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
