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.
Images above ©James Robinson Taylor
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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