Thanks to Suzanne and Alan Whitewood for this detailed article giving us all an insight in to this prestigious event – Ed.
History was made in Cowes, when for the first time a round of the Superyacht Cup was held in England.
Despite the lack of wind the 11 boats taking part in the Superyacht Cup Cowes took part in the scheduled races if with somewhat shortened courses. All crews enjoyed the sunny weather and taking part in HM The Queen’s visit to the Island where the boats formed a backdrop to MY Leander the base for the day for the royal party.
Sunday briefing
On Sunday a briefing for Captains was followed by a welcome cocktail party at the Royal Yacht Squadron.
Competition commenced on Monday and despite being the last yacht to cross the start line of the Pantaenius sponsored Race 1 of the Superyacht Cup Cowes, the crew of the 34m Royal Huisman built Unfurled found their way through challenging light air conditions to cross the line first on a shortened course.
Mari Cha III first off the line
As the early morning mist lifted with blue skies above, the fleet was started from the Royal Yacht Squadron line at 1105 with the 45m Briand Mari Cha III crossing the start first as the boats headed to the Eastern Solent on the course toward the Nab tower.
As the rest of the fleet followed with Unfurled last over the start line, the yachts progressed slowly up the course helped by the flood tide.
Course shortened to to lack of wind
Due to the lack of consistent wind and the imminent tidal change, the decision was taken by the race committee to shorten the course. Unfurled finished between Warner and the committee boat at 1415. It was followed home by Leopard 3, skippered by Round The Island Race regular Mike Slade, four minutes later and Hamilton finished at 1504.
Athos had to put in an extra tack to lay the finish line and finished fourth at 1512. The remaining fleet retired from the race or were unable to reach the finish so points for the day were: Class 1 Unfurled 1, Athos 2 and the rest of the fleet 3. Class 2 Leopard 3 1, Hamilton 2 and Mari Cha lll 3
Tuesday
With the Round the Island Race cancelled on Tuesday very shortened courses of 8 and 12 nm respectively for the two classes were contested.
In Class 1 Athos came out on top followed by Unfurled and Adela. In Class2 the winning boat was Hamilton and she was followed home by Leopard 3 and Mari Cha lll. Hamilton had Cowes-based Round the World yachtsman Brian Thompson aboard for this race and the other races of the regatta.
Wednesday: Royal Visit and delayed start
On Wednesday 10 of the superyachts formed a Parade of Sail for the Royal Visit whilst the magnificent Athos remained moored at Trinity Landing and was the backdrop to the Royal couple’s walk along Cowes Parade.
With high temperatures and little wind the scheduled race for 11:05 was postponed until the afternoon. After sailing a short course the boats were not home until late afternoon. The last boat finished at 6pm- just in time for the prizegiving at the Royal Yacht Squadron.
Results for Race 3 were: Class1 Adela 1st, Heartbeat 2nd and Athos 3rd and in Class 2, Hamilton 1st, Leopard 3 2nd and Mari Cha lll 3rd.
Sail4Cancer: Chosen charity
Sail4Cancer was the chosen charity for the event and a silent auction, open to everyone via the Sail4Cancer web-site is still open for bids until 20th August. Lots include a crew place on ICAP Leopard for the 2013 Cowes/Dinard/St. Malo Race, an ‘A’ House Flag from Superyacht Adela and two limited edition prints by Beken of Cowes.
Prizegiving
At the event prizegiving overall winner for Class 1 was Athos and Class 2 Hamilton and Overall regatta positions were: 1st and Special Isle of Wight bas relief Map- Hamilton. Runner up was Athos with Unfurled filling third place.
