7th July 2012 will see the return of the Pendennis Cup to Cornwall. Organised by Pendennis Shipyard every two years the regatta entices an impressive range of superyachts to the waters of Falmouth Bay for four days of challenging racing.
To date next year’s growing fleet includes 14 classic and modern sailing yachts totaling a remarkable 450m + in length overall. The largest yacht is Athos who, at 62 metre, will certainly be an exciting challenger to last year’s Cup winner Adela (55.5 metre) restored by Pendennis in 1995 and a regular visitor to the yard. Other yachts confirmed are Altair, Eleonora, Gaia, Mariette, Mariquita (one of the oldest participants built in 1911), Windrose, Breakaway, Bare Necessities, Tomahawk, Mikado, Zarik and Velacarina. Next year we are also looking forward to welcoming more modern yachts from the Dubois fleet, an opportunity presented by their sponsorship of the 2012 event.
The racing will organised by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, with the daily battles taking place against the beautiful backdrop of the coastline surrounding the area running from Gull Rock situated off the Roseland Peninsula in the North to the Manacles which are located by the Lizard Peninsula further south. The entrance to the harbour overlooked by the castles of Pendennis and St Mawes will provide a striking finish line for each race.
The competitors are always excited about the more challenging conditions that UK waters offer compared to the relatively tame weather experienced in the Mediterranean, offering an opportunity to test the yachts and crews to the full extent of their capabilities, and providing a remarkable spectacle in Cornish waters.
Greg Perkins, Captain of Adela, is looking forward to the racing in 2012: “Compared to other regattas we have competed in the racing is good as generally there is plenty of wind and the tidal waters make it tactically challenging. The shore side is great fun, with plenty of social events making for an exciting atmosphere.”
The yachts will be moored at Port Pendennis Marina throughout the week and easily seen from the town’s main Events Square or the viewing gallery at The National Maritime Museum, Falmouth. A race office situated in Events Square will provide the public with an overview of the participating yachts, a daily update on the performance of the yachts and the race conditions as well as screening footage from the previous days’ racing. The regatta will be complemented by a series of shore-side events for guests and crew, culminating in an awards ceremony to be held in the grounds of Pendennis Castle, a fittingly dramatic backdrop to a spectacular week of racing.
Pendennis Cup
+44 (0)1326 211344
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www.thependenniscup.com