Extracts from the official press report published in ‘Yachts and Yachting’ on 12 September 2025.
The 10th Hamble Classics Regatta saw a 23% increase in entries and 40 yachts out racing in the Central Solent, each and every boat making this a special celebration. Adding to the style of the usual mix of IRC rated yachts, Regatta Handicap Class, Old Gaffers and XOD one-design dayboats, were three immaculately turned out Spirit yachts and three West Solent One-Designs.
Always picturesque, the Gaffer One fleet was joined this year by ‘Charm’ Reuben Powell, an Albert Strange Gaff Yawl of 1922. The winner of that class, the Ed Burnett designed ‘Ivy Green’ Richard Jacobs was saved a final race showdown when the Thames One Rater ‘Dorothy’ of Ossie Stewart & Damon Roberts broke her gaff in the rising breeze after finishing on Saturday.
Some of the smaller yachts struggled in the conditions but the two Romilly 23’s revelled in it, ‘Runaway’ Ken Hickling winning the Gaffer Two class from the Golant Gaffer ‘Satellite’ David and Sue Pennison.
While the focus of Hamble Classics is on well-organised and fun racing, the Concours d’Elegance Awards always delight by rewarding dedicated yacht owners.
To recognise the breadth of excellence there are five category awards, and this year the West Solent One-Designs ‘Suvretta’ and ‘Arrow’ were judged equal for most beautiful overall (Harlequin won last year) with ‘Charm’ winning for authenticity, ‘Cidron Too’ the best GRP boat, ‘Vesper1’ the best Spirit of Tradition, and the Hustler 30 ‘Orthops’ Jane Challener for the Spirit of Racing award.
Three special award trophies are presented each year, the Tea-for-Two teapot trophy for shorthanded boat went to Huw and Maggie Hallybone in the gaffer Mincarlo, the Kismet model yacht Trophy to the Armstrong family in the Herreshoff 16 footer ‘Gloriana’, and the Norlethe picture trophy to RAFYC Vice-Commodore Jon Searle for being the perfect host including serving early morning breakfast at the club!
Special Awards –
- Concours d’Elegance “Authenticity” – Charm
- Tea-for-Two Teapot for shorthanded boat – Huw and Maggie Hallybone of Mincarlo
- Kismet model yacht trophy – Gloriana
Racing –
Gaffer Class 1
| Boat | Design | Race 1* | Race 2 | Race 3 | Overall |
| Ivy Green | Gaff Cutter | 1st | 2nd | 1st | 1st |
| Dorothy | Thames One Rater | 2nd | 1st | DNC | 2nd |
| Charm | Gaff Yawl | 3rd | RET | 2nd | 3rd |
| Snippet | Humber Yawl | 4th | 3rd | 3rd | 4th |
Gaffer Class 2
| Boat | Design | Race 1* | Race 2 | Race 3 | Overall |
| Runaway | Romilly 23 | 2nd | 1st | 3rd | 1st |
| Satellite | Golant Gaffer | 1st | DNC | 1st | 2nd |
| Ruby | Romilly | 5th | 2nd | RET | 3rd |
| Gloriana | Herreshoff 12 | DNC | DNC | 2nd | 4th |
| Sea Filly | Norfolk Smuggler | 3rd | DNC | DNC | 5th |
| Mincarlo | Norfolk Gypsy | 4th | RET | DNC | 6th |
Hamble Classics Week Results
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