Blessed with 3 days of glorious weather, this year’s Brixham Heritage Regatta provided an opportunity to celebrate the 100th anniversary of recently restored, Brixham-built Sailing Trawler, Vigilance. Although numbers were slightly down on recent years, there was still an impressive variety of boats, with old friends and newcomers coming from as far afield as the Isle of Wight and France to take part. This year we welcomed event-debutante, Criste Marine, a gaff-rigged replica working boat from Granville which has been in the same family for over 60 years.
Although not officially connected with the regatta, by happy coincidence the beautiful square-rigged brig, TS Royalist was alongside in Brixham for a scheduled maintenance period. With new crew embarked, she was out sailing in Torbay alongside the regatta fleet on Sunday providing a majestic presence to add to the spectacle.
In the weeks preceding the regatta, a herculean effort by Pilgrim of Brixham’s volunteer crew and her new skipper ensured that at least one trawler was able to maintain tradition and participate in the sailing. Volunteers from our other Brixham sailing trawler, Vigilance were hard at work over the weekend getting her ready for a forthcoming coding inspection. As a result, she was unable to sail although crew were on hand to talk to visitors.
The programme for the weekend kicked off on Friday afternoon with a pontoon reception kindly provided by MDL Marinas. Delicious cheeses were served by local retailer, Brixham Maid and Brixham-based shanty band, Missing Tackle provided a musical backdrop to the proceedings.
On Saturday, the musical accompaniment continued as ‘All Hands on Deck’ performed songs of the sea from the deck of Looe lugger Our Daddy’ creating a lively atmosphere as the final boats arrived and visitors strolled along the Town pontoon for a closer look. That evening, crews assembled in Brixham Yacht Club for registration and a complimentary Fish supper. Crew Welcome Packs were distributed in bags sponsored by Brixham Dental Practice and included mugs sponsored by Dolphin Boatyard, a voucher from Brixham Maid, beer from Bays Brewery and the obligatory Regatta Pennant, sponsored by local fish restaurant chain, Rockfish.
Community engagement is an important aspect of our event and for the second year running the Brixham Art Society held a Regatta themed art exhibition over the weekend in the Brixham Constitutional Club. We also had our very own dedicated Artist in Residence, the talented Julie Dunster who was on hand to capture all the action and atmosphere on canvas. Julie’s work can be seen at www.juliedunsterartist.com
Bathed in bright sunshine and loosely grouped into 6 classes, the fleet set sail on Sunday morning with the intention of completing 3 laps of a triangular course set by Brixham Yacht Club. Most were frustrated by light easterly winds which rarely got above 5kts and sensibly the decision was made to shorten course to allow thirsty participants to get back alongside and up to the Yacht Club in time for Prizegiving. Of course this didn’t apply to the classic gaff cutter, Cynthia which effortlessly sailed the requisite 3
laps and a bit more whilst everyone else was still drifting around lap one. The stunning 55ft Swan yawl, Lulotte also joined in after completing RDYC’s Gallon of Rum race from Dartmouth to Brixham.
The final event was a curry supper and prizegiving hosted by Brixham Yacht Club. The proceedings began with a toast to the memory of local yachtsman, Ralph Bell who had been a regular attendee in his Westerly 22, Charlie Bravo since anyone can remember. Continuing the Vigilance theme, prizes were presented by Plymouth-based boat builder Will Stirling. Will recently completed an extensive refit of Vigilance at his Plymouth yard. His opening address resonated with everyone present when he pointed out that preservation of heritage is very obviously non-commercial. Boat repair and maintenance take a lot of time, effort, money and skill yet there is rarely a tangible financial return. It’s the intangible benefits that make it worthwhile. Heritage boats bring individuals together, promote co-operation and teamwork, deliver lessons in consequential action and in all circumstances, they spread pleasure through being beautiful to behold. Well said Will!
Brixham Heritage Regatta has its historic origins in working trawler races which have been sailed in Torbay since the early 1800s. Sailing trawlers still compete for the King George V trophy which was first presented by the King in 1919. With no other trawlers present, it was no surprise that Pilgrim was victorious although even they would admit to be looking forward to the return of Vigilance in 2027 and some healthy competition.
Cynthia’s wind-defying speed on the water was rewarded with the 3 trophies; the fastest lap of the course, Class 2 winners and winner of the passage race from Dartmouth to Brixham. The lovely wooden Twister, Hoodwink won her class and was also awarded the prize for the best new-comer. The Concours d’Elegance was judged by local boat builder, Bob Cann. Our Daddy was singled out by Bob for her immaculate appearance, but she was pipped at the post by Criste Marine. The French cutter returned across La Manche with another prize; the Peter Blanchard Memorial tankard for the furthest travelled and she also came second in her class.
Brixham Heritage Regatta is also an annual gathering for the Junk Rigged Association. Minnow, a 21ft Freedom 21 defied conditions to reach Brixham from their base on the Medina. Their only competition was from local boat, Fly and after a frustrating, windless afternoon of sailing, it was Minnow who was judged to have won the Junk Class trophy.
After 9 years at the helm, Penny Jolley is taking a well-deserved rest and stepping down from her role as event organiser. The unique character and success of the Regatta in recent years has been largely down to Penny’s enthusiasm and tireless hard work for which we are all eternally grateful.
The next Brixham Heritage Regatta takes place 28-30 May 2027. Keep an eye on our website (www.brixhamheritageregatta.uk) for further details.