Hamble Classics A Friendly Fleet

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A wonderfully varied fleet of classics ranging from Dragons to Lutine to Jolie Brise gathered for the second edition of Hamble Classics, hosted by the Royal Southern Yacht Club in September, a strong turn-out of 64 boats cementing the two-day event’s place as the season-closer for all classics within reach of the Hamble River.

The fleet, based at the Royal Southern’s Prince Philip Yacht Haven, was split into eight classes, with tight racing out in the Solent.

As well as a Regatta Class for traditional designs, organisers created a new IRC Zero division this year, for two Spirit Yachts, the new 52D Oui Fling owned by Irvine Laidlaw and Michael Hough’s 65ft Chloe Giselle, which went up against Richard Loftus’ Sparkman & Stephens Swan 65 Desperado, a yacht designed at around the event’s pre-1971 eligibility benchmark.

Light northerlies – a contrast with the windy conditions of 2016 – produced new winners in some classes, while in others established performers showed consistent form. Giovanni Belgrano’s all-conquering Whooper again dominated IRC1, the class boosted this year by the much-admired Sparkman & Stephens designed 43ft