The designs might be from the last century but enthusiasm and commitment continues to grow with the resurgence of the Quarter Ton Class and the Coutts Quarter Ton Cup which was run by the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Cowes from June 8-10. The trophy winner, with five first places from nine races, was Peter Morton sailing Espada.

The boat was originally designed by Bruce Farr in 1980 but Espada has undergone extensive restoration work in the last two years, virtually all of it undertaken by Peter and his crew of Kelvin Rawlings, John Newnham, Stuart Childerly and John Kemp. He was delighted to win the trophy more than 30 years after he first challenged for it.

The final day of the event brought the best conditions for the 26 competitors. After the sun burnt away the mist, a south-easterly developed. Two windward/leeward races were followed by a final romp around the cans home to Cowes. This brought the strongest winds of the day, in the mid teens, and the lightest when the wind dropped off to almost nothing as boats struggled to cross the finish line against the tide.

As always, the prize giving was an entertaining affair with 68 year old Pete Bryant of Alice winning the oldest bowman prize. The Red Funnel Trophy for the youngest crew went to Captain Moonlight.

For the Quarter Ton Class, the next major event is the JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race on June 23, when at least 15 quarter tonners are expected to compete.