CLYC Inter-Livery Regatta 2024

The 55^th Inter-Livery Regatta grew in its offering throughout the weekend and cumulated with presentations by the Lord Mayor himself, The Right Hon. Alderman Prof. Michael Mainelli.

From Friday lunchtime the Cowes Yacht Haven slowly filled with more and more boats.  Some crews having sailed together for years, some having only just met on the mainland. One by one adding to the marina atmosphere…mainly excitement but tainted with an air of concern that the forecasted low winds on Saturday could put pay to any racing at all.

The Friday evening welcome party at the Royal London Yacht Club provided the perfect environment for crews to bond.  Plans were being discussed about alternative activities to the sailing for the following day.

On Saturday morning the Race Officer, Peter Chugg, delivered the race briefing at 0830.  Forecasts were not looking favourable, and he warned that careful listening to radio updates would be necessary.

From the Race Box, the Race Officers monitored the forecasts, movements of other boats out on the water and the water itself. At one point the Solent was described as a mill pond.  It was looking like there would be no racing at all, the mood was low.

At 1000 the first race postponement of one hour was issued.  Crews could relax with their coffee.  At 1100 the postponement was extended for another hour.  A total of two hours waiting, by which point the mood really had dipped.

Then, at exactly the end of the two hours, and to herald the arrival of the Lord Mayor, wind from the Western Solent arrived.  It was quite literally all hands on deck with the short course issued, the same for both classes: Gurnard (RS), Trinity House Bouy (LS), Royal London (RS) and finish at Snowden (LS)

For the first race, both starts were very good with all boats setting off within two minutes of their start time.

The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress joined senior Flag Officers on board a yacht at the Royal Yacht Squadron and wasted no time chasing after the racers.  With the Lord Mayor at the helm, they were hot on the heels of the competitors.

After the first race finished the second started as soon as practically possible. But with some not having adjusted to the change of tide direction, and the winds beginning to drop, the second race proved a little more challenging.  Full race results can be downloaded here:

Class 1

Class 2

With yachts back to their berths it was time to walk up to the Royal Yacht Squadron for the Presentation Dinner.  The setting was stunning, the sunset glorious, coupled with excellent food and service.

For the first time, City Livery Yacht Club members were delighted to link with the City Sailing Series.  Three boats from the Series raced and the points they achieved at the Inter-Livery Regatta will have an impact on the Series’ overall results.

Another first for 2024 was the Club Boat, put together by Rear Commodore Daryn Hufton-Rees, which included individuals sailors for more liveries across the City.

A real honour for all present was the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress joining us for the evening and presenting the winners with their well-deserved trophies.  Commodore Gp Capt Peter Bingham announced the results, many met by wonderful reactions of surprise.  To top off the weekend, the Lord Mayor presented the converted Lord Mayor’s Cup to the triumphant crew of the Leathersellers boat Kusima, she had Helen Marasha at the helm.

Congratulations to all and we hope to see you again on 16^th and 17^th May 2025.

2024 Winners

To view more photos from the weekend visit the gallery.