The 2nd edition of the Westward Cup in Cowes this week saw charter yacht Eleonora E (ex Eleonora), sailing yacht Mariette and Mariquita superyacht, the three Big Class yachts participating in this popular race, go through four days of the best and worst that the British weather could provide them with. The owners as well as their guests have been enjoying this prominent and amazing invitational yachting event organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron, the New York Yacht Club and the Yacht Club de Monaco since Monday.

Charter yacht Eleonora E (ex Eleonora) in all her racing glory at the Westward Cup 2012. Photo: Chris Boynton

A number of difficult weather-related decisions have had to be taken by the PRO, David Aisher, who stressed that all decisions relating to course-setting have been taken in close collaboration with the owners and their captains on a daily or twice daily basis. “This has been an inclusive event,” commented Mr Aisher, ‘with the owners enjoying a wonderful week of good racing and great social events. Everyone has been supportive of the race management this week, despite the difficulties we have been facing with the weather.”

The opening day of racing on Tuesday was challenging enough, with wind speeds ranging from 15-18 knots lowering to 5 knots along parts of the course by the afternoon. That distinct lack of wind at the beginning of the week ended up forcing a decision to cancel racing altogether on Wednesday.  Thursday morning’s racing was superb for all three yachts but by the afternoon the winds had increased from the south-east, strengthening to 20-25 knots and Mariquita yacht’s Captain, Jim Thom, took the decision not to race in the afternoon. The remaining competitors raced in the Eastern Solent achieving some excellent speeds but the sea state was very lumpy by the time they had completed Race Three in the overall series.

By this morning, the forecast was looking to wreak havoc with the Royal Yacht Squadron’s Race Officers’ course plans, as 40+ knots were being reported in Hurst Narrows!  Two yachts managed to get in a short race this morning with charter yacht Eleonora E taking line honours ahead of Mariette superyacht. The sailing yacht Mariquita’s team took the decision early on not to go racing in potentially damaging winds.

With the Solent forecast for tomorrow showing predicted gale force winds gusting to 50 knots, it has been agreed to abandon all further racing in the Westward Cup 2012 so there will be no racing on the final day, Saturday 16 June.

Results for Race Four Friday 15th June

1. Eleonora
2. Mariette
3. DNS

Overall Results after Four Races

1. Mariette = 5 points
2. Eleonora = 9 points
3. Mariquita = 12 points