Classic Boat – September 2019

Fifty-three yachts entered this year’s regatta in Cowes, the last to

be sponsored by the Italian watch maker which has done so

much to promote classic sailing since 2005.

This year, there was a greater focus on authenticity. An

independent judging panel made up of CB’s Rob Peake and

Steff an Meyric Hughes, naval architect Paul Spooner, NHS UK

director Hannah Cunliff e, author and CB contributor Nigel Sharp,

and Cowes boatbuilder and CB publishing consultant Martin

Nott, viewed every boat in the regatta. The BCYC asked the

panel to name the most authentic boats in the fl eet. The panel’s

choices formed a separate class within the regatta – the

‘authentic’ fl eet – which raced under IRC for separate prizes.

Overall winner was the Laurent Giles sloop Whooper that has

won more silver than any other classic yacht. The little Fife gaff

cutter Viola was the talk of the town with her friendly French crew,

who can be forgiven for off ering English whiskey option (on a

Fife yacht!), who won the Je ne Sais Quoi Award. Authentic class

winners were Opposition, Whooper, Cereste and Croix de Gardes.

The ‘stiff drink’ trophy went to the crew of Whisper of Lymington,

for an emergency airlift after a broken arm and two broken ribs.

Curtain call for

Panerai

Out and about

Logbook

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PANERAI BCYC REGATTA