Mariquita Book - mk2.5

RYS BICENTENNIAL, COWES
27 – 31 JULY 2015
Not everything always goes to plan. These are complex boats.
Things do happen that you can’t legislate for. Jamie Matheson
2015 was the year the Royal Yacht Squadron
achieved its bicentenary. To mark the
occasion the Squadron hosted an invitational
regatta to bring together as many clubs and
friends as possible
from around the
globe to share their
common interests
and love of sailing.
Twenty-five yacht
clubs from around
the world were
invited for five
days of racing in a
200 strong fleet. The range of yachts was
mouth-watering. Sir Charles Dunstone’s
yacht Spectre contested a competitive IRC
Fleet sailing alongside classic beauties such
as Saskia, Tomahawk and Mike Slade’s grand
prix racer, Leopard. The J-Class also had a
four strong fleet with Velsheda, Ranger and
Lionheart joined by Rainbow. The weather
during the last week in July was stormy
with 30-40 knot winds recorded on the
Monday. Mariquita
sensibly took the
day off and kept her
powder dry for the
Wednesday when
the Race around the
Isle of Wight was
scheduled. The day
dawned bright and
sunny, with lighter
winds of 15-20
knots, perfect for Mariquita who started at
8am. Two hours later the Js and 8-Metres got
away. As the firing of the canons signalled
the final start, RYS member and race officer
Jonathan Peel remarked, “That’s it ladies and
gentleman: two years’ work – up in smoke!”
312