A Successful Classic Channel Regatta

The first Classic Channel Regatta took place July 11-17 and according to organisers “was a resounding success and was greatly enjoyed by all who took part”. With an anticyclone centred over the UK for the entire week the sun shone, but the winds were very light, making for less than exciting, but challenging, light airs racing conditions.

The Classic Channel Regatta is a major new international regatta for classic yachts in the English Channel with racing from Dartmouth in Devon to Perros-Guirec in North Brittany and St Peter Port in Guernsey. It is a series of three linked events and boats can choose to enter either one, two or all three of the events.

“The quality and variety of the boats taking part was joy to behold,” said organiser Bruce Thorogood. “The editors of both Classic Boat Magazine (England) and Le Chasse Maree (France) were taking part in the regatta (they both sailed as crew on Lutine) and were very impressed and enthusiastic about the regatta. They will be reporting the regatta in the September issues of their magazines. Two beautiful gaff cutters, the Mylne designed ‘Kelpie’, from England, and the Fife designed ‘Nan’, from France, sailing together for the first time.”

“The organisation, hospitality and ambience were excellent in both England and France and the lively social programme of suppers, parties and barbecues compensated for the lack of wind.”

Seventy-three boats started in the Start Bay Race off Dartmouth (including 12 French boats and 19 from the Old Gaffers Association); 42 boats started in the Channel Race (again including 12 French boats). The fleet was joined by a futher 18 French classics in Perros making a total of 39 classics completing the Perros Classic Regatta.

As a gold sponsor of the event, Pusser's Rum sponsored the prizes and prizegiving for the Start Bay Classics Race. The Pusser's-powered prizegiving was held at the Royal Dart Yacht Club where lucky race winners received prizes from Pusser's ceramic collection. First prizes were "Nelson's Blood" Flagons with a trophy base, second placers received a "Nelson's Blood" hip flask, while third placers earned a "Nelson's Blood" mini-decanter; a Pusser's Survival Kit went to last place.

“The Pusser’s reception at the prizegiving in Dartmouth was a great success," continued Thorogood. “The Pusser’s prizes were greatly appreciated and the Pusser’s mugs and caps were much in evidence, being proudly used throughout the regatta.”

The Classic Channel Regatta is open to classic and traditional yachts and there are classes for both Gaff rigged and Bermudian yachts and the spirit of the regatta is of 'gentleman's racing'. For any further information on the regatta visit the regatta website at: www.abclassicyachts.org. The next Classic Channel Regatta will be in early July 2007; exact dates will be published on their web site soon.