British Classic Yacht Club Regatta 2009
— posted on August 1, 2009
In addition to the racing programme the BCYC Regatta includes a full social programme.In fact, as a participant now over 3 years, stamina to complete each race is matched only by the stamina needed to muster the crew, organise the tickets, agree fancy dress, remember the location for each event, and remain standing throughout!!The 2009 BCYC Regatta was no exception…Sunday July 19thArrive Cowes Yacht Haven and berth as directed on berthing plan18.30 Assemble at the Royal Yacht Squadron for drinks and canapes, this year Pimms and crispy nibbles. Amazingly, given the July weather, we were all able to enjoy catching up with fellow members, crew and guests whilst taking in the magnificent view of the Solent. The Pazienza crew present were Richard and myself plus Tom and Ben. Tom had recently brought Pazienza back from the Caribbean and Ben, as a fellow student at Plymouth, had been in the 4 man crew. Kitting out for the evening meant Tom and Ben were not in their customary shorts and flip flops but (almost) unrecognisable in jacket and tie. Ties had proved a challenge for other crew members also - a big thanks to Ben’s parents for visiting an emporium in Newport and coming to the rescue! After downing a number of Pimms we reluctantly left the Squadron and headed off to greet 3 more crew members who had travelled from France. These were Loic, Francois (organisers of the Transat Classique Lagasse) and Xavier a member of the Pazienza crew for that transat. And supper on board beckoned.Monday July 20thFirst racing of the Regatta, a training for us as we had not all sailed together previously.19.30 Assemble at the Waterside for the Seafood BuffetA very splendid platter of seafood, including delicious crab, lobster, prawns and smoked salmon were attacked with relish. One of the challenges of the Regatta week is always providing food at the right time and in the right amount - not forgetting liquid refreshment. So we were all very ready for the seafood. Again the weather was kind and there was an opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones.Tuesday July 21stThe much anticipated Ladies Day!19.30 The Crew Fancy Dress Party: theme ‘Famous Classics’. Venue the Corinthian Yacht Club. After much deliberation the crew of Pazienza, in deference to the French contingent, had decided upon honouring the Breton tradition. So white trousers, with stylish blue and white striped shirts were the order of the day. The latter had been carefully transported from Brittany - together with hairpieces to add to the flavour of the costume. (One hair piece worn with a high degree of panache was more locally sourced.) The short walk from the Yacht Haven to the Corinthian Yacht Club was fun as we encountered other groups also Crew Party bound. These did include several other groups attired in Breton costume. The crew of Lutine were impressively turned out in spinnaker dresses, spinnaker snuffer, attractive navy dresses (no names) and the skipper sporting a very natty earring! Their dancing was a joy to behold and they certainly got everyone into the swing with the excellent Accelerators keeping the tempo moving. The most amazing costume, and winner for the best overall, was the crew of Aeolius who came as the Owl and the Pussycat, complete with the Moon and the Piggy-Wig. Other costumes included Admiral Nelson, (no prizes for guessing who this was), a stylish flapper and several gentlemen in the dress of the early years of the first century who offered blessings to all. This was the night the skies opened and the queue for the splendid barbecue was enlivened by standing in running water! The evening also featured the customary charity auction. The Commodore had selected Toe in the Water and an excellent insight into the work that they undertake was provided, followed by the auction of a number of items. The sum of £1,000 was raised. Energetic dancing continued with several encores called for and it was past midnight when the majority of revellers headed boatward - though a small number remained….Wednesday July 22ndRacing abandoned for the day due to forecast19.00 Dockside party and aboard Thelma. As usual Wendy and Gary laid on a magnificent spread and the fore and aft decks of Thelma were crowded as people enjoyed the food and company. As the Je Ne Said Quo judging continued boats were vying with one another to attract visitors aboard with liquid attractions. This made for a very entertaining evening. All were thinking ahead to the following day and an early start for the Round the Island Race.Thursday July 23rdAround the Island RaceThe Pazienza crew were strengthened by Dee Caffari and Harry Spedding who both bought humour and great sailing expertise to Pazienza’s enthusiastic crew. See Dee’s diary entry athttp://www.deecaffari.co.uk/diary.php?id=494&nav_month=7&nav_year=2009
A wonderful and eventful race with interesting conditions and sights including various spinnaker incidents - Pazienza included…Evening free for unwinding and enjoying crew company….Friday July 24thFinal day of racing.19.00 for 19.45 Prize Giving Dinner at the Royal Yacht Squadron. The tables were named in honour of Solent and Isle of Wight landmarks. A splendid 3 course meal was served and such was the number of trophies to present, for the racing - by class including the beautiful newly presented Lutine Cup, for the Spirit Yachts, - for the best fancy dress and for the Je Ne Sais Quoi, that they were awarded in stages at the start and between the courses. It was approaching midnight before the event drew to a close.Saturday July 25thOver for another year. With the sail past cancelled there were more leisurely departures from the Yacht Haven. And Loic and Francois had also, between racing and attending the social events, promoted the Brest Classic Yacht Festival 2010.