With a strong fleet of Corby designed yachts taking part, competition over the course of three races was very tight between Drakes Drum, No Retreat, Cracklin’ Rosie, Njos and Banshee all being in the thick of it.

John Corby said, “All of the competitors were going for the glory as well as the Wight Vodka bottle and customised regatta caps. It was great to have the support of Ritu and Wight Vodka as it definitely added to an already fantastic atmosphere.”

John worked closely with the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club to run the racing, and because the Solent was even busier than normal due to the Dragons and Farr 45s out in force, the courses were carefully set. It all came down to the final race, which was a running start off East Cowes down to Norris. The conventionally poled No Retreat wisely decided to dip the bowspritted Njos and run straight down to the mark. Banshee probably wished they had also dipped but instead ended up in a luffing match with Njos who happily took them off to Norris Castle. A reach out to the Ryde Middle area for a short windward leeward circuit saw the toughest conditions of the day. A beat up to Cowes harbour entrance and reach to a finish off Corby’s house completed the racing for the day. No Retreat reversed the first race result to beat Drakes Drum by a split second and take the overall Trophy, however because of the closeness in the corrected timings the Wight Vodka trophy was presented to Drakes Drum.

“What a fabulous evening for the final prize giving in John Corby’s garden,” said Ritu Manocha, owner of 50 North, the company behind the Wight Vodka brand. “It was great to work with John and the competitors had a marvelous time with a bit of help from Wight Vodka!”

About Corby Yachts

Corby Yachts is the design and boat building company behind some of the world's fastest and most prolific winning yachts. Owned by John Corby and operated from his head office in Cowes, Corby and his team have delivered 43 designs over the past 22 years.

For more information on Corby Yachts, please visit their website.