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British Classic Week: 6th - 11th July 2025

British Classic Yacht Club Regatta

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

July 14, 2019 British Classic Week
Fife Gaff Cutter Viola

Fife Gaff Cutter Viola

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

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

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

Laurent Giles Sloop Cetewayo

Laurent Giles Sloop Cetewayo

8 Metre Anne Sophie

8 Metre Anne Sophie

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Spirit 52 Oui Fling

Spirit 52 Oui Fling

All photos: CHRIS BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

← TACTICAL RACING TO THE HISTORIC NAB TOWER ON DAY TWO OF PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEKOVER 50 YACHTS ENTERED FOR PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2019 →
  • 2025
    • May 18, 2025 BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK ANNOUNCES STRONG ENTRIES FOR 2025 May 18, 2025
    • Feb 15, 2025 ENTRY OPEN FOR BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2025 Feb 15, 2025
  • 2024
    • Jul 22, 2024 METRE YACHTS TRIUMPH AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2024 Jul 22, 2024
    • Jul 20, 2024 ROUND THE CANS IN LIGHT WINDS ON DAY 5 AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK Jul 20, 2024
    • Jul 18, 2024 LONG INSHORE RACING ON DAY 4 AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK Jul 18, 2024
    • Jul 17, 2024 CHAMPAGNE SAILING FOR FEMALE-HELM RACE AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK Jul 17, 2024
    • Jul 16, 2024 A FIESTY DAY ON THE WATER: DAY 2 AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK Jul 16, 2024
    • Jul 16, 2024 Why are sailors best placed to help predict global events? Jul 16, 2024
    • Jul 15, 2024 ‘EPIC’ FIRST DAY AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2024 Jul 15, 2024
    • Jan 24, 2024 ENTRY OPEN FOR ‘NEW LOOK’ BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK Jan 24, 2024
  • 2023
    • Jul 24, 2023 WHOOPER WINS BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2023 Jul 24, 2023
    • Jul 21, 2023 BLUSTERY ROUND THE CANS RACING ON DAY 6 AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK Jul 21, 2023
    • Jul 21, 2023 CHAMPAGNE SAILING FOR THE LONG INSHORE ON DAY 5 AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK Jul 21, 2023
    • Jul 19, 2023 A JAM-PACKED DAY ON THE WATER ON DAY FOUR AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK Jul 19, 2023
    • Jul 18, 2023 ROUND THE CANS RACING ON DAY THREE AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK Jul 18, 2023
    • Jul 17, 2023 STELLA TIMOA WINS THE NAB TOWER RACE AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK Jul 17, 2023
    • May 12, 2023 ENTRY OPEN FOR BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2023 May 12, 2023
  • 2022
    • Jul 26, 2022 CERESTE WINS 20TH BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK Jul 26, 2022
    • Jul 21, 2022 STELLA TIMOA WINS THE LONG INSHORE ON DAY FIVE AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK Jul 21, 2022
    • Jul 19, 2022 SHIFTING WINDS AROUND THE CANS ON DAY THREE AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK Jul 19, 2022
    • Jul 18, 2022 STELLA TIMOA TRIUMPHS IN THE NAB TOWER RACE ON DAY TWO AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK Jul 18, 2022
    • Jul 17, 2022 CHAMPAGNE SAILING ON DAY ONE AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2022 Jul 17, 2022
    • Mar 31, 2022 British Classic Week Announces Fundraising Campaign for Tall Ships Youth Trust Mar 31, 2022
    • Mar 6, 2022 Entry Open for British Classic Week 2022 Mar 6, 2022
    • Jan 28, 2022 British Classic Week Set to Celebrate 20th Anniversary Jan 28, 2022
  • 2021
    • Jul 26, 2021 Spirit 52 Oui Fling Wins British Classic Week 2021 Jul 26, 2021
    • Jul 23, 2021 A Fleet Race Finale for British Classic Week 2021 Jul 23, 2021
    • Jul 22, 2021 Champagne Sailing for the Long Inshore on Day 5 Jul 22, 2021
    • Jul 22, 2021 Light Breeze on Day 4 at British Classic Week Jul 22, 2021
    • Jul 20, 2021 Drifting in the Tide on Day 3 at British Classic Week Jul 20, 2021
    • Jul 19, 2021 Champagne Sailing on Day 2 at British Classic Week 2021 Jul 19, 2021
    • Jul 19, 2021 Sunshine and Shifting Breeze on Day One at British Classic Week 2021 Jul 19, 2021
    • Jul 18, 2021 A beautiful evening kicks off British Classic Week 2021 in style Jul 18, 2021
    • Jun 21, 2021 One Month To Go To British Classic Week 2021 Jun 21, 2021
    • Apr 30, 2021 Entry Open For British Classic Week 2021 Apr 30, 2021
  • 2020
    • Dec 14, 2020 Tall Ships Youth Trust Announced as BCW 2021 Charity Partner Dec 14, 2020
    • May 24, 2020 TIME TO GET AFLOAT & CLUB NEWS May 24, 2020
    • Apr 20, 2020 British Classic Week Regatta Dates Apr 20, 2020
    • Apr 2, 2020 British Classic Week Suspended Apr 2, 2020
  • 2019
    • Nov 11, 2019 Life Without Panerai Nov 11, 2019
    • Jul 22, 2019 LAURENT GILES ONE OFF SLOOP WHOOPER WINS PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2019 Jul 22, 2019
    • Jul 19, 2019 WET AND WILD RACING ON DAY 6 OF PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK Jul 19, 2019
    • Jul 18, 2019 LONG INSHORE RACE TESTS PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK FLEET ON DAY FIVE OF THE REGATTA Jul 18, 2019
    • Jul 17, 2019 FAST-PACED ROUND-THE-CANS RACING ON DAY FOUR OF PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK Jul 17, 2019
    • Jul 16, 2019 CHAMPAGNE SAILING ON DAY THREE OF PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK Jul 16, 2019
    • Jul 15, 2019 TACTICAL RACING TO THE HISTORIC NAB TOWER ON DAY TWO OF PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK Jul 15, 2019
    • Jul 14, 2019 LIGHT WINDS & CHALLENGING TIDES ON DAY ONE OF PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK Jul 14, 2019
    • Jul 10, 2019 OVER 50 YACHTS ENTERED FOR PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2019 Jul 10, 2019
    • May 3, 2019 ENTRY OPEN FOR PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2019 May 3, 2019
  • 2018
    • Jul 28, 2018 Best Ever Sailing in the Sun Jul 28, 2018
    • Jul 23, 2018 Protest Committee Decisions Jul 23, 2018
    • Jul 21, 2018 Flight of Ufford Wins Panerai British Classic Week 2018 Jul 21, 2018
    • Jul 20, 2018 Panerai British Classic Week, Day 6: Riding white horses in fair winds and sunshine Jul 20, 2018
    • Jul 19, 2018 Panerai British Classic Week, Day 5: Following seas and wind shifts in the Solent Jul 19, 2018
    • Jul 18, 2018 Panerai British Classic Week, Day 4: Ladies Day at Panerai British Classic Week Jul 18, 2018
    • Jul 17, 2018 Panerai British Classic Week, Day 3: Historic sailing around the NAB Tower Jul 17, 2018
    • Jul 16, 2018 Panerai British Classic Week, Day 2: tidal tacticians triumph in Race 2 Jul 16, 2018
    • Jul 15, 2018 Panerai British Classic Week, Day 1: champagne sailing in the Solent Jul 15, 2018
    • Jul 2, 2018 Stunning visitors to the Regatta Jul 2, 2018
    • May 11, 2018 PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK ATTRACTING WORLD-CLASS CLASSIC YACHTS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE May 11, 2018
  • 2017
    • Jul 14, 2017 Giovanni Belgrano's Whooper Wins Panerai British Classic Week 2017 Jul 14, 2017
    • Jul 13, 2017 Sun, Fun and Fiendishly Tricky Racing on Day Five of Panerai British Classic Week 2017 Jul 13, 2017
    • Jul 12, 2017 Lighter airs and lovely Ladies on day four of Panerai British Classic Week 2017 Jul 12, 2017
    • Jul 11, 2017 Rain Fails to dampen the spirits on day 3 Panerai British Classic Week 2017 Jul 11, 2017
    • Jul 10, 2017 Seat of the Pants Sailing in the NAB Tower Race Sponsored by EFG Jul 10, 2017
    • Jul 9, 2017 A Scorching Start to Panerai British Classic Week 2017 Jul 9, 2017
  • 2016
    • Jul 22, 2016 Whooper Declared Overall Winner of Panerai British Classic Week 2016 Jul 22, 2016
    • Jul 21, 2016 Whooper Wins Classic Boat Long Inshore Race on Day 5 of Panerai British Classic Week 2016 Jul 21, 2016
    • Jul 20, 2016 Incomparable Sailing for Incomparable Yachts on Day 4 of Panerai British Classic Week 2016 Jul 20, 2016
    • Jul 19, 2016 Glorious Conditions for EFG Around the Island Race at Panerai British Classic Week 2016 Jul 19, 2016
    • Jul 18, 2016 Frustrating Conditions on Day Two of Panerai British Classic Week 2016 Jul 18, 2016
    • Jul 17, 2016 Spectacular Parade and a Great First Race Open Panerai British Classic Week 2016 Jul 17, 2016
    • Jul 12, 2016 Antipodean Teams Set to join the fun at Panerai British Classic Week 2016 Jul 12, 2016
    • Jun 28, 2016 Good Entry for Regatta Jun 28, 2016
    • May 11, 2016 Regatta News May 11, 2016
  • 2015
    • Jul 24, 2015 David Sherriff's 'Jap' is Top Yacht at Panerai British Classic Week 2015 Jul 24, 2015
    • Jul 23, 2015 Around the Island on Day Five of Panerai British Classic Week 2015 Jul 23, 2015
    • Jul 22, 2015 Leading Ladies and Lively Conditions on Day Four of Panerai British Classic Week 2015 Jul 22, 2015
    • Jul 21, 2015 Fast paced action on third day of Panerai British Classic Week 2015 Jul 21, 2015
    • Jul 20, 2015 Panerai British Classic Week 2015 opens in style with hot sunshine, great breeze and a fleet of 77 classic yachts on sparkling form Jul 20, 2015
    • Jul 20, 2015 Fleets come together in spectacular style for day two of Panerai British Classic Week 2015 Jul 20, 2015
    • Jul 8, 2015 Entries Booming for Panerai British Classic Week 2015 Jul 8, 2015
    • Jun 1, 2015 Zhik Announced as Official Clothing Supplier to Panerai British Classic Week 2015 Jun 1, 2015
    • Mar 30, 2015 Strong International Fleet anticipated as entry opens for Panerai British Classic Week 2015 Mar 30, 2015
  • 2014
    • Jul 18, 2014 Panerai British Classic Week 2014 concludes in spectacular style with victory for Christine and Giovanni Belgrano's Whooper Jul 18, 2014
    • Jul 17, 2014 All set for a dramatic final day at Panerai British Classic Week 2014 Jul 17, 2014
    • Jul 16, 2014 Girls in charge on day four of Panerai British Classic Week 2014 Jul 16, 2014
    • Jul 15, 2014 Two Races and Plenty of Drama on day three of Panerai British Classic Week 2014 Jul 15, 2014
    • Jul 14, 2014 Nausicaa Beats the Big Boys on Day Two - Panerai British Classic Week 2014 Jul 14, 2014
    • Jul 13, 2014 Panerai British Classic Week 2014 got off to a spectacular start Jul 13, 2014
  • 2013
    • Jul 12, 2013 Saskia Wins British Classic Yacht Club Trophy And A Panerai Watch At Panerai British Classic Week 2013 Jul 12, 2013
    • Jul 11, 2013 Saskia Overall Race Winner On Day Five Of Panerai British Classic Week 2013 Jul 11, 2013
    • Jul 10, 2013 Clarionet In Perfect Harmony On Day Four Of Panerai British Classic Week 2013 Jul 10, 2013
    • Jul 9, 2013 The Sun And The Ladies Shine On Day Three Of Panerai British Classic Week 2013 Jul 9, 2013
    • Jul 8, 2013 Champagne Sailing On EFG International Race Day At Panerai British Classic Week 2013 Jul 8, 2013
    • Jul 7, 2013 Sunshine And Fun But No Wind On Opening Day Of Panerai British Classic Week 2013 Jul 7, 2013
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British Classic Week, c/o BRITISH CLASSIC YACHT CLUB, upper saltings, 22 park road, aldeburgh IP15 5EU, united kingdom