on the start line on Friday. Evergree Strega had a good week. The match up at the top of Class 1 between Flight of Ufford and Oui Fling was close but ultimately conclusive.

Class 2 welcomed Opposition’s return to racing while the appearance of Easy Glider set up a battle of the S & S 41s, with S & S Golden Fleece also displaying a new found turn of speed. Firebrand was always in contention. The two 8 Meters Athena and Helen, joining Class 2 for this year, were frequently near the front. The fresher winds at the beginning of the week gave wonderful sailing for all the Class 2 boats and the sight of a fully powered up Lutine both upwind and down was imposing. This was in contrast to the small but slippery 30 square metre, Aeolus which was frequently in the mix. The two lighter days on Wednesday and Thursday gave the Big Stick yachts Cetewayo and Firebrand a chance to shine. Friday was spectacular with close tacking and frequent place changes among the leading four until the final run home from the Eastern Solent saw a tight duel between, Bojar Opposition and Golden Fleece, finally resolved in Bojar’s favour. David Murrin’s Cetewayo became dominant in the latter half of the regatta both in Class 2 and during the fleet races with Opposition leading the rest of Class 2 after a solid last days racing. The fact that there were only 5 points overall between 3rd through 6th (1 place per day) indicates the closeness of the racing in Class 2 and its highly competitive yachts.

Class 3 was a Whooper benefit with a combination of boat speed, handling and navigation providing a winning combination. Richard Matthews beautiful Fife Kismet was consistently fast, while Stiletto, Freyja, Laughing Gull, Charm of Rhu and Sunmaid V, enjoyed very close competition, sometimes with only seconds separating them on the finish line. The standard of racing was impressive with consistent boat handling and navigation skills needed to gain and hold places.

Class 4s top place was the closest fought of the week with Tim Yetman’s immaculate West Solent Suvretta getting off to a flying start assisted by local Solent Ace Peter Morton, before Jonathan Dyke and his East Coast Boys on Cereste found the fast button and began to haul them in setting the scene for a last race showdown when Suvretta just managed to hold off Cereste for a well deserved win. Leading the pack was the amazing Dorothy an 1894 Thames Rater who was mixing it up with long time Regatta regulars Bill Hogg on Zaleda and Robert Veale with Danegeld.

In the Eight Metres The Universal trophy for straight 8s went to Helen and the trophy for IRC was won by Athena both of whom had close racing all week.

The Six Metre classic trophy was won handily by Fenton Burgin on Sioma with Thistle edging out Nancy for 2nd. Robin Richardson on St Kitts was the Open Class winner.

The innovation for this year was the awards for Concours and authenticity . Rob Peake, Editor of Classic Boat, headed a blue riband panel of four judges who spent considerable time tramping the docks, peering into interiors examining deck layouts, running gear and getting a sense of each yachts as an example of Concours and Authenticity. We are pleased that this represents a step change in how we view our Regatta, which was previously all about, and only about, going fast on the water. We will continue to review this aspect of the week with a view to incorporating suggested improvements.

We hope that this will encourage owners to renewed efforts to keep their yachts in pristine condition and will provide a reward those who maintain authenticity as a desirable goal
Class 1 was awarded to Strega a beautifully maintained “ old” Spirit
Class 2 Was very difficult as the standard was so high but the award went to the immaculately restored Opposition
Class 3 Saw Whooper being rewarded which Giovanni, said meant more than winning on the water
Class 4 went to Suvretta which shows that fast can also be beautiful
6M Class was won by Valdai

The overall Concours award went to Suvretta, to round off an excellent Regatta, The Originality award went to the immaculate Cereste

Overall the Yacht of the Regatta for the best combined result from racing and Concours went to Sean McMillan’s Flight of Ufford, which is the first time that a Spirit has been at the top of the leader board.

The prizegiving dinner featured a presentation by Philippe de St Leger about their new charity The Panerai Challenge which in partnership with the RYA and BCYC provides sponsorship and support for young sailors and their Clubs.

All results can be found on the website as well as the replay of every race on Tracker. We are grateful to Simon Lovesey of SailRacer for providing an excellent service this year adding the daily results to the existing Trackers.

Roll on 2019 and thank you for continuing to support our Regatta.

Protest Committee Decisions

To view the Regatta Protest Committee Decisions, please click here.

Flight of Ufford Wins Panerai British Classic Week 2018

This year’s fleet of 50 timeless classic yachts enjoyed a week of technically challenging races in perfect conditions in the Solent. After a six-race series of fast-paced, tactical courses, Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford, helmed by her owner Sean McMillan, won the prestigious Yacht of the Regatta trophy.

Sean commented, “There is nowhere else in the world where the racing is more challenging. Tacticians have to negotiate the strong tides, a busy shipping channel and conflicting currents; it’s exhilarating racing.”

Sean added, “To win such a prestigious regatta is a true honour and I couldn’t have done it without my dedicated crew. This is the best regatta I have ever raced in my entire life; the weather was superb, competition fierce and the course setting by the Royal Yacht Squadron was world-class.”

Taking place in the Solent, the stretch of water between mainland UK and the Isle of Wight, Panerai British Classic Week racing is world renowned for its challenging courses set by the Royal Yacht Squadron.

British Classic Yacht Club Commodore David Murrin commented, “The Royal Yacht Squadron did a truly amazing job this week. The racing has been more competitive than ever and the spirit of the British Classic Yacht Club has never been stronger. This has been our best regatta yet as it represented everything we aspire to: competitive racing between beautifully crafted and preserved classic yachts, complemented by a vibrant social scene off the water.”

In the individual classes, Sioma won the 6 Metre class followed by Thistle and Nancy. Class 1 was won by Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford, with Spirit 52 Oui Fling in second and Spirit 65 Chloe Giselle in third. Cetewayo took the title in Class 2, ahead of Opposition and Golden Fleece, whilst Whooper won Class 3 followed by Kismet and Stiletto. Class 4 was a closely fought battle between Suvretta and Cereste, with Suvretta triumphing ahead of Cereste in second and Arabel in third.

The Ladies Race (which included GB Olympic gold medallist Saskia Clark and Volvo Ocean Race sailor Abby Ehler) was won by Libby Deegan in Suvretta, followed by Whooper in second and Cetewayo in third. The inaugural 30nm NAB Tower Race was won on corrected time by Suvretta with Cereste in second and Whooper in third.

The Concours D’Elegance prize for the most beautifully maintained boat went to Spirit 37’ Strega in Class 1, Opposition in Class 2, Whooper in Class 3 and Suvretta in Class 4. The overall Concours D’Elegance trophy was won by Suvretta and the Best Yacht for Originality was won by Cereste. Both prizes are judged against seven criteria: hull, rig, sails, deck equipment, interior, interior fittings and deck.

The prize for Best Presented New Entrant was awarded to 8 Metre yacht Njord, and the ‘in need of a stiff drink’ prize was awarded to Spirit 46’ Dido who survived two collisions during a week of fast-paced racing.

Taking place against the historic backdrop of the Isle of Wight, with mainland UK in the distance, spectators have basked in sunshine as they watched the fleet of elegant yachts race across the shimmering waters of the Solent.

Skipper and owner of 10 Tonner Cereste, Jonathan Dyke, noted, “It has undoubtedly been a week of champagne sailing. It has been the perfect week with sparkling flat seas; the Solent at its best.”

Off the water, competitors enjoyed a week of camaraderie and socialising with like-minded people. Peter Wright, crew member on AC 2 Tonner Sloop Opposition commented, “The week has been fantastic fun; well organised, with pleasant company and great socialising. My owner has a big smile on his face!”

Panerai British Classic Week, Day 6: Riding white horses in fair winds and sunshine

Nine knots of wind coming in from the east was blowing across Cowes Yacht Haven as skippers and navigators gathered for the briefing on the final day of Panerai British Classic Week. The fleet was dispatched to the Royal Yacht Squadron combined line in a strong tide running eastwards.

Yachts circled the start in 10knots of wind and light cloud, whilst keeping a close eye on a large tanker coming down the middle of the channel. The 6 Metres set off on an upwind start with the tide towards N/E Ryde Middle, rounding the mark to starboard before a downwind run to Snowden, just off Cowes, and back upwind to N/E Ryde Middle. The final downwind leg took them back against the tide to finish on the Royal Yacht Squadron line.

The fleet start was an eventful affair with two general recalls due to too many boats over the line. Royal Yacht Squadron Chief Race Officer Dai Prichard efficiently negotiated the re-starts around a ship heading out of Southampton and an incoming Red Funnel ferry. He took a no-nonsense approach to the third start, raising the black flag to disqualify any boats over the line within one minute of the start. The extra discipline paid off and the fleet set off upwind in white horses to Wightlink with Norwich Castle in view in the background.

The fleet zigzagged its way up the Solent, crossing paths with the 6 Metres heading downwind under spinnakers. As the yachts rounded Wightlink, they bore away and hoisted spinnakers for a reach inshore towards Fastnet Insurance in glorious sunshine.

Having gybed around the mark, the fleet rode rolling white horses downwind to Deloitte Sailing Club. Spinnakers were swiftly dropped before a port mark rounding and a long beat with the tide to Browndown in the east. Keeping check of a looming container ship making its way down the channel, the fleet rounded the mark to starboard, hoisting kites as they went, to glide downwind on the tide to the Royal Yacht Squadron line to finish.

Sioma sealed her successful week on the water in the 6 Metre class with a win, followed by Thistle and Nancy. In the fleet race, line honours were taken by Spirit 52 Oui Fling, with Spirit 65 Chloe Giselle in second and Panerai British Classic Week regatta newbie Spirit DH63 Gwenhyfar in third.

Finishing in front of the iconic Royal Yacht Squadron in clear blue skies and brilliant sunshine, the fleet ended as they began the week; in true champagne sailing conditions.

Owner and skipper of 10 Tonner Cereste, Jonathan Dyke, commented, “This year’s regatta fleet has been treated to champagne sailing all week. It’s been the perfect week on the water; sparkling flat seas and the Solent at its absolute best.”

Jonathan continued, “I would like to thank Dai Prichard and all the team at the Royal Yacht Squadron for their fantastic course setting and race management.”

On corrected time, Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford secured yet another top spot in Class 1. Class 2 was won by Cetewayo and Whooper took Class 3. The hotly contested Class 4 was won by Suvretta. As the sun set on day six of the regatta, crews prepared for the final prize giving dinner and a night of partying at Cowes Yacht Haven.

Panerai British Classic Week, Day 5: Following seas and wind shifts in the Solent

A leisurely start on day five of Panerai British Classic Week whilst crews relaxed in the sunshine waiting for the wind to fill in. By 1pm the breeze had established in the north east and the racing was planned in the east of the Solent to take advantage of the tide.

The 6 Metre class sailed two short courses back to back, whilst Classes 1-4 had a fleet start on the RYS line to kick off a long inshore race sponsored by Classic Boat magazine in the Solent.

With the Royal Yacht Squadron overseeing the busy channel and a packed start line with meticulous precision, the fleet set off to the east heading upwind in following seas.

The first leg took the yachts on a long, fast-paced beat out to Mother Bank and a port mark rounding up to Browndown in the north. Spinnakers were hoisted in haste as the boats rounded the mark and set for a close reach down a short and sharp leg to the next mark.

From Browndown, the course took the fleet east on a beat up the channel to North Sturbridge off Ryde Sands. It was a wet and windy ride for the crews as they settled in on the rail and steered clear of imposing container ships powering their way down the channel.

Bearing away to go around North Sturbridge to starboard, the fleet were able to take advantage of the tide pushing them downwind to Wightlink. Brightly coloured spinnakers decorated the Solent skies once again as yachts trimmed and tuned their way to the next mark.

From there, the course took them on a reach inshore to Quarr. Rounding the mark to starboard, spinnakers were hoisted for a third and final time for a run with the tide back to finish on the RYS inner line.

The first boats crossed the line running downwind, but by the time the middle of the fleet approached the finish they found the wind had shifted round to the north. Spinnakers were quickly dropped and sheets were pulled in for the final stretch to the finish.

Holman 31 Daysailer Stiletto crew member Josh Major commented, “It was a great race that took great advantage of the turning tide. There was no time to relax with a busy channel and the wind shift at the end of the last leg definitely took us by surprise!”

Spirit 52 Oui Fling took line honours, followed by Spirit 65 Chloe Giselle and Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford. On corrected time, Flight of Ufford won overall with Cetewayo in second and Firebrand in third. In Class 1 Flight of Ufford continued her winning streak, in Class 2 Cetewayo took first, Class 3 was won by Whooper and Cereste took first place in Class 4.

In the 6 Metres, Sioma won the first race followed by Nancy and Valdai. The second 6 Metre race was won by Sioma with Nancy in second and Thistle in third.

With only one race remaining on the final day of Panerai British Classic Week, the final prizes will be announced and awarded at the prestigious prize giving dinner at Cowes Yacht Haven tomorrow evening.

Panerai British Classic Week, Day 4: Ladies Day at Panerai British Classic Week

Yet another stunning day on the Solent as Royal Yacht Squadron Chief Racer Officer Dai Prichard kicked off proceedings with the briefing at 9.30am. Day four saw the 6 Metres and Classes 1-4 race a high energy inshore course in the morning, followed by the annual Ladies Race in the afternoon.

With the wind in the south-west and a strong tide running west to east, the yachts started on the Royal Yacht Squadron inner line in glorious sunshine. When approaching the line, the yachts needed smart tactics to negotiate the tide that was ripping down the Solent and washing them over the line to the east.

The 6 Metres headed downwind out to Fastnet Insurance to port, beating back up against the tide to South Bramble. From there, it was a second downwind leg to Goodall Roofing and back upwind to the line.

As Class 1 crossed the line, the Solent was once again festooned with a line of brightly coloured spinnakers against a backdrop of clear blue skies. Class 1, followed by Classes 2 and 3, all powered downwind to Fastnet Insurance. Class 4 crossed the line and set a course for West Ryde Middle.

Most yachts sailed their upwind leg towards Southampton Water estuary to escape the tide before crossing the Solent, allowing for the strong tide to carry them down onto the next mark. A second downwind leg saw spinnakers hoisted in champagne sailing conditions, before the beat back up to the Royal Yacht Squadron line to finish.

The 6 Metre race was won by Thistle, followed by Sioma and Nancy. Flight of Ufford continued her dominant run in Class 1 and took first, with Chloe Giselle in second and Oui Fling in third. David Murrin’s Cetewayo took first in Class 2, followed by AC 2 Tonner/Sloop Opposition in second and Classic 8 Metre Helen in third. Last year’s regatta winner Whooper won Class 3, followed by Sunmaid V in second and International 8 Cruiser/Racer Freyja in third. Class 4 was won by Cereste, with Suvretta in second and Dorothy in third.

Most yachts chose to pick up a mooring and bask in the sunshine whilst grabbing a quick lunch before the start of the afternoon’s Ladies Race. With some famous faces amongst the female helms (including GB Olympic gold medallist Saskia Clark on Kismet), the fleet set off on a packed start line. Running downwind on the last of the tide to West Ryde Middle, a busy mark rounding saw plenty of boats giving water as they hardened up into the wind towards Williams Shipping in the middle of the Solent.

With the tide turning, most yachts chose to stick close to the mainland shore as they tacked their way to the craftinsure.com mark and across the Solent to Elephantboatyard.co.uk. Taking the final mark to port, spinnakers were hoisted as the yachts bore away towards the Royal Squadron line to finish.

Crossing the line to the resounding boom of the cannon, Spirit 52 Oui Fling took line honours followed by Spirit 65 Chloe Giselle in second and Spirit DH63 Gwenhyfar in third. On corrected time, Whooper was in second place and Cetewayo took third; the winner of the Ladies Race, Suvretta, will be presented at the overall prize-giving on Friday.

As the sun went down for the start of another idyllic summer’s evening, crews prepared for the BBQ party at the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club. Thursday sees the yachts take on a Long Inshore race sponsored by Classic Boat magazine.

Panerai British Classic Week, Day 3: Historic sailing around the NAB Tower

An early start on day three of Panerai British Classic Week as crews prepared to take on the inaugural NAB Tower Race. The fleet rallied for an 8am start for Classes 1-4 on the Royal Yacht Squadron inner line, with the 6 Metres sailing a shorter inshore course later in the morning.

With the tide running west to east, the fleet benefitted from the following currents as they hoisted spinnakers to cross the start line and take an historic sail past the north-east coast of the Isle of Wight.

Planned in favour of the previous, longer Around the Island Race, the NAB Tower course took the fleet between the iconic Horse Sand and No Mans Land Forts on to the NAB Tower directly off Bembridge Ledge in the east of the Isle of Wight. An imposing 27m tall x 12m wide steel and concrete cylinder, the NAB Tower was built in 1918 to help protect the south coast from German submarines during World War One.

The first leg saw the fleet gliding downwind in sunshine, fair winds and following seas in between the forts and on to the NAB Tower. As the boats approached the tower a leisurely run turned into a very close reach and crews rushed to hoist genoas and drop spinnakers as they went around the tower to port. Rounding the mark, clever tactics were needed to judge the tide, which was washing south out of Southampton pushing the yachts back on to the tower.

As the first boats cleared the tower and headed back between the forts they found themselves in alternating pockets of wind and lulls as well as a strengthening oncoming tide. The long beat back to the Royal Yacht Squadron inner line took in a highlights tour of the north east shoreline of the Isle of Wight, including the picturesque town of Ryde, the formidable Quarr Abbey and Osborne House; a former residence of Queen Victoria.

To avoid the oncoming tide, most yachts chose to stay close to the shoreline, which paid off for many but a number of yachts found themselves caught out by the swift drop in depth and went temporarily aground before nudging themselves back into the tide.

The gusty beat kept crews on their toes as they powered back to the finish, where Spirit 65 Chloe Giselle took Line Honours, followed by Spirit 52 Oui Fling and Spirit DH63 Gwenhyfar.

Yachts returned to Cowes Yacht Haven upbeat about a third day of epic racing in the Solent. Jonathan Dyke, owner and skipper of 10 Tonner Cereste, commented: “What a fantastic sail; the weather, the course… you couldn’t write the regatta script better if you tried.”

On corrected time, Flight of Ufford made it three wins from three in Class 1 followed by Spirit 37 and regatta regular Strega in second, and Spirit 46 Helen of Durgan in third. Sparkman & Stephens Masthead Bermudan Sloop Golden Fleece took Class 2, with Opposition in second and Cetewayo in third. Class 3 was won by Whooper, who also tallies three class wins from three, followed by Laughing Gull, a Sparkman & Stephens yawl, and the Fife Gaff Cutter Kismet. West Solent One Design Suvretta took her third win of the week in Class 4, closely followed by Cereste and Dorothy.

The NAB Tower Race was won overall on corrected time by Suvretta, with Cereste in second and Whooper in third.

This evening sees the open yachts dock party sponsored by Spirit Yachts and Classic Boat magazine as well as the judging for the Concours D’Elegance and Originality prizes. Tomorrow, the yachts will be racing an inshore course in the morning followed by the Ladies Race in the afternoon.

Panerai British Classic Week, Day 2: tidal tacticians triumph in Race 2

Cowes Yacht Haven was once again drenched in sunshine as day two of Panerai British Classic Week began. With the scheduled NAB Tower Race postponed until Tuesday to make the most of the forecasted stronger winds, Monday began with a briefing and a planned start for 11am.

The breeze took it’s time, but after a short postponement from Royal Yacht Squadron Chief Race Officer Dai Prichard, it filled in from the south west and the fleet was once again treated to some top-class racing in the Solent. Race two began with a downwind start for all classes and the 6 Metre class kicked off proceedings in glorious sunshine on the Royal Yacht Squadron inner line.

With a busy shipping channel to negotiate, the yachts also had to accurately judge the fast-moving tide trying to drag them over the line. Each of the 6 Metre and Class 1-4 starts ran without a hitch and the yachts raced to hoist their spinnakers as they crossed the start line and headed for the first mark.

With nine Spirit Yachts racing, Class 1 (Modern Classics) is a particularly competitive fleet this year. After a first and second in class yesterday, Spirit 52s Flight of Ufford and Oui Fling were once again leading the fleet as they progressed down the first leg.

Whilst Class 1 headed for the Fastnet Insurance mark, Classes 2 and 3 sailed downwind on the tide to Goodall Roofing and Class 4 took a shorter leg to South Bramble. The clear blue skies provided the perfect backdrop to an array of colourful kites as the classes rounded their first marks and headed upwind towards West Lepe. Meanwhile, the 6 Metres went around East Bramble to port and sailed upwind to East Lepe.

The second leg took all the yachts on a long beat, with the leading yachts tackling the oncoming tide and those further back in the race making the most of the (by then) slackening tide. Most boats chose to stick close to the shore to avoid any oncoming currents, which took them right past ‘the dolphins’: former WW2 platforms used to help load departing ships. By this point, the clouds had blown in from the west and the yachts dug in deep for a long beat transitioning into a quick spinnaker hoist as they rounded the windward mark and headed downwind towards the Sevenstar Yacht Transport mark, just off the mainland coast.

On the second, shorter, upwind leg the yachts hugged the shoreline to avoid a strong east-moving tide as they approached the final windward mark; craftinsure.com. By the time the fleet had hoisted their spinnakers for the final leg to the Royal Yacht Squadron inner line, the sun had broken through the clouds and the Solent was once again bathed in sunshine.

With the tide now ripping down the channel, spectators onshore were treated to a parade of beautiful classic yachts, complete with brightly coloured spinnakers, as they ran downwind close to the shore and past the Royal Yacht Squadron to finish.

Flight of Ufford had another strong day on the water and won Class 1, followed by Oui Fling and Spirit 65 Chloe Giselle. The hotly contested Class 2 was won by the 10 Metre Bojar, with Easy Glider in second and Opposition in third. Class 3 was won by last year’s overall winner Whooper, followed by Richard Matthew’s Fife Gaff Cutter Kismet in second and Sunmaid V in third. West Solent One Design Suvretta made it two wins from two races in Class four, with Cereste in second and Dorothy, a Thames Rater, in third.

Crews will undoubtedly be getting an early night this evening in preparation for tomorrow’s NAB Tower Race, with an inshore ‘round the cans’ race planned for the 6Metre class and those not participating in the NAB Tower Race.

Panerai British Classic Week, Day 1: champagne sailing in the Solent

Day one of the 2018 Panerai British Classic Week began in glorious sunshine and blue skies. Comments such as, “we could be in the Mediterranean” could be heard as crews gathered outside Cowes Yacht Haven for the day’s briefing. With 50 boats entered and crews from across the UK and Europe taking part, the regatta looked set to live up to its reputation as a competitive week on the water and a highlight of the sailing social calendar.

Once briefing was complete, the boats headed out of the marina towards the Royal Yacht Squadron for the traditional, annual Concours D’Elegance parade. With the distinctive blast of the cannon resonating across the Solent, the yachts and their crew passed the Royal Yacht Squadron, tipping their hats in salute to the senior representatives of the club as they went.

This year, each yacht has been fitted with a tracker allowing spectators onshore to keep up with all the action on the water and access real time results via sailracer.org. With a half an hour’s postponement to the start of the first race allowing the wind to fill in, the fleet headed out under glistening sunshine into a strong spring tide. By the time the 6Metre yachts set off from the inner Royal Yacht Squadron line, there was barely a cloud in the sky and an 8-10 knot south-westerly providing fantastic race conditions.

The first leg saw the 6Metres and Classes 1-3 race upwind from the inner line to Salt Mead. Class 4 had its first start recalled before setting off up to Gurnard Ledge to starboard. The first leg was a closely fought, tactical beat for all classes, with yachts seeking respite inshore from the strong tide and busy channel.

From Salt Mead, the 6Metres and Classes 1 and 4 sailed downwind under spinnakers to East Lepe, whilst Classes 2 and 3 took a downwind leg inshore to Dick Johnson. If you were lucky enough to be in the Solent as the fleet sailed downwind, you would have seen a spectacle of beautiful classic yachts flying an array of brightly coloured spinnakers coming over the horizon. With the sun shimmering on the blue-green water and the warm breeze gliding the yachts towards the next mark, it certainly was champagne sailing conditions.

With the wind building, many yachts battled to bring their spinnakers down as they rounded the mark to starboard. A second upwind leg up to Cowes Yacht Haven for the 6Metres and Class 1, and to Quinnell for Classes 2 and 3 preceded a final downwind leg to the Royal Yacht Squadron inner line for the finish. Class 4 had an extra mark at Quinnell, meeting Class 2 as they went around, resulting in some close calls and entertaining spectating! Class 4 then sailed on to round Cowes Yacht Haven to port before crossing the line to finish.

Owner and skipper of Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford, Sean McMillan, commented: “I have sailed all over the world and when the Solent is at its best, there really is no better place to race on the planet. Today it really was at its best; the sailing conditions were brilliant.”

The crews returned to Cowes Yacht Haven full of adrenaline and eagerly headed to find out the results on corrected time. The 6metre class was won by Sioma, closely followed by Thistle and Nancy. Regatta regular Flight of Ufford and her iconic spitfire spinnaker took Class 1, ahead of Oui Fling and Phantom. Class 2 saw Bojar in first followed by Athena and Golden Fleece, whilst Suvretta won Class 4 ahead of Dorothy and Cereste. With close results across most of the classes, it really is all to play for as we head into day two of the regatta.

Day two sees an amendment to the racing schedule, with Monday’s planned NAB Tower race due to take place on Tuesday in stronger winds and tomorrow will now be an inshore race in the Solent.

Stunning visitors to the Regatta

With entries building for the 2018 Panerai British Classic week, some glamorous names are on the list.

Kismet, a beautiful 48’ Fife Gaff cutter, from 1898, was spotted, while laid up as a houseboat on an Essex mud berth for over 50 years. She was rescued by Richard Matthews, who commissioned a team of shipwrights who spent four years returning Kismet to her former glory. In her first appearance at the Suffolk Classics she won the Tolhurst Trophy for beauty and authenticity.

Dorothy an elegant 1894 Gaff rigged Thames Rater by Linton Hope, recently acquired by Ossie Stewart, measures 33’ length by 7’ 7” width, 3’ 11” depth, and displaces 2.8 tonnes. She is the proverbial skimming dish. In her last appearance at a BCYC Regatta in 2008 she was quick. She looks very pretty, and If the weather is light she could be distressingly fast.

There is a strong turnout in Class 1 with the Spirit fleet headed by newly launched 63’ Yawl, Gwenhyfar. There will be renewed rivalry between Lord Irvine’s racy Oui Fling and Sean McMillan’s “Fast Family Cruiser” Flight of Ufford.

Perennial winner and Solent regular Whooper helmed by Giovanni Belgrano will be on hand as will a strong fleet of regular supporters. Opposition will be back racing in Class 2 and there will be good competition in Classes 3 and 4.

The 6 and 8 Metre classes will be well represented as usual.

Now let’s hope for good weather.

PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK ATTRACTING WORLD-CLASS CLASSIC YACHTS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE

PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK IS THE PREMIER CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA IN THE UK.

ORGANISED BY THE BRITISH CLASSIC YACHT CLUB (BCYC) AND SPONSORED BY OFFICINE PANERAI, THE EVENT TAKES PLACE FROM 14TH TO 21ST JULY 2018, ATTRACTING ENTRIES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD AND PROVIDING A BREATH-TAKING SPECTACLE FOR ONLOOKERS.

Cowes, Isle of Wight – March 2018 The fleet of timelessly gorgeous yachts will do battle in a series of extremely technical and demanding races with both wind conditions and changeable tides testing the crews’ skills to the limits. The Solent races are absolutely unique, thanks to the historic backdrop provided by this corner of sailing heaven and the exceptional technical standard of the participants. Not forgetting, of course, that it was in this very stretch of sea between the Isle of Wight and the mainland that the America’s Cup was born.

The six-race series organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron delivers quality and varied courses that keep many competitors entering year after year. The Nab Tower race will be a new addition to this year’s regatta, taking the fleet east from the Squadron line to the Nab Tower, then back towards Lymington Bank before finishing at the Royal Yacht Squadron. The new race is scheduled to take place on Monday 16th July.

Racing is an important part of the regatta, but it is by no means the sole focus. The event is famous for its camaraderie on and off the water, bringing together classic yachts and enthusiasts from across the UK and Europe, and from as far afield as Australia.

Socialising is a vital part of Panerai British Classic Week and the regatta concludes on Friday 20th July with one final afternoon of hospitality in the Panerai Lounge, followed by the spectacular Panerai British Classic Week prize giving dinner and dance in the Haven Events Centre.

The nature of Cowes makes it the perfect location for spectators to enjoy the action; with fabulous viewpoints over the water, to a host of bars and shops, regatta week has something for everyone.

The regatta promises to be a glorious week on the water with a full and diverse programme and line starts and finishes that will provide picture-perfect moments for competitors and spectators alike as the yachts gather together. A daily programme of ‘cruise in company’ events sees the cruising fleet sailing to a variety of beautiful locations including Bucklers Hard at Beaulieu and Newtown Creek on the Isle of Wight.

The British Classic Yacht Club’s motto is Per Ardua ad Marum (Through hard work to the Seas) and after seeing these yachts up close it is not hard to appreciate why. Most of the British classic yachts are privately owned, meaning that for many their upkeep is purely down to the devotion of their owners and crew. With such a rich heritage of classic yachts being built and sailed on Britain’s coastal waters, it is delightful to see so many beautifully maintained yachts entering the regatta every year.