More glorious sunshine and balmy breezes ensured that competitors at day three of Panerai British Classic Week in Cowes came home relaxed and glowing with health and happiness.
The day featured races two and three of the regatta series, and the Ladies Race, which was run in conjunction with race two.
The day featured races two and three of the regatta series, and the Ladies Race, which was run in conjunction with race two.
The wind was light and patchy throughout the day starting off from the northeast and going easterly during the afternoon. With a strong ebb tide running conditions were challenging to say the least giving navigators and tacticians plenty to keep them occupied. Race Officer Tony Lovell set a lengthy course running back and forth from Osborne Bay to the Lea On Solent shore for race two.
The faster boats took on the challenge and came through fairly well but the wind dropped off significantly towards the end of the race and a number of boats were unable to finish within the time limit. Fortunately the wind rallied again and after a short delay race three was underway with all the competitors able to complete the course this time around.
Back ashore the crews are enjoying the Open Yachts Pontoon Party where the sailors get to inspect each other boats while enjoying drinks on the dock. Today the fleet is also celebrating the fiftieth birthday of British Classic Yacht Club Rear Commodore David Orton’s delightful Illingworth and Primrose designed 40 footer St David’s Light, which was built by Souter in 1963.
Originally built for de Forest Trimmingham, whose family owned the largest department store in Bermuda, she is named after a Bermudan lighthouse and was initially optimised for the Bermuda Race. Thanks to the love and attention that David and his wife Chris lavish on her, she is now in concours d’elegance condition.
Tomorrow, forecasters are promising a little more wind and a single race starting at 11.00 is planned, followed by judging for the “Je ne sais quoi” competition in the marina, where the competitors vote for the yacht with that certain something. The evening’s entertainment will feature a Pirates of Penzance themed Crew Party in the Haven Events Centre.