2024 Hamble Classics Regatta: Celebrating the 9th Edition of Friendly Racing Excellence
2024 Hamble Classics Regatta – 9th Edition: A Friendly Affair
31 August – 1 September 2024
A warm and calm Friday afternoon welcomed the 2024 Hamble Classics Regatta fleet, with racing kicking off on Saturday morning under a stiff northeasterly breeze. The welcome reception at the RAFYC featured shanty singers from nearby Titchfield, setting the perfect tone for a lively weekend filled with camaraderie. Organizers Jonty and Vicki Sherwill greeted yacht owners, their crews, and event volunteers, expressing gratitude to the co-hosting clubs, RAFYC and HRSC, along with event sponsors for their generous support.
After a breakfast briefing for skippers on Saturday, PRO Peter Bateson and the HRSC race management team established the racecourse nearby East Knoll mark at high tide, providing a lengthy first leg to Darling Buoy or the Royal Southern mark. Windward-leeward courses were set for most classes, while the two Gaffer divisions enjoyed a leisurely single long race each day around the Solent cans.
The wind gusted around 20 knots in the early afternoon, allowing Rick Tomlinson to capture thrilling moments of yachts under spinnaker. By the end of the day, the IRC and two Regatta classes completed two long races, with three races for the XOD class and a single race for the Gaffers. Crews returned to RAFYC eager for a glass of Dark ‘n’ Stormy during the Elephant Boatyard-sponsored Rum Party, expertly managed by volunteer Jackie Peck. The Spinlock Day Prize Giving commenced soon after, with each class winner receiving a ‘Deckvest’ life jacket.
The weekend’s busy agenda continued as crews and guests gathered for the Hamble Classics Supper at ‘RAF’, where delicious food was provided by ‘Rumshack’. The evening’s highlight was the customary auction of promises to support the event’s charity, Wetwheels. Generous donations from Hamble Yacht Services, Meon Springs, OneSails, and various others led to more than £1,000 raised for Wetwheels, enabling disabled individuals and their carers to access the sea safely and meaningfully.
A drastic weather change greeted the fleet on Sunday, bringing bright sunshine and an 8-10 knot northeasterly breeze. Though the start line was again set near East Knoll mark, the prospect of a fading breeze led to shorter courses for all classes. By midday, only a few yachts reached the finish line, leading to the abandonment of racing for the day, while the more powerful yachts assisted in towing the dayboats back.
At 3:30 PM, six class winners and runners-up received engraved classic-style wine glasses at RAFYC, with several special awards presented. The Shorthanded Tea-for-Trophy went to the beautiful BB17 ‘Joan’, sailed singlehandedly by owner Graham Smyth. The Kismet yacht model was awarded to Eric Robert’s ‘Phizz’, a regular offshore winning yacht from the 1950s. Vicki Sherwill received the Norlethe Picture Trophy for her inspiring efforts in maintaining the event’s success.
In the IRC Class, David Heritage’s immaculate West Solent One-Design ‘Harlequin’ triumphed, also earning the overall Concours d’Elegance prize. Following closely were Tim Yetman’s ‘Suvretta’ and Philip Cotton’s Cal40 ‘Breeze’, the latter also securing the 2024 Concours winner for best GRP Yacht. The popularity of the event was further evidenced by the participation of Claire Locke’s WSOD ‘Enchanted’ and Richard Hargreave’s ‘Aeolus’ from Cowes, along with numerous notable yachts in various classes.
The Regatta 1 handicap class was fiercely contested, with Jonty and Vicki’s historic red dayboat ‘Cockleshell’ emerging as the only class finisher on Sunday, winning the class by a narrow margin. Meanwhile, the Regatta 2 class showcased keen competition as the Borge Bringsvaerd-designed ‘Joan’ and Ignacio Oliva-Vélez’s BB11 ‘Cygnet’ led the way, with other impressive entries adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
The two Gaffer classes comprised a remarkable display of traditional yachting, featuring both vintage and modern boats. Notable entries included David Aisher’s 1888 ‘Thalia’ and Simon Williams’ 1921 Starling Burgess-designed 6-Metre ‘Sheila’, which clinched victory in the Gaffer 1 class.
In the 7-boat XOD class, after winning their first race, Gary and Claire Rossall’s ‘Little X’ fell behind Peter Baines in ‘Felix’. Edward Fitzgerald’s ‘Kathleen’, helmed by Eliot Motherwell, secured third overall in a highly competitive fleet.
As the Concours d’Elegance Awards were supported by the Salcombe Distilling Co., winners received a bottle of their excellent Start Point Gin, with each bottle sold contributing to RNLI support. Key figures in the racing’s smooth execution, including PRO Peter Bateson and various race team members, were also recognized during the awards ceremony.
With many yacht and gaffer owners committing to return in 2025, the 10th Hamble Classics promises to be yet another memorable celebration of classic yachting. For the 2024 race results and the Concours d’Elegance division winners, please visit hambleclassics.co.uk.
Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.