The City Livery Sailing Challenge Inaugural Regatta 19/20th September 2025

The City Livery Sailing challenge Inaugural Regatta 19/20th September 2025

The City of London’s livery movement set a course for the Seaview Yacht Club in the Isle of Wight on Friday 19th September for the inaugural City Livery Sailing Challenge Regatta, for a weekend of maritime mayhem.  Seaview’s beautiful Mermaids were enthusiastically helmed by 12 crews of 4 members, each fielded by livery companies, in a bid to win the prestigious Princess Royal Challenge Cup.

The Ironmongers’ very own George Bastin, who organised the event brilliantly, drafted in 78 salty city sea dogs, each ready to do battle on the high seas, or at least around some inventively plotted courses in Seagrove Bay.

Friday saw the Isle of Wight at its most beautiful, bathed in glorious September sunshine, its beaches dotted with dog walkers, sunbathers and small, happy children, as the mariners, some of whom were indeed ancient, arrived ready to go bow-to-bow in competition the following day.  But before that, they had to navigate the drinks reception.  The yacht club hosted everyone wonderfully well, and drinks and conversation flowed until around 10.30pm, when the teams and their supporters headed for their respective digs to get their heads down, ready for the race briefing at 9 am the following morning.

Come race day, everyone was on time - either eager to hear what the day had in store, or possibly keen on the club’s cooked breakfast.

George called the event to order, and when he speaks, liverymen listen.  Nick the boatman and Jimbo the club’s race director imparted all the information required, and then it was time for the off, with the teams pausing only for photos before hitting the water.

The day consisted of 4 races, during which time the weather ran the gauntlet from blue skies and soft winds to some very lively conditions in the fourth race, with mermaids keeling over at improbable angles, until the race itself had to be cut short, but not before a winner could be identified.

And what of the winners?  The Princess Royal Challenge Cup was won by the Turners Company, crewed by Jeremy Field, Alex Niell, Michael Neill and Mat Webb-Jenkins.  Alex Neill’s incomparable skills in unleashing spinnakers proved a decisive advantage, with kites in full flight on all 4 races.  The competition was often tight, but always in excellent spirit, and expertly managed by the yacht club.

Other notable highlights included the Shipwrights Company who won the first race and were second overall, and were rewarded with champagne at the prize giving that evening. The crew was Guy Main, James Walters, Peter Morton, Chris Griffiths.

The winner of the City Livery Yacht Club Trophy was Jim Miller of the Scriveners, being the highest placed CLYC member.

Prizes were followed by a delightful dinner, where the camaraderie, such a hallmark of the Livery Movement in general, was on full display.

The event represented exceptional value this year at £100 per head, with profits donated to two charities:  The Seaview Sailing Trust and the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.

We’re going sailing again next September, and you can be a part of it too.  If you would like to submit a team, please let us know at support@cityliverysailingchallenge..co.uk<mailto:support@cityliverysailingchallenge..co.uk> – and keep an eye on the web site, as we will be announcing details over the coming months.

See you out there next year, mates…