Brixham Heritage Regatta
From the cli tops of Battery Point, looking to the sea beyond Brixham harbour and the breakwater that shelters its waters could be seen the distinctive rust red sails of a traditional boat sailing west, writes Sandy Miller. After a brisk walk down to the harbour and onto the breakwater, navigating through the meandering tourists, the red sailed Brixham trawler ketch Vigilance had turned and was returning to the harbour entrance from where other classic boats were emerging to take part in the end of season Brixham Heritage Sailing Regatta. They set their sails to the steady north easterly breeze that was gradually clearing the persistent gloom of the morning’s mist, they proceeded to perform a number of sail pasts for the benefit of those gathered near the lighthouse at the end of the break water before commencing on their course around the bay of Torbay.
There has been racing of the fishing boats of Brixham since the 1800s. It was extremely competitive, for in demonstrating their superior sailing ability their livelihoods depended. In the 1920s The competitive owners of classic racing yachts of the day joined the fleet of working boats in competition. Despite the advantages of the modern yachts specialised design the skill and experience of the fisherman levelled the advantage and racing was hotly contested. King George V, a keen sailor, was a supporter of the event and presented a cup to be raced for.
The golden age of racing at Brixham ended in the 1930s. After the Second World War use of traditional sailing boats for fishing was in decline and with it the motivation to race. It was not until the late 1990s that interest in racing was reawakened. Gradually a small heritage fleet of local boats had formed. In 1997 was decided to race once again for the George V Cup, renamed the Perpetual
Challenge Cup. Since then the event has flourished attracting many other classic boats, classified in five di erent classes, and it has become a significant event on the sailing calendar. Next year a bigger event is planned with a hoped-for fleet of around 40 boats.