It looks like we spoke too soon when we said the breeze looked promising for the tune up race. They are underway but the showers seem to have driven the breeze off and the boats are barely ghosting their way up the first beat.
Host Club
The Warm Up Race Is On!
The weather is very unsettled but the threat of absolutely no wind hasn’t materialised so far and the fleet has gone afloat for a warm up race which is due to get underway at 16.00. Right now the skies are overcast and a series of heavy showers are passing through. The wind is flicking around all over the show as each shower comes through but at least we have some wind. Fingers crossed it hangs around long enough to get the race completed.
Posted in Half Ton Classics Cup 2014
Leave a comment
The Sailors Have Been Briefed!
The organisers have just completed a competitors briefing where they paid particular attention to the navigation and meteorology issues the teams are likely to be facing during the coming week. The Cote d’Armor is one of the most spectacular coastlines in France but it comes with the added attraction of thousands of offshore rocks and reefs so accurate navigation will be essential.
Posted in Half Ton Classics Cup 2014
Leave a comment
Half Ton Classics Cup Preview Press Release
Saint Quay Portrieux – 7 July 2014
An international sporting event
From 7-11 July the 2014 edition of the Half Ton Classics Cup will take place in Saint-Quay-Portrieux, Brittany, France. More than 200 sailors are expected to come to the start line! France, Britain and Belgium will be present, but also teams from Finland and Ireland… There will be training races on Monday 7 July and the main championship racing will run from 8 au 11 July, when the overall results will be announced and the prizes presented at the closing ceremony.
The courses will be a mixture of windward/leeward and coastal courses. The boats will be racing under IRC handicap to allow for the fact that the fleet incorporates half toners from various different eras.
Note: on the afternoon of Tuesday 8 July, the racing will be visible from the southern breakwater of the Port d’Armor and thre will be a commentary on the racing. On the same day the SNSM (French lifeboat service) and the Office of Maritime Affaires will be holding an awareness day to inform visitors about safety at sea; the aim of the day being information and prevention. Finally on Friday 11 July, from 21.00pm in the Jardins du Port, there will be a special final night concert with the will known sea shanty group Avis de Grand Frais in the Festival Place aux Artistes.
A new look for the Sport Nautique de Saint-Quay-Portrieux (SNSQP)
François Coudray, director of SNSQP, emphasises the fact that this is a new beginning for the club: “Until last year, we organised mainly match races, consisting of successive duels. But with this type of racing now being ‘out’ of the Olympic competitions, we decided to take a new direction and we are now focusing on fleet regattas. And the 2014 edition of the Half Ton Classics Cup is a great opportunity for us to add a new dimension.”
A real team effort
For this edition of the Half Ton Classics Cup, there is a true team spirit between the SNSQP, the town of Saint-Quay-Portrieux, and the commercial partners, Casino and Port d’Armor,… who have been working together for many months to offer participants and spectators a great event. Partnerships with local companies have been created to welcome the competitors and their families and spectators, there is strong involvement from the community, especially in terms of communication to give this race the profile it deserves, and, of course, there is the flawless organisation fo the SNSQP and its director François Coudray.
 |
From left to right : Alain Sabouraud (General Secretary, SNSQP), Géraldine Le Parc (Crêperie du Port), Serge Lacroix (Director of the Tourism Office of Saint-Quay-Portrieux), Jacques Burlot (Race Committee, SNSQP), Karine Georgel (Illustrator), Thierry Simelière (Mayor of Saint-Quay-Portrieux), Baptiste (Restaurant La Passerelle), Jonathan Touyer (SNSQP), Sophie Millon (Restaurant Le Victoria), Lucie Lemarchand (Restaurant l’Atypic), Erwan Barbey-Chariou (Deputy Mayor of Saint-Quay-Portrieux), Marie-Thérèse Bertheriaux (Restaurant La Passerelle), Jean-Michel Gaigné (Director of Port d’Armor), François Coudray (Directeur of SNSQP). |
Where the beautiful people gather
There will be beautiful people on the waterfront of Saint-Quay-Portrieux this summer. Not only will there be the winners of the 2003, 2009, 2011 and 2013 editions, Superhero (Andrieu 1988), Concorde (Berret 1989), Per Elisa (Ceccarelli 1992) but the very last three Halfs built will be in attendance, as well as the mythical 1978 Berret design Brittany Drizzle. Also of note is the presence of Peter Morton, who has successfully resuscitated Swuzzlebubble (Farr 1977), which was a near wreck less than a year ago and has just arrived from Britain by ferry.
A family atmosphere
Although the competitors constantly strive for superiority on the racecourse, there is above all a convivial and family friendly atmosphere surrounding the regatta. Launched in 2003, the Half Ton Classics Cup has played a key role in the revival of interest in IOR (International Offshore Rule) boats, and in particular the famous tonners – quarter ton, half ton, three quarter ton and also the one tonners. The philosophy of the founders, which is to maintain the spirit of yesteryear, making minimal or no changes to the original plans, has certainly helped to preserve many halftonners in a condition as close as possible to that at the date of their original launch. The coming together of race boats and veteran sailors from the last century along with sharp young crews, has the distinction of bringing together a tasty and fascinating mix of amateur sailors and mythical prototypes which is trans-generational in all its diversity. Although the races are hotly contested, its not the final victory on the water that matters most but the Half Ton True Spirit Trophy, which is the most coveted of the trophies and is awarded by the participants and organisers to the boat which most embodies the “spirit of the halfs”. New for this year is the introduction of the Infinity Cup which will be awarded to the first boat crewed entirely by amateur sailors.
For the duration of the event there will be a dedicated exhibition space installed on L’esplanade du Nouveau Port.
For further information please visit www.halftonclasseurope.net
English language event updates will be available from the Half Ton Classics Cup Blog and Facebook.
– Ends –
Notes For Editors
Further information about the Half Ton Classics Cup can be found at the Half Ton Classics Class website, via the Half Ton Class Facebook page or by contacting
Bert Janssen
Half Ton Classics Class
Email info@halftonclasseurope.net
Tel +32472982272
Fiona Brown
English Press Officer – Half Ton Classics Cup
E-mail fiona.brown@fionabrown.com
Tel +44 (0)7711 718470
Benjamin Godefroid
French Press Officer – Half Ton Classics Cup
Email benjamingodefroid@gmail.com
Tel +33 (0)6 13 68 20 87
François Coudray
Sport Nautique de Saint-Quay-Portrieux (SNSQP)
Email sport-nautique-st-quay@wanadoo.fr
Tel 06 72 98 04 52
http://snsqp.weebly.com
Posted in Half Ton Classics Cup 2014
Leave a comment
Its All Go In Saint-Quay-Portriuex
Good morning from Saint-Quay-Portriuex where final preparations are underway for the competitors at the 2014 Half Ton Classics Cup. The last of the boats are still making their way towards the north Brittany coast and are expected arrived during the day today.
Those already on site are finalising their registration and measurement arrangements and there’s a great buzz around the Port d’Armor as the teams enjoy a wonderful sunny morning. A practise race is planned for 16.00 this afternoon, although with a forecast for very light airs later today it may or may not be possible to run this. Stand by for more information as we get it.
Stay tuned for further information!
Posted in Half Ton Classics Cup 2014
Leave a comment
The Count Down Has Started
We are in the final countdown for the 2014 Half Ton Classics Cup. Boats are already arriving in Saint-Quay-Portrieux and we’re all set for a fantastic event. Starting Monday we’ll be bringing you all the news from the regatta here on our blog and you can also follow us on Facebook too.
THE PROGRAMME
Sunday 06th July
16h-18h : Registration (office desk YC St Quay Portrieux)
Monday 07th July
09h-12h : Registration (office desk YC St Quay Portrieux)
11h30 : Briefing with a local coach Laurent Bregeon (Yacht Club)
12h30 : Half Ton Class Europe owners meeting (Yacht Club)
16h00 : First warning signal for a practice race
19h00 : Opening ceremony (Marquee)
Tuesday 08th July
08h30 : Briefing (Marquee)
10h00 : 1st warning signal for 1st race of the day, other races following
14h00-16h00 : Boat trip on the “St Quay”, an old fishing boat (20€)
17h30 : Live comment races (south pier of Port d’Armor)
18h00 : Bar opening
19h00 : Prize giving (Marquee)
Wednesday 09th July
08h30 : Briefing (Marquee)
10h00 : 1st warning signal for 1st race of the day, other races following
18h00 : Bar opening
19h00 : Prize giving (Marquee)
21h00 : Party time with DJ (Bistrot la Marine)
Thursday 10th July
08h30 : Briefing (Marquee)
10h00 : 1st warning signal for 1st race of the day, other races following
18h00 : Bar opening
19h00 : Prize giving (Marquee)
20h00 : Crew dinner (Casino de St Quay Portrieux)
Friday 11th July
08h00 : Briefing (Marquee)
09h00 : First warning signal for the 1st race of the day, other races following
14h30 : Closing ceremony (Bistrot La Marine)
21h00 : Fest-noz (Bistrot La Marine)
Posted in Half Ton Classics Cup 2014
Leave a comment
Entries And Sponsorship Support Grow For Half Ton Classics Cup
The entry list is expanding rapidly for the Half Ton Classics Cup which will be held at Saint Quay Portreiux in Northern Brittany from 7 to 11 July 2014. More than 30 teams are expected to attend, and this 7th edition of the regatta is anticipating a bumper turnout including many of the best known boats and sailors in the class.
Launched in 2003, the Half Ton Classics Cup led the way for the revival of the IOR Classes and its philosophy has helped to ensure that most boats remain as close to their original designs as possible. This gathering of veteran race boats and veteran sailors brings together a fascinating mix of people and vessels, and whilst the racing is always fiercly competitive the ultimate prize in the competition remains the “Half Ton True Spirit Trophy” which is awarded to the boat and team who best represent the ideals and camaraderie of the class.
This year the HTCC regatta will be a true European championship for small IRC rated boats, with all the top French and UK halftonners on the starting line. Insiders confirm that at least a dozen of them are potential event winners. The event’s top boat, France’s Brittany Drizzle, is a good example of the modern halftonner: in the same ownership since the early eighties, and constantly maintained and improved by her meticulous owner, who is not afraid of sharing his knowledge with fellow competitors. With her unrivalled series of class wins, Brittany Drizzle is the record boat at Spi Ouest France regatta, the annual Easter sailing event in Southern Brittany’s La-Trinité sur-Mer. More, with Concorde, Superhero and Half Red the last three halftonners ever build will be present in St-Quay. Surprising detail: Bernard Fournier Le Ray, owner of Brittany Drizzle, built two of them.
With two weeks to go until the initial entry closing date of 31st May 2014, the Entry List alread includes some 25 boats with additional entries being added regularly. Among the well known names competing this year are past Half Ton Classics Cup winners General Tapioca, Chimp and Checkmate XV. There will also be several new faces at the event including Peter Morton, better known to many as the man behind the Quarter Ton Cup revival, who will be racing his IRC optimised Half Tonner Swuzzlebubble.
Alongside the excellent turnout for this event the Half Ton Class Europe is delighted to confirm two new class sponsors for the regatta, Euro Car Parks and Whitfield & Brown. Mr David Cullen, CEO of Euro Car Parks, comments as follows: “We are delighted to be able to support such a fantastic class which, like our own business, has a true spirit of camaraderie and friendship in this growing and vibrant fleet. We wish all competitors a fantastic season and look forward to seeing everyone in Saint Quay Portrieux in July, which promises to be the biggest fleet yet. We would also like to express our thanks to Bert Janssen and Philippe Pilate who behind the scenes put in huge efforts to make the class the success it is!”
Also confirmed as a sponsor for the Half Ton Classics Cup is Whitfield & Brown, a reputable forward thinking construction and development company established in 1972, which provides a reliable professional service to clients in both the public and private sectors.
The regatta will be hosted by the Sport Nautique de Saint Quay Portrieux in collaboration with the Bruxelles Royal Yacht Club and the Half Ton Class Europe. Registration will open on Sunday 6 July, there will be practise racing on Monday 7 July and Championship racing will take place from Tuesday 8 to Friday 11 July. The regatta will also feature a fun apres sailing programme to keep the competitors entertained from dawn to dusk and beyond.
Further information, the Notice of Race and Entry Form can all be found at the Half Ton Classics Class website. Members of the press wishing to accredit to attend the event or requiring additional information should contact Half Ton Classics Cup Press Officer Fiona Brown on fiona.brown@fionabrown.com, Tel +44 7711 718470 or Skype fpbrown.
– Ends –
Notes For Editors
Further information about the Half Ton Classics Cup can be found at the Half Ton Classics Class website, via the Half Ton Class Facebook page or by contacting
Bert Janssen
Half Ton Classics Class
Tel +32472982272
Fiona Brown
Press Officer – Half Ton Classics Cup
E-mail fiona.brown@fionabrown.com
Tel +447711718470
Skype fpbrown
Posted in Half Ton Classics Cup 2014
Leave a comment
Change To Overall Results Following Appeal
In our final press release for the 2011 Half Ton Classic Cup (see below), we reported that the prize for third place was awarded to Concord with Insatiable fourth.
Having received a copy of the full results at the time of the prize giving Insatiable’s crew believed there had been an error in the scoring for the regatta and that they should have been awarded third place overall. The believed the error related to redress awarded to Concord following an incident between Miss Whiplash and Concord earlier in the week. This error only became apparent at the end of the regatta when the final results were published.
Having been refused a hearing by the protest committee at the event Insatiable took the matter to appeal with the RYA. The RYA found that the refusal to hear Concord’s protest at the time of the event was incorrect as the protest committee must hear all protests and requests delivered under rule 63.1. The exception in rule 62.1(a) does not apply, as Insatiable was not a party to the original hearing.
The RYA’s protest committee heard the appeal at the end of March and decided in favour of Insatiable on the basis that the awarding of points to Concord was not in accordance with RYA guidelines for redress and was also unfair to all other competitors in the fleet, which is one of the key considerations of granting redress and scoring in these situations.
Following recalculation of the results Insatiable is awarded third place overall in the 2011 Half Ton Classic Cup.
Posted in Half Ton Classic Cup 2011
Leave a comment
More Pirate Pics
I spoke too soon when I said in the last post that we’d posted all the pics. This morning we got some more great pics from the Pirate party which were kindly sent to us by Ursula. Many thanks to Ursula and who ever else took these and well done again to everyone for a brilliant job with the fancy dress.
If anyone else has photos they’d like added to the blog please e-mail them to me at fiona.brown@fionabrown.com.
Posted in Half Ton Classic Cup 2011
Leave a comment
Farewell From The 2011 Half Ton Classic Cup Supported By South Boats
That’s it folks. All the videos have been posted to Youtube, all the photos have been posted to the photo galleries (see links to the right), all the boats have gone home, and the fabulous 2011 Half Ton Classic Cup is sadly over.
Special thanks must as always go to our title sponsor South Boats, supporting sponsors Best Water Technology, Spinlock, Wight Vodka, One Sails and Euro Car Parks and local supporters Goddards Brewery, Red Funnel/Isle of Wight Ferries, Shepards Wharf Marina, Kingston Marine Services, Ocean World/World Leisurewear, Hamo Thornycroft, Paskal Atkey Chandlers and many more.
And last but absolutely not least we must say a huge thank you to the entire team at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Cowes and to the organising committee led by Richard and Ursula Hollis who made the entire event possible.
I had a blast being your press officer and I’d like to say a big thank you to Alice, Charles, Bert and Philippe who helped with all the translations, on boat video clips, supporting information and so much more.
As Bert said at the prize giving – we’ll see you in two years time somewhere in France for another great Half Ton Classic Cup ……….
Posted in Half Ton Classic Cup 2011
Leave a comment
