A record number of 84 teams competed in the first regatta of the Royal Southern Yacht Club’s Summer Series. The North Sails May Regatta was held Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday to avoid clashing with King Charles III’s coronation. A light to moderate gradient breeze provided calm conditions, but the competition was as fierce as ever. A southerly breeze gusting over the Isle of Wight made reading the changes in speed and direction the keys to a winning performance. Ashore, the Royal Southern’s Clubhouse on the banks of the Hamble River was regatta central with well over 300 sailors enjoying the hospitality of the famous club. Black Group: Louise Makin & Chris Jones racing JourneyMaker II won all six races in the J/111 fleet. Tony & Sally Mack’s McFly was second, just a point ahead of Paul Griffiths’ Jagerbomb. Seven J/111s were in action, and despite JourneyMaker winning every race, the finish times were very close right through all six races. We had great competition; we had some good fights out there. It took a great crew that managed to do the things we set out to do, very well” commented JourneyMaker’s Louise Makin. “Sometimes it all comes together, but as always, we have had fierce competition. Every boat in the fleet is well prepared. We have always been good in part, but I think that we have a more consistent crew, which really helps to string things all together.” For more information, visit www.royal-southern.co.uk.