Incredible sight as the world’s most spectacular superyacht race in Cornwall

VaselineJune 4, 2024

0 5 minutes read

Incredible sight as the world’s most spectacular superyacht race in Cornwall

The people of Cornwall were treated to an incredible sight this week as some of the world’s most spectacular superyachts and classic yachts raced close to shore. Gathering in Falmouth for the first Richard Mille Cup event, twelve classic yachts thrilled spectators on land and sea, with views of exhilarating action in and around Falmouth Bay from racing fleets of Schooners and Cutters manned by some of the the best sailors in the world.

Described as “the most beautiful” Classic Yacht Regatta, the Richard Mille Cup started this week in Falmouth and finishes in France on June 15. Three days of coastal racing in Falmouth Bay, Monday to Wednesday, will be followed by a crossing race to Dartmouth. , Devon and coastal races in Cowes, Isles of Wight before the grand finale in Le Havre.

“What a wonderful time for Falmouth Harbor with the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club once again hosting the amazing Richard Mille Cup in 2024,” says RCYC’s new Commodore Richard Pugh. “These truly magnificent and iconic yachts generate excitement and interest for sailors and landlubbers alike.

“In these very early days of my tenure as Commodore of the RCYC and on behalf of everyone at the Club, I extend a warm welcome to Falmouth owners, captains, crews and spectators. Have a wonderful regatta.”

Read more: Giant cruise ship arrives in Cornwall – and immediately leaves

Falmouth Harbor with the RCYC as regatta hosts presents the first events of the two-week historic yacht competition – which began with a welcome on Sunday 2nd June for over 300 owners, crews and their entourage.

There are 25 images in this photo story – click the “Next” button at the bottom of the page to see them all.

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Pictured is the pilot cutter Alpha in Falmouth Bay on the second day of racing for Richard Mille Cup.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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Peter Lucas is the skipper of Cynthia, one of the classic yachts competing in this year’s races and built in Falmouth in 1910. The cutter is the only fully unpowered yacht taking part in the event.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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Each day in Falmouth the races started at around 10.30am and finished around 3pm, with the race organizers aiming to bring the finish line as close to Pendennis Point as conditions allowed.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

4 out of 25

During last year’s Richard Mille Cup, the RCYC Sailing Trust took eighty local youngsters out on the water to watch the races aboard the yacht Princessa, and demonstrated that the watchmaker is supporting a similar outing this year.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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“It’s important to us that the wider community feel included, with the opportunity to enjoy what is a very rare sight in this country,” says Royal Cornwall Yacht Club Event Director Sarah Hancock. “This year, 95 young people from all over Cornwall will have a memorable day on board the Princessa, feeling very much part of the event and even wearing the same Richard Mille regatta hats and bracelets worn by the racing team and crews. “

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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Sarah added: “We hope we can help promote our local area by hosting the owners and crews for an opening reception at Trelissick House with its stunning views over the Carrick Roads and for the awards presentation at the National Maritime Museum.”

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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Falmouth Harbour’s CEO, Miles Carden, commented: “Falmouth – the third deepest natural harbor in the world, with a rich history of boat building and refurbishing – is an incredibly welcoming harbor town. Docking and mooring in the heart of our inner harbor accentuates the spectator character of the Richard Mille Cup for the community and for crews and guests – an opportunity to disembark directly from these beautiful boats in our vibrant city.”

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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Miles added: “Hosting the prestige and size of these ships is not without its complexities, but it is all possible thanks to a brilliant Harbor team. We are delighted to once again host the start of this incredible race.”

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

9 out of 25

Superyachts Viveka and Monnbeam IV cross paths as racing gets under way on Tuesday 4 June.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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Built in 1889, Thalia, one of the oldest active yachts in British waters.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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The famous racing yacht Moonbeam, built in 1903, sails past the St Anthony Lighthouse.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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With more wind in the bay for the second day of racing, the classic yachts were able to show off their speed.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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Richard Mille competitors are invited owners and charterers of yachts built before 1939 or faithful replicas of such yachts, with vessels competing in the Schooner and Cutter categories.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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The 1911 racing yacht Mariquita was actually used as a houseboat after WWII.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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Mariquita finished second overall in the Richard Mille Cup last year.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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Towering above any yacht in Atlantic Bay, a replica of the three-masted schooner from 1903.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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The original Atlantic held a transatlantic race record from 1905 to 1998.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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Unfortunately, the original Atlantic fell into disrepair and was destroyed in 1982.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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This faithful replica of the Atlantic was built in 2008.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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Pictured is the 1903 Kelpie.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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The event includes races and socials organized by the Royal Cornwall and Royal Dart Yacht Clubs, the Royal Yacht Squadron of Cowes and the Société des Régates du Havre.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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As befits such a prestigious event, the 3-foot-tall Richard Mille trophy was designed by Garrard, jewelers to the British Royal Family for the past 300 years and designers of the America’s Cup trophy 170 years ago.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

23 of 25

Pictured is Moonbeam IV racing against the backdrop of dark clouds.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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The 1911 racing yacht Mariquita sails past Pendennis Castle.

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

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The second edition of the Richard Mille Cup takes place from 2 June to 15 June 2024, with further details of events, races and competing vessels announced and updated at www.richardmillecup.com

(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

VaselineJune 4, 2024

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