Acyr 2016 online

The Antigua Yacht Club presents the 29th Annual

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 14th–19th APRIL 2016 PROGRAMME

PANERAI

CLASSIC YACHTS CHALLENGE

MOUNT GAY DISTILLERIES • EFG INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENTE • LUNENBURG SHIP ALLIANCE SOUTH POINT · ONDECK OCEAN RACING • ANTIGUA YACHT CLUB MARINA NATIONAL PARKS AUTHORITY · CHIPPY FINE YACHT WOODWORK · WOODSTOCK BOATBUILDERS

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ACYR2016 Table of ConTenTs

5 Schedule of Events 6 Regatta Informatiom 7 Race Maps 14 Safety on the Sea 16 Contributors 18 Governor General’s Welcome and Sailing Week 19 Commodore’s Welcome and AYC Schedule 20 Classic Committees 21 Classic Organising Committee’s Welcome 22 Sponsors 26 Thank You to Volunteers 28 Behind the Scenes: Karen Portch – Gilly Gobinet 30 What is a Classic?

32 Spirit of Tradition Class 34 Concours d’Elégance – John Steele 38 Single-Handed Race – Tim Wall 40 Vagabundo II – Ed Gifford 44 Jol & Judy – Jane Coombs 46 Lorema – Jude Harrison 48 Argyll – Lucy Tulloch 51 Vanishing Sail – Alexis Andrews 54 Whitehawk – Jan Hein 56 Farewell Philip – Jane Coombs 58 Desiderata – Gilly Gobinet 60 Anna Boulton – Jane Coombs 61 Cory Silken – Gilly Gobinet 62 David Simmonds – Jane Coombs 64 The Untouchable Details – Griffin Scruggs 66 Samsara – Jan Hein 68 Entries 2015 70 Trophy Winners 72 New Trophies COVER IMAGE

Coral of Cowes and Juno – Photograph by Cory Silken THIS PAGE – Cory Silken

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Schedule of Events 2016 WEDNESDAY 13th APRIL

SATURDAY 16th APRIL

0800 – 1800 hrs Arrival, Registration and Inspections (upper floor at the Yacht Club) (All captains must register to receive important information.

No registrations will be accepted after 1800 hrs)

RACE 2 Music Night in front of the Yacht Club at 20.00 hrs

Welcome Party in front of the Yacht Club at 1800 hrs

THURSDAY 14th APRIL Judging for the Concours d’Elégance

SUNDAY 17th APRIL RACE 3 Parade of Classics in English Harbour (starting approx. 1330 hrs, after the first boat finishes)

CLASSIC SINGLE-HANDED RACE

Screening of the award-winning film Vanishing Sail (on the lawn by the Copper & Lumber Store) at 1900 hrs

Skippers’ Briefing (upper floor at the Yacht Club) at 1700 hrs

MONDAY 18th APRIL

Concours d’Elégance Prize Giving in front of the Yacht Club at 1800 hrs

FRIDAY 15th APRIL

RACE 4 Prize Giving Ceremony (on the lawn by the Copper & Lumber Store) at 2000 hrs

RACE 1

TUESDAY 19th APRIL

Classic Single-Handed Sundowner Celebration and Prize Giving in front of the Yacht Club at 1800 hrs

Afternoon Gig Racing at 1400 hrs and Cream Tea Party at 1500 hrs at the Admiral’s Inn

ALL RACE STARTS (EXCEPT SINGLE-HANDED) ARE AT 1000 HRS A full schedule of parties, social events and activities will be available at Registration, the Skippers’ Briefing,on notice boards and on our website www.antiguaclassics.com photograph by lucy tulloch

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Regatta Information OBJECTIVE: To encourage owners and crews of classic and traditional yachts to sail alongside each other on courses designed to be without the tight quarters of other events, so that racing is fun and safe for hard-to-manage and older vessels of any size. The emphasis is on sailing together rather than on racing, as well as on the enjoyment of the ideal conditions of the Caribbean Sea.

COURSES: Examples of courses can be seen on the website and in this Programme. Official course cards will be handed out at the Skippers’ Briefing. Each course is approximately 24 miles. Starts and finishes are immediately outside Falmouth Harbour.

REGISTRATION: All captains must register to confirm arrival and receive important information.The Registration Desk is located upstairs in the Antigua Yacht Club and will be open on Wednesday 13th April only, from 0800 to 1800 hrs. Registrations will not be accepted after this time. ANY YACHT NOT PROPERLY REGISTERED WILL NOT BE SCORED IN THE RESuLTS.

DOCKAGE: There are marinas in Falmouth and English Harbours.

Sponsored dockage days at the Antigua Yacht Club Marina and Nelson’s Dockyard may be available for yachts entered before 1st April 2015.

Details will be given at Registration.

RULES: Racing will be governed by the current ISAF Rules of Sailing.

CSA safety rules will apply. The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is a Class A event.

SINGLE-HANDED RACE: A Single-Handed Race will take place on Thursday 14th April in the afternoon, after Concours d’Elégance judging.

ADVERTISING: Advertising will be restricted to Category A (no advertising allowed).

ELIGIBILITY: All sailing yachts should have a full keel, be of heavy to moderate displacement, built of wood or steel and be of traditional rig and appearance. Old craft using modern materials such as epoxy or glass sheathing, or new craft built along the lines of an old design are acceptable.

Vessels built of other materials may be accepted if they have a gaff or traditional schooner rig. Fibreglass yachts must have a full long keel with a keel-hung rudder, and be a descendant of a wooden boat design. Yachts not fitting into the above categories may apply in writing with documents and photographs or drawings to support their request for entry. All entries are subject to approval by the Committee, whose decision is final.

ENTRIES: All yachts unknown to the Regatta must complete a PreEntry Form (available on the website www.antiguaclassics.com) and submit it along with photographs of hull and rig for approval. Previous entrants should email entry@antiguaclassics.com and will be sent the codes to update their online entry. Information is available on the website and from the Antigua Yacht Club. Official Entry, entry fees and any requested documentation should be submitted no later than1st April 2015 to avoid late fees.

A YACHT IS NOT AN OFFICIAL ENTRY uNTIL THE RATING INFORMATION IS SuBMITTED, THE RATING INFORMATION COMPLETED AND THE ENTRY FEE PAID IN FuLL. To be eligible for the Concours d’Elégance and/or the Single-Handed Race, a yacht MuST be an Official Entry.

FEES: US$8.00 per foot of the length on deck if paid by 1st April 2016. Late Entries: US$12.00 per foot if paid after 1st April 2016.

Entries will NOT be considered after April 11th unless authorized by the Committee. PLEASE ENTER EARLY! MEASUREMENT AND RATINGS: All measurements must be given on the Entry Form and attached sail declaration. A Classic Simplified CSA rating will be issued for each yacht. The Committee reserves the right to question information submitted on Entry Forms.

Any measurement fees incurred for verification will be charged to the yacht. Spirit of Tradition yachts must obtain a current CSA measurement certificate from a measurer and submit it with their Entry Form.

SCORING: The Low Point System Rule A4 will apply. All races completed will constitute a series.

CONCOURS D’ELÉGANCE: To take place on the morning of Thursday 14th April; please enter at Registration..

PRIZES and PRIZE GIVING: A list of prizes and trophies to be awarded will be given in the Sailing Instructions and is available on the Regatta website. The Prize-giving Ceremony and Party will be held on the evening of Monday 18th April at 2000 hrs.

TRADEMARKS/COPYRIGHT: The names Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua Classic Regatta and Antigua Classic Week, together with the Regatta Logos, marks, & motifs are copyrighted and/or trademarked by the Antigua Yacht Club and may only be used with the express written permission of the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta Committee.

Official merchandise and crew uniforms can be supplied by our official merchandise supplier, Ondeck Ocean Racing.

DISCLAIMER: Competitors participate in this Regatta entirely at their own risk. See Rule 4, Decision to Race. The Organising Authority (the Antigua Sailing Association) together with the Antigua Yacht Club and the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta Committee, will not accept any liability for material damage, personal injury, or death sustained in conjunction with or prior to, during, or after the Regatta.

FURTHER INFORMATION: please contact us at: Antigua Yacht Club, English Harbour, St. Paul’s, Antigua & Barbuda Telephone/Fax: +1 268 460 1799 Email info@antiguaclassics.com www.antiguaclassics.com

Classes

TRADITIONAL: Fishing or cargo vessels, built or converted to sail.

VINTAGE: Yachts with a full keel in original condition designed and launched before World War II. CLASSIC: Yachts with a full keel designed and launched after World War II. CLASSIC GRP: Fibreglass yachts with long keels and descendants of wooden boat design.

SPIRIT OF TRADITION: Yachts built recently using modern methods and design, but retaining the original grace and style of the old classics.

TALL SHIPS: Sail training and passenger vessels.

SAILING INSTRUCTIONS: Sailing instructions will be issued at the Skippers’ Briefing on Thursday 14th April at 1800hrs.

Note 1 Classes will be sub-divided according to performance, size, type and rig.

VENUE: Racing will take place off the south coast of Antigua. Events will take place at the Antigua Yacht Club and in the English Harbour area.

Note 2 Spirit of Tradition Class and Classic GRP will each be sailing for a separate prize structure.

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RaCe Maps

photograph by cory silken

SINGLE-HANDED RACE THuRSDAY, 14TH APRIL

RACE 1 ‘OLD ROAD’ FRIDAY, 15TH APRIL

RACE 2 ‘THE BuTTERFLY’ SATuRDAY, 16TH APRIL

RACE 3 ‘THE KENNY COOMBS MEMORIAL CANNON RACE’ SuNDAY, 17TH APRIL

RACE 4 ‘WINDWARD’ MONDAY, 18TH APRIL

Full details and course maps will be given at the Skippers’ Briefing but to give you a taste of what to expect, here are typical courses which take the best advantage of wind, sea, scenery and skill.

The Committee will make final course decisions based on the weather and sea conditions prevailing at the time.

speCTaToR infoRMaTion

For those unable to take to the water, the racing fleet may be enjoyed from a number of vantage points. You can reach the Shirley Heights area by road or by hiking up the ‘Lookout Trail’ or the ‘Jones Valley Trail’ which both start along the road leading to Galleon Beach. Proctors Point may be reached by leaving the main road in Falmouth and heading for Spring Hill Riding School – keep straight instead of taking the right turn to the stables and follow the road to the end. Please take care not to trespass on private property. Blacks Point and the surrounding area, known as Middle Ground, may be reached by taking trails leading up from Pigeon Beach or from Fort Berkeley which is accessed from Nelson’s Dockyard.

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2016 SPONSOR

Our Maritime training centre in Antigua is approved by the MCA and RYA to run the most internationally recognized courses for both commercial and leisure boat users.

We also offer Caribbean cruising, Corporate incentives, Regatta charters and Transatlantic sailing

• Official clothing supplier to Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta • RYA Training base in Falmouth Harbour • MCA STCW 95 Courses available • Caribbean Regattas • Professional & friendly crews

2016

antigua@ondecksailing.com (268) 562-6696 8

CALM, UNSPOILED, PROTECTED Sail into history in the most beautiful marina in the Caribbean

Simply dock and enjoy.

nelson’s Dockyard Marina • 54 slips • bow moorings • three phase electricity • 24 hour security • cable television & internet • water • restaurants, stores, hotels & tours • waste oil disposal • immigration & customs • restrooms • shower & laundry • host to every major regatta & show in the Antigua yachting calendar.

book your berth online now and visit us at www.nelsonsdockyardmarina.com for more information email: info@nelsonsdockyardmarina.com Telephone: +1 (268) 481-5033/5

Antigua Yacht Club Marina & Resort SPONSOR OF ACYR 2016

Monitoring VHF Channel 68 Tel. 268 460-1544 Fax 268 460-1444 Email: aycmarina@candw.ag www.aycmarina.com 9

TWO LOCATIONS. NEW BUILD • SERVICE • REFITS • STORAGE

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Where shops devoted to custom metal fabrication, advanced composite construction, classic yacht restoration, most accomplished designers to build sportfishers, motoryachts, sailing yachts, catamarans and racer-cruisers. about bringing your project to Lyman-Morse. You’ll find no one goes further to meet your needs. Sophisticated

84 Knox Street | Thomaston, Maine 04861 +1 207.354.6904 | www.lymanmorse.com | info@lymanmorse.com

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ONE GREAT COMPANY. • BROKERAGE • MARINA • FABRICATION

CAMDEN, MAINE experience as a full-service boatbuilding and service yard in Thomaston and Camden, Maine. Since 1978, we Our dedication is reflected in our facilities, where yachts up to 110 tons are routinely serviced, refit and stored. rigging, electronics and mechanical work bristle with state-of-the-art equipment. We have worked with the world’s Whether you are looking to build a new boat, refit for your next cruise, or lay up for the off-season, talk to us Facilities. Endless Possibilities. Tremendous Value. Give us a call.

59 Sea Street | Camden, Maine 04843 +1 207.236.4378 | www.lymanmorse.com | info@lymanmorse.com

Enter Maine’s Newest Classic Yachting Event! July 28-30 The Camden Classics Cup promises to be one of the world’s most beautiful regattas sailed where the mountains meet the sea off the lovely harbor town of Camden, Maine. At this summer’s inaugural event we plan on giving sailors the time of their lives both on the water racing, and with equally memorable onshore parties.

Register Today!

Presented by Lyman-Morse at Wayfarer Marine in conjunction with the Camden Yacht Club.

We are racing and partying for a cause. All proceeds will go to Lifeflight of Maine!

www.camdenclassicscup.com

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DIVE INTO

THE TRUE TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN

sponsor 2016 antigua classic yacht regatta

photograph by jason pickering

Summer Cloud 12

ACYR Caribbean Alliance half page.pdf

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ALL ABOARD...

Welcome to our new branch in Falmouth Harbour Home • Contents • Motor • Liability • Business • Marine

Rated A (Excellent) at A.M. Best Company

+1 (268) 484 2900 • www.caribbeanalliance.com Falmouth Harbour Branch: Antigua Yacht Club Marina Commercial Centre Head Office: Caribbean Alliance House, Cnr. Newgate & Cross Streets, St. John’s

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The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta has enjoyed a good safety record throughout its history; however, here are a few tips on safety that can help keep the Regatta safe and fun: (every captain, helmsman and bowman should know the rules of the road and the racing rules.The larger yachts are skippered by professionals who know these rules so it pays for the cruisers to read up on them as well to avoid a dangerous situation).  Don’t make any sudden course changes in the path of a larger and faster yacht coming up behind you.

Most of the incidents are caused by this.

Sail your course and look behind you before making a course change even if you have rights. Make your change early.

Common sense must be paramount,

photograph by cory silken

safeTy on The RaCe CouRse and it is dangerous to push your luck.

In the same manner that anyone would not challenge their rights with a supertanker, skippers and crews of smaller yachts must consider the implications when a large gaff rigged yacht is required to alter course. For example, it can take 3–4 minutes to get the preventers off, pull in yards of sheet by hand, get sails between the masts down on deck, before the helmsman can even start to turn the wheel to change course!  It takes some time before a larger yacht answers the helm, and on some bigger classics with direct steering it can require two people to turn the wheel fast enough to try and avoid a collision.

Forcing any big yacht into a crash jibe can be disastrous! Manoeuvring takes 

time and planning and at 10 knots, a boat will cover half a mile in just 3 minutes and furthermore, when a large yacht turns, it pivots in the middle, so her stern actually comes closer to you as her bow bears away.  It always pays to keep an eye out for the larger, faster yachts coming up from behind, especially at a mark rounding where the big yachts need a wide turning space. Give them room to get to the outside, and everyone will get around safely.  It’s not easy to imagine what it takes to manoeuvre a large yacht, unless you have been racing on one. The safest thing is to do is keep clear, at a distance and enjoy the magnificent sight as they majestically sail on by.

antigua barbuda search and Rescue (absaR) has been providing emergency medical and rescue services to the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta for many years. We are proud to be a part of this extraordinary event.

ABSAR is a non-profit organisation of volunteers dedicated to saving lives. Based at the Antigua Yacht Club and the Antigua Yacht Club Marina, we are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We specialise in search and rescue, emergency medical, and marine fire response. In 2015 we answered 15 search and rescue calls for which logistical support was provided, launched our emergency rescue boat 5 times, activated the Emergency Beacon 4 times, responded to 85 emergency calls in response vehicles, treated 505 medical patients and supported seven regattas.!

ABSAR relies on your donations for its existence. We need your help…‘so that others may live.’

ABSAR | Antigua Yacht Club Marina | Falmouth Harbour | Antigua Tel: + (268) 562.1234 | VHF: Marine Channel 16 info@absar.org | www.absar.org

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Combining contemporary architecture with a stunning tropical setting, the newly opened South Point offers a truly unique experience – where casual island-chic meets modern luxury in a neighbourhood rich with history.

Each of the 23 spacious, open-plan suites features a full kitchen, private patio with a view of the marina, top quality amenities, and complimentary WIFI. The restaurant and lounge – with deliciously addictive cocktails – are open daily to the public. reservations@southpointantigua.com Toll Free USA & Canada 1 800 857 2082 Toll Free UK 0800 014 8443 International +1 268 562 9600 or +1 268 464 0407

www.southpointantigua.com

The joyful crew of Vagabundo II

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The Classics Committee greatly appreciates all the generous contributions from the photographers and authors mentioned below, without whom this Programme would not be possible.

Cory Silken is a nautical and portrait photographer. Whether capturing the action at a regatta, setting the mood for a brochure, or making stunning images for a new book, Silken has a classy and refined creative palette to make photographs that are truly memorable. www.corysilken.com +1(617) 869 6767 Jane Coombs is well–known for her line of greeting cards and sepia images of the classic racing circuit. She is a founding member of the ACYR and has been contributing her photographs and meticulously researched articles to this Programme since the Regatta began. jccomfortzone@gmail.com +1(268) 720 3926 Tim Wright spends most of the year afloat in the Caribbean region where he is now considered the leading practitioner of marine photography. Working from a tiny 12ft inflatable gives him incredible manoeuvrability, allowing him to get frighteningly close to the action.

Tim’s photographs are a mainstay of the Regatta Programme. www.photoaction.com +1(784) 457 3212 Lucy Tulloch grew up sailing in the Greek islands and has been passionate about photography from a young age. Living in the Caribbean for over 20 years, her love for traditional sailing boats is evident in her images. As a marine photographer she is known for her candid action shots from getting down and dirty in the scuppers. She exhibits her work at local art galleries.

More at www.thelucy.com +1 (268) 720 6868 Den Phillips is an established maritime photographer, specializing in classic and traditional boats, predominantly in black and white. Her 2016 calendar features various images from the 2015 Antigua Classics. www.DenPhillipsPhotos.com +44 (0)1621 850276 Jude Harrison has made Antigua home base for 35 years while she and her husband ran a series of boats named Dione. She has sailed over 20 Atlantic crossings, cruised to Antarctica, made three circumnavigations, and has transited the North West Passage. Jude has had work published in Sail, Cruising World and Yachting Monthly magazines. captain@dionesky.com

photograph by cory silken

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Griffin Scruggs is First Mate on s/v Adventuress. griffin.scruggs@gmail.com Polly Philipson. www.pollyphilipson.com Captain Ed Gifford is a professional photojournalist based out of New York.. His work can be seen at www.edgiffordphoto.com +1 (202) 631 4249 Gilly Gobinet is an artist & illustrator, writer & editor. www.gillygobinet.com www.originalcaribbeanart.com, gillygobinet@me.com +1 (268) 464 6084 and +1 (268) 461 0761 Stephen Moore is a photographer and videographer steve@stevemoorephotography.com +1(268) 764 3629 Jason Pickering is based in Antigua. See his superb yachting, Caribbean island and underwater photography at www.jasonpickering.com +1(268) 770 1143 Allan Aflak has been photographing sailing regattas in his native Antigua for more than 25 years. Owner of Island Photo, Antigua’s largest photorelated business. allanaflak@gmail.com +1(268) 464 1163 Ted Martin’s enthusiasm for capturing a precious moment or a breathtaking landscape shows in his professionalism, creativity and fine finished product. Visit his gift shop inside Nelson’s Dockyard. www.photofantasyantigua.com +1 (268) 726 3148 Jan Hein is a freelance writer, photographer, educator and cruising sailor. janjhein@gmail.com Ed Whiting I was called the “photographer from the blue” on one trip and it stuck. I am passionate about water, especially our seas and oceans, and I hope this passion resonates in my sailing photography, not just in terms of the joy of sailing, but the beauty of the experience and the effort and skill involved. www.fromtheblue.co.uk ed@fromtheblue.co.uk +44(0)1373 303550 +44(0)7973445242 (mobile)

Anna-Karin Sundquist is a Swedish designer, artist and photographer and writes for cruising magazines. On her Aphrodite 37, she has sailed the Med, Cape Verde, Brazil, Surinam, the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Her love of art and classic yachts has taken her to Maine and the US east coast. www.sailunicorn.com www.artbyak.se anna@sailunicorn.com Tobias Stoerkle is a German-based photographer with a particular interest in sailing, especially classic yachts. www.sailing-photography.com – info@sailing-photography.com www.blende64.com – info@blende64.com +49 (0) 7552 6114

PUBLISHERS The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta Programme is published annually by the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta (ACYR), Antigua Yacht Club, Falmouth Harbour, Antigua. +1 (268) 460 1799 info@antiguaclassics.com www.antiguaclassics.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jane Stark seamistgraphics@gmail.com EDITOR & ADVERTISING: Gilly Gobinet +1 (268) 464 6084 gillygobinet@me.com All rights reserved. Written permission is required for reproduction of all or part of this publication. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the contents, the ACYR cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

The advertising content and the claims and opinions expressed therein are the sole responsibility of the individual advertisers.

The views and statements made in any of the articles or listings are also the responsibility of the respective authors.

This Programme is printed on environmentally-friendly paper certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC).

MEDIA SPONSORS YACHTING WORLD and SUPERSAIL WORLD are passionate about classics and have followed this iconic regatta in Antigua for many years. They are delighted to be partnering the event to help preview it and to report on one of the most spectacular events in the sailing calendar.Visit www.yachtingworld.com.

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WelCoMe fRoM The goveRnMenT of anTigua & baRbuDa Message from the Governor General

photograph by cory silken

I join my wife, Lady Williams, in applauding the organizing committee for hosting yet another, of what has become a well-established, event for sailors and sailing enthusiasts alike! The 29th edition of the Annual Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta speaks volumes of the success of the event over the years and the attention to detail and consistency in delivering a quality product over the years truly deserves commendation.

Through this initiative, Antigua and Barbuda has received global attention, not only because of our beautiful and varied natural features such as our azure seas, white sandy beaches and warm hospitable island people, but also because of the challenge and dare I say adventure, which our surrounding waters provides for seafarers and supporters. This event is certainly a key component of our tourism product and its location in one of our most historic and scenic parishes of the island provides added value.

To the yacht owners and sailors, we are very pleased that you chose to participate in this year’s Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and extend a warm welcome to you and your team and supporters to our beautiful shores. Our only requirements are that you enjoy the experience, pay keen attention to safety and good sportsmanship and return next year with additional friends. We are hopeful that you will meet and exceed our expectations and make it another memorable regatta.

Best wishes to all for a successful event.

Sincerely,

His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams GCMG, kGn, kSt.J, GCFO, MBBS (UWI) Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda

2016

49Th anTigua sailing Week apRil 23 To 29, 2016

photograph by cory silken

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Antigua Sailing Week, the Granddaddy of Caribbean Regattas, takes place immediately following Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. It consists of five days of challenging racing in idyllic conditions – warm water, azure blue seas and constant trade winds off the south coast of Antigua. The famous Round Antigua Race is a stand-alone event that precedes the week’s racing and is scored separately. Lay day takes place in the middle of the week and provides sailors with an opportunity to relax on Pigeon Beach in Falmouth Harbour while enjoying Antigua’s signature hospitality and watching the invitational nonsuch Bay RS Elite Challenge.

Antigua Sailing Week is a regatta suitable for boats of all types and classes including classics.

Daily prize-givings are held in a relaxed social atmosphere on the lawn at Antigua Yacht Club, often followed by bigger parties at other venues. The Final Awards Presentation is held on Friday evening after the last day of racing in the romantic atmosphere of Historic Nelson’s Dockyard. It is a week packed full of excitement both on the water and on the shore.

When Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is over, why not stay around for another week or two and join in the fun? Whether racing for the full week, participating in the Round Antigua Race or just joining in the parties and shoreside entertainment, Antigua Sailing Week is an event not to be missed. For more information and to enter visit www. sailingweek.com.

WelCoMe fRoM The CoMMoDoRe of The anTigua yaChT Club

photograph by cory silken

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Antigua Yacht Club, home of Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta.

It is always a pleasure to meet new friends and old and we are proud to show off our increasingly better facilities that will hopefully make you feel at home for the duration of the Regatta.

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is the penultimate event of our winter season, less than a month after you leave the harbours will be empty and we’ll return to being a sleepy little backwater until next November, with only memories of when we could look out of the Club and see all the beautiful boats that make up the Classic Fleet.

AYC is always looking for new members and we have several different membership levels for differing periods of time. We would love it if you were to contemplate joining and hope that you will take our burgee to the four corners of the world.

Have a great week of sailing and camaraderie and we look forward to welcoming you back again next year.

Franklyn Braithwaite, Commodore of the Antigua Yacht Club

anTigua yaChT Club 2016-2017 sCheDule of evenTs

for further details, please visit www.antiguayachtclub.com • • • • • • • • • • • •

ROUND THE ISLAND RACE – 16 JANUARY 2016 RORC – 22 FEBRUARY 2016 ANNUAL LASER OPEN – MARCH 2016 ANTIGuA CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA – 14 TO 19 APRIL 2016 ANTIGUA SAILING WEEk – 23 – 29 APRIL 2016 GREEN ISLAND WEEkEND – MAY 2016 THE NORTH AMERICAN OPTIMISTS CHAMPIONSHIPS 10-18 JULY 2016 NELSON’S PURSUIT RACE – 31 DECEMBER 2016 ANNUAL AROUND THE ISLAND RACE – JANUARY 2017 SUPERYACHT CHALLENGE – JANUARY 2017 RORC CARIBBEAN 600 – FEBRUARY 2017 ANTIGuA CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA – 13 TO 18 APRIL 2017

AFFILIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS Antigua & Barbuda Marine Association Caribbean Sailing Association Pan American Sailing Association International Sailing Federation

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2016 ClassiC CoMMiTTees 20

photograph by den phillips

WelCoMe fRoM The oRganising CoMMiTTee

Welcome to the 29th annual Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. We are proud to be the first in the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, which includes ten regattas in all, starting in the Caribbean, then progressing to North America and onwards to Spain and Italy, culminating in the Régates Royales at Cannes in France.

We welcome all participants to this spectacular event: faithful regulars, such as Juno, Mary Rose, Lazy Leg and Genesis to name but a few, previous participants, such as the Carriacou schooner Jambalaya and of course new participants are always a delight, such as the striking, newly refurbished 1923 Gloucester fishing schooner Columbia and the 1937 vintage yacht Shiris.

We are most grateful for our wonderful sponsors, particularly Panerai, Mount Gay and EFG, for their continued support, as well as Lunenburg Ship Alliance for putting on the Concours d’Elégance and Ondeck, our official outfitters, and all the other

supporters and businesses too numerous to mention here.

We also welcome our two new sponsors, South Point and Presidente.

Naturally we could not put on this event without our splendid team of faithful volunteers led by Leslie Arnold. Sadly we say goodbye to Helen Spooner, our wonderful Regatta Coordinator for 12 years and we thank her for all her efforts and her eversmiling face. Fortunately we now have the very efficient and equally good-spirited Kirsti Pickering taking her place.

We hope you enjoy this unique and stunning event as much as we do: great sailing with a chance to race in the company of some of the world’s most magnificent classics – and, of course, great fun in the company of like-minded people.

Finally, we are delighted to announce that Alexis Andrews will be screening his long-awaited prize-winning film ‘Vanishing Sail’.

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2016 SPOnSORS

PANERAI

CLASSIC YACHTS CHALLENGE Envision hundreds of the world’s most beautiful classic yachts sailing in ten stunning seaside locations that have made yachting history, all competing in an extraordinary racing calendar which celebrates beauty and the sea. The Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, now in its twelfth season, brings together over 5,000 sailing enthusiasts comprising yacht owners, professional sailors, hobbyists and media alike and has earned its status as the most important international event in the world of classic sailing.

Since 2010, the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge comprises two international circuits, one on the Mediterranean Sea (Les Voiles d’Antibes and Régates Royales in France; Argentario Sailing Week and Le Vele d’Epoca di Imperia in Italy; Copa del Rey in Spain) and one in north America (Corinthian Classic Yacht Regatta in Marblehead, MA; Opera House Cup in nantucket, MA; Museum of Yachting Classic Yacht Regatta in Newport, RI). The PCYC regatta roster also includes two unique events, which for geographical reasons are not included in either of the circuits, yet nonetheless

represent two not-to-be-missed fixtures for their prestige and long tradition: the Panerai British Classic Week in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight (Uk), and the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, which every year opens the PCYC season.

“Precision, elegance, history, craftsmanship: the parallels between classic yachting and high-end watchmaking are many.That is why we at Panerai are proud to be again partner of the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta this year,” says Angelo Bonati, CEO of Officine Panerai.

In honour of its historical associations with the sea, Officine Panerai has been committed to the promotion of classic yachting culture for many years. By lending its support to these important competitions, the Italian high-end watchmaker hopes to enrich the events with new elements and excitement, and to encourage the participation of yacht owners and enthusiasts around the world.

Diamonds International in Heritage Quay, St. John’s is the exclusive retailer for Officine Panerai in Antigua..

www.panerai.com www.paneraiclassicyachtschallenge.com

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guido cantini

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panerai

2016 SPOnSORS

Emerging from the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, the coral island of Barbados has symbolised luxury, glamour and revelry for centuries. This haven of white sand, sun-drenched fields of sugar cane and cascades of the purest crystalline water is also the birthplace of rum. Mount Gay Rum, the finest, oldest brand of rum in existence, has been produced on Barbados with passion and unparalleled excellence since 1703. Expertly fashioned from rich sugar cane and with the pristine, coral-filtered water native to the island, Mount Gay Rum is a sumptuous, inimitable expression of the Barbadian art of living.

Since its origin, Mount Gay Rum has been intimately linked to the sailing world. From 17th century navigation to present-day regattas, Mount Gay is the brand of rum for all those who love the sea. For them, the red cap has come to symbolise the passion, spirit and identity that unites this seafaring family.

As evidence of its profound and privileged relationship with the sea, with sailors and with ships, every year Mount Gay Rum proudly sponsors over 120 regattas around the globe. Today, the brand has become a major reference in the sailing world.

Mount Gay Distilleries Ltd | Exmouth Gap | Brandons | St. Michael | Barbados Tel: (246) 425.9066 | Fax: (246) 438.9796 www.mountgayrum.com

EFG International is a global private banking group, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It has a record of dynamic growth, courtesy of providing clients with a level of service they expect and deserve. It operates in over 30 locations worldwide and has some 2,200 employees.

EFG has a strong commitment to sailing, and is proud to be a partner of The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. In addition, it sponsors: BACARDI Sailing Week, Miami and Newport;The EFG Viper 640 Pan-American Championships; The EFG Star Winter Series, Florida; The Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup; EFG Mandrake (competing in leading regattas across Asia); EFG Nations’ Cup, Hong kong; EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour; EFG Sailing Team in Switzerland (Melges 24 World Champions); Panerai British Classic Week; EFG Bank Sailing Academy, Monaco Yacht Club; and the Optimist Sailing School, Société Nautique de Genève.

For more information, visit www.efgsailing.com / www.efginternational.com Practitioners of the craft of private banking

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2016 SPOnSORS Presidente Beer brings you the true essence of the Caribbean! Nothing else can compare to its refreshing, smooth and lively taste. That’s why every sip becomes a celebration! Considered as The True Taste of The Caribbean, Presidente Beer is crafted by brew masters who profoundly understand the Caribbean taste and lifestyle.

Presidente is a brand of Pilsner owned and produced by Cervecería Nacional Dominicana (CND), the largest and most prestigious beer company in the Dominican Republic. Since 1929, Presidente Beer has been brewed and bottled by CND and is the dominant beer in its market. The distributor in Antigua is kennedys Ltd.

Sponsor of the Concours d’Elégance The Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance (LSA) is once again proud to sponsor the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta’s Concours d’Elégance. We would like to extend a warm congratulations to all those honoured at this year’s event. The LSA yard is located alongside one of the oldest and most beautiful harbours in North America in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. At the heart of the waterfront in this UnESCO World Heritage site, we offer more than 220 years of experience in new construction, hauling, repairing, refitting and rebuilding boats up to 1,600 tonnes. We have had the honour of restoring a number of historic classics, including Marguerite T and, most recently, Bluenose II. Now is the perfect time to cruise the pristine, unspoiled Nova Scotia coastline and enjoy the many marine-related festivals in and around Lunenburg.

Please visit us at www.thelsa.ca <http://www.thelsa.ca> for more information.

The stunning and newly-restored 140ft Columbia. A Gloucester fishing schooner, the original Starling Burgess designed Columbia was launched in the spring of 1923, with the intent of having her participate in the International Fishermen’s Cup Races. That year, she came very close to capturing the title from the famed racing and fishing schooner Bluenose, also out of Lunenburg, where Covey Island Boatworks, part of the Lunenburg Ship Alliance, built her rig, restoring everything from the deck upwards.. photograph by steve berthed

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2014 SPOnSORS 2016 Official Clothing Sponsor South Point is a privately-owned, beachfront property, with just a handful of luxury suites and an exceptional, dedicated staff. A minimalist, modern design coupled with an Italian-inspired philosophy of la dolce vita contributes to South Point’s distinctive style.The relaxed ambiance and incredible location – an oasis in the heart of English Harbour – has established South Point as one of the best Antiguan hotels for those who don’t want to be confined to their hotel. It also features a unique al fresco dining experience, with exquisite views of Falmouth Harbour.

Official Clothing Sponsor Ondeck Antigua’s base is in the heart of the sailing community in Falmouth Harbour, where we operate an RYA and MCA training school offering training for both professional and leisure sailors on sail and power boats. We can take people from novice to Ocean Yachtmaster and also for MCA STCW training and renewals. .

Ondeck also cates for corporate events, bareboat charters and day sailing.

As the clothing sponsor, we offer a range of Classics, technical and leisure gear which can be branded for yacht crews and ordered in advance Contact details pa@ondecksailing.com +1 268 562 6696

Dockage Day Sponsors ANTIGuA YACHT CLuB MARINA & RESORT Situated in Falmouth Harbour, the full service AYC Marina is ideally located for all services in English and Falmouth Harbours. Boats drawing up to 22ft can be accommodated stern to/alongside and all berths have water, cable TV, electricity (110/220, 380V up to 400amps).

We offer duty free fuel facilities and pumps directly to your slip at 250ltr/minute. We host participants in Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta followed by Antigua Sailing Week. The AYC Marina Resort comprises a 19 room hotel with 30 executive suites fully equipped with a fitness centre,Turkish steam bath, and Spa.

Tel: +1(268) 460.1544 | Fax: +1(268) 460.1444 aycmarina@candw.ag www.aycmarina.com VHF Ch. 68

ANTIGuA & BARBuDA NATIONAL PARKS AuTHORITY Established in 1984 to preserve and maintain the historical sites of Antigua and Barbuda, the NPA is the caretaker of numerous beautiful sites such as:The Dow Hill Center, Shirley Heights, Fort Berkeley and Nelson’s Dockyard. Located in English Harbour, Nelson’s Dockyard is one of the safest and most beautiful natural anchorages in the Caribbean, as well as one of only two working Georgian dockyards in the world.

Tel: +1(268) 481 5021/5022 natpark@candw.ag|| www.nationalparksantigua.com

Local Supporters CHIPPY FINE YACHT WOODWORK

WOODSTOCK BOATBuILDERS

A long standing supporter of the ACYR and a mark sponsor.

Located in Falmouth for almost 30 years, Chippy provides high quality woodwork, including decks and spars on many of the charter and private yachts visiting Antigua.

Proud sponsors of the outer mark since the Regatta began in 1990, Woodstock offer a full refit service and are the Caribbean agents for Teakdecking Systems. Facilities include: metal fabrication, on-board MIG & TIG welding, paint refinishing, composite construction, marine diesel engineering, teak decking and, of course, fine joinery. The Woodstock Trophy is presented each year to the Best Restored Yacht.

Tel: +1(268) 460 1832 Cell: +1(268) 464 2447 (CHIP) bardoe@candw.ag

Tel: +1(268) 463 6359 • office@woodstockboats.com www.woodstockboats.com

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photograph by anna sundquist

photograph by anna sundquist

photograph by anna sundquist

Thank you volunTeeRs in 2015

This is the 12th year that I have been involved with the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta – first as a volunteer myself, then as the Regatta Coordinator.The time has come for me to hand over this role to another and we are extremely photograph by She jude robertson fortunate to have found Kirsti Pickering to join the Classics Committee as the Regatta Coordinator. comes with a wealth of experience and with her calm, capable and efficient qualities she is the perfect person to take the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta on into the future.

It has been an amazing experience meeting and working with our army of volunteers. We have developed a great team of people many of whom volunteer year and after year and know the event inside out. This is extremely important in the leadership of the various volunteer teams and the development of the various roles.

We also relish the new faces we see each year as they collaborate with our longstanding team members and fresh ideas are developed, discussed and taken on board.

We really appreciated the cooperation of everybody in 2015 in trying out a new briefing method. Each team of volunteers was allocated a time slot and we met with each team individually at the Yacht Club to discuss their role, the tasks involved, what assistance and equipment they might need and also were able to hand out their volunteer T shirts. This was deemed a great success and will be repeated in 2016.Volunteer teams were able to meet each other and discuss amongst themselves how they planned to perform their roles, once again, with the common goal of creating a really successful event.

We welcomed back the Flying Buzzard as our Committee Boat – what a terrific team they are! Their warmth and professionalism is spot on with the spirit of the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and we certainly hope they will become a long term friend!

Something that has emerged in the last few years, thanks to the coordination of Leslie Arnold, is the increasing involvement of our cruising yacht fraternity. What a goldmine of knowledge, proficiency and capability they offer to the regatta. It is an honour to get to know them and work with them all. Many of our volunteers also get the opportunity to become crew members for some or all of the racing, thus experiencing the regatta from both sides and providing very valuable feedback.

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Flexibility is a much appreciated quality when it comes to our team – whilst we might all have our specific roles to play, it can often become necessary to jump in and assist with something quite different from the assigned role. In all my experience this has only ever been met with willingness and a keen desire to facilitate the end result: a smooth, efficient, exciting and friendly regatta.

We always want the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta to be a welcoming experience in all its aspects, both on and off the water and it is our volunteer teams working together, many of them all year round that make this possible.

We couldn’t do it without you – we really couldn’t!

THAnk YOU! Helen Spooner, outgoing regatta coordinator Special thanks to local businesses for their continuing help and support, in particular: The Admiral’s Inn; C.E.Bailey’s Supermarket; Two Cents; Philton’s and Massey Technologies

photograph by anna sundquist

photograph by anna sundquist

photograph by gilly gobinet

photograph by anna sundquist

photograph by anna sundquist

photograph by anna sundquist photograph by anna sundquist

The ever-popular Gig Racing and Cream Teas are an excellent way of relaxing once the serious business of racing is overâ&#x20AC;Ś

photograph by anna sundquist

photograph by ed whiting

photograph by anna sundquist

photograph by ed whiting

photograph by anna sundquist

photograph by ed whiting photograph by ed whiting

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Behind the Scenes: KAREN PORTCH

GILLY GOBINET Most of you would have recognized Karen Portch as the enthusiastic and entertaining Master of Ceremonies and organiser of the annual Gig Racing along with her helpers Katie McConnachie and Judy Byerley. Gig racing is a traditional and highly popular rowing and sailing event that takes place on the final day of the Regatta before the prize giving*, after all the “serious” racing has finished. It is a time where participants can just relax, muck about on small boats and have fun.

photograph by lucy tulloch

above and opposite: Karen on the microphone directing operations aided and abetted by Katie McConnachie and Judy Byerly.

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karen was the AYC’s Dinghy Fleet Captain when kenny Coombs and his committee thought that gig racing,would be something fun to do whilst all the results were being calculated and trophies sorted.The first couple of years racing took place in front of the Antigua Yacht Club (before the Marina had been built). karen and kenny took turns as Master of Ceremonies because she wanted to participate, so. along with future fellow Gig-Master katie McConnachie and friend Lynn Wade, they dressed up in “classic” costumes (right down to Edwardian bathing suits and bloomers), and encouraged other participants to do likewise – a custom that has continued to this day!.

A couple of years later, the Gig Racing moved to the unbeatable backdrop of the Admiral’s Inn and Nelsons Dockyard, because the social committee wanted to add * Prize giving now takes place on the day before Gig Racing, on the Monday evening, to allow those owners and crews who normally leave on the Tuesday, to attend the ceremony also.

opposite page and this page: The

first ever Gig Racing event at the Antigua Yacht Club, with proactive Karen swapping her roles as Master of Ceremonies and keen competitor along with fellow crew member Katie and Lynn. The “classic” costumes were a great success, right down to the long white bloomers!

afternoon Cream Teas to the already popular event; the new location was totally ideal for it!. This encouraged even more fun dressing up, with the “tea ladies” now trying to outdo each other every year in flower-bedecked hats and flowing, floral dresses. The combined event has become something to look forward to each year and is unique to the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. What better way to spend a lazy afternoon than sipping cups of tea (or a glass of wine!) and nibbling on cakes & scones whilst watching enthusiastic, happy children, adults and even dogs race around in small boats, accompanied by the encouraging voice of the Master of Ceremonies? It’s also a great photo op!

Alas, 2013 was the last time we would hear karen’s dulcet tones at the Gig Racing as personal pressures obliged her to hand on the baton to good friend Flip Bamford. However, we will always be grateful to karen, katie and Judy for making the Gig Racing such a unique and enjoyable event that we hope continues for years to come. karen is less well known for her contribution to the Antigua Classics behind the scenes for over twenty years. A member of the Steering Committee, together with kenny and Jane Coombs and Julian Gildersleeve, she was very much involved with the racing and organizing aspects of the Regatta. She addressed ACYR with the same enthusiasm and dedication that have been her watchwords all her life and her passion and love for classic yachts continues.

The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is immensely grateful to karen for her contribution and hard work over the years and though she has remained mostly behind the scenes recognises her not inconsiderable role making it what it is today.

photograph by lucy tulloch

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photograph ted martin

What is a Classic?

Most people in the yachting scene know a genuine ‘Classic’ when they see one – a yacht built in the 20s, 30s, with lines of beauty and grace, acres of canvas, fine craftsmanship and gleaming varnish are good examples.

The survivors of that golden era are unmistakably ‘Classic’ yachts. Perfect examples include Tuiga, Mary Rose, Eilean, Mariette 1915, Coral of Cowes, Aschanti IV, Cora, and hundreds of others which are being kept to high standards.

Recently we have all seen fine examples of the craftsmanship of yesteryear carried on in modern vessels like some of the designs from Bruce King, Andre Hoek and many others. Examples of these exceptional craft include Athos, Whitehawk, and Rebecca. They all have the fine lines of a Classic but are built and rigged using modern 30

techniques and materials. Classics like Juno, Elena, Rebecca of Vineyard Haven, and others are true replicas built in recent times, using traditional methods and materials. We must also include in our definition the wonderful traditional workboats of the past that are now being restored and sailing the seas as yachts, like the Carriacou sloops.

G Herreshoff’s spectacular schooner Elena: built in 1909, today her overall 180ft length has been elegantly fitted out for chartering. She has participated in races around Barbados, the St Barth’s Bucket, the Antigua Classics, the Argentario, the Veterans Cup in Porto Cervo, the Régates Royales in Cannes and Les Voiles de St Tropez, getting honours in most races. She and her friendly, dedicated crew are always most welcome in Antigua.

opposite: Nathaneal

photograph by tim wright

Ship Picton Castle (which didn’t race but sailed some of the courses so we could enjoy her stunning rig) towers over tiny 25ft Nordic Folkboat Lorema.

Owned by Leo Goolden, who won the new FitzRoy Trophy for Best Young Sailor of the Year, Lorema also came first in her Class as well as winning the Anne Wallis White Trophy for Smallest Boat.

below: Tall

To be eligible for the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, all entries must have a full keel, be of moderate to heavy displacement, built of wood or steel, and be of traditional rig and appearance. Old craft restored using modern materials such as epoxy or glass sheathing, or new craft built along the lines of an old design, are acceptable. Vessels built of ferro-

cement may be accepted if they have a gaff or traditional schooner rig. Fibreglass yachts must have a long keel with a keel-hung rudder and be a descendant of a wooden hull design. Exceptional yachts not fitting into the above categories may be eligible for entry in the Spirit of Tradition Class, which was initiated in Antigua, and is described in the next section.

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The Spirit of Tradition Class In 1996 the SPIRIT OF TRADITION CLASS was established in Antigua for vessels built along ‘classic’ lines using modern techniques and materials.Yachts in this class must have a ‘look’ that is true to a traditional design and must demonstrate excellent craftsmanship and tradition, both on deck and in the hull, such as the Bruce King designed Alejandra.

Other excellent examples include Rebecca or the Andre Hoek designed Marie and Athos. They may, however, have modern under bodies and appendages and use modern technology in their rigs such as Adela or Ranger, or be modified with carbon fibre like Velsheda.

The Committee is looking for yachts that are exceptional and those whose owners have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure that their vessel maintains the beauty and lines characteristic of fine yachts built in the past.

All new yachts who feel they are acceptable for entry into this class must complete a Pre-Entry Form on our website www.antiguaclassics.com and include photographs of the hull, rig and deck layouts. If the yacht is approved and accepted, the Committee will direct you to an Official Entry Form online. Acceptance into this class is provisional for the first year.

Entries in the Spirit of Tradition Class must be measured and have a current CSA measurement certificate.

photograph by cory silken

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Rainbow crosses the finishing line in the Old Road Race. this page: Rebecca â&#x20AC;&#x201C; winner of the Spirit of Tradition Class in 2015.

photograph by cory silken

opposite page:

The Spirit of Tradition Class has its own trophy structure; the legendary yacht, Ticonderoga, sponsors the trophy for First Overall in this class.

It is the Regatta Committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hope that by creating the Spirit of Tradition Class, we can continue to encourage the future building of exceptional yachts that will keep the Classic traditions alive.

Previously accepted vessels must only apply for re-entry by email to entry@antiguaclassics.com

photograph by cory silken

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photograph by anna sundquist

photograph by steve moore photograph by jan hein

photograph by jan hein

photograph by steve moore

Concours d’Elégance john steele

Welcome to the 29th Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and to this year’s Concours d’Elégance. Coming to Antigua is always such a pleasure: surely this must be the ultimate sailor’s island, endowed as it is with so many secure and beautiful anchorages. Antigua has always been able to cast its spell on me.

When we returned this past fall Antigua was alive with butterflies ! They were everywhere, clouds of them in the fields and valleys. They all seemed busy, off to meetings or whatever it is that butterflies do. Nobody I asked knew.

When we sailed Neem, our ‘new to us’ cutter, from North Sound over to Nevis for a shakedown, a brave little fleet of these mysterious butterflies escorted us – even through rain so heavy it left bullet holes in the ocean’s surface. Butterflies … all the way over to nevis!

So if by now the song of the tree frogs, the too-good-to-betrue blues and greens of Antigua’s waters and hills, the smell of the trade winds or the inordinate number of stress-free smiles have yet to cast a spell on you … well, just you wait.

Just wait until you are sailing among a fleet of the wonderful vessels that this Regatta was created to celebrate. Just wait until you are out on the warm soft waters of the channel with those winds from Africa filling your sails among craft that fulfil this and many another boatbuilder’s and sailor’s dreams. The spell WILL be cast!

If you’re a classic boat lover it just doesn’t get any better 34

than the Antigua Classics. Every year brings an amazing bounty of boats – boats you have heard about for years, boats you’ve never heard of and will never see again. Floating violins and floating pick-ups. Stunning, charming: all of them manifestations of the love of the craft and traditions of going to sea. It’s a feast. And rumour has it that a recent recreation of one of the most elegant schooners ever drawn should be here. Having been a part of the team that built her rig, I certainly hope so!

The Concours d’Elégance is an opportunity to put out your boat’s welcome mat, to invite the Regatta’s judges aboard, to share your boat’s story and to let her speak for herself. We want to get to know all the boats that have made such an effort to be here, to meet you and your boat.

So please do enter, join in the fun and enjoy the spell of this wonderful place and Regatta!

Judging takes place on the morning of Thursday 14 April from 9am at the Antigua Yacht Club Marina.

Please note that all entries in the Concours d’Elégance must be fully paid up registered entries in this Regatta.

photograph by steve moore

Concours d’Elégance 2015 RESuLTS Sponsored by the Lunenburg Ship Alliance photograph by steve moore

Judges: John steele, Brian harrison, steve Carson, Jane CoomBs, nikolai BohaChevsky, miChael “sCrim” strzalkowski, al hutChinson, Jerry”Chippy” Bardoe, Joseph kinley and peta townsend.

photograph by steve moore

overall winner – Mary Rose traditional Class (Privately maintained) 1. Genesis 2. Zemi 3. Exodus spirit of tradition (professionally maintained) Dragonara ClassiC Class (privately maintained) 1. Katrinka 2. Windjammer ClassiC Class (professionally maintained) 1. Elena 2. Cuilaun 3.Whitehawk photograph by anna sundquist

vintage Class – privately maintained 1. Samsara 2. Cruineag III 3. The Blue Peter

photograph by jan hein

vintage Class (professionally maintained) 1. Mary Rose 2. Black Watch 3. Seefalke II arne frizzell prize (Greatest Attention to Structural Integrity, Safety) Samsara photograph by jan hein

speCial mention of the Jury Lorema

photograph by jan hein

photograph by steve moore photograph by jan hein

photograph by jan hein

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photograph by steve manley

Single-Handed Race TIM WALL, FOuNDER & RACE CO-ORDINATOR

The 16th Annual Single Handed Race had another great turnout with 20 boats registered of which 13 finished. It was a joy to see such veterans as Juerg Zimmerman on Lazy Leg, Don Ward on Frolic – who won the under 45ft class – Roy Boughton on Guiding Light, Matt Barker on The Blue Peter, Jamie Enos on Saphaedra – another win for her in the over 45ft Class – and Christoph von Reibnitz on Peter Von Seestermuehe, who participates every few years. Well-known British comedian Griff Rhys-Jones made a valiant effort on his 1946 Olin Stephens Yawl Argyll, coming fourth in his class. A particular welcome to two of our youngest skippers: Robbie Fabre, back here again on Vagabundo II, coming a creditable second in the small boats class, and Leo Goolden, who, having completed his transatlantic crossing single-handed to get here, must have thought the “observer” he was obliged to have on board Lorema for the race somewhat incongruous!

The weather was good, with winds up to 16 knots out of the eastern quadrant. There was an overcast start, as spectacular storm clouds appeared, but their failure to materialize gave way to brilliant sunshine.

An extra offshore mark was laid to allow the traditional Caribbean working boats to opt for a Reach/Reach Race as opposed to the usual windward/leeward course.

Unfortunately this wasn’t taken advantage of in the strictest sense of the word, as the Carriacou sloops all decided to practise fully crewed, and raced between themselves using that mark. We will try again in 2016 as it’s always a pleasure to watch these beautiful vessels competing.

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We also had as Committee Boat Ava, a lovely little traditional trawler/fishing boat. Unfortunately, the sage advice of the sea to “have a spare of everything” wasn’t the case in the chain locker: and as she went to anchor, the splice between the cable and line parted and we were adrift.

Diver Maurice rushed over to help look for it, but it was Archie on mark boat White Eagle who saved the day and sent over a “spare”, and, after a postponement, the race was able to start..

It was also a pleasure to welcome back on board friend and colleague Henry Pepper, with his son, looking fit and well after his recent recovery. SAIL SAFE – HAVE FUN !

The Carib Bean Coffee Cup 2015 Race Results laRge ClassiCs oveR 45ft

sMall ClassiCs unDeR 45ft

1st Saphaedra 51ft aage nielson ketch 1965 skipper: Jamie enos

1st Frolic 44ft luders yawl 1967 skipper: Don Ward

2nd Cuilaun 55ft skipper: brian smullen

2nd Vagabundo II 42ft german frers ketch 1944 skipper: Robert fabre

3rd The Blue Peter 65ft alfred Mylne Cutter 1930 skipper: Matt barker

3rd Meriva of London 43ft sloop 1967 skipper: Tristan Darkins

honouRable MenTion Lazy Leg 40ft William Tripp yawl 1969, skipper: Juerg Zimmerman for the most frequent single-handed Race participant over the last 16 years. opposite page: left

Frolic; right Samsara

aBove left: Windjammer; aBove right: Matt

Barker on The Blue Peter Below left: Lazy Leg; Below Centre: Cuilaun; Below right: Vagabundo II photographs By nora wall, exCept aBove right By Cory lyle

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photograph by ed gifford

a frers family triumph: Vagabundo II text and photographs By ed gifford

As the sun rises over Vineyard Haven Harbour on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, Robbie Fabre is drinking coffee and getting ready for work. Robbie is the 27-year-old Master of Vagabundo II, a medium-displacement, 1945 German Frers Sr. designed 46ft Bermudian ketch. Long and graceful, with glimmering cap rails and an exquisitely laid teak deck, Vagabundo II is one beautiful yacht. Robbie’s qualifications as Master mariner, shipwright and yacht designer were gained in England.

There, he obtained degrees in Boat Design and Production and in Marine Technology from Falmouth College and Plymouth university respectively, completing his studies at the International Boatbuilding Training College in Lowestoft.

Robbie has a photographic memory and can recite every wind shift, tack and sail change of every race. He never forgets a detail because: “the details are where the pain is, and the pain is impossible to forget”.

Today is the last Saturday of a summer that has seen Vagabundo II, tied up to Vineyard Haven’s Gannon and Benjamin Marine Railway’s dock. Under the guidance of master spar maker, Myles Thrulow, Robbie has been hard at work building a new mast and bowsprit for Vagabundo II. Gannon and Benjamin build the world’s finest plankon-frame traditionally constructed wooden yachts. Two of their finest: 65ft schooner Juno, a regular participant at the Antigua Classics, and Ross Gannon’s own 45ft sloop Eleda, a participant in 2013, are both in port. Another Antigua regular, the 65ft Alfred Mylne sloopThe Blue Peter, built in 1930, is also there, but on the hard, having her horn timber replaced.

Designed and built by German Frers Sr. at the Cattani yard in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Vagabundo II embodies Frers’ work at the apex of a career that resulted in over 600 designs, championships in the Buenos Aires to Rio De 40

Janeiro race and class victories in the Bermuda race. German Frers Sr., born in 1899, started out building and racing motorcycles and cars and came to sailing and yacht design in his late twenties. He went to engineering school but never graduated. Considering himself more artist than technician, he was basically self-taught. He worked as a designer up until he was 70 and sailed up until his death in 1986. He was the founder of the 90 year-old design firm Frers Naval Architecture and Engineering in Buenos Aires, and patriarch to yachting’s greatest design legacy, which includes his son, German Frers and his Grandson German ”Mani” Frers Jr. Vagabundo II, one of Frers Sr.’s first all out race boats, was a major departure from the double-ended designs that were the bread and butter of his work up to that point. These double-enders were heavily influenced by the work of Colin Archer, designer of vessels for the norwegian Society for

Sea Rescue. Deep displacement, ocean-going rescue vessels, with high free board, full keels and traditional gaff cutter rigs, and, if not the fastest sailing craft on the Rio De La Plata, were incredibly well built, and performed well, particularly in bad conditions.These two qualities would help contribute to Vagabundo II’s longevity and racing success. Frers Sr. raced in the 1936 Berlin Olympic games on the Argentinean six metre Viking, placing fourth. He realized that the basic six metre shape, with some design alterations, could be morphed into a great ocean racer. With assistance from his friend Englishman Uffa Fox, pioneer of super-light, planing craft such as the international fourteen, Frers Sr. conceived Perfect twist on a power reach – Vagabundo II flies the Asymmetrical no 2 spinnaker, the main, mizzen and mizzen staysail as America’s Cup, and Volvo ocean race champion Antiguan Louie Sinclair and crew member Alan Van Rooyen, rest on the foredeck after the set. Olympian Antiguan, Karl James tends the Kite as Fife’s 1912 yawl Dione’s mainsheet can be seen in the upper right hand corner of the photo..

opposite:

below: Drawn

by the hand of the master – German Frers Sr.’s Vagabundo II construction plan indicates the makings of a seaworthy, fast, and easy to handle, craft.

of a ten-ton, 46ft class of ocean racers of which Vagabundo II would become the prototype, and which he named the Boreal class. His work was also influenced by John Alden, Phil Rhodes, Olin Stevens and Laurent Giles.

Using “European construction” techniques, Vagabundo II was framed in vivaro, single planked in cedro (Spanish cedar), had a backbone made of lapacho, a keel box of lignum vitae and a teak deck. Designed with a centerboard for sailing the shallow home waters of the Plata estuary, Vagabundo II, being light, strong and fast, was built to win races.

She finished second in fleet and first in class in the inaugural Buenos Aires To Rio De Janeiro race of 1947, an 1100 mile, on the weather, into gale force, north westerly trade winds, race. It is an extreme test of both man and boat and South America’s most prestigious long distance regatta.

German Frers Sr.’s son, known simply as German Frers, started his career apprenticing Olin Stevens at Sparkman and Stephens in New York City in 1965 at the age of twenty.

He then took over the family office in Buenos Aires In 1970.

Eclipsing his father and then some, he has designed over 800 vessels ranging in size from 20 to 200ft. Two of these Frers “contemporary classics” can be seen racing in the Spirit Of Tradition class at Antigua Classics, the 139ft ketch Rebecca,

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and the 105ft sloop Bolero. But it is Frers’ record of success as the designer of racing yachts, with victories in the Bermuda Race, the Transat, the SORC, the Whitbread Around The World Race, and the Buenos to Rio Race, that attest to his standing as one the greatest yacht designers of all time. In 2006, with design input from his own son, third generation yacht designer German Frers Jr, known as ”Mani”(now top dog at the family design business) the 86ft Boomerang II was first to finish and overall winner in the 635 mile Newport to Bermuda race. Burnishing German Frers Sr.’s legacy, (Trucha II came close, only to finish second overall in the 1954 edition of this race) father and son finally took home the coveted Lighthouse Trophy, top prize for overall winner of this contest.

It was a victory 81 years in the making.

With Mani at the helm of the family design office, family patriarch German Frers makes time to pursue his hobby and passion, the restoration of the great designs of his father, German Frers Sr. These include Vagabundo II and Sonny.

Sonny is a 1935 48ft sloop that was his father’s personal yacht. These restorations were undertaken at the Asteillero Naval shipyard in San Fernando Argentina, and carried out by master shipwright Tito Szyjka. Frers comments “This is a hobby I developed out of my memories as a child when I followed father during his rounds of yards and listen for hours to the stories of the people involved in the construction and sailing of these creatures.”

Frers grew up sailing on board Sonny where he learned boats, the sea, and all the other lessons a father imparts to his son. Now 74 years of age, returning to Sonny feels like coming full circle. Sonny reminds him of his father and likes sailing her because of “the inherent beauty of wooden boats”.

Robbie Fabre acquired Vagabundo II in 2010 and spent a

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above: Expensive sunglasses and cheap paint brushes – armed with 100 dollar Carrari sunglasses and a two dollar throw away paint brush, Robbie applies coat number four of Epifanes varnish to Vagabundo II’s new mast and makes it look easy. below: Close

hauled – and set up for a port pole bear away set at the mark. Vagabundo II is pursued by Frolic, a 1939, Antiguan flagged Luders NA 44 yawl, skippered by Don Ward.

Frolic was one of a fleet of 12 mahogany yawls built as training vessels for the United States Naval Academy. year restoring her. She is a similar concept to Plush, a Frers Sr. designed vessel that was owned by his father’s godfather in the sixties. Raised on stories of his dad’s sailing experiences on board Plush as a youngster and versed on the legends and myths of the Frers family dynasty, Robbie explains: “German Frers is my complete hero. I don’t follow football or rugby, but I have followed what he has done all my life”.

This makes sense, seeing as how Robbie is the scion of an old French ship-owning family, and has a love of sailing and all

above: Surfing the reach – Alan Van Rooyen and America’s cup and Volvo ocean race champion Louie Sinclair, are poised on the weather rail, two-time Olympian Karl James tends the A2 spinnaker, The Blue Peter can be seen to leeward. right:

Easing in the gusts – Antiguan yachtsman Renato Poli trims the asymmetrical spinnaker accordingly as Vagabundo II surfs on Dione’s stern wave with speeds in excess of ten knots.

things maritime. Commenting on the continuity of the Frers design legacy, Robbie compares the 1993 73ft sloop Heriona, designed by German Frers, to German Frers Sr.’s Vagabundo II, designed in 1945. “There is a proud and awesome history here but it is a living history because they are still at it and there is a direct connection between the past and the present. From the clean and lovely lines to the yellow cove striping, the family resemblance is unmistakable – there exists an effortlessness in performance that is unmistakable in both Frers’ work.”

This intertwining, intergenerational, living history of man and boat was again manifested in September 2013 when Robbie and Vagabundo II faced off against German Frers aboard Sonny at the Régates Royales in Cannes. Tied up along side Sonny in Port Grimaud, Robbie describes Frers as “ a man of few words, all of them brilliant but few”. Robbie did manage to get two thumbs up from the master for the addition to Vagabundo II of a bronze steering wheel salvaged off the bridge of a 1945 American naval minesweeper Robbie and Frers mixed it up plenty in the pre-starts during the five-day regatta. Robbie found Frers “super cagy, competitive – but very cordial” and in spite of being a little intimidated, he was very determined to make a good showing racing against his hero. Robbie ended up winning two races while Frers won three.

Winter 2015 saw Vagabundo II racing in the 3,000 mile Panerai Transat Classique from Lanzarote, in the Canary islands, to Martinique. Easterly trade winds blowing a consistent 20 to 25 made for a downwind sleigh ride. A week into the competition, due in part to gear failure, Robbie was lagging so far behind the fleet that race organizers emailed

him, asking if the boat had been dismasted.Then, with speeds of 14 knots on practically every other wave, Vagabundo II clawed her way back into the fleet. Upon catching up to the pack, racing became so competitive that Robbie found himself in the lead, then in last place, then back in the lead, all with in a 12 hour time span. “At this point we were sailing like we were racing around the cans, not racing across an ocean. There wasn’t a moment to catch one’s breath for days on end”. Racing was so competitive that nine yachts crossed the line on the same day. Vagabundo II ended up in fourth place, finishing the race in 16 days and 2 hours.

Robbie loves sailing in Antigua’s perfect 25 knot ocean conditions, considers English Harbour home and the Antiguan ensign now flutters off of Vagabundo II’s stern. Robbie states that there is no regatta in the world like the Antigua Classic Regatta. He loves having two-time Laser class Olympian, Antiguan karl James, on board as tactician. They have now teamed up together for seven regattas, both in the Caribbean and abroad.

In 2020, Robbie hopes to celebrate Vagabundo II’s 75th birthday by sailing her back home to the cradle of her birth, Argentina’s Rio De La Plata. He might pay a visit to Yacht Club Argentino’s club house, have a drink at the bar, and admire the half model of Vagabundo II that hangs from the wall in recognition of long ago victories. But For now, Robbie is enmeshed in what he refers to as Vagabundo II’s living history and that means winning races, like the 2020 Buenos Aires to Rio and every other race that comes first.

There will be plenty of time to reminisce later on, if and when his life ever moves ashore.

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Jol anD JuDy byeRley

The Voices of English Harbour Radio JANE COOMBS

“Good Morning everybody! This is English Harbour Radio switching to Chanel 06 for the Marine Weather.”

For as long as I can remember, in the days before mobile phones and Internet, the day began ensuring that one was close to a VHF radio at 09.00 hours, to not only get an all important weather update, but to hear Jol Byerley’s inimitable, jovial British tones announce birthdays, football results, local happenings, lost dogs and anything else that he thought might be of interest. Whenever Jol had another commitment (or occasionally lost his voice!), his partner Judy would always faithfully take over. Their tireless photograph by tim wright photograph by tim wright commitment to weather reporting every few hours during the passing of hurricanes was especially comforting to me as I huddled alone in my bunker up on Windy Ridge!

English Harbour Radio was, and still is, thanks to our very own trophy coordinator Clare Leader, an institution and a community treasure.

Sadly, after 40 years together, Jol and Judy both passed away since we last went to print.Working, living and sailing together, they were rarely apart. It felt unmistakably like the end of an important era in the story of English Harbour when they both set sail for Fiddler’s Green, only two months apart.

Jol had a strong influence in the early days of the Antigua Classics. Five times Commodore of the Antigua Yacht Club, he was part of the Classic Committee for a number of years, helping kenny Coombs, Julian Gildersleeve, Uli Pruesse and the team iron out the wrinkles and get the 44

event on a sound footing. For nearly three decades he used that famous voice to announce the passing yachts in the Parade of Classics, broadcasting their history and details, carefully collected by Judy, splendidly embellished with his own considerable wealth of information and anecdotes.

Judy, dressed in the most fabulous vintage costumes was always part of the team at the Admiral’s Inn with karen Portch and katie McConnachie, rounding up the boisterous and unruly competitors for an afternoon of Gig Racing. Over the 23 years she was involved she gave countless quality prizes to this event from their bookshop “Lord Jim’s Locker”.

Jol was one of Caribbean sailings “greats” and he truly loved to race. One of the prime movers behind Antigua Sailing Week at its inception, he participated for over thirty years, winning overall several times. With their devoted crew of scantily clad “Hightide Girls”, Jol and Judy sailed their series of yachts Morningtide, Encore, Matchless, Sundance, Riptide, Hightide and Springtide to victory countless times.

His enthusiasm did much to launch the much loved Thursday Races, Round the Island and Green Island Races.

The Hightide Christmas Series (often held in big seas and the infamous “Christmas Winds”) was a splendid way to blow the cobwebs away during a rum-soaked festive season.

Jol was skippering classics in the days when that is all there was! Prior to his arrival in Antigua in 1956 he had captained the 70ft yawl Gladonis II and then the 92ft 1919 ketch Harbinger in the South of France. His life changed though when he took

command of the 1903 Mollyhawk, the famous schooner that started it all, for his friend and mentor Commander Vernon Nicholson in the early days of Nicholson Yacht Charters.

Ah, those were the days! not a watermaker or ice machine in sight! He and his first wife, Jenny, and their little daughter Carey Lee lived a Bohemian existence, sans electricity, in the abandoned Officers’ Quarters in Nelson’s Dockyard, meeting the other captains and crew for a drink at The Admiral’s Inn in the evening. By day they took their intrepid guests on wild adventures through the islands aboard some memorable classics. After Mollyhawk there was the 1940s 100ft. Brig Caribee and then two boats he owned and loved, the 50ft ketch Ron of Argyle and the beautiful 72ft Alden designed gaff rig schooner Lord Jim. In 1970 he became captain of Rose, a 123ft, engineless, replica 18th century Royal Navy frigate. After her launch in Lunenburg, Jol trained the 25 crew to sail a ship of this type in the traditional way and gained huge respect for tacking the ship, under full sail into Boston Harbour for a reenactment of The Boston Tea Party.

Later, when their chartering days were over, he and Judy operated nicholson Yacht Sales for many years and then their eclectic book store, gift shop and boutique, “Lord Jim’s Locker”. Jol was always a prolific writer, producing witty and entertaining articles for many a sailing magazine. Along with

fellow sailor and artist katie McConnachie, he created the wonderful children’s books “Shadows of the Moon” and “A Lizard and Bungle Adventure”. He was also an accomplished photographer, recording his many foreign adventures with Judy in incredible beauty.

Jol knew his classics and later in life, would like nothing better than to sit on his gallery outside Lord Jim’s Locker, overlooking the harbour and discuss the virtues and whereabouts of this or that wooden boat. I will remember those times fondly.

Jol was appropriately awarded a trophy for Exceptional Service to Antigua Sailing Week and the Grand Order of the Most Illustrious Order of Merit by Antigua’s Governor General in 2004.

What lives they had! Rich, full lives filled with love, friendship, sun, sea and adventure. It was indeed a great honor to have known them both all these years. opposite:

Jol and Judy at their wedding; above left: Jol, at the helm of Rose; above centre: Jol, Judy and her young son Ian McConnachie; above right: A very young Jol below: clockwise starting top left: The beautiful Judy in her heyday ; Jol surrounded by his Hightide girls (Judy is the last on the right standing); Judy at one with nature; Jol relaxing; Jol & Judy having fun; the more scantily-clad Hightide girls

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Lorema

photograph by jason pickering

JuDE HARRISON

Like all true affairs of the heart, it was love at first sight – she looked beautiful, bobbing gently on her mooring across the river from Falmouth in Cornwall. And being a Nordic Folkboat, she came with a fine pedigree.

These little boats would not seem to have had an auspicious beginning, almost a case of being “designed by a committee”. Back in 1942, the Scandinavian Yacht Racing union held a design competition; their brief was for a boat that was “easily sailed, low cost”. As it turned out, there was no outright winner but a lot of good ideas so the S.Y.R.U. asked naval architect Tord Sunden to come up with a design that would fulfill the goals of the competition.

It was to become an international favourite and to date there are over 4,000 Nordic Folkboats sailing worldwide. So in 2012, when Leo Goolden bought his little Folkboat, he was carrying on a wellestablished tradition. now not everyone likes old wooden boats, they are, well, old, and wooden!

Oh they all look lovely when you see them sailing in some race like the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, or tied up to a dock, we can all admire them then, but to own one!?! Think of the work involved in keeping that varnish gleaming, that brass polished and them looking so lovely in that hostile environment of salt water! Poor Leo Goolden, however, didn’t stand a chance: he could not 46

resist becoming a wooden classic yacht owner with plans for distant cruising, it was firmly imbedded in his genes.

He’d named his little vessel Lorema after his grandmother, who had a brother, Errol Bruce. Errol, together with Adlard Coles from the publishing house of the same name, the largest nautical publisher in the world, wrote just about all there is to know of long distant cruising in small wooden boats.

There would be few sailors that did not have a copy of “Heavy Weather Sailing”

by Adlard Coles and “Deep Sea Sailing”

by Errol Bruce on their book shelves.

Leo’s first cruise was to the Scilly Isles and back to Falmouth with Lorema performing beautifully. However, the

sail across the harbour to the mouth of the Helford River, beating into a moderate stiff breeze proved Lorema’s undoing – literally. With a loud crash mast and rigging collapsed.

The broken mast was just the visible result of much more serious problems.

The chain plates had pulled out of the deck which turned out to be completely rotten.This was not going to be a quick fix, the dream of long distance cruising would have to wait.

Gweek Quay, the boatyard at the head of the Helford River, was to become home for the next year. This is when the passion and determination of a classic wooden boat owner comes into play. One thing led to another and

Leo ended up virtually rebuilding the little Folkboat. He made modifications, decking over the cockpit making more room below and overcoming the issue of a non-draining cockpit. He replaced most of the topside planks, the deck and transom, some of the beams, the carlines and cabin sides. The list seemed endless. All this while living in a dismantled 25ft boat and an uninsulated shed during a particularly cold Cornish winter. Outside boatbuilding work helped keep the wolf from the hatch, but not far, it was a frugal year.

But what does’t kill you makes you stronger and both Leo and Lorema emerged into the spring wiser (Leo), prettier (Lorema), and stronger (both).

July 2013 launch day. That summer Leo cruised the Scilly Isles and Southern Ireland, leaving the boat for the occasional delivery, but always working on Lorema, preparing her for long distance cruising.

There is usually interesting boatbuilding work to be had in the West Country if you are good enough, so to while away another winter was not a problem. A refit on the 1928, 82ft schooner Kelpie was particularly attractive as when completed, it included some fine sailing as ’shake down’. That winter was especially stormy and cold, (is there any other sort in Cornwall?) so when summer finally arrived it was time to head south.

By the time Leo was ready to leave Morocco and jump off to the Canary Islands, he had acquired an in-depth knowledge of his boat along with, among other things, a spinnaker pole made out of bamboo, a hand-made storm jib and a crew in the form of Elin, a Swedish girl with a yen for adventure to match Leo’s own. But Leo wanted to cross the Atlantic single-handed so Elin sailed to the Caribbean on another vessel and Leo headed west alone.

No one forgets their first ocean crossing, especially a single-hander. The ocean is all-powerful, so often it feels like it has a grudge against you, a wish to destroy you for no other reason than you are there. Sailors don’t conquer the ocean, they learn to survive her wiles,

photograph by cory silken

opposite, above and below: Leo and Elin on Lorema. Leo’s courageous single-handed Atlantic crossing prompted his winning the FitzRoy Trophy for Best Young Sailor of the Year. Lorema herself not only won her class, she also received the Anne Wallis White Trophy for Smallest Vessel and a special mention in the Concours d’Elégance.

adjust to her moods and eventually live in harmony.

By a fortuitous turn, Leo’s arrival into Antigua coincided with the staging of the 28th annual Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and of course he, now reunited with Elin, had to participate. Entered into Vintage C class, the two sailed Lorema to four wins, sweeping the field.

She may have been the smallest in the regatta but Lorema certainly was a star.

As I chatted with Leo and Elin over a coffee after the racing, listening to them discuss what was to come next, more sailing? East or West? Maybe build a bigger boat? I was reminded of another branch further back along that family tree of Leo’s. The surname Bruce. Falcon Scott, he of the Antarctic, was married to one kathleen Bruce.

As said, Leo didn’t have a choice, boats and adventure are in his genes.

photograph by allan aflak

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photograph by tim wright

Argyll

– Stirring Poetry from the Very Soul luCy tulloCh

Argyll is one of those boats that you want to own so much that you almost imagine that you do.

The grace with which she sails and her elegant sheer are enough to make anyone dream…

A speculative S&S design but built for William T Moore, a NY shipping magnate in 1948, Argyll was built by Simms of Massachusetts. Designed by the legendary Olin Stephens, she is said to be a development of the previous year’s Bermuda race winner Gesture. Indeed she won the Bermuda Race herself in 1950. At 57ft LOA with a beam of 13ft and draft 8ft, she is reminiscent in many ways of the legendary Stormy Weather (3ft longer), both doing their best to windward with a vertiginous heel on, showing off their beautiful underwater shapes. She is constructed with double-planked mahogany on finest white oak, monel fastened, teak decks and soles, and gleaming mahogany bright work. Moore raced her hard, all over the oceans, from the north Sea to Rio de Janeiro and of course the Med. He did not spare any expense, even shipping her to race starts on his liners. So loved was she that he kept her until he died in the early seventies.

In Olin Stephen’s 1999 Autobiography he wrote of these boats (about Baruna specifically, built alongside Gesture) “Baruna was raced with a crew about half the size of today’s maxis. Faster they are, but at what cost? And lighter but requiring a big crew, without proper accommodations and 48

with motion to pound out your teeth. Why do we have less pleasure as we learn more and more?”

In 1976 Stan Parks, bought Argyll in Palm Beach. Argyll’s heyday was nowhere near over, in fact a new life, with her second owner that would last 20 years, was ahead of her.

And on that first sail from Palm Beach up to Maine, Stan could not believe how well she sailed. Indeed he cites the voyage as being one of the best in the many years he owned her.

Stan fell in love with Argyll and went home to contemplate the difficult decision of being forced to sell his turn-of-thecentury home on Eagle Island, Maine, and to “break the bad news gently to my house”. But Stan ingeniously found a way to keep both and designed a six-day trip beginning with three days at the house on an unspoilt island, followed by a three day Penobscot Bay cruise on Argyll for the enchanted guests.

Tragically, days before his first charter, a fire burnt the old house to the ground. Not to be stopped, Stan provided the accommodation from an old Inn on a different island that summer of 1978 and it worked well. Later, he did a lot of work on Argyll, stripping her down to her bare bones and rebuilding her with a cruising interior and for twenty years,

photograph by cory silken

Argyll was both Stan’s home and his business. He ran colourful and memorable charters throughout Maine, the Caribbean and South America. During all these years, Stan had other project boats but Argyll was always his home. Following that, he took her to France where he cruised Brittany and Normandy for many years. Until eventually, at Duarnenez

Festival in 1996, having sailed passed everyone in the races, one Friday afternoon, a man rowed over from a Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter, and said that he really wanted to buy Argyll but he wouldn’t be able to pay until Monday…

The new owner, ken Briggs, had some hull rebuild work carried out by Blake Brothers. Practically none of the original

photograph by tim wright

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framing remained, and 80% of the external mahogany planking was replaced. The inner cedar planking had fared better over the years and only 10% of this required replacement. She was re-decked with new deck frames, along with all new deck joinery. New masts and spars were built by Nobles of Bristol.

A new owner started another restoration but sold her before completion to Bill Ainscough. Ed Burnett, who restored her for Bill in 2008, said following sea trials: “Her power and balance give her a long and easy stride and we have yet to find a reasonable sail combination that disturbs her poise.”

Next, in 2009, the well-loved Welsh Comedian, presenter and author Griff Rhys Jones was about to give Argyll her next lease of life.

Griff learnt to sail in West Mersea on the east coast of England with his father who was a doctor and a carpenter.

Later in his life, Griff chartered and skippered boats abroad, in sunnier climes, and his love of sailing grew further.

His first boat was Undina, a 45ft 1956 Rhodes design which he had for 14 yrs. He was looking for beauty and speed in a yacht and he’d been around classics and knew enough to know that an S&S yawl offers both. He found Argyll for sale and bought her in 2011. With a heavier displacement, she is the same beam as Undina but has much more headroom.

With a wide smile, he tells me “I’ve not been in a wooden boat where I can take my trousers off – standing up!”

Sitting with me at the Panerai Lounge during Antigua’s Classic Regatta he is full of enthusiasm and tells me of all the racing they have done in the Mediterranean. She has taken them up a class in racing and is now highly competitive in the Regattas of Spain, Italy and France. Argyll was the winner of

the Bonifacio Trophy and the Coupe des Dames in St Tropez in 2014, and came second in the Panerai Transat in March 2015. This is not some hot shot who buys a Classic and pops down for a week or two here and there to impress his associates. Griff is passionate and knowledgeable. He knows his competition. And he knows their history and pedigree. It is most refreshing.

And like many a true sailor, he’s not much of a motor yacht man either “A sailing boat is about the pleasure of getting there.

A motorboat is about the disappointment of where you have arrived.” When asked what he likes about sailing he describes feeling “instantly transported into another world”. How well we know this feeling too. Griff adores racing, indeed Argyll has a wardrobe of over 20 sails now. He loves helming and is a tweaker, constantly trying to get the fastest speeds from his greyhound yawl. And he likes to sail a boat that turns heads…

Griff ’s time in Antigua brought him much pleasure. He enjoys the trade winds and lovely conditions of the Classic Regatta. “So many have either too much or no wind at all” he noticed. “We had a good start but the wrong headsails” he told me after one race “but a lovely downwind leg.” He deeply appreciates the crew he had on board who had done previous regattas with him and his skipper Alexis “They were lots of fun and this Regatta was spectacularly good” he grins, “there are lovely boats here and it’s brilliantly organised”.

Argyll has turned the heads and lifted the hearts of sailors for 67 years.There is something of a soul in old wooden boats and this one in particular seems to invoke the very poetry of man. Even if we are only dreaming of owning her, her stories and her colourful owners allow us all to continue. photograph by cory silken

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Vanishing Sail

photograph by mark pikthall

TExT AND IMAGES BY ALExIS ANDREWS

“The big screen fills with a frothy wake behind a fast sailing vessel. All the world is water.The crowd on the quay in St. Barth’s falls silent. Alexis Andrews’ voice speaks the opening lines of narration.The music rises, and a spell is cast.

VANISHING SAIL, Andrew’s evocative portrait of a boat building family and a way of life in these Islands was a fine choice to close the twentieth St. Barth’s Film Festival. The venue couldn’t have been more perfect. Stern to at the quay were the fleet of Island boats in port for the West Indies Regatta, the very subjects of the film. Anticipation for this film was intense, and it didn’t disappoint.”

From a review by Tom Gallant, Schooner Avenger, Gustavia, 2015 The lines above were written the day after the world premier of the film and the audience’s reaction that night was the beginning of a festival tour to share a story with the world that has since touched many. It is a simple story about a man who builds a vessel on a beach in Carriacou with the hope that his sons will continue his trade that was passed down by the Scottish ancestors. The final minutes of the film take place at the Antigua Classics where traditional West Indian and metropolitan elements fuse to create the final resolution of the film...

The second screening was going to be important – after being declined by several of the larger US festivals, the decision was made to stay with our audience and try for the Rhode Island International Film Festival. The competition to get in was tough – films were selected from a record entry base fleet of 9 Carriacou Sloops plus Exodus’ mothership raft up at St Barth West Indies Regatta.

above: The

below: Onboard

Genesis during the last race, St. Barth West

Indies Regatta

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of 5,713 submissions with 73 World, North American, and US premieres. A total of 265 feature length, documentary and short films, from 54 countries, and 34 states across the uS were screened that week! Somehow our submission was noticed and selected for a uS premiere at the famous restored Jane Pickens Newport art house theatre where a fire marshall had to be called in at the last minute to sign off on the full house crowd!

All 470 seats were taken by the local sailing community that had earlier been teased by the sight of the Carriacou Sloop Summer Wind lying gently alongside the quay at Newport Shipyard where the smell of goat curry mingled in the air with the music of the islands playing in the background.

“A quiet civility and and gentle sense of humor give the film the feel of life in the Islands. There were moments when the crowd laughed as one. There were also moments where eyes misted with emotion and as the credits rolled the applause was thunderous and long and hearts were full…”

Tom Gallant.

That night the film won the Audience Award for most popular film at the festival, as well as the Directorial Discovery Award, “presented to a director whose outstanding work on a short or feature film represents a new unique and compelling vision that will resonate well into the future!”…

Vanishing Sail went on to win several more awards, screening at film festivals around the world including Martha’s Vineyard, Toronto, Amsterdam, Bilbao, Trinidad, Aruba, Bahamas, Havana, Warsaw and even Alaska, while seeking distribution opportunities for a wider official release that is planned for 2016.

And now, at last, this long-awaited film will be screened at the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta this year for all Classics lovers.The film itself ends in Antigua so it is highly appropriate that it be shown here to those who have appreciated and continue to do so the spectacle of those nippy little wooden boats, built on a beach, racing each other in the clear, turquoise waters off the coast of Antigua with the tradewinds filling their sails.

for more info please visit

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VanishingSail.com

opposite page: clockwise from l top: Summer Wind, Alwyn Enoeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Carriacou Sloop sailing to Newport, 2013;

Sean and the crew of Genesis, Classics 2015 Recording soundscapes for the film onboard Summer Wind Alexis Andrews with fellow filmmakers at Aruba International Film Festival above: Film

Festival passes

Film posters in Aruba The crowd at the U.S. Premiere in Newport, R.I. left: Alwyn

Enoe, master boatbuilder, Windward, Carriacou

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. . . and the winner isAdventuress: ...

Whitehawk!

A Joy Forever JANE COOMBS

photograph by alison langley

TExT & PHOTOGRAPHS BY JAN HEIN

As Whitehawk entered Antigua’s Falmouth Harbour for the 2015 Antigua Classic Regatta, heads turned in awe and honour. The legendary ketch, winner of six trophies in the 2014 Classics battle, including the coveted Panerai Trophy, was unbeatable and many wondered if she could do it again.

Captain Eric Nittmann brought her alongside the dock and before lines were secured, a bevy of onlookers crowded around to view the vessel that also stole the show in the 2014 Concours d’Elégance, winning first place for Classic Class Professionally Maintained and sweeping the field as Overall Winner.

It should be no surprise; Whitehawk was built as a thoroughbred, to win and dazzle and at 105ft overall, with a mainmast that was originally 116ft, she met the mark her builders set.

Designer Bruce king’s inspiration came from L. Francis Herreshoff ’s racing yacht, Ticonderoga.The resemblance is

clear; they share a common clipper bow, raked masts and wine glass stern but Whitehawk was born of a different generation.

When launched in 1978, it was the largest cold-moulded vessel ever built, using Wood Epoxy Saturation Technique (WEST SYSTEM,) to insure superior strength coupled with incredible lightness.

One of the secrets to the boat’s success hides underwater, with a draft of 7ft 6ins that grows to 16ft when the stainless steel hydraulic daggerboard is down. To counter that, Whitehawk carries up to 13,000sqft of sail in a powerful combination that gets her up and moving ridiculously fast.

And her beauty secrets? Let’s start with the large Mandala deck hatch forward of the mizzen, a rare accoutrement among classic yachts. Aft, there’s the curvaceous cockpit in all its varnished glory and the gleaming toe rails, graced by bronze dolphins that greet guests as they step aboard.

Below, beauty segues to pure elegance. The J-shaped galley, crisp and efficient, is hardly noticeable once the main salon comes in to view.To starboard, a working gas fireplace creates Whitehawk in Race 3 – ‘The Cannon’ left: Whitehawk making waves… opposite above: One of Whitehawk’s ubiquitous dolphins opposite below: Busy on the deck of Whitehawk above:

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a forward bulkhead creating a stunning living area. Aft of it stands an arty, efficient nav station.

The port side resembles an historic home; glass cases holding crystal, china and awards and a dining table complete with armchairs. Everyone asks how they stay in place at sea and the answer lies in tiny cables that bolt the furniture to pad eyes on the sole. With a beam of 20ft 6ins, accommodations are elegant but also spacious. Forward of the mainmast, staterooms offer guests 5 star accommodations that include a teak bathtub.

When Whitehawk was first launched, many considered her to be close to perfection. But after sailing over 100,000 miles, a list of alterations was created and off she went in 2009 to EPB, (East Passage Boatwrights,) for some changes that would improve handling, speed and livability. Repairs were made to the keel and hull planking; that pentagonal skylight was reconstructed and interior modifications were completed.

Perhaps the biggest alterations happened when they cut the rig, removing 1000lb aloft by shortening the mainmast 6ft and the mizzen 9ft.

Nittmann has been on board the boat for five years, and Captain for the last two. When asked about his favourite part of running one of American’s most famous vessels, it all came down to sailing. “Whenever we get out there sailing, trucking along, it’s amazing. I learn something every day.” That joy was evident for Antigua’s 2015 contest.

Sharing the helm during the Regatta was Ralph Isham and 20 or so of his guests. Many of them were board members of IYRS, The International Yacht Restoration Society out of Newport, and they’d brought along a determination to win big.

As Whitehawk’s sails thundered up, the cockpit filled with navigators armed with various devices to relay every minute detail to edge out the competition.Those on the rail practiced a drill of crossing the varnished cabin top quickly and carefully for precise tacks.

As she hit the line, Whitehawk barrelled along, rail down, those bronze dolphins happily swimming underwater. The crew executed every sail change and tack perfectly and ended day one with a first in class. That was repeated three more times, resulting in a perfect first in Classics Class.

At the awards ceremony, the crew claimed their prize but didn’t give up hope of a Panerai repeat. Finally, the announcer, with the prized watch in hand, cued up the crowd with excitement, declaring Whitehawk the winner for the second year in succession, having won every race and taken line honours in four starts. Isham, flanked by his illustrious crew, gave praise to the Regatta and the island of Antigua. nittmann added, “It is 1600 miles to Rhode Island from photograph by alison langley Antigua but it has been well worth the trip. It is great to see Whitehawk being sailed hard but also so well.”

And with that, Whitehawk sailed north for her summer stint in Maine, some fishing and a few more coats of varnish.

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Farewell Philip JAnE COOMBS PHOTOGRAPHS BY CORY SILkEN

We would like to pay tribute here to the late, great sailing legend and renowned boatbuilder Philip Walwyn of St. kitts. Philip, with his stunningly beautiful gaff yawl Kate, was a regular participant at the Antigua Classic Regatta over the years.

Sadly, at the end of a particularly challenging final solo transatlantic crossing, he parted company with his beloved Kate a mere ten miles from his destination of Falmouth, England and later passed away.

Though born in England, Philip spent most of his life in St. kitts. His family had settled there on the slopes of Mount Liamuiga on Rawlins Estate over 300 years ago. When sugar estates were nationalised in 1983, Philip turned the 17th century house into the very successful luxury hotel, Rawlins Plantation Hotel.

Philip’s greatest love, though, was sailing and yacht design and he became consultant and director of Fortress Marine Boatyard building catamarans for the Caribbean tourist market. He built Kate, a replica of a 1908 Alfred Mylne design, in 2006 and named her for his wife, prolific and much loved local artist and gallery owner kate Spencer. He had also built two six metres and restored the vintage, Scottish-built gentleman’s yacht Tiger.

Philip had competed in many long distance short-handed races, including The Route du Rhum and he was twice winner in his class in The Round Britain and Ireland Races. He was also 6 Metre European Champion in 1987. He had sailed over 50,000 miles in sixteen transatlantics, six of them solo.

He touched people’s hearts and souls, was a joy to be around and is greatly missed.

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Desiderata

GILLY GOBINET

Desiderata has been a regular participant at the Antigua Classics since 2011 when she came third in her class. A popular boat at the Antigua Yacht Club Marina Dock, she always has a fun atmosphere aboard thanks to genial owner Captain Stuart Armstrong, his First Mate Julia and their convivial crew and charter guests. They come to race, but enjoyment of the Regatta is always their prime objective.Winning – they came first in their class in 2014 – is really the icing on the cake.

Stuart Armstrong fell in love with sailing when crewing on a friend’s yacht when in his teens. However, it wasn’t until over 20 years later that his enthusiasm was re-kindled on a Sunsail charter in Turkey. He spent the next seven years gaining the necessary sailing certificates and sea miles for his RYA Cruising Instructor qualification. Selling his ironmongery business, he embraced the sailing industry and went on to achieve his heart’s desire, a sailing boat of his own. “Desiderata”, the title of a poem by American writer Max Ehrman, is from the Latin 58

for “desired things”, so a yacht of that name could not have been more appropriate!

Before buying her, Stuart sailed on Desiderata for two years, doing a delivery from Mauritius to Europe via Madagascar to South Africa then on to Brazil via St Helena and Ascension.

“Desi”, as she is popularly known, then did a season in the Caribbean, including the Antigua Classics, before crossing the Atlantic back to Europe. It was in Mallorca that Stuart met bubbly Julia, his other true love. Julia was retired and

Desiderata is a sister to Malabar XIII – originally designed by naval architect John G. Alden in 1945. known romantically as the ‘Last of the Malabars’, they have a distinguished historical record in ocean racing.

John Alden’s last personally owned racing yacht was Malabar XIII. ketch-rigged for efficiency and easy handling under sail, 66’ Desiderata is designed for pure speed during regatta racing. The Malabar XIII was a war baby – first constructed when materials were hard to find; but nevertheless, the design excelled in the 1948 Bermuda Race and 1951 Transatlantic Race.

photograph by lucy tulloch

photograph by polly philipson

photograph by polly philipson

photograph by polly philipson

photograph by polly philipson

photograph by polly philipson

photograph by polly philipson

The Malabars have a permanent place in yachting history; Desiderata was one of only five to be built to design number 0756, and one of two ketch designs to be personally raced by Alden.

Desiderata was built in 1975 in the USA, and sailed by her builder around the world – culminating in New Zealand. She was then purchased by an Australian who cruised her throughout the Pacific.

The present owners, Stuart and Julia, live aboard Desiderata all year round.

photograph by cory silken

wasn’t looking for a man – or boat, for that matter, as she had never sailed. Happily this was not a problem and Stuart and Julia sailed off into the sunset back across the Atlantic to Barbados for the Caribbean season by way of the Ionian Islands, Gibraltar and the Canaries in 2012.

It was in this year that Stuart was able to negotiate a favourable deal with the owner to buy Desiderata. This enabled him to take the boat to Grenada for a much-needed complete refit, including a new rig, in the low season in 2013.

This turned out to cost more than he paid for the boat, but both Stuart and Julia, after living together on her for a year, knew exactly what was required. However, they would still like to install an autohelm: with just two people sailing the boat, watches are the tiring three hours on and three hours off. They would also like a windlass that powers down: anchoring can require a lot of energy !

As well as fixing the practical issues, Julia’s interior design

experience in soft furnishings and upholstery came to the fore in sourcing all the fabrics, materials, hardware, etc. Her improvements below-deck are impressive: everything is designed to stay in place when in racing mode, yet it is all easily accessible (drawers pull out smoothly on runners) and maximum use has been made of all the storage space. Her hitherto unknown painting and varnishing skills (including the masts!) were also revealed. An excellent joiner who had trained under Chippy in Antigua completed the restoration.

They were now ready for their own charters at classic regattas and Caribbean sailing charters. It was in 2014 that they took part in the Antigua Classics as owners for the first time. In 2015 (with Julia’s hair an interesting shade of lilac…) they came third in their class but which in no way diminished their enjoyment of the Regatta. Each year they wear distinctive and humorous t-shirts as part of the general entertainment and which reflect the high spirits of everyone onboard.

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Vagabundo II JAnE COOMBS

Marine artist Anna Boulton is a familiar sight at classic events worldwide as she combines her symbiotic passions of sailing and painting sitting beneath the canvas or before it as her mood takes her. With studios in such diverse locations as Antigua, England, Dubai and New Zealand she has created commissions of famous classics such as Rebecca,Athos, Marie, Elena,Vagabundo II and J Class yachts Ranger and Shamrock among others.

She has also immortalized modern superyachts such as Celandine, Sojana and Selene for their proud owners.

Anna Boulton Artist

More of her work can be viewed on her website annaboulton.com or you can contact her by email at anna@annaboulton.com or telephone her in the Uk on +44 7833582855 or +1268 7233771 in Antigua to discuss future commissions

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Born in Dubai, her early life centered around sailing and the white beaches of the Arabian Gulf. With the outbreak of the Gulf War her family moved to the safety of Bosham on the south coast of England where her interest in sailing and racing was nurtured at the Bosham and Itchenor sailing clubs .

She obtained a degree in Fine Art with BA (Hons) in 2000 at Falmouth Art College in Cornwall, part of which was completed in Italy at the Accademia di Belli Arti in Venice. This began a love affair with Venice which had her returning for an internship at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection of Modern Art. During her time there she found herself yearning for the sea again as she walked along the Piazza San Marco admiring the elegant yachts moored there.

An opportunity to sail across the Atlantic to the Caribbean led to five years of world sailing and eventually to time spent ashore in the mountains of New Zealand, the birthplace of her father. She relished in painting the vast, dramatic landscapes and animals of the South Island but found that she always missed the sea so she eventually sailed to Antigua with her painting supplies. Since then she has held exhibitions at Harmony Hall, Jumby Bay, The Admiralâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inn and Rhythm of Blue galleries.

Anna finds painting the sea an ultimate challenge and capturing the movement of boats, their lines and sails, especially when racing extremely satisfying. Being a passionate sailor who believes that a boat is a work of art in itself, she always succeeds in capturing their best angle. Her attention to detail and authenticity is entirely palpable.

GILLY GOBINET

Cory Silken has been covering the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta since 2003, and many of his spectacular shots have been featured in the Regatta’s Programme (such as the 2016 Cover). For him, the Antigua Classics represent brilliant photographic opportunities, with the wonderful mix of small, live-aboards right up to big, professionally maintained yachts with the Caribbean Sea as a backdrop.

Cory first became interested in photography at junior high school, then followed photographic courses whilst pursuing his university studies. He finished university at the same time as the dot-com bubble burst, which prompted him to start own his photography business, working as a freelance photographer in such diverse fields as fashion and forensic documentaries for a couple of years.

Cory’s first interest in sailing began in utero, on a family sailboat. However, it wasn’t until 2003 that he began to specialise in yachting photography, his first big event being the Antiguan classics. His passion had been piqued in Newport the year before, when the first really good digital cameras had just come on the market, and he started shooting racing boats from a motorboat.

In 2006 he covered all the north American regattas for Panerai who then asked him to shoot the Antigua Classics the following year – and which he has been doing ever since. It was Cory who initiated the highly popular slide show on a big screen at Prize Giving, showcasing examples of images by all the photographers.

Whenever work doesn’t get in the way, Cory likes to sail his classic 1926 Herreshoff 28ft S-class Firefly in Narragansett Bay (Newport).

For Cory, he has the best of both worlds: sailing and photography. He likes to try new angles – such as putting his camera in a waterproof housing on a pole and lowering it into the water. He has also been experimenting with artistic blurring in some of his images. His ongoing ambition is to improve, to outdo himself without trying to emulate any other photographers, as showcased in the Cory Silken Photography Gallery which he opened in Newport in 2012. We wish him continued success and look forward to his presence here in Antigua every year.

Cory Silken phoTogRapheR

Silken Photography Gallery 518 Thames St., Newport www.CorySilken.com manager@corysilken.com office: +1 401 203 7245 (GMT -5) mobile: +1 617 869 6767 On Location- Skype: cory.silken Antigua: +1 268 724 8885 St. Barth’s: +590 690 664-135

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Jane CoomBs

Thirty years ago, when Kenny and I first washed up on these shores a bit wet behind the ears and but a few soggy dollars between us, we were blessed with a quick run of good fortune. The first was being offered the 51ft Rhodes motorsailor Kamphana to live on and renovate for future charters. The second was meeting Maggie and David Simmonds while being sternto at Antigua Slipway during that first refit.

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David had been the Managing Director at the yard since 1967 and his wife Maggie ran the chandlery with great efficiency. We quickly became firm friends, housesitting for them at their beautiful home St. Helena while they sailed away on their pretty, classic wooden sloop Bacco for well-earned relaxing weekends at anchor.

Of course this was a great treat for hard-working boatyard dwellers like us. Maggie would leave a bottle of bubbly and a red hibiscus for my hair in the fridge for our romantic weekend but the truth of it was that we were so exhausted that we both promptly fell asleep in the great wooden jacuzzi!

Maggie and David became like surrogate parents offering advice when needed and we often spent many very “jolly” Christmases with them. When we bought our dilapidated Harrison Butler cutter Cora, I rather sheepishly told David the news, fully expecting to be chastised for wasting our hard earned money on an old boat that you could see daylight through in places. Instead of that he looked rather relieved and to my surprise said “Good, now I don’t have to!” David knew a pedigree pocket cruiser when he saw one.

When they lost their roof at their second home on Proctor Point in Hurricane Louis, kenny and Tim Wall built them a new stronger one – under David’s design directions, of course. In our long relationship with them we have had many good times and been through many of life’s ups and downs.

David was born in Worthing in 1921 but grew up in Letchworth, Hertfordshire in England and went on to apprentice for 5 years at the superb, self contained yard of James Taylor (Chertsey) Ltd. on the Thames, learning how to build vessels as large as 110ft.

During the war he served as a Royal Navy Shipwright/Diver at the Levant Station in the Eastern Mediterranean. After he was de-mobbed in 1946, work was hard to come by, so he joined a friend repairing boats near the pretty coastal village of Bosham, Sussex.

Then came the beginning of his design career in the form of a 20ft fishing boat.

He joined a small yard in Swanwick, Hampshire to design and build a series of 25ft sloops. He then went on to join Port Hamble in the sales department, but they

quickly realized he had other talents. He became Works Director and In-House Designer and, working with two draughtsmen, set up the production line for the 21ft Herreshoff Islanders, the Horizon 32 motor sailors and the very popular series of Pacemaker small power boats. He had tremendous fun racing these in the Cowes-Torquay power boat race with his associate Denys Sessions.

Also during this time he designed several strip planked motor and sailing boats for an American company in Maine, and built several large Fred Parker, Laurent Giles and Arthur Robb sailing yachts, all prolific and popular designers of the 50s and 60s.

In 1966 David was also a key figure in setting up the SBIT (Ship Building Industry Training Board) purpose-built training facility for first year apprentices, on the sight of a bombed out SuperMarines air craft factory in Woolston, Southampton.

In 1967 he left Port Hamble for the tropics to become the Managing Director of Antigua Slipway, a new enterprise at the time. This yard had been built on the sight of the original HM Naval Dockyard set up in the 1730s under the command of Horatio Nelson, finally closing in 1889. Having shipped his beloved Bacco over from the Uk, he soon met his new wife, Maggie, and settled into his position at Antigua Slipway until he retired at 65.

He was very highly respected for his vast knowledge of yachts and loved by all that worked with him. He continued to work as a surveyor and consultant until he finally fully retired in 2000. In 2009 he received Honorary status of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, of which he was a member for 60 years.

Sadly we lost David this year after a long illness. He was 96 but he was still a veritable mine of information to the end, with a mind as sharp as a tack, a seemingly limitless encyclopedia of maritime knowledge, a very naughty twinkle and a famously sharp wit. He was indeed an all-round jolly good fellow.

I will remember the good times, friendship and sound advice fondly and will always treasure the beautifully crafted wooden puzzle boxes and rum cask that he made for us which will jog those memories. David Simmonds truly was â&#x20AC;&#x153;A man for all seasonsâ&#x20AC;?. opposite page: David

and Maggie negotiating the waters of English Harbour

this page, top: Cleaning

up in the early 90s!

Bacco won the Best Local Boat trophy, Best Crew Maintained Boat AND her class! General celebrations by owner and crew...

centre: David bottom.: The

where he liked being best

delightful classic wooden sloop

Bacco..

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photograph by tim wright

The Untouchable Details TEXT BY GRIFFIN SCRUGGS • PHOTOS BY DIANA RUERA

Former chef Griffin Scruggs joined Adventuress in 2013 and, as her current First Mate, has never looked back….

I found myself caught frozen in time; paused amidst the commotion to take it all in: with the moist Caribbean air clinging to my skin and the sun stooped over the horizon, people slowly filled the historic grounds of Nelson’s Dockyard like a flooding tide. Welcomed by photographs of the week projected for the audience, and a stage glittering under the spotlight with prizes and awards – I savoured every moment.

The grounds continually filled with fellow competitors as they amiably mingled and celebrated the days of competition in true Caribbean fashion, while enjoying the serum of distilled sugar cane. Awards night. Togetherness and accomplishment, we are gathered here for the annual distribution of accolades in an attempt to commemorate the reunion of the Classics family. Any competitive woes, disgruntled protests, strategic errors, or vessel rivalries were in the past, like the trade winds we all sailed on. April 2013: this was my first Antigua Classics Yacht Regatta, and it was at this moment of revelry that I truly discovered the spirit and energy that resonates throughout the week’s affair. A jovial community is united by the wind, and bound by the passion for a tradition that we have come to acknowledge as Classic Yachts.

I am here wading in the deep waters of the events legacy, striving to share my feelings about these four days of splendour. Before any writing could ensue I wanted to see how fellow attendees felt about the Antigua Classics, jan hein so I reached out to photograph the socialbynetwork and prodded fellow friends and partakers for one word or phrase that would capture the event. These are the results: 64

Succulent sounds of enjoyment kicked off the series of contributions with… “Mnnnnnnnn”! next was an adaptation to the iconic Mary Poppins, which found the stage with “Superkennyfragilisticexpialidocious.”

More silliness bled through the pores of social media with…”The Full Monty”? Is that being silly, or was I not hanging out at the right parties?

A following of literal depictions slightly missed my intention but still found the mark; “Wet”, “Rum”, “Classic”, and “Hot”.

‘Cause let’s be honest, that pretty much sums up the event.

My peers’ involvement finally began to pick up speed with contemplative descriptors like: “Pride”, “Sensational”, “Proper sailing”, “kenny”, “Classy”, “Pure”, “Passion”, “Elation”, “Nostalgia”, “Delight”, “Celebration”, “Spirit”, “Incomparable”, and finally; a beautiful Portuguese word, “Saudade”, an untranslatable English word that lends to a description of: longing, or being nostalgic towards a person, place or object (and appropriately the name of the 54ft CR Holman yawl that took part in the Antigua Classics in 2012 and 2013).

So many beautiful words left to find your place with, but what does all this stem from? With notable classic sailing events in every corner of the world, has Antigua truly captured the hearts of competitors, or is it simply one more rendition of the same thing? Locations of similar events range from the south of France, Italy, Spain, Great Britain to the New England coast; each famed for their ionic backdrops, beautiful harbours, and developed coastlines; forging some of the most quintessential destinations to battle with fellow vessels and

mother nature. The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta has found its identity a different way. Although boasting an exemplary resumé of Caribbean intrigue, another facet of the event has captured my attention: the people! Jubilant, cheerful, exuberant, sunny, and simply happy people clog up Falmouth Harbour, from owners to organisers, crew to hitchhikers, volunteers and photographers, local staff and anyone in between. Every person forms the integral element in this community that is so intoxicating. kenny Coombs nurtured this growth with pride and devotion each year, making it about the people who race to the battlegrounds where Horatio Nelson once outwitted the French. In nearly three decades of history, it has attracted boats and contenders of all shapes, sizes, and colors – from the illustrious to the unsung, the socials to the competitors, and the leisurely to the professional. This programme is typically aimed at the celebration of a boat’s refit or a journey through its honourable history, but it is essential to both acknowledge and commend the following of like-minded people that has been a result in the event’s culmination of an eclectic fleet; it’s the people that have made the difference.

This week may be the only time of the year where the island meets its energy quota. Powered by the glimmering attendees that carefully and proudly groom the ladies of the sea, anticipating the tropical waters that are the sand to our playground. From morning preparations, midday battles, and the evening’s affairs, the week is nothing short of jovial. Postrace banter is lighthearted and sincere.

Participants make rounds on the docks with salt-crusted shorts, a cold fermented refreshment in hand, cherry stained cheeks from the onslaught of the sun, and most notably the bona fide grins that are plastered on any and all of the passers-by.

Our memories are like the wind in our sails, the propulsion that drives us forward; thousands of miles now ripples to our stern, these are the untouchable details we all yearn.The spirit of the event is unseen and reliant on the people that continually make the effort to migrate south or climb north for the pleasantries that the Caribbean has to offer. Some friends once told me that this event was “incomparable”, “classy”, “nostalgic”, “sensational”, a “delight”, and “pure”.

Maybe evoking feelings of “pride”, “passion”, “elation”, and “Mnnnnnn!”

Boats will come and go year in and year out, but it’s the undying spirit that has accumulated over the years that will hopefully drive this event forward for years to come. opposite left, upper:

Connor (Griffin’s brother): silliness begins with dockside celebrations; opposite left, lower: Joe, candidly expressing glory for line honours (race day 2); opposite right: Race crew Paul (left) & Owen (right) “pretending to have fun!”; above left: Griffin, not looking back; above right: KC, a backbone to the spirit of the event; below: Team Adventuress giving three cheers for fellow competitors and a cannon for the show.

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Samsara TExT & PHOTOGRAPHS BY JAN HEIN

Perhaps the story of this nonagenarian fishing boat built in Skagen, Denmark begins with her name, Samsara. In Sanskrit, it means birth, death and rebirth; a current life is one of many that will be lived. Certainly her owners, Alexander and Natasha Drinkwater, believed the philosophy when they found her in 2011, a mere shell of the illustrious, hard working vessel she once was.

Built in 1924 for the North Sea, fishing boat number S41 worked her trade until recruited to serve in WWII, painted gray, as a patrol boat around the Uk.The war ended, fishing returned but eventually the vessel fell into ruin making news when it capsized at a dock in Denmark.

A Dutch shipwright must have sensed her beauty, spending 15 years rebuilding her, including deck and spars, but when it came time to choose the boat or the wife, the latter won out. S41 was sold to two hippy dreamers who threw money and time down the hold along with some hideous paint.The floorboards were blue, flowers bloomed on the walls and most of the systems they’d installed were diabolical at best.

In short, the boat was a mess.

The Drinkwaters had been living a refined life in Abu Dhabi where Alexander ran the shipyard of the Royal Family.

They easily could have chosen a sleek, modern wonder to cruise their family of four around the world but opposites attract, thus beginning a rebirth of Samsara.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing in the beginning, Alexander recounted. “The Dutch shipwright cried when a steam barge towed her away and Natasha cried when she saw it.”

Years of work and miles of cruising have changed all that. “natasha is more in love with Samsara than I am.”

They lived beside the boat on a Dutch barge in Hellevoetsluis, Holland. Samsara, tricked out as a workshop, underwent a metamorphosis, one rainy day after another. Alex used his skills, honed in the shipyard and on gaff schooners, and natasha, 66

when not tending their two small children, lent a skilled hand with a sander and some impressively fancy rope work.

For 1½ years, they worked toward their goal of offshore cruising. The project was huge. Samsara is 68ft overall, 4½ metres wide, oak on oak, 2 inch plank with sawn oak frames and every inch of it need attention. She’s now rigged with poly pro 3 strand, authentic lines and rigging with 86 odd blocks, all ash. Her sails are made of Clipper Canvas which, Alex quipped, “We measure in pounds, not ounces.”There’s still a few jobs on the list. “We’ll get round to doing lazy jacks one of these days.” For the time being the two of them manage amazingly well.

There were a few things to do before the first ocean crossing. Alex joked, “We had two essentials to install; a washer /dryer and that massive coffee maker!” And of course, an auto pilot and generator were added in France, keys for sailing shorthanded. knowing the potential of the Bay of Biscay, Alex put the family ashore and made the trip with a friend. They encountered force 9 winds. “That’s when I realized just how strong Samsara is. We had horrific conditions; the mizzen was bending like a tree in the forest.”

The trip to the Canaries took five hellish days.The top of the rudder gland opened up allowing 3 tons of water in.

Two massive pumps ran non-stop. “We say those pumps ran on fear and adrenaline.” It turned out to be a stellar shakedown; Samsara averaged 11 knots, topping out at

photograph by jude robertson

14 and earned her seaworthy status.

In the Canaries, the family spent time cruising and finished the list. They added a workbench in the engine room and installed a water-maker. Smiling, Alex said, “Then she was a bluewater cruiser.” photograph by tim wright Alex, natasha and the children, nikita and Michael, set off on a 24 day voyage to Barbados that was less than perfect. The seas were flat and oily until they were south of the Cape Verdes and finally, the trades kicked in. They found perfection in the Caribbean, spending their first year cruising alone and in company with Coral of Cowes.

At Antigua’s 2015 Classic Regatta, there was always a lively crowd hovering around Samsara. She attracts people with her ‘Miss Congeniality’ aura and authentic, traditional beauty. The judges noticed, too, awarding her the Arne Frizzell Award representing the most seaworthy boat.

Sailing Samsara is pure joy. She’s steady, solid and oozes historical charm. With S41 emblazoned on the sails, this old soul is loved well by the amazing family that saved her. “Maybe this was a mid-life crisis,” said Alexander. “Instead of buying a Porsche, I got the boat.” Or maybe, by Samsara’s Sanskrit wanderings, she found them.

opposite above: Samsara

heading for the mark; above left: Samsara dwarfed by the magnificent Elena above top right: Owner Alexander Drinkwater at the helm of Samsara; above bottom right: some of Samsara’s original lights from S41; below left: High five! We’ve finished…last! But we had fun

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2015

enTRies

NAME

LOD DESCRIPTION

BUILT

VINTAGE CLASS vinTage Class a 1 Black Watch 2 Vagabundo II 3 Argyll 4 Sincerity 5 The Blue Peter 6 Seefalke II 7 Peter von Seestermuehe 8 Cruinneag III

68ft 42ft 56ft 88ft 65ft 41ft 59ft 64ft

sparkman & stephens yawl german frers ketch olin stephens yawl baglietto ketch alfred Mylne Cutter h Rasmussen henry gruber yawl William Campbell ketch

1938 1944 1946 1928 1930 1936 1936 1936

vinTage Class b 1 Mary Rose 2 Atrevida 3 Coral of Cowes

54ft 95ft 82ft.

herreshoff schooner nathaneal herreshoff schooner fred sheppard gaff ketch

1926 1922 1902

vinTage Class C 1 Lorema 2 Guiding Light 3 Samsara

25ft 36ft 52ft

Tord sunden folk boat sloop gauntlet Cutter skagen 52 gaff ketch

1942 1936 1918

1 Whitehawk 2 Cuilan 3 Saphaedra 4 Meriva of London 5 Sally B 6 Dhanu

105ft 55ft 51ft 43ft 48ft 36ft

bruce king ketch george Mcgruer ketch aage nielson ketch sloop Thomas bawley yawl buchanan sloop

1978 1969 1965 1967 2003 1969

ClassiC Class b 1 Juno 2 Elena 3 Heron

65ft 136ft 52ft

nat benjamin gaff schooner herreshoff gaff schooner John alden gaff schooner

2003 1909 2003

CLASSIC CLASS ClassiC Class a

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photograph by anna sundquist

NAME

LOD DESCRIPTION

ClassiC Class C 1 Argo 2 Kairos 3 Chronos 4 Windjammer

112ft 109ft 157ft 54ft

BUILT

langan staysail schooner staysail schooner staysail ketch RD Culler gaff schooner

2005 2007 2013 1960

alwyn enoe sloop baldwin de Roche sloop alwyn enoe sloop Zepherin Mclaren sloop alwyn enoe sloop alwyn enoe/Todd orell sloop

2003 1995 2013 1987 2010 2008

german frers ketch J-Class Joel White ketch

1999 2012 1975

John alden ketch luders yawl John alden schooner William Tripp Cutter William Tripp yawl William Tripp 38 Masthead sloop francis kinney sloop bill luders yawl

1968 1967 1976 1969 1969 1958 1985 1969

TRADITIONAL CLASS TRaDiTional Class a 1 Genesis 2 Summer Cloud 3 Exodus 4 Sweetheart 5 Zemi 6 Ocean Nomad

42ft 39ft 42ft 36ft 42ft 40ft

SPIRIT OF TRADITION 1 Rebecca 2 Rainbow 3 Dragonera

140ft 130ft 75ft

CLASSIC GRP CLASS ClassiC gRp Class a 1 Petrana 2 Frolic 3 Desiderata 4 Katrinka 5 Lazy Leg 6 Synia 7 Ruffian 8 Carpe Manana

50ft 44ft 54ft 48.1ft 40ft 44ft 36ft 36ft

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Trophy Winners PANERAI TROPHY 2010 Sumurun 2011 Lone Fox 2012 Lone Fox 2013 Sumurun 2014 Whitehawk 2015 Whitehawk FIRST OVERALL Mount Gay Rum Trophy 2009 Stormvogel 2010 Aschanti IV 2011 Bolero 1948 2012 Mariella 2013 Sumurun 2014 Nazgul of Fordell 2015 Black Watch FIRST OVERALL CLASSIC AND VINTAGE Wayfarer Marine Trophy 2007 Mariella 2008 Ticonderoga 2009 Mariella 2010 Sumurun 2011 Lone Fox 2012 Saphaedra 2013 Sumurun 2014 Whitehawk 2015 Whitehawk FIRST OVERALL TRADITIONAL CLASS Watermaker Services Trophy 2008 Genesis 2009 Ocean Nomad

photograph by lucy tulloch

Superyachts & Supermodels Trophy 2010 Genesis 2011 Zemi 2012 Zemi 2013 Genesis 2014 Genesis 2015 Genesis

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SCHOONER CLASS Nicholson’s Caribbean Yacht Sales Trophy 2008 Eleonora 2009 Astor 2010 Astor 2011 Juno 2012 Mary Rose 2013 Juno 2014 Mary Rose 2015 Mary Rose

SPIRIT OF TRADITION CLASS – All Comers Ticonderoga Trophy 2008 Velsheda 2009 Vortex 2010 Rebecca 2011 Velsheda 2012 Rebecca 2013 Wild Horses 2014 Nazgul of Fordell 2015 Rebecca

VINTAGE CLASS Stormy Weather Trophy 2008 Ticonderoga 2009 Mariella 2010 Sumurun 2011 Bolero 1948 2012 Mariella 2013 Sumurun 2014 Lily Maid 2015 Black Watch

SPIRIT OF TRADITION CLASS – Spirit Yachts 2014 Nazgul of Fordell

CLASSIC CLASS Aschanti of Saba Trophy 2008 Juno 2009 Stormvogel 2010 Aschanti IV 2011 Lone Fox 2012 Saphaedra 2013 Stormvogel 2014 Whitehawk 2015 Whitehawk CLASSIC GRP CLASS Hinckley Yacht Services Trophy 2008 Sunshine 2009 Winsome 2010 Sunshine 2011 Sunshine 2012 Sunshine 2013 Petrana 2014 Desiderata 2015 Petrana

BEST ELAPSED TIME OVERALL Yachting World Trophy 2007 Mariette of 1915 2008 Eleonora 2009 Stormvogel 2010 Sumurun 2011 Elena 2012 Lone Fox 2013 Stormvogel 2014 Whitehawk 2015 Elena BEST ELAPSED TIME SCHOONER CLASS Beken of Cowes Trophy 2008 Eleonora 2009 Astor 2010 Aschanti IV 2011 Elena 2012 Elena 2013 Seljm 2014 Juno 2015 Elena

BEST ELAPSED TIME VINTAGE CLASS Archibald Reid Trophy 2008 Altair 2009 Mariella 2010 Sumurun 2011 Bolero 1948 2012 Mariella 2013 Sumurun 2014 Mariella 2015 Atrevida BEST ELAPSED TIME CLASSIC CLASS Antigua Slipway Trophy 2007 Diva 2008 Eleonora 2009 Stormvogel 2010 Aschanti IV 2011 Elena 2012 Stormvogel 2013 Stormvogel 2014 Whitehawk 2015 Elena BEST ELAPSED TIME SPIRIT OF TRADITION CLASS Antigua Sails Trophy 2008 Ranger 2009 Rebecca 2010 Rebecca 2011 Velsheda 2012 Firefly 2013 Wild Horse 2014 Rainbow 2015 Rebecca BEST ELAPSED TIME GRP CLASS Sunshine Trophy 2012 Godspeed 2013 Petrana 2014 Desiderata 2015 Desiderata

Trophy Winners BEST ELAPSED TIME TRADITIONAL CLASS Windy Ridge Marine Services Trophy 2007 Genesis 2008 Genesis 2009 Ocean Nomad 2010 Mageeta-O II 2011 Zemi 2012 Zemi Alwyn Enoe Trophy 2013 Genesis The Kenny Coombs Memorial Trophy 2014 Genesis 2015 Genesis BEST PERFORMANCE

BY A LOCAL YACHT A & F Sails Trophy 2008 Genesis 2009 Mariella 2010 Summer Cloud 2011 Mariella 2012 Mariella 2013 Mariella 2014 Mariella 2015 Mary Rose SMALLEST CLASSIC Ann Wallis White Trophy 2008 Springtide 2009 Springtide 2010 Springtide 2011 Springtide 2012 Springtide 2013 Springtide 2014 Springtide 2015 Lorema

LARGEST CLASSIC Ann Wallis White Trophy 2006 Ranger 2007 Aiglon 2008 Adela 2009 Rebecca 2010 Rebecca 2011 Marie 2012 Athos 2013 Kairos 2014 Chronos 2015 Chronos OLDEST CLASSIC Marine Power Services Trophy 2009 Thalia 1889 2010 Galatea 2011 Atrevida 2012 Coral of Cowes 2013 Dione 2014 Coral of Cowes 2015 Coral of Cowes SPIRIT OF THE REGATTA Seahorse Studios Trophy 2008 Pouncer 2009 Veracity 2010 Galatea 2011 Rosa 2012 Charm III 2013 Angus Davis 2014 Rainbow 2015 Windjammer BEST CHARTER YACHT Nicholson Yacht Charters Trophy 2008 Eleonora 2009 Windrose 2010 Lone Fox 2011 Lone Fox 2012 Lone Fox 2013 Sincerity 2014 Whitehawk 2015 Whitehawk

MOST RESTORED YACHT Woodstock Trophy 2008 Thalia 2009 Korby 2010 Galatea 2011 Bolero 1948 2012 Eilean 2013 Dione 2014 Adventuress 2015 Seefalke II BEST PERFORMANCE GAFF RIGGED YACHT Dunlin Trophy 2008 Eleonora 2009 Eleonora 2010 Old Bob 2011 Elena 2012 Tuiga 2013 Adventuress 2014 Coral of Cowes 2014 Elena SHORTENED COURSE Comfort Zone Trophy 2009 Old Bob 2010 Usquaebach 2011 Cora 2012 Cora 2013 Malamok 2014 Lilly Bolero MOST PHOTOGENIC YACHT Tropical Studios/ Tim Wright Trophy 2008 Thalia 2009/10 not presented Den Phillips Trophy 2011 Elena 2012 Tuiga 2013 Adventuress 2014 Grayhound 2015 Sweetheart

SINGLE-HANDED RACE Carib Bean Coffee Cup 2011 small boat: Nada large boat: Galatea Classic Dinghy: Too Cool 2011 small boat: Springtide large boat: Libertine 2012 small boat: Sunshine large boat: Kate 2013 small boat: Aquila large boat: Saphaedra spitit of Tradition: Spirit of Rani 2014 small boat: Springtide large boat: The Blue Peter spitit of Tradition: Flight of Ufford 2012 small boat: Frolic large boat: Saphaedra BEST DRESSED CREW Tree House Body Shop Trophy 2006 Selijm 2007 Heron 2008 Raindancer 2009 Veracity 2010 Old Bob 2011 Alert Jane’s Yacht Services Trophy 2012 St. Briac 2013 Mary Rose 2014 Lilly Bolero 2015 Dragonera VOTED MOST RESPECTED YACHT BY REGATTA PARTICIPANTS John Leader Trophy 2013 Charm III 2014 Grayhound 2015 Coral of Cowes BEST YOUNG SAILOR OF THE YEAR FitzRoy Trophy 2015 Leo Goolding

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New Trophies FitzRoy Cup The FitzRoy Cup is awarded to the “Young Classic Boat Sailor of the Year”. Contestants must be under the age of 30 and it is they who vote for the winner amongst themselves.

The award is named after Vice-Admiral Robert FitzRoy RN, who achieved lasting fame as captain of HMS Beagle during Charles Darwin’s famous voyage (FitzRoy’s second) to Tierra del Fuego and the Southern Cone.

Originally the even more famous Admiral Nelson was also a possible choice, as both Nelson and FitzRoy had their first commands at the very young ages of 20 and 22 respectively. Since the cup is supposed to celebrate youth and the sea, these two gentlemen were perfect examples of brilliant seamanship. However, FitzRoy was favoured in the end because of his profound humanity and the deep respect that he inspired in his crew.

The cup is a “Marine Themed” George II presentation silver tankard, made in 1759 by William Shaw & William Priest of London. The baluster body is finely engraved with a three-masted warship underway and flanked with an inscription reading “the gift of Stpn.

Puckinson / to Willm. Walton”.The donor liked it because it represents a ship of the rank around the heyday of the dockyard period; both Nelson and FitzRoy would have served on such vessels (the cup is old enough for both Nelson and FitzRoy to have possibly held the tankard in their hand – we can but dream!). The tankard itself is also symbolic of what all sailors (good and bad) do when they reach a shore. Drink!

The first winner of this prestigious award in 2015 was Leo Goolding, pictured here, not least for his laudatory achievement in crossing the Atlantic singlehanded in his tiny 25ft Folkboat Lorema to race in the Antigua classics.

photograph by tim wright

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