Port of Plymouth Regatta 2007

After a season of strong winds, the first day of the regatta dawned with uncharacteristically light airs. The regatta kicked off with the offshore Marks and Spencer Champagne Race – the very race for which the boats really need a good breeze! However 30 yachts successfully raced the 26 miles to Ranneys Rock and back, and were rewarded by the first of the evening celebrations, this one sponsored by Ullman Sails.

The wind picked up again on Sunday for a day of high activity on the water. Whilst 60 dinghies competed in three races in the Sound, the beginners enjoyed a day of racing tuition in the sheltered waters of the Cattewater at the Mount Batten Watersports Centre. The windy and variable weather conditions continued for the next three nights, as dinghies completed their series of races.

The yachts returned on Thursday evening for the first race of their series, where 55 yachts competed over two separate courses in near gale conditions. Then on Friday, the racing was abandoned as the Sound was completely without even a zephyr of wind. However, Race Officers made up for the lost race by offering four races back-to-back – an exhausting end to the regatta. In such variable wind conditions, most days accompanied by torrential rain, the fact that the week was a success was due to the perseverance, optimism and shear obstinacy of the organisers and sailors.

The final prizegiving was held at the National Marine Aquarium, where the draw for the major £250 prizes took place. The closely fought competition for the coveted ‘Dinghy of the Regatta’ trophy was won by Robbie Robinson, an 11 year old who sailed his Topper in a competitive fleet. The ‘Yacht of the Regatta’ was won by Steve Dart in Gordon Rose. Steve had a closely fought battle within his fleet throughout the regatta, winning the final race and therefore the series by 14 seconds.

The Regatta Committee would like to thank all the sponsors, especially the Title Sponsor, Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, for their generosity, which enabled a full social programme as well as daily and overall prizes. Also thanks to the local clubs for providing safety boats and for all their support both on and off the water; without that help, the regatta would not take place.

More information at www.plymouthregatta.com