2018 Report
Cambria’s 90thyear afloat was again spent racing and cruising in the warm waters of the Mediterranean.
We started the season with the Voiles D’Antibes. A particularly light year, winds barely exceeding 6 knots. The conditions suited the 15’s; Mariska and Tuiga who were both well sailed and took both line honors and corrected time wins on the first three days. Day four filled in with 8 – 12 knots and Cambria found her stride, taking line honors on the last day. Final results were Mariska, Tuiga, Moonbeam of Fife, Moonbeam IV, Cambria, Halloween and Sunshine.
Cambria then cruised Corsica, Elba, Tuscan coast, Mallorca and Ibiza.
The Vele d’epoca Imperia was first on the autumn schedule. Cambria had not attended since 2012. Conditions were light all week, generally under 6 knots and very stripy, everyone looking for wind lines to sail through calms. The current was important as places were quickly made or lost if not respected. Cambria’s competition was Mariska, Halloween and the two Moonbeams. The three masted schooner Atlantic also dropped in for the regatta and though not racing, sailed outside the fleet adding to the spectacle. Mariska proved to fats in the light conditions taking line honors on three of the four days, Cambria taking the only day over 6 knots. Final results Mariska 1st, Cambria 2ndand Halloween 3rd. Cambria always has an amazing spirit onboard amongst the crew and again the loudest laughter and largest smiles emanated from Cambria’s decks. We had many first time race crew, all friends or family of existing crew, and though many different nationalities and ages the team work and camaraderie quickly established. Cambria seems to have that effect on people.
The Regates Royale followed for the fleet and excitement was building as Mariette and Naema were attending after a long absence plus Elena of London, Puritan and Germania Nova. The 1903 schooner Invader was also attending though not racing. Excitement turned to disappointment as it unfolded that the schooners had formed their own new Association and would not race in the ‘Big Boat Class’. They would have their own start and separate course. Personally this was incredibly disappointing as the Big Class which had taken years to establish, and traditionally consisted of all rigs; Bermudian, gaffers, sloops, cutters, ketches, yawls and schooners, was being separated. Worse of all our sparing partner and closest racing competitor, Elena of London, was now racing in a different class. The Big class went from a potential 14 boats on the start line to six. Cambria sailed well for the regatta with 2 line honors out of three with Mariska picking up the third. Final results were Moonbeam III 1st, Mariska 2ndand Moonbeam IV 3rd. Cambria finishing 6thon handicap.
Sadly for the Elena/Cambria rivalry, St Tropez decided this year to run a “Dragon Regatta” within the Voiles de St Tropez. This split the fleet again with all Fifes, from the 6m Eva to the 40m Cambria, sharing the start. Twenty two fifes was certainly a beautiful site, though the racing was more of a parade with the smaller yachts clearly out rating larger yachts and, fittingly, one of the smallest, Viola (also celebrating 100 years) won the event. Cambria had some fun with the 15’s and enjoyed the event for what it was this year, a spectacle.
Cambria’s 90thyear was again successful, both on and off the water. Special congratulations to our chef Nicola who welcomed to the world our newest crewmember, Austin. Nicola has now moved ashore and we wish her all the best for the future.
Thank you to the permanent crew; Dave, Rhodri, Lucy and Grace. Anna Barkham for all her help and support with everything. Thanks to all the race crew, old and new. Finally a special thank you to Cambria for keeping us safe and the owner for continuing to maintain her in pristine condition.
Capt. Chris Barkham
SY Cambria