Classic & Vintage International 14 POW Cup Race 2026

After two frustrating days of either too little or too much wind, the Classic & Vintage International 14 fleet awoke to bright sunshine and a healthy breeze for POW Day, hosted by Largs Sailing Club.

Run in parallel to the modern International 14 POW Cup race, the race follows the traditional pattern of a 6 lap, Triangle-Sausage format race on a separate course to the modern boats. After two days of enforced rest on shore, the fleet was keen to get out and race with all boats launching. Piped off the slip by a member of the modern International 14 fleet on the bagpipes.

The wind was forecast for 15 knots from the southwest, but while the direction was correct, the strength was not and soon gusts of 20+ knots were being felt by the fleet. Causing minor damage to three boats who were forced to return to the shore.

The race started from the Largs Sailing Club’s start line. From the off ‘Freebooter’ a 1977 Classic I14, sailed by Tris Nelson and Peter Freyne of Howth Yacht Club revelled in the conditions, building a considerable lead and reporting a top speed of over 12 knots.

Second was Andy Bates and Everett McAvoy representing Kaneohe Yacht Club who travelled from Hawaii to compete in the event. They were sailing the recently renovated Mordicus, built in 1952, chartered from the Classic Boat Company, who have a fleet of beautifully restored International 14s.

Third to finish, first Vintage boat & Lady sailor, were class stalwarts Paul and Karen Armitage sailing Sayonara, built in 1936, of Norwich Frostbite SC followed by Wirlwind, also a Vintage boat built in 1935, sailed by Ed Allen and Roger Wood of Blakeney SC. A great showing that an International 14’s age is no limitation to being able to race competitively in all conditions.

A planned second race was abandoned as the wind was now consistently over 20 knots and a tide change meaning a considerable chop had kicked up. Discretion was deemed to be the better part of valour. 

The Classic and Vintage class boats would like to thank Largs Yacht Club for running the separate event for the previous generation I14s. While the weather gods were not being cooperative the Largs Sailing Club’s generosity and welcoming members more than made up for that.2027 is the International 14 class’ Centenary year, the first International dinghy class to reach the 100-year milestone. The class will be celebrating throughout the year, it is an excellent opportunity for anyone with an International 14 of any age gathering dust, to dust it off and join in with a unique celebration.