New Victory in build

Sixth GRP version of the Royal Navy's classic keelboat to be completed in May

While the fine weather obviously helps, the early season races have been the best attended for many years. Currently averaging over 11 boats per evening race, with three 'King of Cowes' helmsmen, there is plenty of keen competition out there on the water. Andrew Terry helming Z38 Minx won the first race for the Taylor Trophy.

The five GRP boats from the last three years are to be joined by the sixth (Z78), which will launch during May. This boat is a further development of the earlier versions as the wooden features, which add considerably to the cost, can optionally be replaced by mouldings and suitable other alternatives.

As a result the current sailaway price of the new option at £22,500 ex VAT is competitive in the one design keelboat range and, with further new interest expected, the Class has funded the lay-up of the next GRP hull to speed the build process for any new owner.

Class Captain Kim Taylor said: “ We have a lot of new interest in the Class but no boats, currently sailable, which are for sale. Apart from a new GRP boat (available at different stages of construction and priced accordingly), we have a couple of boats available for restoration which are essentially free, and the Class is offering every assistance, including a loan scheme for essential works, to those willing to pursue this option."

The next major Class event is the Westmacott One Design Regatta sailed off Portsmouth on 12-13 June co-hosted by the Class.