CLYC ran its 56th Annual Inter-Livery Regatta on the 16-18th May in Cowes, and we had a record number of boats competing – 23 in the main fleet and 3 in the Sonars. Within the fleets we had 15 different Livery Companies represented, all vying for the trophies.
The weekend started off with a wonderful buffet at RORC Cowes, to welcome in the crews and kick off proceedings. There was a heady mix of competitiveness and camaraderie amongst the attendees, with no table plan for the evening allowing Livery Companies, City Sailing Series racers, and CLYC members to mix ahead of the racing.
Each boat sent a representative to the briefing at 08:30 in the Yacht Haven, where the Race Officers set out the information for the day. There was a bit of cloud cover and a puff of breeze, but the forecast predicted the clouds would clear and the wind would drop right off. Unfortunately, the forecast was correct. The Race Team managed to get a race started for Class 1 and Class 2 of the main fleet, but most recounts are that this was a tricky race with exceptionally light airs, battling with the tide, and searching for those handy back eddies! With the wind dropping further, there was a shortened course and an AP up after all had finished to see if a second race could be sailed. The call was made mid-afternoon that there was not sufficient wind for a race to be completed within the overall time limit for the day, and the boats were sent back ashore. With a later start arranged for the Sonars than the main fleet, they were unlucky not to get on the water.
We were honoured to be joined on the Saturday by the Aldermanic Sheriff Gregory Jones KC and his wife, Rosali, on behalf of the Lord Mayor, and they headed straight out onto the water from the Royal Yacht Squadron after their long journey down from the City and across to the Isle of Wight. They had wonderful hosts for their trip in John and Nina Cavanagh, and were able to meet many of the competitors as they visited the boats on the water and when they returned into the Yacht Haven.
The weekend was rounded off with the wonderful Presentation Dinner at the Royal Yacht Squadron. We were privileged to be joined during the drinks reception by the Commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron, The Hon. Sir James Holman, who gave us a warm welcome to our meal. After the superb meal, we received an interesting talk from one of our CLYC members, Sharon Lee, who is a volunteer medic aboard trips by the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust – who CLYC were supporting during the event.
Following a short speech by the CLYC Commodore and the Race Officer, Peter Chugg, it was time to present the trophies, excellently managed between our CLYC Commodore, CLYC Admiral, and the Aldermanic Sheriff. The results of the weekend can be found here: RESULTS. To close a wonderful evening, the Aldermanic Sheriff delivered an enthusing speech as to the importance of the Sea to GB and world trade.
Hope to see you all next year for the 57th Annual Regatta!
If you have any photos of the weekend you would like to share with CLYC, please upload them to this link: Photo Sharing