Photos by Martin Augustus @sailingimages.co.uk Photo by Sian Bowler
Cowes Week was fantastic and we had some intense and very competitive racing. Whilst the weather and tidal conditions led us further to the west on average, we explored most of the Solent during the week. The spectators loved seeing us start from the shore whilst the mainly lunchtime starts meant that the party goers and commuters could have a fairly leisurely start to the day. We have some improvements to make as part of ourwash up which we are working on. The CCYC staff and members were especially welcoming and very helpful with their crane when several of us found Baxters ledge and other parts of the shoreline.
XL, our youth bursary boat had a great week finishing in 16th place overall including a fabulous 9th place, aptly on Youth Day. It would be good to see more bursary entries next year and if you can help please talk to your divisional Committee.
The Cocktail party, supported by Navigators and General Insurance, and the raffle supported by Hattingley Wine, Jonathan Clark and Sanders Sails, saw X5 Madcap win a voucher towards the mooring or entry fee to next year’s Cowes Week.
Speaking of next year it is the bicentenary of Cowes Week. It would be lovely to see numbers back up to where they should be. We hear of many boats being bought back into racing condition, so hopefully we’ll see more boats next year especially with next year’s excursion to France and the centenary of the Captain’s Cup to look forward to in 2030.
Lastly, a word often associated with X91, ‘congratulations’ to John Tremlett, Fraser Graham and Tim Copsey on a fantastic win at Cowes Week, not only winning our Fleet but also the White Group and Cowes Week overall. Given the size and competitive nature of our fleet compared to others this truly is an amazing achievement.
For the Yachts & Yachting report on day 7, click on the link: https://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/288888/XOD-Captains-Cup-at-Cowes-Week-Day-7
Martin Augustus was taking photos at Cowes Week and took many super shots of the XODs. Click on the link: https://www.sailingimages.co.uk/-/galleries/cowes-week-2025/xod-class-cowes-week-2025
Rory Paton
Class Captain, August 2025
Photos by Mags Norris