A Month Out from the Cup Regatta.
RYCV, the host Club for the 2024 Cup Regatta- Image Patch Clapp
Back in the early days of the CYAA Cup Regatta, when I organised the event alongside the much missed Col Bandy, we didn’t really have much idea what we were doing. Col was of the belief that Wooden Boat sailors didn’t like to use email, (it was the early 2000’s) and so he insisted that all digital communication had to be followed up by a physical postal mail out. We got big numbers to the first couple of events, through sheer hard work, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the reluctance of boat owners to commit early, making it stressful for those of us who are emotionally invested in the event!
Interestingly the bookings for the Boat Shed party are through the roof. It looks like we are going to have cap numbers so if you are thinking about coming get onto it!
The racing fleet did however get a boost this week with commitment from Tim Phillip’s to bring and race the magnificent STORM BAY. This is a rare occurrence for this legendary fishing boat. As a near sistership to Percy Coverdale’s WINSTON CHURCHILL, she will not only be a stunning addition to the fleet but also provide a living narrative on the interwoven fabric of fishing and racing boat design, from this part of the world.
STORM BAY in full flight on the Derwent.
Another boat already entered is Scott Taylor’s recently restored MARIE LOUISE III. Designed & built by Savages in in 1954 she will be making her back way up to Williamstown (the port where she was concieved) from Geelong. Scott, through his business Vicsail Geelong has been a great supporter of the event and his cruising 8 meter with her distinctive green hull, adds an aristocratic touch to the eclectic fleet of timber craft.
KA1 Image Patch Clapp
And of course the backbone of the fleet will be the eight One Design Tumlaren. With their own event on the Friday, which will bring wooden boat sailors together from all around Australia and New Zealand, the yachts will then be passed back to their custodians to compete in the Regatta proper on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd November.
Four of the eight Tumlaren racing in the Cup Regatta.
So now the call to action! Get your Entries in! Relieve some stress from your humble event organiser!
It’s easy. Just Click the link HERE for everything you need to know.
And if there’s something you can’t work out just fire off an email.
In the words of Kevin Rudd… “we’re here to help!”