YachtFest 2024 showcased the best of what the staff and flags can do at The Royal Southern Yacht Club with a 2 day sailing and music festival. The on the water racing had a twist for the crew where we had to ‘prepare’ a meal whilst racing. The Sailing Office were very careful with the wording as not all boats were equal in the culinary facilities onboard and we were delighted to see the crew’s imaginations whirring away. The judges were tempted with banoffee pie, and Eaton Mess in various guises, a chicken balti curry, a Northern cocktail (a pint of beer and a pork pie) to name but a few.
Whilst the judging was underway the music kicked off with cool medlies from Sax & Trax, followed by Andrew Cushin, one to watch from up north, who roused us with his acoustic set, Andrew’s been on the road with Noel Gallagher and his belting vocals really got the ball rolling. Never the Bride were up next and their huge rock anthems started to get everybody in the mood for a dance. The bands were watched from the balcony, the pier and also in front of the stage. Our very own Blue Water Giants did not fail to impressed us once again, taking us back to our earlier years with favourite songs from Tears For Fears, Robbie Williams and Status Quo … and of course Procol Harum.
Sunday had us racing again, but this time, it was a Pursuit Race … hugely frustrating if you are overtaken, but unbelievably exciting chasing everybody down if you were the last boat over the start line.
Sunday’s line-up started with Calum Lintott and his soul stirring covers on his acoutic guitar, tables were placed in front of the stage, beer and wine was flowing in the gorgeous sunshine with pleasing aroma’s from the Thai Street Food.
Next up was Lucia Valentine and brilliant band, the accomplished musicians sang and played both covers and some of their own music. Then … we had Grizzly and Grasshoppers, foot stomping, uplifting blues … and a what a beard.
Suddenly, we had Cher on stage … aka Rachael Hawnt, winner of Star Struck, not only is she extremely entertaining with her wit, and very beautiful, but she also has an incredible voice and sang some of our Diva favourites. Last but not least, was Steve Roux and his band, who expertly played wonderful songs that we all know, we were incredibly lucky to have such awsome musicians on stage.
YachtFest 2024 was a hit, the bands were all wonderful, the street food excellent, we had champagne sailing and our yacht club boasts one of the most stunning positions on the south coast … and to top it all, the sun was shining.
