This year was the 14^th edition of the X-Yachts Solent Cup, run by X-Yachts GB – and it proved to be one of, if not the very best yet.

With 27 X-Yachts entered, ranging from a vintage edition built in 1985 (X-95), to the very latest design of the X4³, from full race crewed, to double-handed, and some X-Yachts that have been in the same ownership for 20+ years,  to X-Yachts that are a matter of weeks into new ownership – it was wonderful to see this varied range of X-Yachts on the water.

Friday afternoon welcomed the competitors to our hosts for the weekend, The Royal Southern Yacht Club, for Registration, followed by Skippers Briefing with drinks.

Saturday was a fresh day on the water, with a rather cool northerly force 5, gusting 6, but clear skies and flat water proved for some excellent sailing conditions.  Both the Sports Classes A and B were sent off the line cleanly for the first of their three races of the day, followed by the larger Family Class for their two races of the day.  As the breeze was coming over the land, it was unstable in direction, and advantages were available for the crews that were alert and able to tack quickly.  Match racing was seen within the fleet, with four Xc 42’s and five X4³‘s competing in their own private battles!  The Sports Class saw John Allen’s X-302 “Antix” take a hattrick of wins on corrected time, and Andy Robinson’s X4³ “Xcapade” win both Family Class races.

Unofficial and friendly on-the-water coaching was given by Jeremy Smart from North Sails, and Jochem Visser – “The Boat Speed Doctor” from aboard a rib, with many X-Yachts benefitting from these two legends.  Verbal comments were passed, and video and stills were shared on the group WhatsApp.  Also afloat was our photographer for the event, Paul Wyeth, whose wealth of marine photography experience is very evident in the images taken!

With most X-Yachts back at the club by 1500, the de-brief of sail trim given by Jeremy Smart and Jochem Visser continued, but this time fueled by the “Dark and Stormy” drinks party, sponsored by North Sails.

Saturday evening consisted of an excellent three-course meal, with over 150 in attendance, overlooking the River Hamble.  The event had an optional dress code of the 80’s TV show “Howards Way“, which of course was based on the River Hamble and The Royal Southern Yacht Club.  The efforts made by some of the competitors was admirable, notably with the “Assarain IV” team winning a coveted bottle of X-Yachts Gin for their efforts.  Another notable effort was made by Paula Puddifoot of X-332 “X-Rigel“.  After dessert, the mystery guest speaker was revealed by Debbie Weldon as none other than legendary ocean sailor, Pete Goss.  His speech resonated with everyone in the room, inspiring, amusing and educating all.  Pete was rewarded with a well-deserved standing ovation.

The second day’s racing was a lighter experience with the same northerly breeze, but this time a force 3 to 4.  Sports Class had similar courses to the Saturday, with two rather than three races scheduled, while the Family Class were eager for their longer pursuit style race, with each yacht’s own start time, a firm favourite of the Family Class over the years.  It really was a testament to Peter Bateson (Race Officer) and the full Race Committee that on the final beat of a 2-hour pursuit race, virtually all of the class converged for a highly technical beat in even lighter, fickle breeze, with only the best teams carving through the fleet to mix up the finishing positions!

The Prize Giving was well attended and presented by Debbie Weldon and Stuart Abernethy, thanks to our sponsors the podium positions took a variety of prizes, including a B&G chart plotter, merchandise from  Ronstan and North sails, along with some coveted Ardbeg and Talisker Whiskey from sponsor Gallagher Marine Insurance.  The overall Solent Cup 2024 winner was a well-deserved “Antix” owned by John and Sandy Allen, with a series of 5 first places!  Congratulations to them and their crew, who travelled from North East of England to be with us for the event.

It was agreed by all that the event had a hugely positive buzz, with impressive X-Yachts camaraderie seen on and off the water.  We all look forward to the next edition in 2026.