Westward Cup Regatta – Mariette averages nine knots around 38nm course

by Peta Stuart-Hunt on 8 Jul 2010 Westward Cup Regatta, Cowes, UK. Day two report.

Taking into consideration their immense proportions, a large crowd of spectators in Cowes, were thrilled at the sight of an incredibly close-run finish between the Big Class yachts racing at the inaugural Westward Cup Regatta taking pride of place on Solent waters this week. The Herreshoff-designed Mariette took line honours and won on corrected time on day two having completed the 38nm course in 4h 10m 38s, ahead of Tuiga then Mariquita and finally Eleonora in 4h 29m 45s, a mere 23 seconds behind the third placed yacht.

Mariette’s Captain Charles Wroe was quick to pay tribute to the crew of Eleonora after docking this afternoon and in particular he praised the yacht’s owner for continuing to put up a fine battle on the race course, in spite of Eleonora losing her top masts on Sunday and having to race with about 2/3rds less than her usual sail plan. 'Eleonora is doing surprisingly well considering everything and hats off to the owner,' commented Mr Wroe.

When asked how the racing went today, Charles Wroe went on to say that happily today’s conditions favoured Mariette and they had picked up a good 20 knot breeze at the start. 'We were hoping to do well and certainly the guys at the back of the boat made some nice calls and I’m really happy with the crew work.'

Built in 1915, the 42.06m (138ft) Mariette was designed by Nathanael Greene Herreshoff for J Frederick Brown of Boston, a successful wool merchant, who raced and cruised her along the North and South Boston shorelines from 1916 to 1927. Renamed ‘Cleopatra’s Barge’ under Francis K Crowninshield’s ownership, she was requisitioned by the American Navy during the war and declined thereafter. She was brought over to Europe in 1975 and underwent various major refits in 1980 and again in 1995. Thomas Perkins of San Francisco is credited with restoring her to her glorious Gaff rigged specification. Mariette is a regular and successful competitor in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and European classic events.

Tomorrow (Thursday) is a lay day and everyone gets some much needed rest before racing commences again on Friday. The final day of racing is on Saturday, culminating in the evening’s presentation of the Westward Cup and other beautiful trophies and keepsakes for those taking part.

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