The Overall Results for the 2021 Season are in and Skylark has won her Class under the AFYT Ranking of classic boats racing in France. The Trophy will be presented in December at a Prizegiving Dinner in Paris on the banks of the Seine.
This is a prestigious award as many boats sail more regattas than Skylark. It rewards consistency which is one of the features of Skylark’s performance. It will be interesting to see how we do with Baruna in 2022 – will we be able to replicate Skylark’s performance? She will be a harder boat to sail but we will have more space in which to do it, on most occasions ahead of the chasing fleet.
Straight off the regatta in Cannes, Skylark arrived in busy Saint-Tropez … it almost felt like old times. The boats were packed into the port, the crowds bustled on the streets and the exotic cars cruised along the promenade. The Voiles was back.
The Irish classic yacht Erin cuts across Skylark’s bow leading to a protest. She was later disqualified.
Race 1 took the classic fleet out of the Bay in a triangular course. Skylark sailed well but the breeze was not quite strong enough for her to get going relative to the smaller lighter boats. She finished 4th on handicap. In the evening the crew enjoyed a fabulous dinner aboard Talitha which ran late into the night. Very late into the night.
Race 2 Day 2 was a race to remember run in 30-35 knots of wind (see separate report). Skylark achieved an impressive 2nd place just behind Stormy Weather. In the evening the crew visited friends aboard the classic motor yacht Shemara.
Exciting startling action from Race 2
With famous Dutch naval architect Andre Hoek joining the crew alongside mentor Tommy Tom Tom Mainsheet, Skylark had another great day on the water posting a conservative but consistent 3rd place. On this result she was tied 1st place in the regatta overall with Stormy Weather. But there was likely still a discard to come … which never helps Skylark’s consistent results.
Race 3 start with architect Andre Hoek supporting Tommy Tom Tom Tom
Going into the last race, Skylark had noticed that the penalty for being OCS at the start was proving to be minimal so we pushed it. We needed to beat Stormy and so it was a risk worth taking. Ducking and diving we were a metre overt he line as the gun went and lost one place overall as a consequence. Sadly this dropped us from 2nd Overall to 3rd Overall for the regatta. Naughty Headmaster …
Final Race 4 start – pushing our luck on a likely discard
BlueBird Bubbles salutes the return of Skylark from her last regatta of 2021
Customary water fight ensues – now becoming an end of season tradition
Do any other boats have this much fun?
It gets serious …!
And so ends another season … is that Skylark’s 10th full season? 11th in total. And what a great season it was. Fabulous racing, brilliant crew, amazing boat handling and driving from our talented team, led by one of the most passionate gentlemen in yachting. Bravo Skylark. You are awesome. Chapeau TG! You are brilliant.
This beautiful trophy was once presented to speed king Sir Malcolm Campbell in Geneva 1938 by the predecessor of the United Nations. It is a stunning Art Deco piece of silverware made by Garrards of London. These days, the stunning trophy his competed by sailors … it is a Challenge between Sailors of the Sea. In its 10th Edition, the owner of Skylark challenged the owners of three other famous S&S sailing boats – Stormy Weather, Manitou and Blitzen.
BlueBird Cup Film 2021
Stormy arrived early at the start, tactician Graham Sutherland securing an early position on what was a short tactical startling between the main masts of Talitha and BlueBird. Manitou, owned by Hamish Easton and Blitzen, owned and helmed by Sir Charles Dunstone with olympic gold medallist and America’s Cup tactician Giles Scott assisting him on tactics.
Skylark, helmed by her owner, came at speed from above the line and rolled over all three of her competitors to win the start. The yawls sailed higher angles than the large sloop Blitzen which allowed her an opportunity to recover. By the first mark Blitzen had a small lead and from there was always giving disturbed air (turbulence) to the slower boats behind her. Blitzen finished nearly four minutes ahead of her rivals which won her the Blue Bird by two minutes on corrected time.
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After the race was over, and crews were soaked by large water pistols fired by the BlueBird crew, all competitors boarded Talitha for a fabulous prize giving party.
There are a handful of days over a decade of racing that will be etched in our memories – and Day 2 of Voiles 2021 was one of those days. Warm sunshine, flat blue turquoise water, an offshore breeze and a long downwind run against a big fleet of competitive boats … it doesn’t get much better. The startline was positioned off the tower on the wall of the Port de Saint-Tropez and required a downwind approach which was not easy due to the bias of the line and the short runway near the harbour wall. Skylark was only a few seconds late on the line but well positioned for an optimum angle run all the way to the mark. It was certainly neither a day to gybe or to sail dead downwind, with a death roll and the mizzen effecting the set of the bigger sails.
Temple on Guy (not the captain. Tommy Tom Tom multitasking winding things. Booms kiss the water
The loading in the mizzen sheets was extreme and there was a visible bend in the wooden mizzen mast. As each gust came thru Rich on the mizzen would ease the sheets to try and depower the backend of the boat to reduce weather helm and drag underwater. It was a difficult task with a fine line between the sails set pulling 110% power and collapsing and refilling, punching 150% shock load into the rig.
Hoisting the headsail to reduce weather helm and depower the spinnaker – as Blitzen broaches to port
The Milky Bar Kid (Mogensie) took on the enviable task of trimming the kite in the gusty shifty conditions. Only once did the spinnaker collapse. On another occasion we launched into a slow broach with the wheel on full lock. It was a graceful round up and the long-keeled Skylark carried speed right through the incident, both booms in the water in the same gust that wiped out the larger faster professionally sailed Blitzen.
Tommy Tom Tom on mainsheet calling the gusts and inspiring MBK to greater things …
After the first downwind where Skylark held her own against both Blitzen and Stormy Weather, a long upwind followed where Skylark seemed unbalanced, with too small a headsail and too large a main. Consequently she was unable to hold her lead over Stormy who sailed past faster and higher to windward. Gusts over 30 knots rolled over the course and Stormy continued to lead the way onto what was, eventually, a race winning performance.
Towards the top mark and tacking onto the lay line, it soon because apparent that Skylark’s nemesis Comet had retired having split her boom in two. Another large yacht Iduna also retired with a dramatic split in her main mast around the first spreader.
Skylark made good gains on the 2nd downwind by not flying her spinnaker – the 2nd upwind got even more windy. Milky Bar gets a soaking
Ease! Ease! Ease! Depowering the overtimed main
Top gusts were over 35 knots as Skylark headed towards the finish. With a soaked and tired crew Skylark continued her pursuit of Stormy Weather.
On a normal day these over canvassed gaff riggers keep up with us … but not today. Offshore design – Offshore conditions – Offshore performance
It is days like this that make Skylark’s crew appreciate and value a strong, well prepared boat. At no time were any of the crew worried about the boat’s design or integrity – a testament to her original design back in 1937 but also credit to the professional crew (Martin, Mark, Sarah & Tony) who love and look after her. And a passionate owner who treasures restoring and preserving beautiful things … for ever more.
BlueBird sees over 50 knots on her way between Cannes and Saint-Tropez. From a flat calm day the tempest came from nowhere and hit the classic yachts. At the height of the storm BlueBird stands by the fleet to assist the smaller yachts under sail.
Cannes is always a competitive event for Skylark and her entirely amateur crew. Is it the flat water? The shifting breeze? The configuration of the race courses? Earlier nights for the crew? We will never know.
Race 1 Day 1 kicked off with a traditional course around the bay. Breeze was strong and Skylark was alive. An exciting start began the race with the fabulous Ken & Barbie joining the crew – MasterBates running middle deck and Barbie supervising crew calmness, confidence and control.
For this week Skylark enjoyed the support of JP from North Sails on the main supporting Squiffy Hawkins who, in fairness, probably knows more than anyone. About everything. Especially car racing. And helicopters. And … well lots of things really.
For Race 2 Skylark decided (not the dodgy tactician) that the pin end of the line was favoured and, without software to assist, would attempt a time on distance run at the pin end. It went oh so beautifully wrong – but very nearly right. By two seconds in fact. But that was two seconds too much and Skylark was early, gybed at the buoy and came back across under the fleet on port. It mattered not in the end as Skylark performed well and achieved a top 3 result.
The start that was ever so nearly right. But wasn’t.
A late drop at the leeward mark beautifully executed soaking down from above the layline
NAUGHTY MOMENTS CANNES 2021
Race 3 was again a classic Cannes course around the bay but with stronger breeze. JP on main sailed her more like a modern boat and in breeze this appears to be faster. MBK coils his Genoa sheet whilst we sail slightly fuller upwind.
Race 4 start was another exciting affair with Skylark crew showing excellent boat handling skills. Comet again pulls out a great result and there seems little Skylark can do at this regatta to match her.
Several close encounters with Meerblick on this race appears to be a hangover from previous events. In this scenario they claim to be protesting us for passing inside the yellow markers depicting the limit of powerboats near the shore. By pointing to the flag that is clearly not evident they demonstrate that the protest is invalid before it’s even heard.
Some great crew work on Skylark sailing her pre-start like a dinghy. Squiffy and Tommy working together on the main (did I just type that?). Mogensie trimming the Genoa with great skill and coordination. The boats ahead at the pin stack up – we tack away on the header onto port and have a good lane upwind on the first leg.
All the most enthusiastic owners, captains and crews gathered one evening for the inaugural meeting to the VCYC – Vintage Classic Yacht Club – to discuss plans for future events in 2022 and beyond. Jono masterfully conducted the meeting covering a large number of proposals and comments. Trophies were presented to the winning boats over a civilised cocktail or two aboard Manitou, Rowdy and Chinook.
A challenging rounding in light breeze with Stormy and Racluta. By maintaining better boat speed we sail right round the outside of Stormy and keep clear air on Racluta. Again great crew work means we can take advantage of complex scenarios like this and, on average, come out on top. And that is the philosophy we want with Skylark – the more complex the day or the situation the better we perform as, on average, our crew work and coordination is just that little bit better than those we race against. Our challenge now is to maintain this intensity onboard Baruna where we won’t have boats close around us all the time.
Another lovely late drop with excellent crew work and coordination. Following White Wings around the last mark just ahead of Manitou
After a long, hard day on the water Squiffy Hawkins let’s off a little steam. His job was to screw in a little block.
Skylark crew Mark, Sarah and Captain Martin pick up the prizes for another podium finish
Some say … success at the pinnacle of any sport is a carefully balanced combination of preparation, determination, dedication, technique, 100% commitment and … experience
In sailing … on Skylark … our ‘Talent-on-the-Team’ initiative takes sporting excellence to a new level. Strength & stamina are key performance indicators for influencers of the Breakfast Club
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Headmaster meets German Frers to view his fine new boat Racluta. Meanwhile, Stretch prepares.
Classic Week in Monaco is a biennial event and one not to be missed when it comes around. It’s a very different atmosphere to all the other regattas for two principle reasons – firstly it’s staged in the centre of the amphitheatre that is Monaco, over looked by Monte Carlo. Second, beautiful motorboats are invited too! This creates a wonderful ambiance bringing the two aspects of classic yachting together with, occasionally, the most beautiful car or two.
In 2021 both BlueBird and Skylark participated. BlueBird focused firmly on the Prix d’Elegance and other prizes rewarding quality, history and prestige. Skylark meanwhile, was there to win.
The second day of the regatta was cancelled sadly due to a large swell which rolled across the race course and into the harbour making it uncomfortable aboard the boats.
On Day 3 the Race Committee made brave call to send the fleet upwind on a distance race to the new port of Ventimiglia
Despite a pretty good start Skylark was rolled off the line by Comet which took her breeze. Skylark was unable to tack off and struggled to maintain Comet’s pace. In hindsight watching the video, it was likely too much traveller on Skylark for the wind and wave conditions. As the boats ploughed their way upwind towards Ventimiglia thy tacked close to the shore on Cap Martin, right under the big house once owned by Coco Chanel.
Unbeknown to Skylark the race committee shortened the course at the headland and sadly valuable time was wasted sailing parallel to the finish line. As we approached Ventimiglia one of the underwater boats lost its mast. It was windy and bumpy out there.
As the fleet waited patiently to be moored in the harbour, it became evident that a spectacular lunch was in store.
An excellent band greeted the hungry sailors upon arrival in Ventiniglia
Once dried out and replenished with plates of pasta and local Italian wine, crews enjoyed camaraderie and dance into the afternoon. But more was in store … a long windy full on run back to Monaco.
Crews from about 40 boats dined together on the quayside of the new port hosted by classic yacht owner and Captain of the Port GianBattista Borea.
Skylark had a great downwind start at the favoured end of the line alongside her nemesis Meerblick and soon pulled into the lead under full spinnaker. It was great fun surfing down the waves at 10-11 knots. Skylark led the fleet all the way to the finish and took line honours and victory on corrected time.
Monaco Classic Week is also well known for its parties at the Yacht Club de Monaco hosted by Prince Albert and YCM President Bernard d’Alessandri. Skylark friends Carsten, Mimi & Charlotte partied into the night along with another lovely lady who made a big impression on friendly members of Skylark’s afterguard …
Yacht Club de Monaco hosts the fleet on its moorings in the Port
Befitting an event of such importance and prestige, there is a Parade of Sail organised by YCM in front of the port. All boats were invited to participate. The parade was led by SS Delphine with MY BlueBird close behind.
When the final day dawned it was a light wind affair, testing the most hardened of helms, tacticians, trimmers and crew.
Skylark started the final race at the other end of the line to the fleet but there was little gained or lost – but at least she had clear air.
Final day Parade of Sail
At the end of the first beat Skylark arrived at the same time as Meerblick but was unable to use her starboard advantage as she did not keep clear. Skylark chose not to protest
Bluebird’s talented chef Conner won the prestigious Best Chef Award but was relegated to 3rd Place on a technicality.
At the final mark of the regatta Skylark again closed up on Meerblick who again infringed her at the mark. Skylark again chase not to protest. Consequently Skylark finished the regatta in 3rd Overall with Meerblick 2nd and One Wave in 1st. Skylark’s main rival Comet finished 4th.
The regatta held on the Italian Riviera in the port of Imperia, located between Monaco and San Remo, is one of the favourites on the classic yachting calendar. Not only is the racing excellent, but the atmosphere shore side is just fabulous with great music, fireworks and a warm welcome from the residents of the town.
The 2021 regatta went ahead despite the problems with Covid still evident in Europe. The fleet comprised many top boats including Comet, Skylark’s near sister ship and nemesis, crewed by top sailors including an Olympic medalist straight from Tokyo.
Race 1 started in a fresh breeze blowing from the east set around a triangular course along the coast. Comet and other competitive boats sailed well on the first beat and at the top mark Skylark trailed by several minutes. A better spinnaker set and close reaching staysail allowed Skylark to close right up to Comet by the gybe mark. But unfortunately, Skylark’s gybe did not go well and the kite wrapped on the forestay just at the point where Comet was vulnerable. On the spinnaker run Skylark overtook Comet but was not far enough ahead by the finish to win on corrected time.
Each night after racing the Skylark crew cycled along the coast. On several evenings this involved a cycle track which passed through the old train tunnel. After, the crew dined at Ristorante Lanterna Blu where friendly local Chef Massimo created the most spectacular dishes and enlightening conversation.
The highlight for the rest of the regatta was a windward mark incident where Skylark and Comet met on opposite tacks. Skylark approached on starboard building speed and, when Comet tacked into a lee bow position beneath her, Skylark rolled right over her forcing her to tack two more times.
The fabulous racing was complemented by camaraderie with Hamish on Manitou. Great stories late into the night.
At the end of the regatta Skylark was tied on 5 points in First Overall with Mariella and Rowdy. On countback to break the tie she dropped to 4rd with Comet 2 points behind on 7 points in 4th.
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