Spirit yachts

A record eleven Spirit yachts attended this year’s British Classic Week regatta in Cowes. A fleet of yachts ranging from Spirit 37s up to a Spirit 65 competed in the six race series, which took place in the historic waters of the Solent.

After a week of competitive racing, Spirit 52 Oui Fling triumphed in Class 1 (Modern Classics) to take home the class win and the regatta overall trophy.

On behalf of Oui Fling, Gareth Griffiths commented, “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. Considering what we have all faced in the last twelve months, it was so wonderful to be back on the race course in the throws of quality competition.”

Despite tricky, light winds at the start of the week, the regatta was able to hold all six races in the series, as well as the annual Ladies’ Race in which Spirit 52 Happy Forever placed third in the fleet.

Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford came second overall in Class 1, followed by Spirit 52 Happy Forever in third. Spirit 65 Chloe Giselle also took home silverware for winning line honours and overall first place in the Spirit Yachts sponsored passage race on the final day of the regatta.

Happy Forever also picked up the Je Ne Sais Quoi award for the best looking yacht as voted for by regatta entrants. Spirit 63DH Gwenhyfar was awarded the regatta seamanship trophy after her crew performed a well-executed “man” overboard manoeuvre to rescue a wayward spinnaker.

As well as enjoying the action on the water, the regatta gave Spirit owners and crew the opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet new faces and have a look around each others’ yachts.

In addition to the nine racing Spirits, Spirit 46 Ondine of Ipswich enjoyed the regatta as a cruising entry and the eye-catching Spirit 111 Geist watched all the action from her perfectly-positioned mooring opposite the Royal Yacht Squadron and the regatta start line.

Watch a video of the Spirits at British Classic Week here.