Sunday, August 16, 2015

JOLLY ROGER Champagne Shower @ J/24 Taittinger Regatta

J/24 champagne celebration- Taittinger Regatta- Yarmouth, England (Yarmouth, United Kingdom)- The Taittinger Regatta last year was a sunny weekend in July and we enjoyed the champagne reception in the warmth of a perfect summer evening. As we left Yarmouth in 2014, I’d already penciled in the 2015 dates.

In contrast, Taittinger 2015 bathed us in a cool summer sea mist, perhaps sea drizzle is a fairer description, but it did nothing to dampen the spirits of the regatta’s champagne reception!

Charles Stanley, our fantastic hosts, made us most welcome and our thanks to the Race Office and Angela, especially, for their efforts in getting the J/24’s our own start. We had a diary clash with another regatta which made it difficult to get more J/24’s on the line, but hope that next year we’ll be able to make more of an impression on the start line.

Yarmouth welcomed us again and it has a quaint charm all of its own that’s a treat to walk through.  A special mention should be made of the Towers Party and fireworks, which is a great event alongside the sailing.

It’s great to race alongside the other fleets, a well organized course made the western end of the Solent feel spacious, although they had many fleets to fit in. We found the challenge of Solent tides a shock – ‘Winning Tides’, a new coffee table essential in preparation for next year!!!

The Saturday saw us race in challenging tide and a gusty breeze and Sunday’s forecast gave even the most seasoned sailor a cause for concern.  The consistent crew work of JOLLY ROGER meant a well-deserved 1st place.  Congratulations!

Despite the windy weekend, the dates for next year’s regatta are in the diary. It really is one not to miss!  Thanks to the George Hotel for a lovely evening with JOLLY ROGER, PYC Girls Sailing TEAM and with a guest appearance from our European Champions- MADELEINE.  For more J/24 Taittinger Regatta sailing information