Day 4 of Cowes Classics Week saw South Westerly winds from 10 to 15 knots and some sun giving the competitors a good days racing in a crowded Solent which had four Cowes Classics Week race circuits, the Royal Southern SB20 Nationals and two RORC J Cup circuits, requiring a lot of race officer coordination and also a lot of shipping to plan around. Cowes Classics week again achieved two races for the classic dayboats and one race for the classic yachts.
The XODs raced on the bank from a committee vessel stationed near the Hillhead navigation buoy, with a windward leeward race and then a round the cans to a windward, and then leeward inflatable and then West Knoll, Royal Thames. The and final beat was across to Cowes Harbour on the Island shore and a final run to Donna off the Green, which was a challenging last leg due to lack of wind under the lee of the shore resulting in some place changing. Ben McGrane helming Swallow won the day followed by Gleam and Madelaine.
The committee vessel for Circuits 2 was stationed further east, giving the National Swallows one windward leeward race and one round the cans race to finish at a boat stationed west of the Royal London racing mark. The winner of the day was again Mike Wigmore sailing Gwaihir, followed by Swift and Skua. On the seme circuit the Flying Fifteens had two races with Rob Goddard in Over the Moon winning the day and Martin Harrison again winning the Squibs in Hussar.
The two 1922 Classic Mermaids were out today and had two windward leeward races and the a third round the cans race home via Jane, Contessa 32 and then a long beat across to Royal London and then to the finish. The day and the series was won by the lovely cambridge blue Zara gaining the RLYC Anniversary Bowl by one point from Cynthia.
On Circuit 4 the Daring metre boats had one windward leeward race followed by a long round the cans via Howden Fastnet, Goodall Roofing, East Bramble and Royal London. Giles Peckham with Dauntless had a good day winning both races, followed by Sir Richard Ottaway at the helm of Debutante and Malcolm Lofts with Streak. This leaves Doublet one point ahead of Dauntless after discard so all to play for on Day 5.
In the Classic Yachts Division 1 was won by Bojar followed by Crusade and Sioma, whilst the Spirit of Tradition class was won by Chameleon of Cowes with Aldebaran second. Division 2 was won by Binkie II followed by Sally of Kames and Janessa. Division 3 went to Warrior followed by Zest and Paloma in third, with the Old Gaffers won by Spinaway X.
The four race circuits are kindly sponsored by marine insurers GJW Direct with committee vessels and competing boats displaying the sponsors flags
Competitors again enjoyed tea and cake at the RLYC clubhouse after racing, kindly sponsored by Evelyn Partners, and the day prize giving took place at a Royal Yacht Squadron champagne reception, kindly sponsored by Fawley Waterside. The RLYC cut crystal tumbler prizes were presented by Evelyn Partners CEO Aldwyn Drummond.
The regatta dinner followed, kindly supported by Luis Cana wines and attended by representatives of GJW Direct marine insurance and Fawley Waterside. Representatives from the official charities UKSA and Autism on the Water gave a talk about their organisations and it was announced that approximately £2,000 had been raised from competitor donations. A draw from those who had contributed was held for a magnum of champagne and was won by Chris Gallagher from Bosham.
Finally the David Gower Bowl was presented for the youngest average age crew in the event at 21 years and 4 months to Henry Rochford, Harriet Watkins and Harriet Askew from the Division 3 Alacrity 19 Ipyu-Aya.
Cowes Classics Week is organised by the Royal London Yacht Club, The Parade, Cowes, Isle of Wight.
