Suffolk Yacht Harbour (SYH) proved its annual Classic Regatta is still the centre of classic yachts on the east coast with 50 classic and modern classic sail and motor boats signed up for this year’s event. Despite high winds, the regatta delivered a two-race series and a spectacular showcase of yachts, with entries ranging from 1872 to 2008.
The optional Friday night race was won by Baron van Hoevell designed 'Boomke' yacht Samphire, as the rest of the fleet tinkered and prepared for the start of the series on Saturday morning. After bacon sandwiches at SYH on Saturday morning with high winds, featuring gusts of 40knots, and heavy rain, the race committee decided to set a course in the Orwell and Stour rivers.
Setting off from a committee boat line opposite SYH, the Gaffer Class followed by the Yachts Class sailed the same course, which took them upwind from the line to Shotley Point. Rounding Shotley Horse to starboard most of the fleet opted for white sails only as they sailed down wind up the picturesque River Stour to Stour No. 1. Rounding the mark to port, it was back to Shotley Horse and a series of windward / leeward legs in the River Orwell.
Shoreside spectators were not only treated to a fantastic view of the racing from SYH, but also the parade of motor yachts. Utilising the recreational zone that is not speed restricted, the fast class (predominantly comprising Fairey Marine motor boats) showed off their historic prowess as speed racers, whilst the beautifully maintained slow class opted for a more elegant cruise. Following the parade, both motor boat classes set off for Ha’Penny Pier at Harwich to dry off and for some much needed refreshments.
SYH Managing Director Joshua Major commented, “We had a record number of motorboats entered this year, which was fantastic. Out of a fleet of 22 boats, 11 were built by Fairey Marine, which demonstrates SYH’s growing reputation as a “Fairey hub” for refits, maintenance, and bringing together the active community of Fairey owners.”
On Saturday, once ashore back at SYH and having made the most of the marina’s hot shower facilities, crews settled in to enjoy live music, wood-fired oven pizzas, and complementary beers. Haven Ports Yacht Club LV98 lightship was buzzing following a wet and wild day on the water with smiles all round.
Sunday brought slightly less breeze and brighter conditions but with winds still blowing 25 knots out at sea a river course was set for the second race of the series. With the wind out of the east, the Gaffers followed by the Yachts Class (many having shaken out the reefs from the preceding day) sailed upwind from the committee boat line to Shotley Horse. Rounding to starboard, the downwind leg to Ramsey Round in the River Stour was significantly calmer than the day before allowing for spinnakers to be hoisted. Rounding Ramsey to starboard, it was back up the River Orwell for a series of windward/leeward legs before a finish on the committee boat line.
Whilst the sailing yachts enjoyed their Sunday racing, the motor yachts cruised upriver in company to Royal Harwich Yacht Club for lunch and camaraderie before rejoining the fleet for prize giving back at SYH late afternoon.
Once the results were in and the regatta committee had deliberated on the non-racing prizes it was time to award the trophies. The Yachts Class (encompassing Stellas, Slow and Fast Class yachts from previous regattas) was won overall by S&S Sloop Sunstone, owned by Will and Jenny Taylor Jones, with Kim Holman designed Phialle in second, and Solani Sloop Malwen in third. Gaff cutter Fable won the Gaffers Class with Nightfall in second, and the mighty 19m 1911 pilot cutter Cornubia in third.
Will and Jenny Taylor Jones, owners of Sunstone, said, “We’ve thoroughly enjoyed ourselves yet again! Great regatta, great company, and beautiful boats. Looking forward to next year.”
New for 2024, the ‘Je Ne Sais Quoi’ trophy went to 1949 Solani sloop Malwen, owned by Justin Miller.
SYH Chairman Jonathan Dyke commented, “Malwen is a well-deserved winner of the Je Ne Sais Quoi as she absolutely embraces the ethos of the regatta: beautiful, well sailed classic yachts with owners and crew who enjoy all the camaraderie ashore. Malwen is a loyal supporter of the event, turning out every year with her smiling family crew, including young children. The yacht is well maintained and gradually over the years she has climbed her way up the results, finishing third overall this year.”
Justin Miller, owner of Malwen commented, “Thank you (SYH) for a wonderful regatta. We had a great time on Malwen and we look forward to being back again next year.”
In the motorboats, the Fairey Marine Owners Trophy went to Chris Wright and his Fairey Huntsman 31 Trident of Hamble. The French Marine Motors trophy was awarded to newcomer Sea Plough, a Fairey Huntsman 28 owned by Ben Clegg. The Fast Motor Boat trophy was awarded to Lewis Culf in his Fairey Huntsman Seapray and 1919 Thornycraft classic motor boat Morn won the Slow Class.
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