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.

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

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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

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