Felixstowe Regatta 2008
by Helen Sharkey 2 Jun 2008 18:14 BST
24-25 May 2008
Regatta successful despite difficult conditions
The 2008 Felixstowe Regatta was sponsored by the Haven Gateway Partnership, following the withdrawal of the Port of Felixstowe after ten years. The Regatta took a new format with individual race sponsors as well as the overall sponsor. One of the highlights of the weekend was have a pair of ex-America’s cup contenders racing in the form of Italia and Crusader, these made a great sight on the Saturday but the weather got the better of them on the Sunday.
The weather played a significant part in the Regatta, although only Monday was compromised, as the wind had raised to 30 knots, with strong gusts and heavy rain. A decision was taken at 8am to cancel the race. Saturday was breezy, wind was between 20-25knots, and the sea was choppy, leading to some very hard sailing conditions. There were several damaged yachts by the end of the day, but this didn’t stop competitors enjoying the evening’s entertainment and dancing the night away to Contraband. Saturday racing was sponsored by Sailtime and Thomas Gunn Navigation.
On Sunday the wind was 20-25knots again, but it was pouring with rain. However all the yachts that were able went out and had another two good races. Sunday racing was sponsored by Birketts LLP, and Oyster Yacht Charter.
David Pinner in Kiss managed to win overall both days and the overall regatta and walked away with some very valuable prizes donated to the regatta by Raymarine.
Nigel Mower, Chairman of the Regatta Organising Committee commented: “The weather proved difficult over the weekend, but the overall consensus from the competitors was that they enjoyed some challenging courses, and appreciated the hard work of the race management team to keep the Regatta going. We will have to work harder on the weather next year”
The organisers would like to say a huge thank you to all sponsors and supporters, advertisers and helpers, as well as to everyone that entered. If you would like to be involved in the 2009 Regatta, as a sponsor or a supporter, please contact the organising committee, via www.felixstoweregatta.co.uk