Six Metre nationals coming to Falmouth in May
by John Collings 14 Feb 2011 12:23 GMT
18-22 May 2011
One of the most exciting and traditional sailing fleets outside of the America’s Cup, and once an Olympic Class, is coming to Falmouth.
The British International Six Metre Association, whose supporters include Cornwall’s multi-medal-winning Olympian Ben Ainslie, has awarded this year’s British Open Championship to the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club on Falmouth’s Greenbank parade.
Racing will take place in Falmouth Bay and the Carrick Roads from May 18-22.
These days the Six Metre class (‘6mR’) accommodates both ‘Classics’ which are exquisitely-crafted wooden yachts and the newer sleeker ‘Moderns’ within its racing fleet. The term ‘Six Metre’ refers to the measurement rule to which they are built, which actually produces boats about 11 metres (36-ft) long.
The regatta has already 20 yachts registered, bringing in excess of 100 yachtsmen and women, together with their support teams, to Falmouth. It will be the first time the fleet has assembled in Falmouth in such numbers since 1988.
Yachts will be arriving from the Solent, Scotland, the Channel Islands and France as well as from the more local fleets in St Mawes and Fowey.
There is still time for more competitors to register and with many race charter boats also available, the numbers on the water are likely to swell.
Great Britain has the largest and most active fleet of Six Metre yachts in the world. Although primarily a championship regatta, the organisers are hoping that this year’s event will not only raise the profile of the 6mRs but will also establish the West Country event as a regular feature in the Association’s annual sailing programme.
Indeed, there is already talk of a Europeans or World championships coming to Cornwall in 2014.
The 6mR’s have a long and distinguished history which stretches back to 1907 when formal rules, relating to competition design and construction, were first adopted and then modified as the years passed.
New technology, lighter and stronger materials and computer wizardry continue to drive owners to build new faster and stronger boats within the rule. And, unlike many sailing classes, the Six Metres have a formula that can accept many wide-ranging choices, while keeping to the concepts formulated in 1906.
It is a development class with every boat a unique one-off, attracting kings and entreprenuers as well as top names in the sport and design world, including Ian Howlett, Pelle Peterson, Olin Stephens, Johan Ankers; ex-Whitbread supremo Lawrie Smith; America’s Cup stalwart Chris Mason, and businessman Peter de Savary.
Falmouth hosts the first major event of the fleet’s 2011 season after which many of the boats will be heading for La Trinité in France for the L’Entente Cordiale and French Open or back to home waters before moving on to Helsinki, Finland, for the World Cup in early August.
Other high-profile British events include the Metre and Classic keelboat regatta, staged during Cowes Classics Week at the end of July, and the Tattinger Regatta at Royal Yarmouth in early August.
After the Commodore’s Reception and briefing at the Royal Cornwall in Falmouth on Wednesday, May 18, there will be three or four races per day out of the nearby Challenge Quay at Port Pendennis Marina.
Provided bad weather doesn’t intervene – at least five races must be staged to complete the championship – the organisers are hoping to conclude the regatta with a display of sailing in the Carrick Roads where the stylish yachts, skill and seamanship of their (usually five per boat) crew, are sure to attract huge crowds to the natural viewing areas which are afforded by the surrounding headlands.
As part of the entertainment there is even talk of a demonstration of maritime excellence, with Falmouth’s own Working Race Boats making a stunning spectacle for the port’s residents and visitors alike and with 6mR sailors likely to be invited to crew the home fleet.
On-shore social events for the regatta include a barbecue, class dinner and dance and presentation evening.
The British Open in Falmouth also provides a number of sponsorship opportunities and anyone interested should contact either Andrew Thomas or David Roberts by e-mail at: , respectively.
General enquiries should be directed to Julie Jones, the British International Six Metre Association class co-ordinator at: www.royalcornwallyachtclub.org