Spirit 52 Oui Fling wins British Classic Week and dates set for 2022

This year’s British Classic Week, hosted by British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC), took place in Cowes from 17 to 24 July 2021. The BCYC Trophy for the regatta overall winner was won by Baron Irvine Laidlaw and his Spirit 52, Oui Fling.

This year’s British Classic Week attracted 50 classic sail and motor yachts to Cowes for a week of sunshine, sailing and socialising. Despite challenging light conditions at the start of the week, the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) race committee led by race officer Dai Prichard successfully went ahead with all six races in the series, as well as the annual Ladies’ Race.

Regatta overall winner Oui Fling also won Class 1, whilst 8mR Helen sailed a near-perfect week to win Class 2 and take home both the Best Placed Metre Boat and the Ladies’ Race trophies. Class 3 was won by BCYC Regatta Chairman Michael Briggs in his Clyde Linear 30 Mikado, and a highly competitive Class 4 was won by Chris and Victoria Preston in their West Solent One Design Suvretta.

On behalf of Oui Fling, Gareth Griffiths says: “Firstly, thanks from the Oui Fling crew have to go to all those that organised such a fantastic event. Considering the challenging conditions, to be able to get all races completed was a remarkable achievement.

“As a team we were very happy to face a tough challenge posed by some superb competition. Talented crews and well-prepared yachts throughout the fleet were clearly demonstrated in the results by having a number of alternate winners in all sizes of yachts on different days.”

The two longer passage races (sponsored by Classic Boat magazine and Spirit Yachts respectively) took place at the end of the week, when competitors enjoyed winds of up to 17knots and some classic champagne sailing.

BCYC Commodore Jonathan Dyke says: “With the challenges presented by covid and the lack of a title sponsor, the planning phase of the regatta was tough at times. Thanks must go to all our sponsors and regatta organisation team for successfully delivering a truly fantastic event. The dock was buzzing all week with people delighted to be back out on the water, sailing their beautiful boats and catching up with friends old and new. We look forward to seeing everyone back in Cowes for next year’s regatta from 16 to 23 July.”

British Classic Week 2019 regatta overall winner and owner of Whooper, Giovanni Belgrano, comments: “It’s been fantastic to be back at British Classic Week, we are so grateful to be back here, with our friends and crew, and to see the other beautiful boats.  Even without a title sponsor, the regatta is still a class act.”

Further event support came from OneSails GBR, which sponsored a day’s racing, as well as Suffolk Yacht Harbour and traditional chandlery Classic Marine. Also new for 2021 was the regatta’s charity partner, Tall Ships Youth Trust. The charity was at the event onboard one of its Challenger yachts, raising awareness of the valuable work carried out to support disadvantaged and disabled young people across the UK. 

Katie Craven (18), says, “The week was an amazing opportunity to meet loads of amazing people that I never thought I would meet. I had a smashing time on the water racing in the Ladies’ Race and I got to show off my skills that Tall Ships Youth Trust taught me, and we smashed it! I’m so happy I had this opportunity and would love to do it again.”

On Friday evening, guests and prize winners celebrated a vibrant week on the water and ashore at the final prize-giving dinner. 

Best placed gaffer was awarded to the beautiful gaff cutter Kelpie, and best presented new entrant was won by the recently restored sloop Clarionet. Voted for by regatta competitors, the overall Je Ne Sais Quoi trophy was won by Spirit 52 Happy Forever.

Speaking of Oui Fling‘s win, Griffiths adds: “Considering what we have all faced in the last twelve months, it was so wonderful to be back on the racecourse in the throws of quality competition. The crew of Oui Fling really look forward to the next regatta and hope very much that everyone will continue to attend.”

A full list of prize winners, racing results and photos can be found on the British Classic Week website.

Images courtesy of Chris Brown.