Back in the 1900s, before the term âsuperyachtâ was coined but at a time when many moguls sank their fortunes into boats big enough to merit the moniker, the largest vessels competed in âBig Classâ yacht races. Now to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the launch of the famed Westward racing schooner, the Royal Yacht Squadron (Cowes), New York Yacht Club (Newport) and the Yacht Club de Monaco (Monte Carlo) are inaugurating the Westward Cup Regatta. The invitation-only event will be held July 5 â 11 in Cowes, Isle of Wight, home of the Royal Yacht Squadron and site of the world’s oldest regular regatta.
Among the massive classic yachts slated to compete are the stunning 49-metre Westward replica Eleonora (above); the Brittania, a replica of King George Vâs royal yacht of the same name; the perfectly-restored19-metre Mariquita, built in 1911; and the Mariette designed in 1915 by the famous Nathaniel Herreshoff. In addition to the regatta itself several posh events are planned including an ownerâs dinner at the Royal Yacht Squadron and a banquet at Queen Victoriaâs Isle of Wight estate, Osborne House. Didnât get an invite? Not to worry, for âŹ59,000 per week you can charter the Eleonora and stage your own damn regatta.
