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.
