ONESAILS INSHORE RACE ON DAY 4 AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

It was a classic Solent day in Cowes for day four of British Classic Week with hot temperatures, sunshine and little to no wind in the morning before the sea breeze kicked in from the west and it was time to go racing.

Race four, sponsored by OneSails GBR, saw classes 1, 2, and 3 start together off the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) inner line to the west in glorious sunshine and 10-12 knots. 

Onlookers on the shore were treated to fast-paced action as most of the yachts started on starboard and almost immediately had to tack off out of the shore on to port into the oncoming starboard tackers.  Once clear of the shore, yachts made the most of the west-going tide and beat out into the central Solent for the long leg up to Power Byrne.  Tacking around Powder Byrne to port, it was a tight reach south west to Solent Bank. 

With a strong west-going tide, tacticians had to carefully judge the port rounding of Solent Bank to avoid being swept down onto the mark as they hoisted spinnakers, gybed and set off for the mainland shore to get out of the tide.   

Rounding West Lepe to starboard, the yachts beat back upwind to Hamstead Ledge, before a beautiful long run close inshore out of the tide passing Monex Marine and Polly’s Challenge and on to finish at the RYS line.

Meanwhile, classes 4 and 5 also started together on the RYS inner line, taking a similar first leg beat with the tide to the west to Craftinsure.  Rounding Craftinsure to port and tucking themselves inshore as soon as possible, classes 4 and 5 took Gurnard Ledge to starboard, again judging the strong west-going tide carefully upon rounding. 

A beat to Salt Mead preceded a champagne sailing downwind leg inshore back to the RYS line, passing Monex Marine and Polly’s Challenge and their way. 

The winners of Race 4 sponsored by OneSails GBR were Spirit R52 Flight of Durgan in Class 1, 10Metre Bojar in Class 2, Laurent Giles designed Whooper took Class 3, West Solent One Design Enchanted won Class 4, and Timoa made it a clean sweep with her fourth class win of the week in Class 5. 

Click here for results

FEMALE / YOUTH HELM RACE ON DAY 3 AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

Day three at British Classic Week in Cowes brought the annual Concours d’Elegance parade and the female and youth (under 25yrs) helm race sponsored by Marineware and Awlgrip.

It was a beautiful day in Cowes for the third day of racing for the 51 classic and modern classic yachts at British Classic Week.  Following the traditional parade in front of the Royal Yacht Squadron, the female and youth helm race began in a pursuit format in 18 knots of wind from the west.

The yacht with the lowest handicap in the fleet, 1961 long keel sloop Allegra del Mar, was the first yacht to set off, followed 63 minutes later by the final yacht to start, Spirit C72 Gwenhyfar II and the race was on. 

Beating with the tide to the west, the fleet sailed to East Lepe, rounded the mark to port and carried on tacking up the Solent – hunting down the yacht in front – to Newton East.

Broad reaching across the tide with spinnakers up, dropping as they rounded Craftinsure to port, the yachts set off on a long beat up in fair tide to Draycott Chartered Surveyors.

Seventeen year old Ruby Sunderland, helming Spirit R52 Flight of Durgan commented, “It was a really good race. It was different because the boat has a wheel rather than a tiller, so that was a new experience for me, but she is such a nice boat to steer.  The downwinds were fun, we were right in shore.  It was very interesting race as we were just getting closer to everyone as the race went on – it was a great day.”

Rounding Draycott Chartered Surveyors to starboard, it was a big bear away and spinnakers up to begin the long downwind leg via Zwerver and Powder Byrne.  With a race finish time set for 1600 and the tide against the fleet, it was still all to play for in the last 30 minutes of the race.  As the final third of the fleet approached Power Byrne against the tide, time was called on the race and positions were taken. 

John Parker of OneSails GBR, racing on Spirit R52 Flight of Durgan, commented, “It was rare in a conventional yacht race that you spend time with so many yachts around you, and this made it a unique racing environment.  We had yachts of different sizes, classes, and handicaps around us for the whole race, it made for a fantastic spectacle on a beautifully sunny day in the Solent.” 

Back on the down, sundowners were served courtesy of Marineware and Awlgrip as the crews prepared their yachts for the evening’s Pontoon Party sponsored by Classic Boat magazine. 

The second smallest yacht in the fleet, Stella Timoa helmed by Victoria Theaker took the overall win.  Class 1 was won by Spirit R52 Flight of Durgan, staysail schooner Viveka won Class 2, Swan 36 Scherzo took Class 3, Claire Locke on West Solent One Design Enchanted took her third class win of the week in Class 4, and Timoa won Class 5.

Click here for results.

BRITISH CLASSICS GO AROUND THE ISLAND ON DAY 2

It was an early start for the British Classic Week fleet on day two, as Classes 1-3 prepared to race around the Isle of Wight. 

Sponsored by Global Forecaster, racing began with class starts on the Royal Yacht Squadron line to the east.  Sailing with the tide, and with up to 15 knots of wind from the North, it was a challenging tight reach down the eastern Solent for the first 10nm.

As soon as the wind angle allowed, spinnakers were hoisted on the bear away as the fleet was met with lighter conditions along the Seaview coastline.

Giovanni Belgrano, winner of Class 3 on Whooper, commented, “By Seaview we were in a tricky, choppy sea.  It was difficult to steer and keep the boat going well.”

Giovanni added, “We gybed at Bembridge and pushed hard as we didn’t know what we would face at Ventnor and St Catherine’s.  We debated whether to go high and hope for breeze under the cliffs or to take the rum line.  In the end, we stayed inshore and it paid off.  There was less breeze, but we wriggled through before the big wind hole came in.”

The yachts behind weren’t so fortunate, with one crew member from Spirit C72 Gwenhyfar II commenting, “The race was reset at St Catherine’s as we all bunched up when the wind died.” 

Once they got clear of St Catherine’s, the breeze filled in and the fleet had a glorious upwind leg with the tide and strong currents pushing them to the Needles in 10-14 knots and bright sunshine.

Rounding the Needles and hoisting spinnakers as they went, most of the fleet were faced with the still oncoming tide on the homeward leg back to Cowes.  Tucking close inshore as the wind steadily built, the yachts tucked into the island shore to dodge the tide.

Giovanni added, “We stuck to the island shore and benefitted from the gusts coming off the island due to the hot weather, this helped us along.  Normally it makes sense to go North and come across to Cowes but this time it worked to stay island-side.” 

The final run into Cowes was champagne sailing with Code Zeros and spinnakers decorating the Solent horizon as the yachts crossed the RYS line.

In the meantime, Classes 4 and 5 took on a long inshore course in the Solent, starting to the west and tight reaching against the slackening tide all the way up to Hurst.  Conditions were challenging as the wind died for the long leg back into the central Solent and across to South East Ryde Middle, taking a circular course around Royal Yacht Squadron, Hamble Yacht Services, and Team O before heading back down to the RYS line to finish alongside the mid-fleet around the island yachts. 

A well-deserved cold beer on the dock was enjoyed by all courtesy of Bainbridge Sail Cloth after a long but memorable day on the water.

Race 2 was won by Spirit 52 Happy Forever in Class 1, 10M Bojar in Class 2, and Whooper in Class 3.  In the long inshore, West Solent One Design Enchanted took Class 4, and Stella Timoa won Class 5 – both yachts taking two class wins from two races.

For results click here

BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2025 KICKS OFF WITH CHAMPAGNE SAILING

Day one at British Classic Week in Cowes saw fast-paced racing around the cans sponsored by Spirit Yachts for over 50 classic and modern classic yachts.

Organised by the British Classic Yacht Club with race management by the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS), British Classic Week brings together some of the finest classic and modern classic yachts from across the UK and Europe. 

Northerly winds gusting 22 knots saw racing delayed by an hour for Classes 1 to 5.  Starting on the RYS line to the west in a short Solent chop, Classes 4 and 5 set off on a 10nm course upwind with the tide to The Boss. 

Rounding The Boss to port, it was champagne sailing with spinnakers up as the sun broke through on the downwind leg to Monex Marine.  Rounding the mark to port, Classes 4 and 5 sailed a short leg to the east along the Isle of Wight shore to Salt Mead. 

Rounding Salt Mead to starboard, Classes 4 and 5 set off upwind across the Solent to West Lepe, followed by a powered-up reach with the turning tide to Cowes Week.  Bearing away around West Lepe some yachts hoisted kites for a broad reach back to the RYS line.

Owner of Race 1, Class 5 winner Timoa, Andrew Gilmour, commented, “Good call by Peter Saxton (PRO) and the team to delay the start to let the front go through.  Great sailing in sunshine and around 15kn of shifty breeze from the north.  Sailing short legs at all angles to the wind suited the classics - a great day on the water.” 

Sailing a similar course, Classes 1 to 3 set off on class starts from the RYS line to The Boss.  It was a fantastic spectacle for passing cruising yachts with everything from modern classic Spirit Yachts to 36m gaff ketch Cariad and the iconic 1929 staysail schooner Viveka owned by Sir Keith Mills.

Rounding The Boss to port, the yachts hoisted spinnakers and sailed a stunning downwind leg in 10-12 knots to Monex Marine.  Dropping spinnakers and rounding up around Monex Marine to starboard, it was a reach on to Newton East.  A series of windward leeward legs followed, before Classes 1 to 3 sailed a long reach homeward from Zwerver to Cowes Week, where spinnakers were hoisted for the final leg of the 18nm course to the RYS line.

Upon arrival back at the dock, regatta sailors were treated to Nyetimber sparkling wine courtesy of Pantaenius Sail and Motor Yacht Insurance.

Race 1 was won by Spirit 52 Flight of Durgan in Class 1, Viveka in Class 2, Regatta Chairman Giovanni Belgrano in Whooper won Class 3 (by only 37 seconds on corrected time), West Solent One Design Enchanted took Class 4, and Stella Timoa won Class 5.

For full results click here.

BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK ANNOUNCES STRONG ENTRIES FOR 2025

British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC) has announced a stellar fleet of entries for its annual British Classic Week regatta in Cowes.  With ‘Early Bird’ entry now closed, the regatta has 32 classic and modern classic yachts signed up at the time of writing with less than two months to go until the event.

The entry list spans build dates from as early as 1896 to modern classics launched in the 21st Century.  The fleet currently has five yachts over 65ft, including original classics boats such as Summers & Payne gaff ketch Cariad, Frank Paine staysail schooner Viveka, and the ‘original maxi’ and Fastnet 1961 line honours winner Stormvogel.

Regatta Chairman Giovanni Belgrano commented, “This year’s regatta is attracting many special new entries from across the UK and overseas.  The calibre of the yachts and their sailors is set to make for exceptional sailing and unforgettable memories on the dock.”

Pedigree yachts also signed up to take on the five-race series include 1924 Bermudan sloop Suvretta, 1904 Fife-designed Clyde 30 Linear Rater Mikado, and West Solent One Designs from the 1920s.

Taking place from 6th to 11th July, based at Cowes Yacht Haven, British Classic Week comprises a varied programme of racing run by the prestigious Royal Yacht Squadron.  Race sponsors providing invaluable support are Spirit Yachts, OneSails GBR, Global Forecaster, Marineware and Awlgrip, and Pantaenius Sail & Motor Yacht Insurance.

Giovanni Belgrano continued, “This year’s regatta offers the opportunity to be a part of one of the biggest sailing summers in UK waters for quite some time.  There is still time to enter, but we have an event capacity so sign up soon to avoid disappointment.” 

Alongside the sailing, the shoreside scene promises to be as lively as ever with the famous dockside parties, a reception at the Royal Yacht Squadron, and a more relaxed Regatta Supper, with plenty of opportunities to catch up with old friends and meet new faces. 

Further race and event sponsorship comes from TOIO marine apparel, Suffolk Yacht Harbour, traditional chandlery Classic Marine, Hattiers Rum, Raymarine, and Bainbridge sail cloth.

ENTER HERE

ENTRY OPEN FOR BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2025

The British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC) have announced the details for British Classic Week 2025.  Entry for this year’s event is now OPEN!

Taking place from 6th to 11th July at Cowes Yacht Haven, the regatta is slightly earlier this year to make way for the iconic return of The Admiral’s Cup. 

Last year, the regatta’s new format was met with overwhelming positive feedback, so the 2025 event will be run the same again with small refinements.  Early expressions of interest have been flooding in and yacht owners are encouraged to submit entry promptly to avoid missing out as there is an event capacity limit.

Race management from Peter Saxton and his team at the Royal Yacht Squadron will see yachts compete in a five-race series.  This year’s regatta will be kicked off by the usual Concours d’Elegance before racing gets underway with a round-the-cans race sponsored by Spirit Yachts.  Tuesday 7th will bring a race around the Isle of Wight sponsored by Global Forecaster.  To increase the chances of ‘going around the island’, the regatta organisers have divided the fleet into “Offshore-capable yachts” (with self-draining cockpits), and a “Solent” group (fast day-racers and lower handicapped boats).  The race office plan to send the offshore-capable group around the island and deliver competitive and safe inshore racing for the Solent group.

Later in the week, the regatta will hold a new Female/Youth Helm (under 25) Pursuit Race sponsored by Marineware and Awlgrip, and the Long Inshore race sponsored by OneSails GBR.  The week will round off with Race 5 in the Solent, sponsored by Pantaenius Sail & Motor Yacht Insurance.  

The shoreside scene will focus on a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to share stories from on the water and socialise on the fleet beautiful yachts.  The popular Pontoon Party makes a return as well as welcome drinks at the Royal Yacht Squadron.  This year, we will host a prize giving dinner on Thursday 9th with racing trophies awarded in the afternoon on Friday 10th July.

Thanks to valued sponsors there are some fantastic offers for regatta entrants this year.  Cowes-based TOIO clothing will once again be generously offering a free embroidered jacket for each yacht. 

Long-standing regatta supporter OneSails GBR is offering 20% off Dacron and white 4T Forte sails (OneSails’ high performance, fully recyclable sail membrane) for regatta entrants only.*. As well as the discount on sails, OneSails will be running a sail repair service during the regatta and the opportunity to drop off your old sails, which they will recycle or upcycle. 

Continued support comes from Suffolk Yacht Harbour, Classic Marine, Broadfield Law, Bainbridge sailcloth, Classic Boat magazine, and Hattiers Rum.  Tall Ships Youth Trust returns for a fourth year as the charity partner, and event attendees are asked to give anything they can to help get young people out on the water.

So shake off those winter blues and let’s get ready to go sailing!

*OneSails offer is for British Classic Week entrants only, delivery of sails is minimum 12 weeks from order date, offer is valid until 31st December 2025.  Contact east@onesails.co.uk or south@onesails.co.uk

METRE YACHTS TRIUMPH AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2024

It was a week of two halves in terms of the weather at this year’s British Classic Week hosted by the British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC), but when the results were in it was 6mR Sioma (small yacht winner) and 8mR Anne Sophie (large yacht winner) who took home the overall regatta trophies. 

Large yacht of the week and Class 2 winner 8mR Anne Sophie

Two days of wet and wild racing in the early part of the regatta preceded lighter airs and champagne sailing to complete the five-race series with race management by Race Officer Peter Saxton and his team from the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS).

Regatta Chairman Giovanni Belgrano commented, “It was an awesome week and some of the best sailing I have had in my life.  The race management team did an exceptional job giving us five varied races in challenging conditions.  The camaraderie and socialising on the dock matched the racing, it was fantastic to see everyone making friends and sharing their beautiful yachts.”

Following a feeder race from the Royal Solent Yacht Club’s Taittinger Regatta and a welcome BBQ at Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club, racing kicked off on day one with the Forts Race sponsored by Spirit Yachts.  In the evening, regatta guests enjoyed drinks and canapés at the Royal Yacht Squadron.

Day 2 brought 1.5m+ waves and 25 knots of wind, so the scheduled Around the Island race was replaced by passage racing in the Solent, sponsored by Global Forecaster.  Once back on the dock, wet and weary sailors were greeted with cold beers from Bainbridge International.

By day 3, high pressure delivered sunshine and light winds as day broke for the Female Helm Race sponsored by Raymarine.  Following the traditional Concours d’Elegance Parade past the RYS, all classes set off on a fleet start for the 8.8nm course in the western Solent.  Once ashore, the party started with post-racing drinks from Raymarine followed by the infamous Classic Boat Pontoon Party with drinks from Hattiers Rum and Dartmouth Gin.

The good weather continued into day 4, which brought champagne sailing conditions for the Long Inshore Race sponsored by OneSails GBR, followed by a Nyetimber sparkling wine bar on the dock by Pantaenius Yacht Insurance.  

Results from Race 4 meant Spirit R52 Happy Forever beat rival Spirit C72 Gwenhyfar II by just 45 seconds leaving the Class 1 win all to play for between these two yachts on the final day of the regatta.  In Class 2, 8mR Anne Sophie took her second win in two days.  S&S sloop Sunstone also took her second win of the week to set up a final day clash with Giovanni Belgrano’s Whooper for second and third places.  In Class 4, Sioma II made it two wins from four races across the week.

After a final day’s close racing in light winds from a committee boat start, the results were in.  Overall class wins after some closely contested racing went to Spirit R52 Happy Forever in Class 1, 8mR Anne Sophie in Class 2, S&S Swan 36 Anna Mai in Class 3, and 6mR Sioma in Class 4. 

Having sailed hard in the big winds in the early part of the week and then dominating in the light breeze in the second half of the regatta, it was the Metre yachts that triumphed overall with 8mR Anne Sophie from Germany winning the regatta’s Large Yacht of the Week and 6mR Sioma winning Small Yacht of the Week.

At the end of the week Birgit Brandes from 8mR Anne Sophie said, “Thank you for the warm welcome, the wonderful racing, the perfect organisation, and of course the prizes!”

Dates for next year’s British Classic Week are 6th – 11th July 2025.

Full list of 2024 winners below.

Je Ne Sais Quoi prizes:

Class 1: Crusade

Class 2: Anne Sophie

Class 3: Sunstone & Whooper

Class 4: Sabrina

Gaffers: Snippet

Motor Boat: Maudorces

Overall Je Ne Sais Quoi winner: Harlequin

In Need of a Stiff Drink Trophy donated by Spirit Yachts: Crusade (for an engine fire onboard)

Best Presented New Entrant, Per Ardua ad Mare trophy: Sheevra

Forts Race sponsored by Spirit Yachts: Classes 1 & 2 overall winner: Happy Forever

West Solent passage race sponsored by Global Forecaster: Gwenhyfar II

Female Helm race sponsored by Raymarine:

Class 1: Gwenhyfar II

Class 2: Anne Sophie

Class 3: Anna Mai

Class 4: Timoa

Gaffer: Dorothy

Overall Female Helm Winner: Anne Sophie

Long Inshore Race sponsored by OneSails GBR:

Class 4 and Gaffers: Sioma II

Class 3: Sunstone

Classes 1 & 2: Anne Sophie

Highest % female crew: Quailo III

Youngest crew member: Florence Spooner on Snippet (13yrs)

Highest % family crew: Arctic Skua

Overall Class winners:

Class 1:

3rd: Crusade

2nd: Gwenhyfar II

1st: Happy Forever

Class 2:

3rd: Helen

2nd: Cetewayo

1st: Anne Sophie

Class 3:

3rd: Whooper

2nd: Sunstone

1st: Anna Mai

Class 4:

3rd: Timoa

2nd: Enchanted

1st: Sioma

Highest Placed Gaffer: Eilun

Highest Placed Spirit overall: Happy Forever

Small Yacht of the Week: Sioma

Large Yacht of the Week: Anne Sophie

ROUND THE CANS IN LIGHT WINDS ON DAY 5 AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

With light airs forecast on day five, Royal Yacht Squadron Race Officer Peter Saxton changed the scheduled Pursuit Race to round the cans racing from a committee boat start to maximise the breeze in the eastern Solent. 

In Peter Saxton’s words at the morning briefing, he would aim to deliver “good racing or no racing”.  Fortunately for the yachts, it ended up being good racing to complete the five-race series.

Sponsored by Marineware and Awlgrip, Race 5 saw class starts for Classes 1 and 2 (combined), Class 3, and Class 4 in 8knots of wind from the east with tide running to the west.

Classes 1 and 2 set off from the committee boat line to the east, passing East Bramble to starboard and sailing inshore to get out of the tide (whilst keeping an eye on the depth).  Tacking upwind to NE Ryde Middle, the yachts bore away around the mark, hoisting spinnakers and dropping jibs for the downwind leg with the tide to pass Little Ship Club to starboard and on to Goodall Roofing.

Gybing round Goodall Roofing to starboard, spinnakers were dropped on the approach to Royal Thames.  Taking into account the strong westerly running tide, it was a reach south to Prince Consort and a short final downwind leg into the RYS line to finish the 7.5nm course.

Classes 3 and 4 sailed a similar but slightly shorter course (6.4nm and 5nm respectively).  Class 3 sailed upwind following Classes 1 and 2, passing East Bramble to starboard.  At Little Ship Club, Class 3 hoisted spinnakers for the start of their downwind leg with the tide, passing Goodall Roofing to starboard and on to Royal Thames.  Rounding Royal Thames to port, Class 3 reached across to Prince Consort to starboard and on to the RYS line.

In a similar theme to the preceding classes, Class 4 set off from the committee boat line to pass East Bramble to starboard and bearing away round N Ryde Middle to hoist spinnakers for the downwind leg.  Passing Goodall Roofing to starboard, Class 4 headed up towards Royal Thames before a reach back across to Prince Consort and on to the RYS line.

With several classes closely contested throughout the week Friday’s racing delivered some fantastic sailing.

In Class 1, Happy Forever took their third win of the week, Class 2 was won by the beautifully sailed 8mR Anne Sophie from Germany.  Some tight racing in Class 3 saw Bermudan sloop Illiria take her first win of the week, and Class 4 was won by the 6mR Simoa.

LONG INSHORE RACING ON DAY 4 AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

Day four at British Classic Week brought perfect sailing conditions for the long inshore races sponsored by OneSails GBR.

Leaving the dock, the yachts set out from Cowes Yacht Haven in sunshine, 10-12 knots from the east, and almost flat waters.  Classes 1, 2, and 3 started together with Classes 1 and 2 on the outer RYS line and Class 3 on the inner line.  The first leg saw a long beat against the tide to Ancasta.  Tacking around the mark to starboard, Classes 1, 2, and 3 sailed east across the Solent to NE Ryde Middle.

Beginning a series of windward leeward legs, the yachts rounded NE Ryde Middle to port and hoisted spinnakers to sail downwind with the tide to East Bramble.  Dropping spinnakers and taking East Bramble to starboard, the course took them back upwind to Browndown.

Rounding Browndown to starboard it was a short reach south to SE Ryde Middle.  At this point, Classes 1 and 2 sailed downwind with the west going tide to N Ryde Middle, whilst Class 3 sailed a shorter downwind leg passing Little Ship Club to starboard and on to Royal Thames.  From there, it was a reach for Class 3 to Prince Consort to starboard and on to finish at the RYS line.  Classes 1 and 2 sailed from N Ryde Middle back upwind to Little Ship Club, before the final downwind leg to Royal Thames and a reach across to Prince Consort to starboard and over the RYS line to finish.

Sailing a shorter course, Class 4 started on the inner RYS line beating upwind against the tide to Haven Knox Johnston.  Some of Class 4 opted for the shorter route towards the mainland shore and others chose to hug the island side to stay out of the oncoming tide before sailing north to the mark.

Rounding Haven Knox Johnston to port, spinnakers were hoisted for the downwind leg to William in Southampton Water.  Dropping spinnakers and heading up around William to port, Class 4 sailed south on a reach to Contessa 32. 

Rounding Contessa 32 to starboard, Class 4 reach back up to hamblewinterseries.com in Southampton Water to round the mark to port.  From there it was another reach south to Ben F Wood and on to Prince Consort and the RYS line.

Spirit R52 Happy Forever beat rival Spirit C72 Gwenhyfar II in Class 1 by just 45 seconds leaving the class win all to play for between these two yachts on the final day of the regatta.  In Class 2, 8mR Anne Sophie took her second win in two days.  S&S sloop Sunstone also took her second win of the week to set up a final day clash with Giovanni Belgrano’s Whooper.  In Class 4, Sioma II made it two wins from four races this week.

A fantastic day’s racing was rounded off by dockside drinks from Pantaenius Yacht Insurance and a dockside party for West Solent One Design Suvretta’s 100th anniversary.

CHAMPAGNE SAILING FOR FEMALE-HELM RACE AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

After two wet and windy days, the sunshine finally broke on day three at British Classic Week for Race 3, the female-helm race sponsored by Raymarine.

Following the Concours d’Elegance parade, consisting of the whole fleet in procession past the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS), it was time to get racing underway.

After a morning of light winds, the breeze filled in from the west and the fleet started on the outer RYS line in 12 knots.  Sailing upwind to the west with the last of the westerly running tide, all classes sailed the same 8.8nm course.

From the RYS line, the fleet tacked up the first leg, ensuring they passed Gurnard to port, racing to Boss.  As the first yachts reached Boss and rounded the mark to port the tide had slackened allowing for a straight-forward leg across to MDL Marinas.

The faster yachts suffered in patchy wind on the approach to the mark, whereas the slower boats benefitted from the building breeze and latterly faster tide on the run into the line.

Rounding MDL Marinas to port, spinnakers were hoisted for the downwind leg with the tide to East Lepe.  Passing East Lepe to starboard, the fleet looked spectacular with spinnakers decorating the horizon in the sunshine as they sailed downwind to the RYS line.

First female helm went to Birgit Brandes on the 8mR Anne Sophie from Germany, second was Victoria Theaker on Stella Timoa and third was Gretel Scott helming Fife-designed Clyde Linear Cutter Mikado.

A day of champagne sailing was rounded off with dockside drinks from Raymarine, followed by the Classic Boat Pontoon Party with drinks from Hattiers Rum and Dartmouth Gin.

A FIESTY DAY ON THE WATER: DAY 2 AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

Day 2 of British Classic Week began with ominous grey clouds, 1.5m+ swell, and 25+ knots.  Taking the conditions into account, Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) Race Officer Peter Saxton made the decision to adapt the scheduled Around the Island Race into long passage races in the comparative shelter of the Solent.

The day’s racing, sponsored by Global Forecaster, kicked off with a combined start for Classes 1, 2, and 3 on the RYS line.  Sailing upwind with the last of the westerly going tide, the fleet battled wind against tide conditions on the long beat tacking up to Embley School in front of Hurst Castle.

As the yachts rounded Hurst to port, hoisted spinnakers and dropped jibs, the tide was turning to take them towards the island shore and Charles Stanley.  Leaving the Charles Stanley to port, the yachts gybed and sailed across the Solent to Powder Byrne on the mainland side.  Continuing the zig-zag down the Solent, crews were kept on their toes with another gybe around Elephant Boatyard to port. 

By now, in the easterly wind and tide, the sea state had calmed significantly, and the sun was beginning to peak out from behind the grey clouds.  Gybing around Elephant Boatyard to port it was a reach up to Royal Cork on the mainland coast before a gybe and a long run down the middle of the Solent to NE Ryde Middle.  From there, it was a short reach northeast to Browndown and a tight reach up to Royal Yacht Squadron for the penultimate leg.  Rounding Royal Yacht Squadron to port, the yachts beat against the tide back up to finish the 31nm course on the RYS line.

Keeping the smaller yachts out of the strong wind against tide conditions, the race committee ran a slightly later start for Classes 4 and 5, keeping their race area to the east of Cowes.

Starting on the RYS line to the east, Classes 4 and 5 sailed a 17nm course.  Starting downwind and down tide, the two classes sailed the first leg to Browndown to drop spinnakers and beat back against the tide to W Ryde Middle.  Rounding W Ryde Middle to starboard they reached up to Ancasta, rounded the mark to starboard and set spinnakers to sail east towards NE Ryde Middle.  From NE Ryde Middle to port it was a short leg to Browndown and a reach up to Royal Yacht Squadron, before the final beat back against the tide to the RYS line.

Class 1 was won by Spirit C72 modern classic sloop Gwenhyfar II.  Laurent Giles sloop Cetewayo made it two wins from two races in Class 2, and S&S sloop Sunstone won Class 3.  West Solent One Design Enchanted took her second win of the week in Class 4.  At the time of writing, Class 5 results are pending a protest decision.

A long day’s racing was rounded off with much-appreciated cold beers on the dock from Bainbridge international.

Why are sailors best placed to help predict global events?

As sailors we rely heavily on meteorologists to give us weather forecasts, which allow us to passage plan, optimise race tactics, and ultimately stay safe on the water.

What if, as businesspeople, we had a meteorologist equivalent to allow us to base our decisions on geopolitical and market predictions and stay ahead of global events?

David Murrin (founder of Global Forecaster) on his yacht Cetewayo, finishing Race 1 at British Classic Week 2024

Founded in 2019 by lifelong sailor David Murrin, Global Forecaster helps decision-makers and companies strategically navigate global events to future-proof organisations against macro trends.  Using his background in finance and international funding, David and his team have developed a unique algorithm that has successfully predicted events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war.

By predicting market moves before they happen and analysing patterns in human behaviour, Global Forecaster supports businesses to apply lateral thinking to navigate the future, grasp opportunities, safeguard against turbulent events, and ultimately maximise profitability.

Global Forecaster David Murrin commented, “As human beings we are, sadly, very predictable. Fortunately, this predictability allows us to find deep-seated patterns in history and use them to understand and predict the future.  In today’s turbulent climate, this is even more valuable.”

David continued, “As sailors we are lateral thinkers.  On the water we look at problems from different angles, take risks, and have an adventurous nature.  These maritime characteristics helped form the foundations of democracy and will help us track and predict global events in the future.  The question is, can you afford not to know?”

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‘EPIC’ FIRST DAY AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2024

Day one at this year’s British Classic Week brought wet and windy racing for the fleet of classic and modern classic yachts from the UK, Europe, and as far afield as Australia.  Replacing the previous ‘NAB Tower’ Race, the new Forts Race sponsored by Spirit Yachts saw the fleet head east in wind against tide conditions.

 Regatta Chairman Giovanni Belgrano commented, “It was epic out there!  An awesome day’s racing in good wind and a great course set by race management.”

First day regatta excitement and a following tide saw too many yachts over the line and a general recall for the fleet start on the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) line.  The second start went smoothly with Classes 1 and 2 setting off from the outer line and Classes 3, 4, and 5 (the Gaffers) from the inner line.

 All classes sailed upwind to the east and the first mark, Fastnet Insurance, creating a spectacle for the crowd watching from the shore.  Rounding Fastnest Insurance to starboard, Classes 1, 2, and 3 set off on a reach to Wightlink.  A port rounding took them upwind to Mother Bank in a building sea state and 15-17 knots of breeze, which steadily moved round to the southeast as predicted by the forecast.

Rounding Mother Bank to port, Classes 1-3 sailed northeast to Darling Associates Architects off the mainland coast.  From there, it was a long beat out through the Solent Forts in a choppy sea to Warner.

A gybe around Warner to starboard saw spinnakers hoisted for a spectacular leg back through the Forts against the tide to Kemps Quay.  Rounding Kemps Quay to starboard, it was downwind to Browndown to port and on to East Bramble.  Gybing around East Bramble to port, Classes 1-3 surfed their way down the waves to finish at the RYS line.

 Classes 4 and 5 sailed shorter courses of a similar time length, resulting in all five classes descending on the RYS line in sequence with spinnakers decorating the grey-sky horizon with splashes of colour.

Class 1 was won by Spirit R52 Happy Forever, which joins the regatta from her home port of Mallorca.  In Classes 2 and 3 it was the day for Laurent Giles designed sloops, with Cetewayo taking Class 2 and Whooper Class 3.  In Class 4, West Solent One Design Enchanted beat Stella Timoa by 0.01 second!  Bermudan cutter Eiluun sailed a strong race and convincingly won Class 5.

ENTRY OPEN FOR ‘NEW LOOK’ BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC) has announced entry is open for its annual British Classic Week regatta in Cowes.  Alongside opening the entry, BCYC has revealed new event management and fresh changes to the format of the regatta.

Taking place from 15th to 20th July, the regatta will run from Monday to Friday allowing yachts and crew more time for logistics over the weekends either side.  For owners keen for extra racing, British Classic Week has teamed up with the Taittinger Regatta (12th – 14th July in nearby Yarmouth) to offer a feeder/passage race between the two events on Sunday 14th July.

Incoming BCYC Regatta Chairman, Giovanni Belgrano, commented, “We have put a lot of work into analysing the regatta to make it more enjoyable on the water and ashore.  Our new, refreshed programme offers varied, ‘classic-friendly’ racing, lots of socialising, and a stable, sustainable model for the future of the regatta.”

As well as changes to the format, BCYC has unveiled details of new eligibility criteria for entry.  As per previous years, entries are invited from classic yachts built of wood, steel, or aluminium to either a pre-1970 design or modern classic yachts built with the appearance of a classic. This year, applications from classic or Spirit of Tradition GRP yachts will also be considered.  The regatta continues to welcome gaff-rigged yachts and aims to host a dedicated class programme.

Cruising yachts and classic motor boats are invited to join the Concours d’Elegance Parade, watch the racing, explore local waters, and enjoy the social events at the regatta’s base at Cowes Yacht Haven.

Giovanni continued, “The original ethos of British Classic Week was to have the best sailing on the water no matter your level of experience and to come ashore for informal, good quality fun with friends.  With our new approach we are going back to our roots, and we invite classic yacht owners, crew, guests, and spectators to get involved.  We already have a lot of interest from across the UK and Europe, so it’s set to be a fantastic event.”

Racing entrants will take on a five-race series organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron. 

The programme includes a coastal race sponsored by Spirit Yachts, which takes yachts east through the Solent Forts.  Weather permitting, there will be a race around the Isle of Wight sponsored by Global Forecaster (with a back-up ‘Inside Island’ course, or a shorter around the cans race if it’s light winds). 

The Long Inshore race sponsored by OneSails GBR will offer further opportunity for the yachts to stretch their legs alongside a beautifully maintained fleet of classics.  To round off the week, an innovative pursuit race is planned for Friday 20th July.

The regatta maintains its commitment to opportunities for women in sailing with its female-helm race, which is followed by the infamous ‘Pontoon Party’ in the evening.  The party is sponsored by Classic Boat magazine with drinks from Dartmouth Gin and Hattiers Rum. 

Further race and event sponsorship comes from Suffolk Yacht Harbour and traditional chandlery Classic Marine.

In addition to the Pontoon Party, the social programme sees popular events retained such as welcome drinks at the Royal Yacht Squadron and the final prize giving dinner.  Dock parties organised by the various classes will undoubtedly bring a lively addition to the shoreside scene.

WHOOPER WINS BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2023

After a six-race series in windy conditions, Laurent Giles designed sloop Whooper triumphed to win this year’s British Classic Week regatta overall.  There was just one point between Whooper and second place Timoa after a competitive week of fast-paced racing.

Above: Whooper scoops the overall regatta winner prize

Owner of Whooper, Giovanni Belgrano, commented, “It was nice to see old and new friends, all of whom were on well-prepared, well-sailed, beautiful boats.  The Solent was at its best and plenty of wind all week helped us.  I’m very proud of our crew, how we performed, and how we behaved.  We are all looking forward to next year already.”

Above: champagne sailing in the Solent

This year’s British Classic Week welcomed a fleet of over 40 classic and modern classic sail and motor yachts from the UK and across Europe.  Yachts ranged from a 26ft Stella to a recently launched Spirit 72DH.  The oldest yacht in the fleet was a gaff rigged yacht named Eilun built in 1896.  This year’s entries also included a 6mR class competing in an eight-race series ahead of the 6mR worlds later in the summer.

Above: gaff-rigged Eilun

Despite high winds forcing postponement of racing on day one of the regatta, the race management team at the Royal Yacht Squadron managed to hold a full six-race series for the main fleet, including the 30nm NAB Tower Race and the Lady Helm Race.

Above: Spirit 72DH Gwenhyfar II passes the forts on the NAB Tower Race

Class 1 was won by Spirit 52 Happy Forever, which travelled to British Classic Week from Spain.  Overall regatta winner Whooper won class 2, and class 3 was won by a Kim Holman designed Stella named Timoa.  Whooper also won the Lady Helm Race and Timoa took the title for the NAB Tower Race.

Above: Spirit 52 Happy Forever

In the 6mR Open Division, Oiva delivered four wins and four second places to win the class.  Abu made it five wins out of eight races to win the 6mR Classic Division.

British Classic Yacht Club Commodore Jonathan Dyke said, “It was another fantastic week of racing and socialising for a fleet of passionate owners and their talented crews.  It was particularly wonderful to see so many young people in the fleet, developing their sailing and establishing the next generation of classic yacht enthusiasts.”

Above: 6mRs Oiva and Battlecry rounding the mark

Throughout the week, there was just as much happening shoreside as there was on the water.  Highlights of the week included welcome drinks at the Royal Yacht Squadron and the infamous Pontoon Party sponsored by Classic Boat magazine, with drinks supplied by Hattiers Rum and Dartmouth Gin.

Above: Hattiers Rum and Dartmouth Gin kept the drinks flowing at the Pontoon Party

Regatta charity partner Tall Ships Youth Trust was onsite all week engaging with competitors and guests to promote the invaluable support it gives disadvantaged young people by providing life-changing experiences at sea.

Above: TSYT Director of Youth Development and Outdoor Learning Kirsty French spoke passionately at the prize giving dinner

The dates for next year’s British Classic Week are set for 13th – 20th July 2024.

BLUSTERY ROUND THE CANS RACING ON DAY 6 AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

Friday at British Classic Week kicked off with the postponed Concours d’Elegance parade past the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS).  With the formalities over, it was back to business as owners and crew prepared for the final race of the week.

Class starts set off in sequence in 5-8 knots from the SW.  Spinnakers were hoisted on the line as the yachts sought out the best channels of breeze and strongest easterly running tide.

Classes 1 and 2 raced the same course, sailing downwind from the start and gybing across the Solent to East Bramble.  Rounding East Bramble to port, kites were dropped and set off on a short tight reach to W Ryde Middle.

Rounding the mark to port, spinnakers were hoisted once again for the second downwind leg of the race to Mother Bank.  The breeze continued to build throughout the race and by this time the tide was turning to the west.

Dropping spinnakers and rounding Mother Bank to port, some yachts held code zeros on the tight reach up to Royal Yacht Squadron.  Rounding the mark to port, the yachts set off on a 3.5nm beat upwind in gusts of 20 knots with the tide to the finish on the RYS line.

Racing a shorter course, Class 3 raced downwind to East Bramble and on to W Ryde Middle.  Rounding W Ryde Middle to port, Class 3 sailed a slightly shorter downwind leg to Little Ship Club and a tight reach to Ancasta, before beating back with the tide to the RYS line.

Race wins as follows: Spirit 52 Happy Forever in Class 1, Mikado in Class 2, and Stella Timoa in Class 3.

Racing their eighth and final race of the week, the 6mRs sailed one round the cans race in the North of the Solent.  In the Open Division Aera secured her first win of the week and made it five consecutive race wins in the Classic Division.

CHAMPAGNE SAILING FOR THE LONG INSHORE ON DAY 5 AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

After a slight delay waiting for the wind to fill in, the British Classic Week fleet enjoyed champagne sailing for the Long Inshore Race sponsored by Classic Boat magazine on day five of the regatta. 

The fleet set off on the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) combined line in 10-12 knots with a westerly running tide.  There was some close tacking upwind off the line as the yachts began the long first leg up to Solent Bank in the West.

Rounding the mark to port, spinnakers were hoisted in Solent sunshine as the fleet steered towards the Isle of Wight shore to get in out of the tide.  Gybing before the mark and rounding to port, it was a tight reach to Craft Insure.  Some opted to drop kites at the mark, others held code zeros or spinnakers (just!), making sure the strong westerly tide in the middle of the Solent didn’t carry them down too far.

Tacking around Craft Insure to port, it was a beat with the tide to Cowes Radio and back downwind under spinnakers to The Boss.  The fleet created quite a spectacle in the Solent sunshine gliding down under a rainbow of coloured kites.

With the afternoon drawing to a close, the Race Officer shortened course for Class 3 at The Boss.  Classes 1 and 2 continued from The Boss on a westerly leg upwind to Hampstead Lodge.  Rounding the mark to port and hoisting spinnakers as they went, the fleet tucked close inshore out of the tide down to the RYS finish, passing Gurnard to port on their way.

With a shortened course for Class 3, there was no overall race winner. Spirit 52 Happy Forever won Class 1, Whooper continued her winning streak in Class 2, and Cereste won in Class 3.

Over in the north of the Solent near Hamble Yacht Services, the 6mR classes had two races in glorious conditions.  In the Classic Division, Abu took two race wins and in the Open Division Oiva won Race 6 and Battlecry won Race 7.  Abu and Oiva are currently winning their respective divisions with one day’s racing left.

A JAM-PACKED DAY ON THE WATER ON DAY FOUR AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

Day four of British Classic Week was packed with fast-paced racing for the classic fleet and the 6mR classes. 

In the morning, the classic and modern classic fleet took on the regatta’s Lady Helm Race and the replacement race that was cancelled earlier in the week.

Contributing to the overall series points, the Lady Helm Race saw the fleet set off upwind to the West on the RYS combined line to East Lepe.  With the tide running East, the fleet tucked close inshore, which made for some tight racing to get out of the tide.

Having started in 11 knots from the West, the wind continued to build throughout the race with gusts of 18-19 knots.  From East Lepe to port, kites were hoisted across to Gurnard and a series of windward/leeward legs followed to Williams Shipping, back to East Lepe, and a return to Gurnard before heading to the finish at the RYS line.

Laurent Giles sloop Whooper triumphed in the Lady Helm Race overall, followed by Spirit 52 Happy Forever in second, and Stella Timoa in third.

As soon as the last yachts crossed the line to finish the morning race there was barely time for crews to grab a sandwich before they were back on the racetrack for class racing around the cans.

The race office set short courses for Classes 1-3, with individual class starts from the RYS inner line.  Each class set off downwind against the tide in strong breeze with gusts of 20-22 knots from the west.

Classes 1 and 2 held spinnakers to East Bramble, rounding the mark to starboard and reaching across to the Isle of Wight shore to take Mother Bank to port.  From the strong gusts at the start, the wind dropped right off mid-race back to 11-12 knots.

From Mother Bank, it was another reach back up to Royal Yacht Squadron off the mainland coast and a beat back with the tide in gusts of 18-20 knots to the RYS line.

Class 3 sailed a similar but shorter course downwind to Ancasta, a reach across to Peel Bank and north to East Bramble.  Taking East Bramble to port it was a short beat with the tide to the RYS line.

The afternoon race was won by Crusade in Class 1, Whooper in Class 2, and the gaff cutter Eilun in Class 3.

In the 6mR classes Battlecry did the double in Open Division winning both races and Abu made it two wins from two races in the Classic Division.

ROUND THE CANS RACING ON DAY THREE AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

Day three at British Classic Week saw round the cans racing sponsored by OneSails GBR for Classes 1-3 and the 6mR class.

Above: the Spirits head downwind on the first leg

Classes 1 and 2 sailed the same course, setting off from the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) inner line with the tide in 5 knots of wind from the West.  The first leg was arguably the most challenging of the whole race and tacticians were tested to find the strongest tide and avoid the wind holes.

Above: Class 2 start

Rounding West Ryde Middle to port in very little wind, the yachts gently hardened up and dropped spinnakers for the steady tight reach to South Bramble.  As the breeze filled in, Classes 1 and 2 rounded South Bramble to port and broad reached to Royal London YC.  Rounding the mark to port it was a reach up to the mainland coast and Royal Thames and a beat up the Solent to The Boss.

Above: Clyde Linear 30 Mikado

 From the Boss, Classes 1 and 2 crossed the Solent in a now westerly running tide to Gurnard.  From there, it was a spinnaker run down to the finish at the RYS with yachts tucking close inshore out of the oncoming tide.

Above: Timoa, Whooper and Helen sail to the finish

Class 3 sailed the same, shorter course avoiding Royal London YC and Royal Thames.

 Class 1 was won by the smallest yacht in the class, Spirit 37 Strega.  Whooper and Timoa both made it two winds from two races, winning Class 2 and 3 respectively.

Above: Spirit 72DH Gwenhyfar II crossing the line

The 6mRs sailed two races around the cans, the first of which in the Classic Division was won by Nirvana and Erica took the second.  In the Open Division, Oiva made it three wins from three races so far.

Before regatta racing started, sailors and spectators ashore watched the new Spirit BAR Technologies 35EF (electric foiling) yacht Moquai set off on a time trial around the Isle of Wight.  The goal was to beat the time for the fastest electric drive yacht doing the same trip.  The previous record was set at just under six hours, the Spirit 35EF smashed that record with a time of one hour 56 seconds.

Above: Spirit 35EF Moquai

STELLA TIMOA WINS THE NAB TOWER RACE AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

With racing cancelled yesterday on day one of British Classic Week, owners and crew were keen to get out on the water for some action today.  The 30nm NAB Tower Race sponsored by Spirit Yachts was won by one of the smallest boats in the fleet, 26ft Stella Timoa.  Line honours went to the new Spirit 72DH Gwenhyfar II.

Above: fleet start (winner Timoa far right)

It was an early start for the fleet, which set off from the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) line just after 8am.  With 18 knots blowing from the SW and the tide running east, the yachts sailed a downwind start from the combined RYS line.

Above: Spirit 72DH Gwenhyfar II passing the forts

A backdrop of ominous dark clouds looming of the RYS and a rainbow to the west behind the fleet of classic and modern classic yachts flying spinnakers down the Solent provided quite the spectacle.

Above: Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford

Most yachts opted to sail south of No Mans Land Fort staying in the stronger tide out to the NAB Tower.  As the gusts crept up to 19-20 knots some held kites whilst others opted for Code Zeros or played it safe with white sails.

Above: Crusade powering downwind

Rounding the tower to starboard, the fleet was close together and the overall win was anyone’s for the taking on the homeward leg.  The larger yachts beat back against a still oncoming tide whilst the smaller yachts took advantage of the favourable tidal change propelling them back to the finish.

Above: 30SqM Aelous rounding the NAB Tower

Overall winner Andrew Gilmour of Stella Timoa said, “Today delivered some fantastic racing in good breeze amongst a competitive fleet of beautifully maintained yachts.”

After Race 1, the class leaders are Crusade (Class 1), Whooper (Class 2), and Timoa (Class 3).

Above: Cetewayo and Ondine of Ipswich crossing the finish line

Also racing at this year’s British Classic Week is a 6mR class ahead of the Class World Championships in the Solent later this summer.  Racing around the cans, Race 1 was won in the 6mR Open Class by Oiva and in the Classic Class by Silvervingen.

All photos: Chris Brown