Please select your home edition
Edition
Craftinsure 2023 LEADERBOARD

Panerai British Classic Week 2018 - Overall

by Helen Porter 21 Jul 2018 22:28 BST 14-21 July 2018

This year's fleet of 50 timeless classic yachts enjoyed a week of technically challenging races in perfect conditions in the Solent. After a six-race series of fast-paced, tactical courses, Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford, helmed by her owner Sean McMillan, won the prestigious Yacht of the Regatta trophy.

Sean commented, "There is nowhere else in the world where the racing is more challenging. Tacticians have to negotiate the strong tides, a busy shipping channel and conflicting currents; it's exhilarating racing."

Sean added, "To win such a prestigious regatta is a true honour and I couldn't have done it without my dedicated crew. This is the best regatta I have ever raced in my entire life; the weather was superb, competition fierce and the course setting by the Royal Yacht Squadron was world-class."

Taking place in the Solent, the stretch of water between mainland UK and the Isle of Wight, Panerai British Classic Week racing is world renowned for its challenging courses set by the Royal Yacht Squadron.

British Classic Yacht Club Commodore David Murrin commented, "The Royal Yacht Squadron did a truly amazing job this week. The racing has been more competitive than ever and the spirit of the British Classic Yacht Club has never been stronger. This has been our best regatta yet as it represented everything we aspire to: competitive racing between beautifully crafted and preserved classic yachts, complemented by a vibrant social scene off the water."

In the individual classes, Sioma won the 6 Metre class followed by Thistle and Nancy. Class 1 was won by Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford, with Spirit 52 Oui Fling in second and Spirit 65 Chloe Giselle in third. Cetewayo took the title in Class 2, ahead of Opposition and Golden Fleece, whilst Whooper won Class 3 followed by Kismet and Stiletto. Class 4 was a closely fought battle between Suvretta and Cereste, with Suvretta triumphing ahead of Cereste in second and Arabel in third.

The Ladies Race (which included GB Olympic gold medallist Saskia Clark and Volvo Ocean Race sailor Abby Ehler) was won by Libby Deegan in Suvretta, followed by Whooper in second and Cetewayo in third. The inaugural 30nm NAB Tower Race was won on corrected time by Suvretta with Cereste in second and Whooper in third.

The Concours D'Elegance prize for the most beautifully maintained boat went to Spirit 37' Strega in Class 1, Opposition in Class 2, Whooper in Class 3 and Suvretta in Class 4. The overall Concours D'Elegance trophy was won by Suvretta and the Best Yacht for Originality was won by Cereste. Both prizes are judged against seven criteria: hull, rig, sails, deck equipment, interior, interior fittings and deck.

The prize for Best Presented New Entrant was awarded to 8 Metre yacht Njord, and the 'in need of a stiff drink' prize was awarded to Spirit 46' Dido who survived two collisions during a week of fast-paced racing.

Taking place against the historic backdrop of the Isle of Wight, with mainland UK in the distance, spectators have basked in sunshine as they watched the fleet of elegant yachts race across the shimmering waters of the Solent.

Skipper and owner of 10 Tonner Cereste, Jonathan Dyke, noted, "It has undoubtedly been a week of champagne sailing. It has been the perfect week with sparkling flat seas; the Solent at its best."

Off the water, competitors enjoyed a week of camaraderie and socialising with like-minded people. Peter Wright, crew member on AC 2 Tonner Sloop Opposition commented, "The week has been fantastic fun; well organised, with pleasant company and great socialising. My owner has a big smile on his face!"

Related Articles

British Classic Week day 4
It was a classic Solent day in Cowes for the OneSails inshore race It was a classic Solent day in Cowes for day 4 of British Classic Week with hot temperatures, sunshine and no breeze in the morning before the sea breeze kicked in from the west and it was time to go racing. Posted on 10 Jul
British Classic Week day 3
Concours d'Elegance parade and the female and youth (under 25yrs) helm race Day three at British Classic Week in Cowes brought the annual Concours d'Elegance parade and the female and youth (under 25yrs) helm race sponsored by Marineware and Awlgrip. Posted on 9 Jul
British Classic Week Day 2
An early start for Classes 1-3 as they prepared to race around the Isle of Wight It was an early start for the British Classic Week fleet on day two, as Classes 1-3 prepared to race around the Isle of Wight. Posted on 8 Jul
British Classic Week Day 1
Northerly winds gusting 22 knots make for a brisk start Day one at British Classic Week in Cowes saw fast-paced racing around the cans sponsored by Spirit Yachts for over 50 classic and modern classic yachts. Posted on 7 Jul
British Classic Week overall
8mR Anne Sophie and 6mR Sioma are overall winners It was a week of two halves in terms of the weather at this year's British Classic Week hosted by the British Classic Yacht Club, but when the results were in it was 6mR Sioma and 8mR Anne Sophie who took home the overall regatta trophies. Posted on 22 Jul 2024
British Classic Week day 4
Perfect weather for the long inshore races sponsored by OneSails GBR Day four at British Classic Week brought perfect sailing conditions for the long inshore races sponsored by OneSails GBR. Posted on 18 Jul 2024
British Classic Week Day 3
Champagne sailing for female-helm race After two wet and windy days, the sunshine finally broke on day three at British Classic Week for Race 3, the female-helm race sponsored by Raymarine. Posted on 17 Jul 2024
British Classic Week Day 2
Around the Island Race changes to passage races in the comparative shelter of the Solent Day 2 of British Classic Week began with ominous grey clouds, 1.5m+ swell, and 25+ knots. Race Officer Peter Saxton made the decision to adapt the scheduled Around the Island Race into long passage races in the comparative shelter of the Solent. Posted on 16 Jul 2024
British Classic Week Day 1
Wet and windy on an 'epic' first day Day one at this year's British Classic Week brought wet and windy racing for the fleet of classic and modern classic yachts from the UK, Europe, and as far afield as Australia. Posted on 15 Jul 2024
Entry open for 'new look' British Classic Week
The UK's leading classic yacht regatta takes place at Cowes in July Organised by the British Classic Yacht Club, the UK's leading classic yacht regatta will take place in Cowes from 15th - 20th July 2024. Posted on 25 Jan 2024