News - 27/06/18

Eight days to go (as of 28th June)
The countdown is on to the 2018 Round the Island Race in association with Cloudy Bay with 1,186 boats entered as we write. The start times and fleet flags are shown on the event website, with the first start at 0630 on Saturday, 7th July. The Sailing Instructions are due to be issued shortly and all competitors and spectator boats are advised to also read Cowes Local Notice to Mariners No. 15(T) of 2018. For those spectating from ashore, find out the best vantage points for watching this spectacular race! 

The UK’s premier classic yacht regatta 
Panerai British Classic Week – the annual Regatta of the British Classic Yacht Club – will see the 17th edition in 2018, taking place from 14th – 21st July. The racing is once again being organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron with a six race series plus, new for 2018, a Nab Tower race (replacing the Around the Island Race) on Monday, 16th July. 

The British Classic Yacht Club’s motto is Per Ardua ad Marum (Through hard work to the Seas) and after seeing these yachts up close in Cowes it is not hard to appreciate why. Most of the British classic yachts are privately owned, meaning that for many their upkeep is purely down to the devotion of their owners and crew. With such a rich heritage of classic yachts being built and sailed on our coastal waters, it is fantastic to see so many beautifully maintained yachts entering the regatta every year.

Exciting new firsts for Cowes Classics 2018
Cowes Classics Week, from 21st to 27th July, is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year with racing for traditional yachts on the water and fabulous social events to be enjoyed ashore. Metre boats, Classic Racing Dayboats, Classic Yachts, Old Gaffers and Spirit of Tradition Yachts all sail varied courses set in the Solent with high teas, parties and suppers at different club venues. There are daily prize giving events and a gala awards ceremony to celebrate the sailing. In a first for Cowes Classics Week, the Etchells dayboats will also be entering the regatta, plus, the event will have an International Jury.

• See our Events Calendar for more highlights of the yachting season in Cowes.

Photo: Cowes Classics Week 2017 © Jake Sugden