The Superyacht Cup fleet start from the Royal Yacht Squadron on Monday. Picture by Jennifer Burton.
SAILING
IW SAILORS are involved in one of the three huge sailing regattas taking place in Cowes this week.
It has been an incredible week for sailors and spectators, as the J Class regatta was held in The Solent before the arrival of the Brewin Dolphin Commodores’ Cup and The Superyacht Cup this week.
Conditions have been perfect for people wanting to catch a glimpse of the magnificent yachts racing, especially the Superyachts, where Athos, at 62m, was the largest in the 11-strong fleet.
In the week-long Commodores’ Cup, which concludes tomorrow (Saturday), five IW sailors are aboard on five different boats.
Kelvin Matthews is aboard Salvo, and Alexander Gardner is part of the Yeoman of Wight crew for the GBR Black team. Laurence Mead is crewing on EFG Bank Mandrake, part of the Hong Kong team, David Pritchard is aboard the La Reponse, part of GBR Blue, and Sam Pearson is aboard Magnum 3, part of GBR White.
At the time of going to press, the France team was in the overall lead, with GBR Red second, GBR White third, GBR Black fourth and GBR Blue fifth.
The first day of racing had seen Salvo, Yeoman of Wight and EFG Bank Mandrake prevail on the water, while on day two and three, the boats took part in the longest race of the week, the offshore race, but crews had to battle against a powerful spring tide which threatened to whisk them off down the Channel.
In the J Class Regatta, hosted by Southampton Yacht Club, the boats took part in a Solent series before racing around the Island for the Hundred Guinea Cup.
Overall, Velsheda won the Solent series with Ranger second, Lionheart third, and Rainbow fourth, while the Hundred Guinea Cup was won by Lionheart, in its first J Class regatta, with Velsheda second and Ranger third.
At the same time, Cowes hosted the three-day Superyacht Cup.
The first race, held on a shortened course, was won by the 34m Royal Huisman-built Unfurled, with Leopard 3 close behind and Athos third. Only four of the fleet finished.
The second day saw Hamilton take the win, with Leopard 3 second — their time including a five-minute penalty — and Athos third. The final race took place on Wednesday.