Seven Feet Cup and Vladivostok remembered

by Andy Pilcher on 28 Jul 2011
Doyle Sails Andy Pilcher writes about the Seven Feet Cup and the recent series in Vladivostok won by Will Tiller and Harry Thurston.

He writes:

I was interested to see the story about the Seven Feet Cup in Vladivostok, congratulations to Will and Harry for their win.

I sailed in this regatta back in 2004, and it was an eye-opener to say the least!

We sailed on old Quarter Tonners back then, and it was fair to say that there was quite a variety in the quality of the boats - from ones that could charitably be described as 'original', through to beautiful examples that had been restored to within an inch of their lives.

The city of Vladivostok was fascinating. Previously the base for the Russian Pacific Naval fleet, it had only recently been opened up even to the rest of Russia.

The buildings and city itself could best be described as 'grey'.

It was suggested that it's not the type of place that you want to turn up at uninvited, and we got the feeling that this was good advice!

Fortunately for us, we were invited by the Commodore of the Seven Feet Yacht Club, and he was a great host.

The food there was a revelation. We went up expecting a diet of cabbage soup, but were presented with platters of fresh fruits and vegetables every day after sailing, and some of the best wild Salmon I've ever tasted.

It would also be fair to say that they're quite fond of their Vodka, but that's another story...

Anyway, great to know that the regatta is still going strong, and good to hear there was another Kiwi contingent up there, with Will & Harry sailing against Laurie Jury.

Best regards,
Andy Pilcher

P.S. For the record, the Seven Feet Yacht Club is named after the Russian blessing they bestow on their seafarers, which essentially translates to 'May you always have Seven Feet under your keel'

http://www.sail-world.com/indexs.cfm?nid=86360!Click_here's for the story to which Andy refers