Thanks to Suzanne and Alan for this latest sailing update. Ed
Based in Cowes, this year’s Panerai British Classic Week saw over 50 entries contest seven races over six days of keen competition.
While experiencing a week of hot, sunny weather, both sailors and spectators could be forgiven for thinking they were actually in the Med where other Panerai events are held.
With such a large fleet in Cowes, racing took place over several classes. To find the overall winner in each class each boat counted its six best results. Therefore their worst showing was discarded.
The racing began
Racing was close in Class 1 with Soufriere (Stephen O’Flaherty) pipping Sean McMillan on Flight of Ufford by dint of four wins.
Two vessels built by Lallows in Cowes dominated Class 2. Firebrand (Ebsen Poulsson & Ed Dubois) took three victories against Opposition’s two. Formally known as Morning Cloud when owned by the late Ted Heath this boat, following a refit at Lallows, is now owned by Jamie Matheson. Jamie was, until recently, Chief Executive of Brewin Dolphin title sponsors of the Commodores’ Cup.
Seven straight wins for Whooper
In Class 3 Christine and Giovanni Belgrano aboard Whooper chalked up seven straight wins. Their one off sloop was built by Woodnutts in St. Helens in 1939. Andy King’s Gluckauf proved second best in the class, recording four runners-up slots and five thirds.
Class 4 saw some close racing with Michael Briggs’ Mikado securing three victories, ahead of Cereste. Jonathan and Scilla Dyke raced well with two wins and four second places.
Saskia (Murdoch McKillop) won the eight metre division, despite failing to win a single race – she amassed six seconds and a third. Despite taking four victories Christopher Courage’s Helen scored a trio of fifth places which damaged her points tally.
Start the week
Monday brought an intriguing Round The Island Race. From the start the fleet was left becalmed. Later, the wind picked up considerably but only 18 finished the race and several boats ‘Did Not Start’. Line honours went to Flight of Ufford and overall victory to the Class 4 entrant Nausicaa (David Messum).
Flight of Ufford took victory in Class 1, Firebrand topped Class 2, Whooper (of course) led Class 3 and outsider Nausicaa stole Class 4.
Overall honours for Whooper
Overall honours in the Panerai British Classic Week went to the all conquering Whooper which also won Wednesday’s Ladies Race, which was not part of the points series. Mikado was second overall with Cereste third.
Keep it local
Red Herring, based in Hampshire, were caterers during the week. As far as possible they source their supplies locally. One product was ‘Heirloom’ tomato from Island Salads which they try to use at all their events across the UK.
It is very small and sweet and was served with a sprinkling of black onion seeds. It is good to see Island produce being used at international events.
Photo gallery
Our thanks to Christian Beasley for these great shots from the event.
Click on the images to see larger version
Images: © With kind permission of Christian Beasley
