Furniture Makers compete in City Livery Sailing Challenge

The Furniture Makers’ Company took to the water off Seaview, Isle of Wight, in September for the second City Livery Sailing Challenge, joining 18 other teams for a day of racing in the Solent.

The event brought together crews from 15 livery companies to race Seaview Yacht Club’s fleet of Mermaid keelboats. Representing The Furniture Makers’ Company were Captain of Sailing Tony Attard at the helm, Max Attard on the foredeck, Simon Lambert on mainsheet and Evie Roberts as tactician and lookout.

Gusty winds and a strong tidal stream made for testing conditions. The Furniture Makers had a difficult start to their first race, crossing the line last and finishing in the same position.

The crew made a stronger start in the afternoon Plate race and had moved into the lead by the third mark. After a close encounter with another boat, they recovered to finish fifth out of ten. The result placed The Furniture Makers joint 15th overall out of 19 teams.

The Shipwrights won the Princess Royal Challenge Cup after finishing level on points with the Tallow Chandlers, with the result decided under the competition rules.

Tony Attard said: “It was a pleasure to represent The Furniture Makers’ Company and race alongside so many other livery crews. We’re looking forward to returning next September and hope more furniture makers will join us.”

The challenge was organised by the Ironmongers and raised funds for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and the Seaview Sailing Trust.