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Gloves on at Cowes Classics Ladies Day
A relaxed second day at the Classics saw female helms donning fashionable finery.
The ladies turned out in outfits that would not have disgraced Ladies Day at Ascot - the only difference being that there they would not have been required to ride the horses, whereas here some helming was expected.
Photo and report: Martin Smith
After the rigours and setbacks of the Round the Island, the BCYC regatta settled into relaxed mode with the non-counting Ladies Race on its second day. Why results of events specifically for female helmspersons should not count in the overall points total can best be explained by race organizers, but undoubtedly crews were happy to have some light duties and a late start after yesterday's circuit of the rock. Perhaps, even, it was the lack of testosterone on the helm that brought about a universally enjoyed day in the midst of a twisty and compact course. And it should act as a reminder to all that these affairs are far more enjoyable if indulged in without the calculated misconception that is handicap points gathering. As has been said previously, if you want to race seriously, get a one design.
Following a calm start to the day, the breeze picked up steadily from around 11.00, and by the 13.30 start a more perfect situation for competitive yachting could rarely have been dreamed of; though most blissful reveries would not have included the gargantuan container ship that scraped the Cowes outcrop near the finish-line, before heading abruptly to starboard prior to disgorging its contents at Southampton.
Talking of disgorging its contents: our more than rule-fulfilling 'lady' on the Laurent Giles Brittany Class, Droleen did admirably well to not do this with those of her stomach, as she was laid low by a bout of seasickness shortly before the start. The state of mal de mer, in fact, was a blessing in disguise. As she lolled on the rail, she was spared having to focus on the remaining, admittedly non-macho, males on board make a total mess of reading the buoys and laying courses. Ninth in class resulted.
The red meat-only barbeque that rounded off the day had a fancy dress theme of 'naughty-cal', and this brought out a procession of surprisingly camp pirates, Vikings with plastic willies and one gay bishop, which though topical may have missed the point; or simply been genuine.
Classic Boat, 23 July 2008
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