More than 40 sailors and eight boats enjoyed lively conditions at the 77th RAYC Annual Offshore Regatta at Yarmouth on Saturday 12 September. It was particularly good to welcome a mix of familiar and new faces, including a strong contingent of young Gunners from 7 RHA, for a regatta that brought together serving personnel, veterans and civilian sailors for some excellent competitive sailing.
The weather certainly played its part, with south-westerly winds of Force 5–6 and occasional gusts reaching Force 7 providing lively and challenging conditions. Racing got underway at 10am and, despite a little early confusion over racing marks and navigation, all eight boats were safely back in Yarmouth by 2pm. As one crew suggested beforehand, there was always the alternative navigational strategy of simply following Ben Archer and Tim Crump around the course!
Kusima, skippered by Ben Archer, won the Bantry Cup, with Kevin Raine’s Buster runner-up, taking the Nawabzada Cup. In the Bhopal Class, Robin Bolton’s Ellie B took first place, with Al Wicks and Avalon securing the Morgan Trophy as runners-up. 7 RHA, skippered by Tim Crump, won the Admiral’s Cup for Best Unit, while Rob Giles on White Knight collected the Solent Plate as the youngest skipper.
The day concluded with the traditional prizegiving and dinner at the Royal Solent Yacht Club – always an important part of the Gunner Regatta and a chance for crews, families and supporters to enjoy the evening together. Our thanks go to Race Officer Rudi Forston, Susie Breare and everyone at the Royal Solent Yacht Club who helped make the racing and evening such a success. Attention now turns to next year, with a few lessons already captured – not least making the racing marks a little easier to navigate!
Regatta Prize Winners
Bantry Cup (1st Place): Kusima, Ben Archer and crew
Bhopal Cup (1st Place): Ellie B, Robin Bolton and crew
Admiral’s Cup (Awarded for Best Unit) – 7 RHA, Tim Crump
Nawabzada Cup (Bantry Class Runner-Up): Buster, Kevin Raine and crew
Morgan Trophy (Bhopal Class Runner-Up): Avalon, Al Wicks and crew
The Solent Plate (Youngest Skipper): Rob Giles on White Knight
Dates for 2027 Offshore Regatta
The 2027 regatta is scheduled for the weekend of 17–19 September, with the main racing on Saturday 18th. We look forward to seeing even more boats and crews.
For more information about our regatta and offshore sailing plans for 2027, please contact our Rear Commodore Offshore, Lt Colonel AJ Layden RA.