Despite the grey weather in Southern England yesterday the first day’s racing of the Pendennis Cup had plenty of excitement, with a very close start all the yachts were jostling for position, and this action was closely followed by a broken mast on Tomahawk as she approached the first mark! All the yachts, except Tomahawk whose mast is being mended by Pendennis Shipyard today, are out sailing and sure to provide another exciting report at the end of the day’s race.
The Pendennis Cup 2010:
Weather: 15 mph from SW, scattered showers
Course: Beat towards the Helford, downwind leg to Gull Rock, upwind to the Manacles, downwind reach to the finishing line off Pendennis Point.
Super Sailing Yachts at the The Pendennis Cup 2010
As the sea mist hung over the harbour, Day 1 of the Pendennis Cup began with a dramatic start in the Big Class as sailing yacht Adela, Mariquita, Mariette and Velacarina planned their approach to the start line. Superyacht Mariquita was set flying with her working topsail and Mariette with the jackyard. With one minute to go all four yachts were on starboard approaching the line jostling for position with Velacarina to windward. As the countdown commenced it was extremely tight with the red protest flags raised on three of the yachts and Velacarina hitting the pin as she crossed the line. Mariette held the lead over the line followed by Adela on the first beat to the windward mark towards the Helford River.
The Pendennis Cup 2010 - Classic Superyacht Race
The small class followed 10 minutes later, a less dramatic start perhaps, but still a wonderful sight watching Pinuccia and Tomahawk dominating the harbour. Pinuccia was first over on port tack. However it wasn’t long before their class had its own drama as Tomahawk’s mast broke right at the top just as she approached the first mark, meaning she had to retire early.
The Pendennis Cup 2010 - Bowsprit
Throughout the first third of the race Adela, Mariquita and Mariette remained close, chasing each other up to the first mark before rounding and setting the downwind sails. Adela rounded first followed by Mariquita and then Mariette who over stood the mark. Quite a spectacle with the spinnakers of Adela and Mariquita and Mariette with the gollywobbler flying.
It was a dramatic sight as they passed between Gull Rock and the Roseland Peninsula, the fog-shrouded cliffs behind them. After passing round the mark Adela really took control of the race, taking a heading towards the coastline whilst Mariquita and Mariette sailed out to sea, planning for a later tack. Velacarina followed the coastal line too, but without the sail volume of the larger boats she fell behind. Adela soon disappeared off into the clouds towards the Manacles, whilst Mariquita and Mariette battled for second place. Mariquita tacked inshore to St Anthony lighthouse and took advantage of a wind shift opening up a good lead on Mariette, gaining on Adela.
Sailing yacht Adela led the reach to the finish followed by S/Y Mariquita, Mariette and Velacarina. A superb day on the water not without drama with a steady wind all boats heeled over, cap rails in the water, providing a stunning sight for the following fleet of over 12 spectator and press boats.
The organising committee for the Pendennis Cup is made up of representatives from Pendennis and POFSA. Falmouth Week takes place annually in early August. Falmouth Week is the 2nd largest sailing regatta in the UK – rivalled only by Skandia Cowes Week.
Classic Superyacht Sailing to Windward at The Pendennis Cup 2010
Entries to the 2010 Pendennis Cup Sailing Regatta:
Repair and refit work by Pendennis
Yacht Adela
LOA 55.5m
Beam 7.9m
Hull Colour White
Sail Number 27
Yacht Mariette of 1915
LOA 38m
Beam 7m
Hull Colour Blue
Rig Type Gaff Schooner
Yacht Mariquita
LOA 38m
Beam 5.2m
Hull Colour White
Sail Number C1
Rig Type 19m Classic Gaff Cutter
Yacht Tomahawk
LOA 49’
Beam 11’6”
Hull Colour White
Sail Number 226
Rig Type Yawl
Yacht Pinuccia
LOA 48’2”
Beam 8’2”
Hull Colour White
Sail Number GBR22
Yacht Velacarina
LOA 25.88m
Beam 5.69m
Hull Colour Green
Sail Number GBR6869R
Rig Type Bermudian Ketch
Yacht Zarik
LOA 14.55m
Hull Colour White
The five days of competitive racing during the Pendennis Cup will be complimented by a shore side entertainments programme allowing Owner’s, Captains, Crew and our event sponsors to enjoy the delights of our home port of Falmouth.
Pendennis Shipyard:
Pendennis are the UK’s premier builders and refitters of the worlds finest Superyachts. Building on hundreds of years of local maritime heritage, Pendennis has become one of Cornwall’s most important employers – with just over 350 highly skilled trades people based at their 6.5 acre prime water front location in Falmouth.
POFSA:
PoFSA was set up to promote sailing in Falmouth. Helford River Sailing Club, Flushing Sailing Club, Mylor Yacht Club, Restronguet Sailing Club, Royal Cornwall Yacht Club and St Mawes Sailing Club are all members of Port of Falmouth Sailing Association. PoFSA co-ordinates over 300 sailing events in the Fal/ Helford estuaries annually. From Village Regatta, to Club Racing, to National Class Championship, to Falmouth Week there is something on offer for all sailors.
