Classic Boat

Enough has probably been said about the memories of memories and the vicissitudes of reputations through history, but it’s always a thing to celebrate when a major new book is published that shines light on neglected corners of the past. The book I’m talking about is Alfred Mylne. Mylne, 1872-1951, was one of a trio of yacht designers that included GL Watson and William Fife III, who made the Clyde on Scotland’s west coast one of the epicentres of the sailing world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Mylne, we learn in part one of a two-part series published in this issue, was perhaps held back by the fine quality of his modesty. This is also our Awards 2023 shortlist issue. More than anything else we publish, it…

The build up to the Voiles de Saint Tropez cannot be exaggerated. It’s the last event of the classic calendar and the end of the summer, so there’s quite often an emotional attachment to this regatta for a lot of sailors. For us on Shenandoah the intention was to bring the boat to the south of France to showcase her on the circuit because, after a 22-year tenure, the owners are looking for the next custodian to look after her. As is customary before Saint-Tropez, we took part in the Régates Royales in Cannes, with a couple of days training preceding it. It’s been a while since Shenandoah has graced the racecourse, so we spent a week removing all the charter toys, extra anchor, books and many spares that we carry for…

Classic Boat’s address: Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London, SW3 3TQ cb@classicboat.co.uk Follow the Classic Boat team on Twitter and Facebook The Tall Ships Youth Trust is offering race weekends for groups in 2023. The trust, which runs 72ft yachts, is inviting sailing clubs, schools, colleges and other youth organisations to compete in its Challenger Championships. The trust is the Charity of the Year of the British Classic Yacht Club, as well as that of our sister title, Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting. The trust says: “Sailing onboard an iconic 72ft Challenger yacht, your group will take part in an exciting and competitive race, with a ‘Le Mans’ style start. Out on the ocean, the young people will become an integral part of the crew and get involved in all aspects of running the vessel.…

ANNIVERSARIES Among the centenaries we’ll be marking in 2023 is that of Alfred Westmacott’s iconic Sunbeam class. The first Sunbeam, Dainty, was built in 2022 and the class plans a three-day Centenary Regatta from 7-9 June 2023 in the Solent, with the Sunbeam Championships in Falmouth at the end of the summer also expected to be a big turnout. More on the class website solentsunbeam.co.uk/2023-centenary-year-programme Another significant birthday in 2023 will be the 70th of the Osprey racing dinghy, a boat raced by so many young sailors of the time. The Osprey was designed by Ian Proctor in 1953 and to mark the anniversary the Osprey Class Association is producing a publication for its membership and for wider circulation at events including the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show in February. Visit ospreysailing.org.uk Turning…

BIG SAVINGS + FREE delivery 1 YEAR (12 ISSUES) SUBSCRIPTION TO CLASSIC BOAT £44.95 (USUALLY £70) Europe €79.95 | USA $99.95 Australia $149.95 | Rest of World £74.95 Beautiful boats Stunning traditional yachts, showcased through beautiful photography and expert editorial coverage Expert advice In-depth examination at a practical level with credible advice above deck and below Stunning features Featuring classics of all types, from J-Class yachts to traditional work boats and everything in between Order your subscription today Subscribe online www.chelseamagazines.com/CCB23 or call +44 (0) 1858 438 442 (quoting code CCB23) Prices and discounts based on the regular subscription price of £70. If for any reason you’re not happy with your subscription, you may cancel within 14 days of placing your order.…

IN ASSOCIATION WITH Welcome once again to the annual Classic Boat Awards in association with Classic Marine, where we celebrate the best in the sometimes unsung world of classic and traditional boatbuilding and restoration. The pages that follow feature everything from antique restored sailing yachts of all sizes to new, cutting-edge, spirit-of-tradition yachts and just about everything else you could imagine in between. Here, too, are new and restored powered vessels, and a few contenders for centenarians still sailing today, in partnership with Gstaad Yacht Club. Some have been complete rebuilds, others partial, and yet more, of course, brand new. Boatbuilding has ticked along nicely in 2022, after the explosion that occurred during the covid pandemic. That is a far greater triumph than any award we can give – not that it will…