Portsmouth Regatta 2018 sponsored by Sunsail

Overall winner Jon Modral-Gibbons receives the Portsmouth Regatta Cup from Regatta Director Adrian Saunders accompanied by James Foot of Sunsail © Paula Flack

As far back as the 1830s Portsmouth Regatta was a major event in the City's calendar. In 2014 with the Victory Class and the Portsmouth Sailing Club it was reborn to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Royal Albert Yacht Club. Since then it has grown in size and significance and this year on 9/10 June it was certainly the year's most prestigious sailing event in the Eastern Solent.

A mix of sun and cloud with varying wind strengths produced challenging conditions for all classes but particularly the black group consisting of Solent IRC Series, Club Class J109s and Sunsail Fast 40 fleet. The white group, Victorys, Squibs and Tempests managed four excellent races on day one and therefore were content with two races on day two. Racing ended at midday on Sunday with wind dropping to force 1.

With support boats there were almost 90 vessels on the water, making it the largest sailing event in these waters for many years. A social event on the Saturday evening in the Royal Naval Club&Royal Albert Yacht Club attracted 130, many of whom enjoyed free beer from sponsors Fullers.

200 attended the prizegiving at Hornet Services Sailing Club where, in bright sunshine, excellent prizes were made possible by principal sponsors Sunsail, together with Wight Link, Hyde Sails, Camber Wines and RS Divers.

Overall winner Jon Modral-Gibbons sailing Tempest Born Slippy, received not only the Portsmouth Regatta Cup but the Tempest National awards, decided at the Regatta.

Miles Linington, Regatta Chairman, thanked the team for their hard work throughout the last year making the event possible. In particular he mentioned Russell Peace, Sailing Secretary and Adrian Saunders, Regatta Director, whose untiring energy had made a good regatta into a great one. Preparations are already in hand for the 2019 event to be held on 8/9 June. Very many of this year's entrants have pledged to return and at least one additional class is expected.

Sunsail UK Marketing Manager James Foot raised a cheer when he announced that all participants will qualify for a 15% discount on Sunsail holidays and charters.

The official Regatta charity, the Andrew Simson Foundation, the Sailing Charity, held a raffle, which was very well supported.

For full results and further information about Portsmouth Regatta 2019 please go to www.portsmouthregatta.org