Fowey Royal Regatta 2024: A Premier Sailing Event in Fowey, Cornwall
Fowey Royal Regatta 2024
17–23 August 2024
The Royal Fowey Regatta is a spectacular visual celebration. Jointly organized by the Royal Fowey Yacht Club and Fowey Gallants, the regatta welcomed around a hundred boats to its annual August event.
The event kicked off with nearly thirty vividly colored Fowey River dinghies racing across the starting line off Albert Quay. The Fowey River class is based on the Yachting World 15′ knockabout dinghy, designed by Reg Freeman in the late 1940s, encouraging enthusiasts to build their own boats. This class has recently seen a resurgence thanks to new contributions from local boatbuilder Marcus Lewis.
Fowey, renowned for hosting J Class yacht races in the 1930s, offers both harborside and bay racing experiences. This year’s competitors also included the Troy day boat fleet, which was designed in the 1920s by the late Archie Watty for racing in the harbor. Named after Sir Arthur Quiller Couch’s Fowey-based novels, the 18ft wooden day boats feature tall rigs intended to capture the breeze from the surrounding green hills.
The inshore fleets, comprising Dinghies and local classes like the Troys and Fowey River boats, engaged in fiercely competitive races amid strong, gusty winds. Alan Harris clinched victory in the Troy class, while Andy and Suzy Matthews triumphed in the Fowey River class.
The event commenced with feeder races from both Plymouth and Falmouth. A Cruising division enjoyed a series of windward/leeward and round the cans races in the bay from Tuesday to Friday. The Friday races, sponsored by St. Austell Brewery, featured the Tribute Trophy, which was won by Robert Fletcher in his Beneteau 34.7, “I Say Ding Dong,” in the IRC Class. Meanwhile, Harry Houlding secured victory in the YTC Class with his Sadler 25 “Dakota.”
Adding to the regatta’s appeal, eleven Falmouth working boats participated, magnificent gaff-rigged Cutters that served as living relics of a bygone era. These impressive vessels were seen tacking gracefully in close quarters past the clubs and quays filled with spectators. This year’s remarkable in-harbor race on Wednesday afternoon was claimed by Nellie May.
A highlight of the week was the junior race, with 29 young sailors competing in 20 boats. For many, it was their first experience of competitive sailing, showcasing the promising future of the sport.
In addition to the sailing contests, there was a full schedule of shore-side events for non-sailors, including a classic car parade featuring two hundred vehicles winding through the picturesque streets of Fowey. Both the Royal Fowey Yacht Club and Fowey Gallants collaborated to host the Regatta, extending gratitude to all volunteers who make this event possible. The race committees performed admirably under challenging conditions, ensuring the week was packed with thrilling racing. Thanks also go to the competitors, and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year for another warm Fowey welcome. Mark your calendars for 16th to 22nd August 2025!
For full results, visit www.foweysailing.org/page/regatta-2024-entries-results.
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.
I delight in, cause I fohnd just what I used
to be taking a look for. You have ended my foiur
day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day.