The heat is on in Falmouth start of the Richard Mille Cup 2024
At sunrise in Falmouth this morning there was no shortage of enthusiasm among race teams preparing for tomorrow’s opening day of the Richard Mille Cup. After weeks of inclement weather, the summer has finally arrived and, with it, a total of 12 super-prepared classic yachts that will be racing the two-week long, three-leg regatta from Falmouth to Le Havre.
Down at the dockyard just below the National Maritime Museum, the base for many of the fleet for the next four days, the crews are making the most of the superb conditions and carrying out last-minute jobs onboard, fine-tuning rigs, and provisioning for the first leg of the regatta. Although the wind is currently light, some are taking the opportunity to head out into Falmouth Bay for a bit of practice.
Seasoned professional racing sailor Ossis Stewart is part of the afterguard of Johnny Calcutt’s Moonbeam and says he is very much looking forward to helping out on the helm. “This is my first time at the Richard Mille Cup and it looks like a hugely popular fun time.”
Commenting on the plan, Stewart continued:
“I like the idea of the mixed format racing because it gives everyone a chance to shine at some point. Tuesday the wind should be up to about 20kts before dropping off a bit for Wednesday. Overall though, it looks as though it could be ideal conditions to really enjoy some good, challenging racing.”
Cynthia, the 1910 engineless 12.6m gaff cutter, has made a welcome return to the Richard Mille Cup with owner Peter Lucas and team having competed in the inaugural event last year. Lucas enthused: “It was so splendid we are back again. We had a fabulous time albeit quite light airs, so we are hoping for a bit more breeze this year.
“We are so happy to be here because this boat was built in Falmouth in 1910 and she has come home to start this adventure again. We found the yard where Cynthia was built at Jacket Steps (as it is now known) by Thomas Jacket. A lovely insight into her history.
And looking ahead to what they hope to achieve from the regatta, Lucas concluded: “We’ve done a lot of preparation for this event and our aim this week is to sail as well as well can, try not to break anything and, most of all, have fun.”