The classic motor yacht Bounty is one of the stars of the Solent. She was built on spec in 1936 by Camper & Nicholson in Gosport One of six built they were originally intended to be Moter ships to the J Class fleet and all were sold.
At just under 24 metres (how did they know back then?) with a displacement of 67 tonnes, her first owner was a gentleman of means who sailed her before and throughout World War II, during which she operated as part of the Inshore Yacht Patrol mounted with Oerlikon Naval Anti-Aircraft gun and was a prominent participant in the landing at Dunkirk (Operation Dynamo).
Later she fell into disrepair and was rebuilt for her present owner by the Berthon Boat Company in Lymington.
Nearly 80 years and many heroic adventures later this Dunkirk Little Ship was unveiled once more in 2008 after undergoing an extensive but sympathetic refurbishment she was chartered by Panerai so that we the members of the press could watch the racing close up on day five of Panerai British Classic Week
On board we witnessed a long inshore race with the fleet enjoying a massed start off Cowes followed by a 27 mile course that took them as far west as East Leap and as far east as North Stourbridge, with plenty of bumps and circuits in between.
This fifth race in the series was a tough one with a very shifty breeze ranging from sub-five to over twelve knots. Mix in some tricky tidal conditions and it all added up to a tough but wonderfully sunny day on the water.
The post racing hospitality in the Panerai Lounge was as generous as ever with wonderful canapés and delicious wines being served to the hungry but happy sailors.
The daily prize giving not only honoured the day’s winners but also paid tribute to regatta organiser Mary Scott-Jackson of MSJ Events who celebrated her birthday with a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday sung by the entire fleet.
One final race remains to be sailed tomorrow with the discard coming into play once it is completed. Today’s forecast is for further moderate winds and sunshine from the eastern quadrant so we can look forward to a spectacular finish to what has already been an outstanding regatta.
The event concludes on Saturday with a Parade of Sail past the Royal Yacht Squadron at 11.00.
