The summer has gone and our thoughts now turn to laying up as the autumn gales start to sweep in. This year we were able to enjoy more freedom to sail, to enjoy time on the water and to meet each other. Our annual regatta, British Classic Week, was run and financially suported by the Club for the first time in many years, without the financial support of Panerai, and it was judged as a success by the almost 50 yachts which attended.
Thanks must go to Mary Scott-Jackson for her cheery and efficient management of the Regatta, to the Royal Yacht Squadron for their superlative race management in minimum wind conditions and to Michael, Lord Briggs,for his chairmanship of the event.
We are fortunate to have ongoing sponsor support from Spirit Yachts, One Sails, Suffolk Yacht Harbour, Classic Marine, Adnams Brewery and Brig Ribs.
The overall winner of the week, and of Class 1, was Baron Laidlaw with Oui Fling who overcame Sean McMillan on Flight of Ufford. In Class 2 Christopher Courage’s 8 Metre Helen just edged out Louise Morton on Lak II by a single point. In Class 3 a very consistent Michael Briggs on Mikado took full advantage of the very light winds, leading Giovanni Belgrano on Whooper home. And in Class 4 Scot Yeates aboard Stiletto celebrated her 60th anniversary by edging out Tim Hannon sailing Peter Wilson’s Kajsa on a count-back tie.
The social side was happily able to take place as Covid retrictions were lifted just as the Regatta began. The Marquee was a popular meeting place and the presence of several lovely vintage motor yachts added a touch of glamour to the Fleet. The evergreen and iconic Kelpie was a stirring sight with her topsails set. The magnificently restored Stormvogel made an appearance before her own anniversary entry for the Fastnet.
Plans are already underway for next year’s 20th Anniversary Regatta and we are developing a suitably exciting programme and a gala birthday dinner for the Autumn.
The newly introduced Cruising Cup was won by Lord Michael Briggs for his account of the voyage of Kingfisher to the Scilly Isles.