As a consequence of the continuing health issues from the previous year, 2025 was another quiet year for Cambria in terms of cruising and racing. Although not being used in her element, the crew were kept busy keeping her in pristine condition ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Cruising
Cambria spent the summer based in Imperia, Italy.
Racing
She competed in Cannes and St Tropez Regattas.
There was an interesting atmosphere around the autumn regattas following the dramatic thunderstorm in Menorca at the end of August. The carnage of torn, lost sails and the dismasting of Tuiga. There was plenty of weather discussion about the dock and obvious attention from the race committee. As is worked out, the weather was wonderful for the 5 days of the Regates Royale on the bay of Cannes. Cambria’s competition was reduced with Tuiga unavailable and Mariska not racing without a charter. Cambria’s class consisted of Halloween, Mariella, Orianda and the “new kid on the block” Cariad. Cariad had recently arrived in the Med following a long, beautiful restoration in Thailand. Cariad is now Captained by ex-Cambria crew member Colin Boland. CONGATULATIONS COLIN!!!!!! It was great to have Cambria and Cariad berthed alongside each other.
With weather ranging daily from 5 to 22 knots of breeze it was difficult for Cambria to get enough separation between yachts on handicap. She managed line honours each day, and second to Halloween on corrected time for the regatta, a solid result for the team and Cambria. Although not particularly complicated racing with square courses around the bay, it was good training for the crew in preparation for St Tropez and our nemesis, Elena of London. I was particularly excited with the prospect this year of finally racing Elena again. We have been separated over the last 5 years by the splitting of the Big Boat class between schooners and cutters, essentially separating the truly Big Class from the smaller “Big Class”. I had already had confirmation that this season we would be included in the schooner class, which included Elena who has a very similar rating to Cambria. We would not have to compete on handicap with Lady Anne, Mariska, Spartan, Baruna, Mariella and Halloween. Potentially our best chance of winning in over 20 years…..
We arrived in St Tropez Sunday afternoon, taking our berth directly in front of the Hotel Sube and the Sufren statue, prime position. Elena berthed on our starboard side and Black Swan on our port side. Our class consisted of Us, Elena, Atlantic, Belle Aventure, Cariad, Aschanti IV, Puritan and Croce Del Sud. The forecast of the week seemed to favour both yachts, two days of light Cambria weather and two days of heavier Elena weather, and this is how it shaped up. Cambria winning day one on the water and on corrected. Elena taking day two on the water, but Cambria held on to win on corrected, so 2-0 to Cambria. Friday’s weather filled to 18 knots and Cambria could not hold on to Elena and only just held off a fast-finishing Atlantic. 2 – 1. Saturday’s forecast was for the breeze to fill in later in the afternoon and switch from easterly to westerly. As it happened, the breeze fought itself for three hours until the time limit of starting racing on the last day was reached, which meant……racing cancelled for the day……which meant……CAMBRIA WON!!!!!! If Elena had won that day she would have won overall by countback, so an amazing result for Cambria and crew. Lucky, yes, but that’s sailing! After 24 years of trying, Cambria finally won the Big Boat Rolex Trophy in St Tropez. A wonderful result and the start of some serious celebrating for all!!
Thank you to Cannes and St Tropez race crew: Margaretha, Robin, Leo, Oscar, Ignacio, Jean Michel, Christophe Hyon, John Lammerts Van Buerren, Ez Hammerton, Eric Burrus, Sean Connor, Peter Shipway, Sam Laurie, Matthew Townsend, Jo Hillerkaus, Francis Langrenay, Ana Majada, Tim Martin, Grace Williams, Mathieu Almekinders and the Aussie contingent; Jeremy, Paul and Rob!
Special thank you to Dave Hambly, Natasha Morley, Finn Turley, Stefan Murgia and Carmen Pretoria. Cambria would not look and perform the way she did without your tireless efforts.
Finally, to the owner and his family for their never-ending support and love. Cambria remains at the pinnacle of the classic yacht world.
Cheers aye
Chris Barkham