The 2012 Westward Cup Prizegiving, held in the Pavilion at the Royal Yacht Squadron on Saturday evening (16 June 2012) brought to an end some sublime days of racing and social events put on by the three organising clubs for this year’s invitational event, namely the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS), the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) and the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM).

The RYS Commodore Michael Campbell welcomed the assembled gathering of around 300 guests including the owners, captains and crews of the participating yachts, Eleonora, Mariette and Mariquita. There was a presentation by Candy Hurst-Brown (Charlie Barr’s grand-daughter) of the Kaiser’s racing flag that had been won by Charlie Barr after he beat the Kaiser during a yacht race.

The RYS Rear Commodore Yachting David Aisher announced the prizes as presented by Linda Campbell:

Winner of Race 1 – Boat International Media Race (DECANTER) – Mariette – owned by Patrice Mourreau
Winner of Race 2 – Yacht Club de Monaco Race (VASE) – Mariette – owned by Patrice Mourreau
Winner of Race 3 – New York Yacht Club Race (HOGGIT) – Mariette – owned by Patrice Mourreau
Winner of Race 4 – Royal Yacht Squadron Race (ARMADA DISH AND MARC BERTHIER PRINT) – Eleonora, owned by Zbynek Zak

Overall results

Third place went to Mariquita (DISH)

Second place went to Eleonora (JUG)

First place – and winner of the 2012 Westward Cup – is Mariette

Below: Mariette’s owner Patrice Mourreau (right) proudly holds the 2012 Westward Cup with his equally delighted Captain, Charles Wroe. Photo: Peter Ridout.

Zbynek Zak closed the formalities full of praise for the second running of the Westward Cup and the huge efforts of everyone involved in another memorable Westward Cup week. He paid tribute to the RYS Race Team who had to make some difficult course-setting decisions during the weather-dominated week. He thanked the other owners for bringing their yachts to Cowes to race and highlighted the success of the 20-strong cadet training scheme, co-ordinated by Oliver Stanley, to introduce younger sailors to the delights of Big Boat crewing and racing.

Main Image: Preparing for the off on the first day of racing at the Westward Cup 2012
Credit: Cathy Vercoe/luvmyboat.com