By Isle of Wight Observer
Vintage boats, vintage cars and a vintage plane – a Spitfire – were just some of the highlights of the Cowes Classics Day on The Parade.
Among the classic boats moored on Trinity Landing was Steam Pinnace 199 – the last known functioning Pinnace and a unique part of Britain’s naval heritage provided by the National Museum of the Royal Navy. There were also rides on the World War II-restored Gunboat 81.
There were more than 60 classic cars with Daimlers, Aston Martins, Rolls Royces, Jaguars, Bentleys, Morris Minors and Triumphs on display, along with the working replica Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
The 1,200 crowd was also entertained by a 10-minute Spitfire display by Paul Stoby and live music was provided by the Boogie-Woogie Bluebirds.
Visitors took part in the People’s Choice to vote for their favourite classic car. The winner was a 1955 Sunbeam Alpine prepared for the 1955 Rallye des Alpes, and owned by Jonathan Brain. In second place was the MG TD 1952 Red, owned by Martin Patto, and third was the 1971 Rossi Red Fiat 500 Lusso, owned by Jennifer Belford.
The event was organised by Julia Petit, who said: “Everyone at the Royal London Yacht Club was delighted to see so many Island residents and visitors enjoying Cowes Classics Day. Special thanks to Cowes Town Council for its help and support.
“We would also like to thank Red Funnel for providing discounts on ferry travel to exhibitors and visitors, and Cowes Harbour Commission who allowed us to moor the boats in front of The Parade.
“We will be announcing the date for next year very soon.”
To view our on-line gallery of the event, visit iw.observer/cowes-classics-day-pics or scan the QR code.
