A fleet of 30 Oyster sailing yachts took to the waters off Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda yesterday morning for the first day of racing. The 25th event in the Oyster Regatta series is taking place from 21 to 25 September and is hosted for the first time by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.

Racing started on schedule and a gentle northeasterly breeze built during the day giving the majestic fleet some spectacular sailing conditions. Azure blue sky and warm breeze typify the sailing grounds on the Costa Smeralda and today was no exception.

In Class One (yachts of 60ft and over), local knowledge clearly came in handy as Alberto Vignatelli’s Oyster 72, Albertone 3, took line honours and a corrected time victory. Vignatelli has been a Member of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda for over 20 years and knows this regatta course better than most.

Trevor Silver’s Roulette V.2 and Richard Smith’s Sotto Vento, both Oyster 655s, took second and third place respectively.

Gerd and Annemarie Köhlmoos’ Oyster 54, Sarabande put in a polished performance, taking line honours in Class Two and also first in class on corrected time. Second across the line was Boarding Pass III, owned by Bill Munro and Susan Harris which slipped into third, however, on corrected time behind Mark Howard’s Oyster 56 Amanzi.

Michael Morris’ Oyster 72, Cookielicious, had a fantastic day on the water, despite being late for the start of the day’s race and finishing at the tail end of Class One. Highlighting the family-oriented nature of the fleet Morris was accompanied by his sons and daughter-in-laws.

“We may not have achieved the result that we are capable of but we learnt a lot and all of the crew enjoyed the day immensely,” commented Morris who has chartered an Oyster complete with skipper and crew for the event. “Whilst I have been an Oyster owner for many years my Oyster 49 is back in Lymington. This is the sixth Oyster regatta that we have taken charge of the Oyster 72. The arrangement allows us to just enjoy the occasion and relax. The most important aspect of coming to an Oyster Regatta is to have a wonderful time on board a stunning yacht.”

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