News - 2014

15:14 Sunday 3 Aug 2014 Sue Pelling/CWLVictory class booming at 80

Hugh Pringle and his sister Philippa competing in the Victory class – photo Rick Tomlinson

The Victory class this year celebrates its 80^th anniversary. To mark the occasion a healthy fleet of 18 boats is racing at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week including Z6 – a pre-war built boat – and the latest glassfibre versions.

This classic open dayboat, with its distinct ‘Z’ sail insignia, is gaining popularity thanks to the enthusiasm of class members, careful class development, and the introduction of David Heritage-built glassfibre boats.

Competition is red hot this week with Duncan Evan’s 2008-built Peregrine taking the first race of the week.

One of the keen families racing this week is Team Pelican, a glassfibre boat sailed by Hugh Pringle and his sister Philippa Pringle. They have been competing at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week since 1970s, always in the Victory class.

Chatting about sailing with his sibling, Hugh commented: “We basically put sibling rivalry to one side when we’re sailing. We get on well in the boat and although I helm, she often knows better than me, so we’re a good team. Family Day was great, despite our middle of the fleet result. We had challenging conditions, which led to bit of broach in one of the gusts, so Philippa got a bit wet. She still seems to be talking to me however.

“We are really looking forward to tomorrow’s race because in celebration the class 80^th anniversary, our fleet has the honour of a first start from the Royal Yacht Squadron line at 1005. We also hope to do a bit better and improve on our 10^th place in yesterday’s race.”