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Riviera Cherub, a simple concept. Collect boats that were great to sail in 2005. Refurbish and fit all with similar sail plans. Sail them against each other somewhere warm. No T-Foils, twin wire, big rigs, bigger grins. Four of the UK fleet travelled out to the first Riviera Cherub blast in the sunny bays of Monaco and Menton. Blasting does not normally have racing and lasts a day. The competition below was devised to ensure a bit of competitive edge was maintained.

Day 1 - Permission for Fly-by First launch was in 10 knots, flat water. The aim was to collect as many flybys of the parked yachts sunbathing in the bay. Oliver partnered with local Kevin Jausseran and tagged two unsuspecting tenders before even understanding the rules. Other Oliver and Martyn got distracted by a good gust and found no boats after twinning into the distance. Jamie - single handing Pocket Rocket - racked up the highest score. His ability to get fully over a boat single handed, whilst looking vertically downwards, sadly not captured on film. Hot and thirsty the party moved to Rascasse for a gentle evening of socialising. After missing the team leaving, Oliver M proved to all that it is possible to sleep a night on the streets of Monaco and avoid the Police cells.

Riviera Cherub blast in Monaco - photo © Roland Trim

Day 2 - Raid to Monaco The advantage of no host rescue team or race committee wanting to go home for tea became clear on day 2. There was no wind before 1600, but that gave the visitors a chance to re-hydrate, sleep and sunbathe. When the gentle thermal filled in at 1700, 4 boats launched. The course was simple. Pass the headland and into Monaco Harbour. The wind built to a steady 12 knots over flat water. Born Slippy was concerned about the wind dropping and headed for home. Pocket Rocket missed them behind a yacht, but did see Magic Monkey turning and twinning home. With the assumption that the Magic crew's blood alcohol levels had fallen to critical, Pocket took the outer lane and went on to Monaco Harbour. On arrival in Monaco Harbour, Pocket was a bit lonely, but not for long. Even with the dropping wind Pocket clocked a 14.5kt average speed 8km leg back to the beach. Thanks to Coralie Trim for a zero notice Anti-Pasta Aperitif, conjured from nothing, with no warning at 2000 whilst everyone had a shower before dinner in Menton.

Riviera Cherub blast in Monaco - photo © Roland Trim

Day 3 - Raid Repeat The weather pattern established, a full day of sightseeing was enjoyed by all, including the Grand Prix at the YCM bar and the all important tour of Cap D'Ail beach (confirming that launching Cherubs there would be good, but sadly still is not possible). At 1700 the evening thermal arrived, but none of the locals. The latter sensibly believing the no wind forecast and having work the next day. Jamie and Oliver M made the critical tactical mistake of enjoying a Magic Monkey kite run to the stronger outer wind. Only to find the wind line was an illusion and that Martyn and Oliver G had cut inside the headland in Born Slippy. They kept and extended the lead to about 2 miles, before turning and hoisting to ensure all arrived at the harbour together. Landing after the YCM bar was closed was the only error. A whip around found enough to buy the most expensive bottle of Duval from the Wine Palace (split 4 ways, still €5 a head). After helping a classic schooner moor up, the boats were carried back into the water and had hoisted before the harbour mouth. A champagne downwind leg took everyone home - Magic Monkey proving that twinning these rigs really does result in deeper and faster.

Riviera Cherub blast in Monaco - photo © Roland Trim

Day 4 - Home time Coming into the last day the series points were close and the wind forecast light. The competition was to be decided using a local 70ft motor yacht, kindly anchored with its charter sunbathers by Gary P. Points were awarded by the Bikini clad guests on-board. They chose based on style, approach and retrieval of beer cans from the stern. Here Jamie pulled out all the stops, earning a bonus point for returning to collect Martyn's can and the impressive distance of the subsequent launch. Martyn gained a point for the following catch, managing to not fall overboard and then saving a somewhat surprised Ollie from what was, by then, an almost inevitable capsize. Sadly, the Perching had to depart during the approach for the final round, missing “Cherub salutes”. They radioed in their scores over a crackly radio. Descriptions included “the hairy one”, “the small one who is pretty”, “the small one who is big and handsome”, “the one with the metal”, “the one with the long hair” and “the one who looks like Harry Potter”. Queue arguments over who was who, except Oliver,. The latter even had a wand in his hand. There followed a moment of suspense adding up the scores. After working out who was who, we discovered we had arrived at 4 way split of the prize.

Riviera Cherub blast in Monaco - photo © Roland Trim

Overall Results:

Summary

The boats are great to sail and solid. The Rigs are demanding, but not beyond a novice. Next year will see 6 boats, the roll out of more of the Zaoli Sails and hopefully the same Maffioli colours for all control lines. The format will be 6 race series, with crews swapping boats between each race. Massive thanks to Yacht Club Monaco, Centre de Voile de Roquebrune (especially Herve Nicot, Gwenael Eliot and not forgetting Ludo) and for rescue cover and infinite logistics support Jermain Jervis