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

ENTRY OPEN FOR BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2023

British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC) has announced entry is open for its annual British Classic Week regatta in Cowes.  Taking place from 15th to 22nd July this year, the regatta attracts classic sailing and motor yachts from across the UK and Europe.

Criteria for entry to the regatta is IRC classic yachts of 24ft and over or modern classic, Spirit of Tradition yachts of either wood or steel construction.  The regatta also welcomes gaff-rigged yachts to race under the latest OGA ratings.   

This year, British Classic Week will host a 6Metre class comprising national and international entries keen for racing practice ahead of the 6Metre Worlds taking place in the Solent in September.

Cruising yachts and classic motor boats are also invited to join in to watch the racing, explore local waters, and enjoy the social scene.

BCYC Commodore Jonathan Dyke commented, “British Classic Week embodies all the qualities of classic yacht ownership: commitment, camaraderie, and the pure joy of being out on the water.  The pride of ownership shared amongst the fleet is exceptional and we look forward to welcoming old faces and new competitors to Cowes this summer.”

Sailors will take on a six-race series of varied courses, including round-the-cans races and the 30nm Nab Tower Race that takes in the iconic Horse Sand and No Mans Land Forts.  Race management organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron will see beautifully maintained classic yachts battle it out against the historic, picturesque backdrop of the Isle of Wight.

Keen spectators will be able to get close to the action on the water and watch line starts and finishes in front of the famous Royal Yacht Squadron.

The social programme includes the popular welcome reception on the lawn at the iconic Royal Yacht Squadron on Sunday 16th July.  On Tuesday 18th July, regatta guests will have the opportunity to step onboard the yachts during the Open Yachts Pontoon Party (sponsored by Classic Boat with drinks by Hattiers Rum and Dartmouth Gin).  The regatta will finish with a lively prize giving dinner on Friday evening.

This year’s British Classic Week is sponsored by OneSails GBR and Spirit Yachts, with event support from Suffolk Yacht Harbour and traditional chandlery Classic Marine.  The UK’s leading publication on classic and traditional boats, Classic Boat magazine, remains the regatta’s media partner.

ENTER BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

CERESTE WINS 20TH BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

This year’s British Classic Week, hosted by British Classic Yacht Club in Cowes, was won by Robert Clark designed Bermudan sloop Cereste.

Above: overall regatta winners Cereste

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, British Classic Week attracted 50 classic sailing and motor yachts for a week of sailing, cruising, and socialising in the Solent.  Yachts ranged from 19.6m Spirit 65 modern classic Chloe Giselle down to the smallest yacht in the fleet, a 7.7m folkboat named Folkdance sailed by a double-handed crew.

Above: Robert Clark 10 tonner Cereste, helmed by owner Jonathan Dyke

Winner of Class 4 and the regatta overall, Jonathan Dyke (owner of Cereste), commented, “It was a truly memorable week of great sailing and dockside parties, a fantastic celebration of an eclectic fleet of beautifully maintained classic yachts.  As always at British Classic Week our fellow yachts were extremely well sailed, and we had some tough competition on the water.  We will be back next year!”

The fleet of sailing yachts competed in a six-race series overseen by the Royal Yacht Squadron.  The week comprised three round the cans races, two passage races and a female-helmed inshore race.  With weather conditions ranging from very light breeze earlier in the week up to 20+ knots on the final day, the racing was hard fought, and the overall results reflected the level of competitiveness and sailing talent on the water.

Above: Fife gaff cutter Viola

 Class 1 was won by Sean McMillan in his Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford, only 1 point ahead of Christian Oldendorff’s Happy Forever.  Equally competitive was Class 2, which was narrowly won by Louise Morton in her Andre Mauric sloop Lak II.  With four wins in class to her name, Stiletto triumphed in Class 3.

Above: all smiles onboard Lak II

One of the smallest yachts in the fleet, Stella Timoa, won both the Spirit Yachts Nab Tower and the Classic Boat Long Inshore races.

Hot off the heels of the Fife Regatta in Scotland, the beautiful gaff cutter Viola returned to British Classic Week from her home in France to win the Je Ne Sais Quoi trophy overall.

Above: Stella Timoa

The skipper of Viola commented, “A heart-warming welcome, great organisation, and fantastic sailing in the Solent.”

The social scene was as lively as the action on the water, with Suffolk based brewery Adnams providing post-racing Kobold beers for the fleet and daily champagne for the race winners.  Hattiers Rum and Dartmouth Gin proved popular with competitors in delivering drinks direct to yachts as they crossed the finish line of the long inshore race.  Tuesday’s Pontoon Party sponsored by Classic Boat with live music and dockside drinks from Hattiers Rum and Dartmouth Gin was once again a highlight of the week.

Above: Dartmouth Gin drinks drop on the finish line

Further event support came from Suffolk Yacht Harbour and traditional chandlery Classic Marine.  OneSails GBR and Global Forecaster both sponsored a day’s racing each.  Tall Ships Youth Trust returned as the regatta’s charity partner to raise awareness and funds for its work to support disadvantaged and disabled young people across the UK. 

Above: relaxing on the dock at Cowes Yacht Haven

British Classic Week will be back next year from 15th - 22nd July 2023.

STELLA TIMOA WINS THE LONG INSHORE ON DAY FIVE AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

Day five of British Classic Week saw Stella Timoa win the Long Inshore Race sponsored by Classic Boat magazine.   This was Timoa’s second passage race win of the week following the Nab Tower Race victory on day two.

With 5-6 knots from the south east, the fleet started on the combined line to the east with the tide.  Spinnakers were hoisted as the yachts crossed the line and meandered down to Royal Yacht Squadron.

As the first yachts in the fleet approached Royal Yacht Squadron to round the mark to starboard, spinnakers were dropped for the reach across to Kemps Quay.  As the leg began, the wind shifted and the reach became a beat, with much of the fleet becalmed in a wind hole in the middle of the Solent.

The tide slowly took the yachts down onto Kemps Quay, which they rounded to starboard.  The wind filled in from the east as the fleet reached across the tide to the north shore and went upwind in 8-9 knots, creeping up the shore out of the oncoming tide.

Rounding Howden Fastnet to port, the fleet reached back across the Solent in the declining breeze where the Royal Yacht Squadron committee boat was waiting at Contessa 32 to finish the feet on a shortened the course.

Andrew Gilmour, owner of yacht Timoa, commented, “It was an intense race, we had to watch the wind all the time as it was constantly flicking around, with the yachts all bunched together and looking for clean air.  It was a great challenging race, and you couldn’t rest for a minute.”

Spirit 37 Strega won Class 1, Whooper won Class 2, Fife gaff cutter Viola won Class 3, and Stella Timoa took first in Class 4.

Crews were rewarded at the end of the race with Hattiers Rum cocktails and Dartmouth Gin and tonics dropped to their yachts as they made their way back into Cowes.

SHIFTING WINDS AROUND THE CANS ON DAY THREE AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

The 20th British Classic Week continued with class racing around the cans sponsored by OneSails GBR on day three of the regatta.

All classes started on the Royal Yacht Squadron inner line to the east against the tide.  The forecast started as predicted with 15-18 knots from the south west as Classes 1 and 2 set off on the upwind leg to Kemp’s Quay.

From Kemp’s Quay to port, spinnakers were hoisted for the downwind leg with the tide to North Ryde Middle.  With the mark out of the water on a barge for maintenance, Classes 1 and 2 rounded the barge to port and set off upwind to Mother Bank in 13-15 knots from the south west.

Rounding Mother Bank to starboard, Classes 1 and 2 raced downwind in the sunshine to Goodall Roofing.  Hot work for the foredeck crew as kites were packed in the by now sweltering conditions on the upwind leg to Peel Bank.

Rounding Peel Bank to starboard, the yachts set off on what they thought was their third downwind leg.  By now, the wind had dropped to 3-5 knots and the Solent started to look like a millpond, before a light breeze swung round and filled in from the north east for the (now) upwind leg to Royal Thames.  From Royal Thames it was a last-minute dash across to Snowden in the Medina River estuary before a short run in the re-established south westerly to finish on the RYS line.

Classes 3 and 4 experienced a similar pattern of events on their course from the start to South East Ryde Middle.  Rounding the mark to port, it was a champagne sail downwind to YachtDataBank and an upwind leg back up to Quarr, just off Wooton Creek.  Round Quarr to starboard the downwind leg breeze died and swung round to the north east for the upwind leg to West Ryde Middle, before the wind direction changed again to make it a run into the finish on the RYS line.

John Parker from OneSails GBR (East) said, “This is my fifteenth British Classic Week, and it continues to be one of the highlights of my sailing calendar.  I really enjoy the relaxed, social vibe combined with the Corinthian style racing amongst a fleet of such well-maintained classic yachts.”

On corrected time, Sean McMillan’s Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford won Class 1, Laurent Giles designed Whooper won Class 2, Stiletto made it three wins from three races in Class 3, and Stella Timoa took first in Class 4.

Results here

STELLA TIMOA TRIUMPHS IN THE NAB TOWER RACE ON DAY TWO AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

With temperatures set to soar in the UK on day two of British Classic Week, it was an early start for the fleet taking part in the 30nm Nab Tower Race sponsored by Spirit Yachts.

As the early morning cloud cleared over Cowes, the fleet started on the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) combined line just after 8am.  With 5-8 knots from the east, it was an upwind start against the tide.

Having crossed the line, the fleet tacked up the Solent with several yachts opting to go inshore to get out of the oncoming tide.  As the tide slackened, the yachts stretched their legs with long tacks up the Solent towards No Man’s Land and Horse Sand Forts.

Upon reaching the forts, the sailors were put to the test as the sun really started to heat up and the breeze sat around 6 knots. Once they passed between the forts, the yachts took a south-easterly heading down to the Nab Tower, which is famous for its use as anti-submarine protection during World War I.

Rounding the Nab Tower to starboard, spinnakers were hoisted for the downwind leg back in 8-10 knots of breeze to the finish at the RYS line.

Spirit Yachts CEO Sean McMillan commented, “Another fantastic day’s racing in the Solent, the breeze held up and the fleet created quite a spectacle as it made its way down the Solent in the sunshine.”

The race was won overall by one of the smallest yachts in the fleet, 26ft Stella Timoa. Spirit 65 Chloe Giselle retains her line honours top spot from last year’s Nab Tower Race. 

Results here

CHAMPAGNE SAILING ON DAY ONE AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2022

The 20th British Classic Week hosted by British Classic Yacht Club kicked off today with champagne sailing in the Solent. 

 With 10-12knots of wind from the S/E, the race committee at the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) set two separate courses, which saw Classes 1 and 2 set off on a 17nm course around the cans, with Classes 3 and 4 sailing a separate 12nm course.

 All class starts set off from the RYS inner line heading east with the flooding tide.  As the wind funnelled down the Solent from the east it whipped up the sea state resulting in very choppy conditions and a wet ride for the crews on the rail.

Once over the line, Classes 1 and 2 raced upwind with the tide to SE Ryde Middle.  Rounding the mark to port, poles were set, and spinnakers were hoisted for the downwind leg to Goodall Roofing.  Then it was back upwind to Mother Bank.  With the tide slackening off and the sea state calming, Classes 1 and 2 reached across the Solent to round Ancasta to port and downwind to South Bramble.

From South Bramble, the course took them back upwind in the consistent breeze to South Ryde Middle.  Rounding the mark to starboard, the yachts hoisted their spinnakers for a third and final time for the run with the tide down to the Royal Yacht Squadron and the finish.

Meanwhile, Classes 3 and 4 raced a similar but shorter course from the RYS line upwind to Peel Bank.  With Osborne House (Queen Victoria’s former holiday home) in the background, the yachts rounded Peel Bank to port.  Spinnakers were hoisted in beautiful sunshine as the yachts sailed downwind to gybe around Yacht Data Bank to port and continue to RORC.  Taking RORC to port, Classes 3 and 4 sailed back upwind to Collette, before the final downwind leg to RYS.

BCYC Commodore Jonathan Dyke commented, “We couldn’t have asked for a better day.  Great course setting, fantastic conditions; it was a brilliant start to the regatta.”

Spirit 52 Happy Forever won Class 1, racing sloop Crusade took Class 2, Stiletto won Class 3 and Robert Clarke 10 Tonner Cereste placed first in Class 4.

Back on the dock at Cowes Yacht Haven, the yachts were treated to cold Adnams Kobold beers as they relaxed and shared tales from the race course.

Race 1 results here

British Classic Week Announces Fundraising Campaign for Tall Ships Youth Trust

The UK’s premier classic yacht regatta, British Classic Week, has announced the launch of a fundraising campaign for its charity partner Tall Ships Youth Trust. 

 The UK’s oldest and largest sail training charity, Tall Ships Youth Trust, enables young people to fulfil their life potential through adventures at sea.  By bringing together crews of different social backgrounds and taking them on residential sailing voyages, Tall Ships Youth Trust supports young people aged 12-25 from across the UK.

 Organised by the British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC), the 20th edition of British Classic Week will take place in Cowes from 16th – 23rd July 2022.  The regatta comprises a six-race series and a varied social programme, welcoming classic yachts from across the UK, Europe and further afield. 

 Commodore of BCYC, Jonathan Dyke, commented, “Whether it’s due to circumstance, an accident, or mental health, Tall Ships Youth Trust instigates a step change for young people when they are most in need.  We are calling on British Classic Week attendees and classic yacht enthusiasts to donate to this invaluable charity and help support their life-changing sailing voyages.”

Participants can donate via British Classic Week’s dedicated JustGiving page before, during and after the regatta.  Donations can also be made throughout the regatta week using the charity’s contactless payment machines and by taking part in the prize-giving dinner fundraising activities.

James Hudson, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Tall Ships Youth Trust, said: “We’re proud and delighted to once again be selected as the regatta’s official charity partner for 2022. This year looks to be particularly exciting as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of British Classic Week and welcome the return of classic yachts from overseas.

 “TSYT team members and our youth ambassadors, will be on-hand throughout the week to raise awareness of our vital youth development work and to raise funds to support even more young people from across the country who have been disadvantaged in some way.”

Founded in 1956, Tall Ships Youth Trust has supported over 120,000 young people, the majority of whom are disadvantaged or disabled.  Currently operating with four Challenger yachts and a 55ft ketch, the charity is fundraising to purchase more seagoing capacity.

When asked how Tall Ships Youth Trust changed his life after he suffered a haemorrhagic stroke as a teenager, charity ambassador Will said, “Things were grim, my whole life changed. Everyone was stressing and I was told there was so many things I wouldn’t be able to do, swim, cycle and even worse, sail. I was devastated!

 “I’m often judged on my diagnosis rather than my ability.  But Tall Ships Youth Trust heard me and after working with my medical team, they took a chance. This was life changing.”

Above: TSYT ambassador Will

Entry for the 20th British Classic Week is now open.  The racing will be organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron and will include a schedule of varied courses across a six-race series.

 Criteria for entry is IRC classic yachts of 24ft and over or modern classic, Spirit of Tradition yachts.  Classic cruising yachts and motor boats are also welcome to join the week. 

Entry Open for British Classic Week 2022

Founded in 2002 and hosted by the British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC), British Classic Week will celebrate its 20th anniversary from 16th to 23rd July in Cowes this year.  Entry is now open for the regatta, which is set to be a celebration of classic yachts on and off the water.

Criteria for entry is IRC classic yachts of 24ft and over or modern classic, Spirit of Tradition yachts of either wood or steel construction.  This year, the regatta will host a new class for gaff-rigged yachts to race under the latest OGA ratings.  Cruising yachts and classic motor boats are also invited to join British Classic Week to watch the racing, explore local waters and enjoy the social scene.

BCYC Commodore Jonathan Dyke commented, “Pre-entry interest in attending the 20th edition of British Classic Week has been high, and we are anticipating a wide range of classic and modern classic yachts from across the UK and Europe this year.  We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to Cowes to celebrate 20 years of classic yacht racing and camaraderie.”

Sailors will take on a six-race series of varied courses, including round-the-cans races and the 30nm Nab Tower Race that takes in the iconic Horse Sand and No Mans Land Forts.  Race management organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron will see beautifully maintained classic yachts battle it out against the historic, picturesque backdrop of the Isle of Wight.

Keen spectators will be able to get close to the action on the water and watch line starts and finishes in front of the famous Royal Yacht Squadron.

With drinks brands Adnams, Hattiers Rum and Dartmouth Gin providing celebratory drinks delivered direct to yachts after they have crossed the finish line, the social scene promises to be lively on and off the water.

The social programme includes the traditional welcome reception on the lawn at The Royal Yacht Squadron on Sunday 17th July.  On Tuesday 19th July, regatta attendees will have the opportunity to peruse the fleet of timeless classics during the Open Yachts Pontoon Party (sponsored by Classic Boat with drinks by Hattiers Rum and Dartmouth Gin).  The regatta will finish with a prize giving dinner on Friday evening.

This year’s British Classic Week will see continued sponsorship from OneSails GBR and Spirit Yachts, with event support from Suffolk Yacht Harbour and traditional chandlery Classic Marine.  The UK’s leading publication on classic and traditional boats, Classic Boat magazine, remains the regatta’s media partner.

The regatta’s charity partnership with the UK’s oldest and largest youth development sail training charity Tall Ships Youth Trust continues into its second year for 2022.  The collaboration raises awareness and funds for the charity’s work helping disadvantaged young people to fulfil their life potential through adventures at sea. 

Jonathan Dyke commented, “British Classic Week began in 2002, when a group of like-minded owners started a regatta to celebrate classic yachts and the people who maintain them.  Whilst the regatta has evolved, the ethos is the same: quality racing, camaraderie, and a shared appreciation of beautiful classic yachts.”

The motto of regatta organiser the BCYC 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 that attend the regatta are privately owned, meaning that for many their upkeep is purely down to the devotion of their owners and crew.  

British Classic Week Set to Celebrate 20th Anniversary

Forget resolutions, diets, and January blues, it’s time to start planning this year’s sailing season!

British Classic Week will return to Cowes this summer from 16th to 23rd July to celebrate the regatta’s 20th anniversary.

Planning is already underway for the 2022 edition of the regatta and after so much positive feedback from last year, the format remains the same: quality racing and lively socialising.  The request has gone in for wall-to-wall sunshine and a constant breeze; watch this space…

On the water, the competitive six-race series will be set by the Royal Yacht Squadron for IRC classic yachts of 24ft and over, or modern classic, Spirit of Tradition yachts of either wood or steel construction.  This year, the regatta will host a new class for gaff-rigged yachts to race under OGA ratings.

Classic motor boats are once again invited to join the regatta to watch the action on the water and join the camaraderie ashore.  A varied programme of activities will be on offer for cruising yachts interested in a week of social sailing to explore nearby picturesque coastlines and Solent hot spots.

The shoreside scene is set to be as vibrant as ever and the regatta marquee at Cowes Yacht Haven will no doubt be buzzing with the sound of old friends catching up and new faces being introduced.  The regatta will see the return of everyone’s favourite socials including drinks at the Royal Yacht Squadron and the Open Yachts Pontoon Party sponsored by Classic Boat magazine, with drinks from Hattiers Rum and Dartmouth Gin.  Suffolk-based brewery Adnams will be keeping crew and guests refreshed during the week.

Thanks to the regatta’s valued sponsors Spirit Yachts, OneSails GBR, and Classic Boat magazine for their continued sponsorship of the racing, alongside event support from Suffolk Yacht Harbour and traditional chandlery Classic Marine. 

This year, British Classic Week will continue its charity partnership with Tall Ships Youth Trust.  By bringing together crews of different social backgrounds and taking them on residential sailing voyages, Tall Ships Youth Trust provides invaluable support to young people aged 12-25 across the UK. 

Entry for the regatta will open in February, please contact Mary Scott Jackson (details below) with any queries in the meantime.

Event query?  Contact Mary Scott Jackson: mary@msjevents.co.uk  / 01983 245100 / 07790 770 526

Spirit 52 Oui Fling Wins British Classic Week 2021

This year’s British Classic Week, hosted by British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC), attracted 50 classic sail and motor yachts to Cowes for a week of sunshine, sailing and socialising.  Despite challenging light conditions at the start of the week, the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) race committee led by Race Officer Dai Prichard successfully went ahead with all six races in the series, as well as the annual Ladies’ Race.

Above: Baron Irvine Laidlaw racing Spirit 52 Oui Fling

The BCYC Trophy for the regatta overall winner was won by Baron Irvine Laidlaw and his Spirit 52, Oui Fling.  On behalf of Oui Fling, Gareth Griffiths commented, “Firstly, thanks from the Oui Fling crew have to go to all those that organised such a fantastic event. Considering the challenging conditions, to be able to get all races completed was a remarkable achievement.”

As a team we were very happy to face a tough challenge posed by some superb competition. Talented crews and well-prepared yachts throughout the fleet were clearly demonstrated in the results by having a number of alternate winners in all sizes of yachts on different days.”

Above: champagne sailing in the Solent

Gareth continued, “Considering what we have all faced in the last twelve months, it was so wonderful to be back on the race course in the throws of quality competition. The crew of Oui Fling really look forward to the next regatta and hope very much that everyone will continue to attend.”

Cowes basked in sunshine for the duration of this year’s British Classic Week as yacht owners and crews were tested in light winds and the notoriously challenging Solent tides.  The two longer passage races (sponsored by Classic Boat magazine and Spirit Yachts respectively) took place at the end of the week, when competitors enjoyed winds of up to 17knots and some classic champagne sailing.

Above: gaff cutter Kelpie

Despite the lack of a lead sponsor, the regatta delivered on the social programme as well as on the water.  Guests enjoyed hospitality in the regatta marquee at Cowes Yacht Haven, as well as a variety of social events, including the traditional drinks at the Royal Yacht Squadron, which took place free of Covid restrictions on 19th July.  Guests partied late into the evening at the popular Pontoon Party sponsored by Classic Boat magazine, which this year included dockside Dark and Stormies from Hattiers Rum and gin and tonics by Dartmouth Gin. 

Above: the lively Tuesday evening Pontoon Party sponsored by Classic Boat magazine

Regatta entertainment also included a complimentary party with BBQ and live music hosted by the owner of Kim Holman designed yacht Stiletto, which celebrates her 60th anniversary this year.  Suffolk-based brewery Adnams provided champagne for the daily prize winners and delivered cold Kobold lagers direct to the yachts on the dock after Sunday’s racing.  On Thursday, the regatta BRIG RIB was out on the water delivering Hattiers Rum Dark and Stormies, and gin and tonics by Dartmouth Gin direct to yachts crossing the finish line.

Above: a BRIG RIB was at the finish line of the long inshore race to deliver Dartmouth gin and Hattiers Rum

British Classic Week 2019 regatta overall winner and owner of Whooper, Giovanni Belgrano, commented,

“It’s been fantastic to be back at British Classic Week, we are so grateful to be back here, with our friends and crew, and to see the other beautiful boats.  Even without a title sponsor, the regatta is still a class act.  To have cold beers brought to you on the boat after some good racing; it really doesn’t get better than that!”

Above: crew enjoying cold Adnams Kobold lager after racing on Sunday

Further event support came from OneSails GBR, which sponsored a day’s racing, as well as Suffolk Yacht Harbour and traditional chandlery Classic Marine.  Also new for 2021 was the regatta’s charity partner, Tall Ships Youth Trust.  The charity was at the event onboard one of its Challenger yachts, raising awareness of the valuable work carried out to support disadvantaged and disabled young people across the UK. 

Katie Craven (18), who has benefitted from the charity’s support and who spoke at the regatta prize-giving dinner ahead of a fundraiser commented, “The week was an amazing opportunity to meet loads of amazing people that I never thought I would meet. I had a smashing time on the water racing in the Ladies’ Race and I got to show off my skills that Tall Ships Youth Trust taught me, and we smashed it! I’m so happy I had this opportunity and would love to do it again.”

Above: the team from Tall Ships Youth Trust

On Friday evening, guests and prize winners celebrated a vibrant week on the water and ashore at the final prize giving dinner.  Regatta overall winner Oui Fling also won Class 1, whilst 8mR Helen sailed a near-perfect week to win Class 2 and take home both the Best Placed Metre Boat and the Ladies’ Race trophies.

Class 3 was won by BCYC Regatta Chairman Michael Briggs in his Clyde Linear 30 Mikado, and a highly competitive Class 4 was won by Stiletto.

 Best placed gaffer was awarded to the beautiful gaff cutter Kelpie, and best presented new entrant was won by the recently restored sloop Clarionet.  Voted for by regatta competitors, the overall Je Ne Sais Quoi trophy was won by Spirit 52 Happy Forever.

Above: Spirit 52 Happy Forever

BCYC Commodore Jonathan Dyke commented, “With the challenges presented by Covid and the lack of a title sponsor, the planning phase of the regatta was tough at times.  Thanks must go to all our sponsors and regatta organisation team for successfully delivering a truly fantastic event.  The dock was buzzing all week with people delighted to be back out on the water, sailing their beautiful boats and catching up with friends old and new.  We look forward to seeing everyone back in Cowes for next year’s regatta from 16th – 23rd July.”

Above: the famous ketch Stormvogel, winner of the 1961 Fastnet Race

Full list of winners:

OVERALL WINNER: OUI FLING

CLASS 1

1ST OVERALL: OUI FLING

2ND OVERALL: FLIGHT OF UFFORD

3RD OVERALL: HAPPY FOREVER

CLASS 2

1ST OVERALL: HELEN

2ND OVERALL: LAK II

3RD OVERALL: CETEWAYO

CLASS 3

1ST OVERALL: MIKADO

2ND OVERALL: WHOOPER

3RD OVERALL: SUNMAID V

CLASS 4

1ST OVERALL: STILETTO

2ND OVERALL: KAJSA

3RD OVERALL: CERESTE

OVERALL WINNER NOT THE NAB TOWER RACE (SPONSORED BY SPIRIT YACHTS): CHLOE GISELLE

LINE HONOURS NOT THE NAB TOWER RACE: CHLOE GISELLE

OVERALL WINNER LONG INSHORE RACE (SPONSORED BY CLASSIC BOAT): LAK II

BEST PLACED GAFFER: KELPIE

BEST PLACED METRE BOAT: HELEN

LADIES RACE: HELEN

SEAMANSHIP AWARD: GWENHYFAR

BEST PRESENTED NEW ENTRANT: CLARIONET

STIFF DRINK AWARD: INFANTA

JE NE SAIS QUOI:

OVERALL WINNER: HAPPY FOREVER

CLASS 1: HAPPY FOREVER

CLASS 2: LUTINE

CLASS 3: CLARIONET

CLASS 4: CHRYSTAL II

CRUISING CLASS: CROIX DES GARDES

MOTOR BOATS: CARINA

WINNING LOG: KINGFISHER

A Fleet Race Finale for British Classic Week 2021

The final day of British Classic Week blew into on a strong breeze ready for the replacement NAB Tower race (postponed from earlier in the week), sponsored by Spirit Yachts.  Instead of the planned NAB Tower race, the committee set a long inshore course to end the regatta.

Above: fleet start on the RYS outer line

After a general recall on the first start, the fleet set off from the outer Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) line to the east in 15knots and on the last of the ebbing tide.  Beating up to the first mark, North East Ryde Middle, it was a port rounding and a bear away, with some yachts hoisting code zeroes for the short second leg to Royal Yacht Squadron.

Above: Spirit 52 Happy Forever

Gybing around Royal Yacht Squadron, yachts hoisted spinnakers in the sunshine to glide downwind with the tide to South Bramble.

Heading up and tacking around South Bramble to port, the fleet set off on a long upwind leg punching against the tide in 14-15knots.  Most yachts chose to tack close inshore up the mainland coast to get out of the strong oncoming tide, before sailing into the channel to round Browndown to starboard.

Above: Robert Clarke 10 Tonner Cereste

A big bear away around the mark and spinnakers were hoisted for the final downwind leg with the tide back to the RYS outer line.

Spirit 65 Chloe Giselle won Class 1, Class 2 was won by Giles Sloop Cetewayo, Whooper won Class 3 and Kim Holman designed Stiletto won Class 4. Chloe Giselle also won line honours and took first place overall. Second overall was Spirit 52 Oui Fling, followed by Spirit 52 Happy Forever in third.

Above: Spirit 65 Chloe Giselle won line honours and the race overall

Regatta class winners and the overall winner will be announced at the prize giving on Friday evening.

Champagne Sailing for the Long Inshore on Day 5

With an established breeze from the east, racing set off on time on day five of British Classic Week.

The Long Inshore Race sponsored by Classic Boat magazine set off in 12knots of wind on the outer Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) line against a strong ebbing tide.  After a fleet start, yachts set off upwind to the east towards West Ryde Middle.

Above: the Spirits going upwind

Rounding West Ryde Middle to port, it was a tight reach north to Hamble Yacht Services in glorious sunshine.  From Hamble Yacht Services, the fleet crossed the Solent upwind (allowing for the west flowing tide) to Peel Bank.

 At Peel Bank, the wind angle was just enough of a tight reach to allow for code zero sails on the leg up to Fastnet Insurance.  Rounding Fastnet Insurance to starboard, the fleet went upwind once again to Qarr.

Above: yachts heading upwind with Norris Castle on the Isle of Wight in the background

Taking Qarr to port, some yachts were able to hold spinnakers across to Royal Yacht Squadron, off Lee Point on the mainland shore.  The final upwind leg from Royal Yacht Squadron took the fleet to Mother Bank in a by-now slackening tide.

A starboard rounding of Mother Bank and a big bear away saw spinnakers hoisted for the final, downwind leg home to the RYS line.

Above: Lak II crossing the RYS line

Owner of Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford, Sean McMillan commented, “What a fantastic race.  Lovely long legs, lots of variety, opportunities to use different sails; it was true champagne sailing.”

Several yachts fell foul of the sailing instructions by starting on the RYS inner (rather than outer) line, which resulted in DNS results.  Spirit 52 Happy Forever continued her successful week to place first in Class 1, and Louise Morton’s Lak II won Class 2. Clyde Linear 30 Mikado triumphed once again in Class 3 and West Solent One Design Suvretta won Class 4. 

Having crossed the line, crews were treated to Hattiers Rum dark and stormies and Dartmouth Gin gin and tonics delivered directly to their yachts.

Above: drinks drops with Dartmouth Gin and Hattiers Rum

Light Breeze on Day 4 at British Classic Week

It was more of the same as far as the weather was concerned on day for at British Classic Week, with another scorching hot day in Cowes.  With the AP over AP flags up, yacht owners and crew settled into a lazy morning tinkering on boats and enjoying the hospitality in the regatta marquee.

Towards lunchtime the easterly wind started to show, so the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) Race Officer Dai Prichard proceeded with Race 4, sponsored by OneSails.

Above: Clyde Linear 30 Mikado

After class starts, Classes 1 and 2 set off westwards from the RYS inner line on a downwind start with the last of the ebbing tide. No sooner than the yachts had their spinnakers set, a south westerly blew in and crews scrambled to hoist jibs, drop spinnakers and set off upwind. Making the most of the last of the tide and a building breeze, the yachts took a tight reach to Cowes Yacht Haven in 5-7knots.

After tacking around Cowes Yacht Haven to starboard, Classes 1 and 2 beat across the Solent in champagne conditions to Yacht Data Bank in a by-now established 8-9knot wind.

Above: one-off sloop Whooper

Having rounded Yacht Data Bank to port, it was a tight reach to the west in 11knots of wind and in a slack tide to West Lepe.  Round the mark to port, spinnakers were hoisted for the downwind leg back with the tide to the RYS line in a steadily fading breeze.

Classes 3 and 4 sailed a shorter course, sailing upwind from the RYS inner line to Gurnard and crossing the Solent on a tight reach to Lepe Spit.  Time was now ticking on, and the race committee shortened course to allow time for the yachts to get back to RYS for the start of the Ladies Race.

Above: long keel ketch Border Legend

It was a quick turnaround before the ladies took to their respective helms and set off downwind with the tide from the RYS inner line to West Ryde Middle.  The wind was fickle and light, so spinnakers were dropped well ahead of the mark to allow for the shifting wind direction.   The yachts bunched up around the first mark in a dying wind and a strong flooding tide, so the race committee again shortened course at the second mark, QXI International. 

Above: Jody Wincer on Cereste placed second in the Ladies Race

Race 4, class 1 winner was Happy Forever, 8mR Helen continued her winning streak in Class 2, Clyde Linear 30 Mikado took her third class win in Class 3, and Robert Clarke 10 Tonner won Class 4. 

The Ladies Race was won by Alice Courage on 8mR Helen, with Jody Wincer on Cereste in second and Zoe Dunne on Happy Forever third.