If you didn’t have a chance to head over to Cowes for the sailing regatta last week, worry not, Isle of Wight short filmmaker, Paul Knights, did and shares something very different to what you might expect – and it’s quite mesmerizing.
He explains
“A slightly bizarre sight so close inshore on Day 6 of the racing, about 400m west of Egypt Point as a combination of the strong tide together with an unexpected drop in the light NNW wind which lasted over an hour, caused very congested and challenging conditions for the competitors as they were within the last 1500m of the Royal Yacht Squadron finishing line. Doubtless both frustrating and unnerving for the crews, the spectators on the shoreside however, were able to witness at very close hand the unfurling drama.
“In the close quartered melee, helmsmen were having to work hard to avoid collisions with other boats and to avoid coming too close inshore and risk grounding. Anchors were deployed in a number of instances to simply prevent heading backwards or being forced onto the shore.
“Inevitably there were times when many of the yachts ended up losing ground and spectators would end up seeing the same boat go past them again somewhat slowly, a little while later!
“Thankfully at around 3.20pm, and quite suddenly, the breeze picked up and shouts of ‘spinnaker’ could be heard amongst the crews as they raced to raise their ‘kites’ and reach for the finishing line.”
Watch the footage
Click the play button, click the full screen icon and make sure sound is turned on.
Another great short film for the Paul Knights’ archive.
Image: © Paul Knights
