Stoneways Managing Director Keith Lovett shares his thoughts following the Taittinger RSYC Regatta.
A busy few days for the Stoneways Team, racing their classic 1972 Ecume de Mer – ‘QT’, starting on Thursday, with an evening race in the ever popular and highly competitive Royal Motor Yacht Club series in Poole.
Friday morning saw an early start, to deliver the boat to Yarmouth, Isle of Wight which was rewarded, by sunshine and 15 knots from the Southwest, providing a glorious spinnaker reach from Poole and into the Solent. Sailing past the Royal Lymington YC, round 4 of the UK Cape 31 series, even some exciting racing to watch enroute in Christchurch Bay. Once safely berthed in Yarmouth Harbour and registered we had time to catch up with clients before heading to the legendary, Taittinger Champagne reception.
Saturday morning saw another early start with alarms set, to head out for the first race of the Taittinger Royal Solent Yacht Club Regatta. A bleak sail to our Committee Boat, just off Lymington, gusting in the mid 20 knot range, wind against tide having built boisterous seas across the Solent and the call for a small jib and reef; not a difficult decision. Crossing the start line marginally late, whist others struggled with the wave pattern and significant ebb tide, helped secure a safe windward slot, however as one of the smaller boats racing in the White Groups NHC Class B, larger yachts were soon coping with the conditions somewhat better than the diminutive QT. Nevertheless, rounding the windward mark in the top 5, keeping us in contention. With gusts now up to 30 knots, another easy decision to keep even our small spinnaker safely stored below, for a long run across to the Island shore. Unfamiliar with the racing marks in the area, a poor mistake, following others to an incorrect leeward mark, cost us heavily, pushing us back to the pack at the back of the fleet, loosing around 6 or 7 places in the process. Undertaking to spend far more time concentrating on the course and mark locations, we gritted our teeth and clawed our way back to 6th place in race one.
With gusts now notching 32 knots, the Black Group heading into the serenity of Yarmouth Harbour, 6 of our 14-boat fleet made the call to likewise head for home. A very quick debate on board and we were lining up for the start of race two. With an unbiased line, we headed for the biggest and safest gap bearing in mind the conditions, intending not to be rolled by larger boats. Heading inshore as far as we dare to avoid the tide and find some slightly flatter water, ducking without question on the way back out on port, making it safely up the first beat in the leading pack. Holding on down wind, now the smallest boat still on the water in our fleet, we knew a good result was guaranteed, crossing the line in third with only larger boats not very far ahead. The results soon confirmed that we had won – wet and tired returning to Yarmouth to recover. Part of that recovery, including attending the annual, Towers Summer Party, hosted by Island legend and Yarmouth One Design sailor; John Caulcutt. Thanks to John and his efficient team for a brilliant evening, superb bands, and stunning fireworks.
Bleary eyed on Sunday morning, a far more palatable Solent awaited, starting off in 10 to 15 knots continuing to prevail from the West. Lying in third place overall, we had everything to race for, the crew all entirely focused. We felt a very slight favour to the outer distance so hit the line sailing fast, exactly where we wanted to be, alas a Swan 36 far larger than us had similar thoughts and was soon overhauling us. Not content to sit in dirt, we sailed off low giving us space to tack, ducked our fellow competitor among others to climb into clear air to windward of the fleet. Able to sail our own race, we worked up to the windward mark, sailing in full speed mode and crossing most of the boats that we had ducked, including our new friends in the Swan. Rounding the windward mark in the lead, however hitting significant ebbing tide, caused the inevitable bunching of the fleet rounding behind us. With our Stoneways spinnaker set, a long run east and across to the Island shore, with few gaps between the fleet we fought to stay ahead. Predictably the Swan 36 did overhaul us, we were however able to stay in contention and not too far behind, racing boat for boat with a well sailed Contessa 28. Saving our time on the Swan we were able to pick up another win, taking our Class win for the regatta by a heathy 6-point margin.
With a couple of our team ashore to attend the prize giving the upwind sail back to Poole followed. Fortunately, catching the last of the ebb though Hurst and 20 knots across Christchurch and Poole Bays. Only when entering Poole Harbour did gusts peak, back up into the low 30’s adding a final challenge to get safely back into our berth at Parkstone Yacht Club. Tired, elated, great times with clients and friends, Stoneways will be back at Taittinger in 2026, for the excellent regatta so professional run by the Royal Solent Yacht Club in 2026.
You can see the full class results here