British Classic Yacht Club Cowes Regatta - Day 3
by Justin Chisholm 22 Jul 2009 21:11 BST
19-25 July 2009
Hugh Morrison and a bunch of willing volunteers take his ninety-foot Savannah out for an exhilarating sail © Barry James Wilson
When competitors at the British Classic Yacht Club Regatta Cowes 2009 arrived at the Cowes Yacht Haven this morning, they were greeted by the eerie sound of wind screaming through the rigging of the fifty-four classic yachts moored in the marina. When an Internet check of the conditions out at Bramble Bank revealed winds in excess of thirty-five knots, Principal Race Officer Tony Lovell posted a postponement and set a final decision time of midday. Conditions failed to moderate by the deadline and the PRO was left with no alternative but to call off racing for the day by posting flags AP over A. Provisionally, the plan is to replace today’s lost race by sailing two races on Friday.
The strong winds did not deter Hugh Morrison, who assembled a bunch of willing volunteers to take his ninety-foot Savannah out for an exhilarating sail. With the whole of the Solent to herself, Savannah clearly revelled in the fresh conditions and when she returned to the dock several hours later, the entire crew were still wide eyed from the experience.
Other members of the fleet took advantage of the break in the racing schedule to take a look around the other boats in the regatta, before placing their votes in the ‘Je Ne Sais Quoi Competition’. A BCYC tradition, this competition is a chance for the owners and crew to rate the individual boats in the fleet based on the condition of the boat, the warmth of the owner’s welcome and the spirit of their hospitality. This evening the sailors will enjoy a Pontoon Party at the Cowes Yacht Haven with live music.
Tomorrow, the entire fleet will compete in a long inshore race, with a decision on whether to set a round the island course being made based on the prevailing weather conditions.