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.
