With only one week until the 2012 Pendennis Cup, thirteen entries have been confirmed to participate in the race, promising to be the most exciting yet. The final list is the double of the feet that have taken part in the 2010 regatta and includes an impressive number of 40m + yachts. A large number of the sailing yachts is already in Falmouth and have begun sailing around the bay, practicing race tactics, putting the crew through their paces and gaining an understanding of local tidal and topographic influences. The crews are excited about the exhilarating unpredictable dramatic conditions of UK waters.
Port Pendennis Marina 21 June 2012
All yachts in the fleet will see fierce competition as competitors from previous regattas will battle alongside an expanded fleet for the honours. The schooner Adela is a regular visitor to Pendennis having been rebuilt by the yard in 1995, and is sure to be crewed by many locals due to strong Cornish links that have grown over the years. Adela was presented with the Pendennis Cup in 2010, so will be defending her title vigorously.
This year we welcome the sailing yacht Athos, who at 61.2m is the world’s largest privately-owned two-masted schooner and one of the world’s most technologically sophisticated classic sailing yachts. It will be fascinating to see her perform against such an impressive fleet, and in particular another first timer charter yacht Eleonora (built 2000) built as an exact replica of the gaff schooner Westward.
Both Mariette (1915) and Mariquita (1911) have raced in Falmouth before, and their elegant beauty always draws a mini fleet of spectator boats whilst at sea. Sailing yacht Mariette is a stunning Herreshoff designed classic gaff schooner, and Mariquita a 38m William Fife Gaff Cutter which still maintains many historic traditions including wearing traditional sailing uniform as they did when they showcased the yacht at the Queen’s jubilee pageant. Both are experienced in the international racing circuit and are regular competitors in Classic Yacht regattas. Mariette is sure to be feeling highly competitive after her recent win at the Westward Cup.
The more modern yachts that have confirmed entry include Bare Necessities, Bequia, Breakaway, Unfurled and Velacarina. Aside from Velacarina all are newcomers to the event. We also have a fleet of smaller yachts in Class 3 that, although not as impressive in stature, are just as competitive. This fleet includes Tomahawk, Mikado and Firebrand.
The racing is organised by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, with the daily battles taking place against the beautiful backdrop of the coastline surrounding the area running from Gull Rock situated North off the Roseland Peninsula down to the Manacles which are located by the Lizard Peninsula further South. The entrance to the harbour, overlooked by the castles of Pendennis and St Mawes, will provide a striking start and finish line, with each race following a pursuit format. Yachts will be presented with awards at the final ceremony and party to be held at the spectacular Pendennis Castle on Saturday 7th July.
The fleet will be moored at Port Pendennis Marina throughout the week and easily seen from the town’s main Events Square or the viewing gallery at The National Maritime Museum, Cornwall. A race office situated in Events Square will provide the public with an overview of the participating yachts, a daily update on the performance of the yachts and race conditions, as well as screening footage from the previous days’ racing. The public will also be able to see some of the on-water action from Pendennis Point, Gyllyngvase Beach and St Mawes.
With just over week to go, the yachts are arriving daily and the excitement building before the first race kicks off at 11:30am on Tuesday 4th July.
