Spirit 52 Oui Fling Wins British Classic Week 2021

July 26, 2021 British Classic Week

This year’s British Classic Week, hosted by British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC), attracted 50 classic sail and motor yachts to Cowes for a week of sunshine, sailing and socialising. Despite challenging light conditions at the start of the week, the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) race committee led by Race Officer Dai Prichard successfully went ahead with all six races in the series, as well as the annual Ladies’ Race.

Above: Baron Irvine Laidlaw racing Spirit 52 Oui Fling

The BCYC Trophy for the regatta overall winner was won by Baron Irvine Laidlaw and his Spirit 52, Oui Fling. On behalf of Oui Fling, Gareth Griffiths commented, “Firstly, thanks from the Oui Fling crew have to go to all those that organised such a fantastic event. Considering the challenging conditions, to be able to get all races completed was a remarkable achievement.”

As a team we were very happy to face a tough challenge posed by some superb competition. Talented crews and well-prepared yachts throughout the fleet were clearly demonstrated in the results by having a number of alternate winners in all sizes of yachts on different days.”

Gareth continued, “Considering what we have all faced in the last twelve months, it was so wonderful to be back on the race course in the throws of quality competition. The crew of Oui Fling really look forward to the next regatta and hope very much that everyone will continue to attend.”

Cowes basked in sunshine for the duration of this year’s British Classic Week as yacht owners and crews were tested in light winds and the notoriously challenging Solent tides. The two longer passage races (sponsored by Classic Boat magazine and Spirit Yachts respectively) took place at the end of the week, when competitors enjoyed winds of up to 17knots and some classic champagne sailing.

Despite the lack of a lead sponsor, the regatta delivered on the social programme as well as on the water. Guests enjoyed hospitality in the regatta marquee at Cowes Yacht Haven, as well as a variety of social events, including the traditional drinks at the Royal Yacht Squadron, which took place free of Covid restrictions on 19th July. Guests partied late into the evening at the popular Pontoon Party sponsored by Classic Boat magazine, which this year included dockside Dark and Stormies from Hattiers Rum and gin and tonics by Dartmouth Gin.

Above: the lively Tuesday evening Pontoon Party sponsored by Classic Boat magazine

Regatta entertainment also included a complimentary party with BBQ and live music hosted by the owner of Kim Holman designed yacht Stiletto, which celebrates her 60th anniversary this year. Suffolk-based brewery Adnams provided champagne for the daily prize winners and delivered cold Kobold lagers direct to the yachts on the dock after Sunday’s racing. On Thursday, the regatta BRIG RIB was out on the water delivering Hattiers Rum Dark and Stormies, and gin and tonics by Dartmouth Gin direct to yachts crossing the finish line.

Above: a BRIG RIB was at the finish line of the long inshore race to deliver Dartmouth gin and Hattiers Rum

British Classic Week 2019 regatta overall winner and owner of Whooper, Giovanni Belgrano, commented,

“It’s been fantastic to be back at British Classic Week, we are so grateful to be back here, with our friends and crew, and to see the other beautiful boats. Even without a title sponsor, the regatta is still a class act. To have cold beers brought to you on the boat after some good racing; it really doesn’t get better than that!”

Above: crew enjoying cold Adnams Kobold lager after racing on Sunday

Further event support came from OneSails GBR, which sponsored a day’s racing, as well as Suffolk Yacht Harbour and traditional chandlery Classic Marine. Also new for 2021 was the regatta’s charity partner, Tall Ships Youth Trust. The charity was at the event onboard one of its Challenger yachts, raising awareness of the valuable work carried out to support disadvantaged and disabled young people across the UK.

Katie Craven (18), who has benefitted from the charity’s support and who spoke at the regatta prize-giving dinner ahead of a fundraiser commented, “The week was an amazing opportunity to meet loads of amazing people that I never thought I would meet. I had a smashing time on the water racing in the Ladies’ Race and I got to show off my skills that Tall Ships Youth Trust taught me, and we smashed it! I’m so happy I had this opportunity and would love to do it again.”

Above: the team from Tall Ships Youth Trust

On Friday evening, guests and prize winners celebrated a vibrant week on the water and ashore at the final prize giving dinner. Regatta overall winner Oui Fling also won Class 1, whilst 8mR Helen sailed a near-perfect week to win Class 2 and take home both the Best Placed Metre Boat and the Ladies’ Race trophies.

Class 3 was won by BCYC Regatta Chairman Michael Briggs in his Clyde Linear 30 Mikado, and a highly competitive Class 4 was won by Stiletto.

Best placed gaffer was awarded to the beautiful gaff cutter Kelpie, and best presented new entrant was won by the recently restored sloop Clarionet. Voted for by regatta competitors, the overall Je Ne Sais Quoi trophy was won by Spirit 52 Happy Forever.

BCYC Commodore Jonathan Dyke commented, “With the challenges presented by Covid and the lack of a title sponsor, the planning phase of the regatta was tough at times. Thanks must go to all our sponsors and regatta organisation team for successfully delivering a truly fantastic event. The dock was buzzing all week with people delighted to be back out on the water, sailing their beautiful boats and catching up with friends old and new. We look forward to seeing everyone back in Cowes for next year’s regatta from 16th – 23rd July.”

Above: the famous ketch Stormvogel, winner of the 1961 Fastnet Race

Full list of winners:

OVERALL WINNER: OUI FLING

CLASS 1

1ST OVERALL: OUI FLING

2ND OVERALL: FLIGHT OF UFFORD

3RD OVERALL: HAPPY FOREVER

CLASS 2

1ST OVERALL: HELEN

2ND OVERALL: LAK II

3RD OVERALL: CETEWAYO

CLASS 3

1ST OVERALL: MIKADO

2ND OVERALL: WHOOPER

3RD OVERALL: SUNMAID V

CLASS 4

1ST OVERALL: STILETTO

2ND OVERALL: KAJSA

3RD OVERALL: CERESTE

OVERALL WINNER NOT THE NAB TOWER RACE (SPONSORED BY SPIRIT YACHTS): CHLOE GISELLE

LINE HONOURS NOT THE NAB TOWER RACE: CHLOE GISELLE

OVERALL WINNER LONG INSHORE RACE (SPONSORED BY CLASSIC BOAT): LAK II

BEST PLACED GAFFER: KELPIE

BEST PLACED METRE BOAT: HELEN

LADIES RACE: HELEN

SEAMANSHIP AWARD: GWENHYFAR

BEST PRESENTED NEW ENTRANT: CLARIONET

STIFF DRINK AWARD: INFANTA

JE NE SAIS QUOI:

OVERALL WINNER: HAPPY FOREVER

CLASS 1: HAPPY FOREVER

CLASS 2: LUTINE

CLASS 3: CLARIONET

CLASS 4: CHRYSTAL II

CRUISING CLASS: CROIX DES GARDES

MOTOR BOATS: CARINA

WINNING LOG: KINGFISHER

A Fleet Race Finale for British Classic Week 2021

July 23, 2021 British Classic Week

The final day of British Classic Week blew into on a strong breeze ready for the replacement NAB Tower race (postponed from earlier in the week), sponsored by Spirit Yachts. Instead of the planned NAB Tower race, the committee set a long inshore course to end the regatta.

Above: fleet start on the RYS outer line

After a general recall on the first start, the fleet set off from the outer Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) line to the east in 15knots and on the last of the ebbing tide. Beating up to the first mark, North East Ryde Middle, it was a port rounding and a bear away, with some yachts hoisting code zeroes for the short second leg to Royal Yacht Squadron.

Gybing around Royal Yacht Squadron, yachts hoisted spinnakers in the sunshine to glide downwind with the tide to South Bramble.

Heading up and tacking around South Bramble to port, the fleet set off on a long upwind leg punching against the tide in 14-15knots. Most yachts chose to tack close inshore up the mainland coast to get out of the strong oncoming tide, before sailing into the channel to round Browndown to starboard.

A big bear away around the mark and spinnakers were hoisted for the final downwind leg with the tide back to the RYS outer line.

Spirit 65 Chloe Giselle won Class 1, Class 2 was won by Giles Sloop Cetewayo, Whooper won Class 3 and Kim Holman designed Stiletto won Class 4. Chloe Giselle also won line honours and took first place overall. Second overall was Spirit 52 Oui Fling, followed by Spirit 52 Happy Forever in third.

Above: Spirit 65 Chloe Giselle won line honours and the race overall

Regatta class winners and the overall winner will be announced at the prize giving on Friday evening.

Champagne Sailing for the Long Inshore on Day 5

July 22, 2021 British Classic Week

With an established breeze from the east, racing set off on time on day five of British Classic Week.

The Long Inshore Race sponsored by Classic Boat magazine set off in 12knots of wind on the outer Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) line against a strong ebbing tide. After a fleet start, yachts set off upwind to the east towards West Ryde Middle.

Rounding West Ryde Middle to port, it was a tight reach north to Hamble Yacht Services in glorious sunshine. From Hamble Yacht Services, the fleet crossed the Solent upwind (allowing for the west flowing tide) to Peel Bank.

At Peel Bank, the wind angle was just enough of a tight reach to allow for code zero sails on the leg up to Fastnet Insurance. Rounding Fastnet Insurance to starboard, the fleet went upwind once again to Qarr.

Above: yachts heading upwind with Norris Castle on the Isle of Wight in the background

Taking Qarr to port, some yachts were able to hold spinnakers across to Royal Yacht Squadron, off Lee Point on the mainland shore. The final upwind leg from Royal Yacht Squadron took the fleet to Mother Bank in a by-now slackening tide.

A starboard rounding of Mother Bank and a big bear away saw spinnakers hoisted for the final, downwind leg home to the RYS line.

Owner of Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford, Sean McMillan commented, “What a fantastic race. Lovely long legs, lots of variety, opportunities to use different sails; it was true champagne sailing.”

Several yachts fell foul of the sailing instructions by starting on the RYS inner (rather than outer) line, which resulted in DNS results. Spirit 52 Happy Forever continued her successful week to place first in Class 1, and Louise Morton’s Lak II won Class 2. Clyde Linear 30 Mikado triumphed once again in Class 3 and West Solent One Design Suvretta won Class 4.

Having crossed the line, crews were treated to Hattiers Rum dark and stormies and Dartmouth Gin gin and tonics delivered directly to their yachts.

Above: drinks drops with Dartmouth Gin and Hattiers Rum

Light Breeze on Day 4 at British Classic Week

July 22, 2021 British Classic Week

It was more of the same as far as the weather was concerned on day for at British Classic Week, with another scorching hot day in Cowes. With the AP over AP flags up, yacht owners and crew settled into a lazy morning tinkering on boats and enjoying the hospitality in the regatta marquee.

Towards lunchtime the easterly wind started to show, so the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) Race Officer Dai Prichard proceeded with Race 4, sponsored by OneSails.

After class starts, Classes 1 and 2 set off westwards from the RYS inner line on a downwind start with the last of the ebbing tide. No sooner than the yachts had their spinnakers set, a south westerly blew in and crews scrambled to hoist jibs, drop spinnakers and set off upwind. Making the most of the last of the tide and a building breeze, the yachts took a tight reach to Cowes Yacht Haven in 5-7knots.

After tacking around Cowes Yacht Haven to starboard, Classes 1 and 2 beat across the Solent in champagne conditions to Yacht Data Bank in a by-now established 8-9knot wind.

Having rounded Yacht Data Bank to port, it was a tight reach to the west in 11knots of wind and in a slack tide to West Lepe. Round the mark to port, spinnakers were hoisted for the downwind leg back with the tide to the RYS line in a steadily fading breeze.

Classes 3 and 4 sailed a shorter course, sailing upwind from the RYS inner line to Gurnard and crossing the Solent on a tight reach to Lepe Spit. Time was now ticking on, and the race committee shortened course to allow time for the yachts to get back to RYS for the start of the Ladies Race.

It was a quick turnaround before the ladies took to their respective helms and set off downwind with the tide from the RYS inner line to West Ryde Middle. The wind was fickle and light, so spinnakers were dropped well ahead of the mark to allow for the shifting wind direction. The yachts bunched up around the first mark in a dying wind and a strong flooding tide, so the race committee again shortened course at the second mark, QXI International.

Above: Jody Wincer on Cereste placed second in the Ladies Race

Race 4, class 1 winner was Happy Forever, 8mR Helen continued her winning streak in Class 2, Clyde Linear 30 Mikado took her third class win in Class 3, and Robert Clarke 10 Tonner won Class 4.

The Ladies Race was won by Alice Courage on 8mR Helen, with Jody Wincer on Cereste in second and Zoe Dunne on Happy Forever third.

Drifting in the Tide on Day 3 at British Classic Week

July 20, 2021 British Classic Week

Dawn broke on another hot, sunny day in Cowes for the start of day three at British Classic Week. With debate about whether a south easterly or a westerly breeze would establish itself, the fleet set out for class racing round the cans.

With the sun blazing down on the glistening Solent, Classes 1 and 2 set off on a running start with the tide to the west, gybing down the coast towards Gurnard Ledge. Rounding the mark to starboard, some yachts held spinnakers and others hoisted code zeroes for the tight reach across the Solent to YachtDataBank.

Having rounded YachtDataBank to port, the yachts tested different sail plans and watched carefully for the slightest zephyr of wind to help them across the by-now millpond waters to Cowes Yacht Haven on the Island side.

Above: Spirit 63DH Gwenhyfar searching for the breeze…

It was a game of patience, luck and perseverance to reach the mark and make the most of the now turning tide back to the RYS line. Classes merged into one as they descended (some not always facing the right direction having been pushed side-ways and sometimes backwards) down on to the finish line.

It was a similar story for Classes 3 and 4, who sailed a slightly shorter first running leg down the Island shore to Cowes Yacht Haven to round the mark to starboard. It was then a race against a turning tide to reach across to YachtDataBank and round the mark to port, where both classes bunched together in the merest breaths of wind. The larger yachts crept through the shifts to make the mark and get back to the RYS line. The smaller yachts gallantly battled the tide, with some digging in to get there and others calling it a day.

Spirit 52 Oui Fling persevered to win Class 1, classic sloop Lak II took first place in Class 2, and Clyde Linear 30 Mikado won Class 3. After two back-to-back wins from Suvretta in Class 4, today was Kim Holman designed Stiletto’s day on the water and she took the win for Class 4.

A tough day on the water, but spirits were rallied upon getting back to the dock with the thought of the evening’s Pontoon Party, complete with live music and cocktails by Hattiers Rum and Dartmouth Gin.

Champagne Sailing on Day 2 at British Classic Week 2021

July 19, 2021 British Classic Week

After a short postponement, Classes 1-4 set off for round the cans racing in blazing sunshine on day two at British Classic Week.

With the tide having just turned and a steady 8knot breeze in the air, all classes set off upwind from the outer Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) line.

Classes 1 and 2 snuck in close to the mainland shore for the first upwind leg to Dolphin before rounding the mark to port and reaching across the Solent, allowing for the now strong tide to take East Lepe to starboard. It was then a long beat across to the mainland shore towards West Lepe. With the flooding tide taking the yachts down the channel, and the wind steadily fading, precision sailing was required to make the final mark (John Rainger).

Sailing a shorter course to allow for the ripping tide, Classes 3 and 4 also set off on the upwind leg close into the mainland shore to Lepe Spit. With a watchful eye on the depth close inshore, it then took some yachts a couple of extra tacks to beat the tide and creep around Lepe Spit to port, before some hoisted kites for the reach across to Gurnard and downwind onto RORC. The penultimate leg saw a beat back up against the tide to N.E Gurnard and a reach across back to Gurnard, all the while judging the infamously challenging Solent tides.

The final leg for all classes saw the yachts gliding eastwards back down the Solent under spinnaker to finish on the RYS line.

Victoria Preston, owner of West Solent One Design Suvretta (alongside her husband Chris), commented, “The race today was perfect. True champagne sailing and a great course. Suvretta is a beautiful boat, very easy to handle, she sails herself. We have a mixed crew of experienced and new sailors, who all work well as a team. We are risk averse and we talk everything through carefully and tactically.”

Spirit 52 Happy Forever placed first in Class 1 and 8mR Helen took her second win from two races. Regatta overall winner from 2019, Whooper won Class 3 and Suvretta made it two from two to wins in Class 4.

This evening sees guests enjoy sundowners and canapés at the prestigious Royal Yacht Squadron.

Sunshine and Shifting Breeze on Day One at British Classic Week 2021

July 19, 2021 British Classic Week

The Solent sunshine didn’t disappoint on day one at British Classic Week 2021 as regatta entrants gathered at Cowes Yacht Haven ahead of the first day’s racing.

Above: One-off long keel classic sloop Lak II

After the day’s briefing with Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) Race Officer Dai Prichard, and before any racing got underway, the fleet of classic sail and motor yachts headed out on the water for the traditional Concours d’Elegance. Now a mainstay of the regatta, the parade sees the yachts cruise past the Royal Yacht Squadron in class sequence, with a blast of the cannon denoting the first yacht in each class. Crews onboard ‘tip their caps’ to Race Officer Dai Prichard on the shore as they pass.

Above: classic yawl Infanta tipping their caps in the Concours d’Elegance

With the formalities complete, yachts headed back in to wait for the wind to make an appearance. After a short postponement, the AP flags came down and Classes 1-4 headed out for the scheduled round the cans race.

Each class started on the RYS line in approx. 5knots of fickle breeze from the west. A dead-downwind, spinnaker start with the tide turned into a reach as the yachts crossed the Solent in choppy waters in the shadow of the world’s largest square-rigged sailing ship, the Golden Horizon.

Above: ketch Stormvogel crossing behind Golden Horizon

Spinnakers were dropped on the approach to the first mark (40 for Classes 1 and 2, and 41 for Classes 3 and 4). Rounding the mark to starboard, the yachts headed up into the wind across the Solent to mark 43. The changeable wind began to lose its strength and Classes 1 and 2 found themselves in a hole on the approach to the mark. As a result, Classes 3 and 4 crept up from behind and the fleet was in close quarters rounding the mark to starboard. The tacticians were tested as they read the wind shifts and eased their way to tack around the mark.

With the wind shifting constantly, some yachts chose to sail further up the Island side whilst others set off upwind straight across the Solent towards 4W (for Classes 1 and 2) and 4Y (Classes 3 and 4). The wind gods finally delivered on the final leg to the RYS line and crews took to the windward rail as bow waves splashed across the Solent.

Above: Spirit 52 Happy Forever crossing the finish line in front of the RYS

Upon arriving back at Cowes Yacht Haven, regatta guests were treated to complimentary cold Adnams Kobold lagers delivered direct to their yachts.

Above: enjoying the Adnams Kobold lagers

British Classic Week 2019 regatta overall winner, Giovanni Belgrano commented, “Today was awesome. The yachts were well sailed in tricky conditions. The race committee did a fantastic job; they made all the right calls.”

Giovanni continued, “It’s fantastic to be back at British Classic Week, we are so grateful to be back here, with our friends and crew, and to see the other beautiful boats. Even without a title sponsor, the regatta is still a class act. To have cold beers brought to you on the boat after racing; it really doesn’t get better than that!”

Spirit 37 Strega won Class 1, Class 2 was won by 8mR Helen, Clyde Linear 30 Mikado took Class 3 and West Solent One Design Suvretta triumphed in Class 4.

A beautiful evening kicks off British Classic Week 2021 in style

July 18, 2021 British Classic Week

Beautifully maintained classic sail and motor yachts gathered at Cowes Yacht Haven on Saturday afternoon for the start of British Classic Week 2021. The marina was buzzing with yachts and crews arriving and settling in ahead of a week-long, six-race series.

Once all the last minute boat preparations were complete, guests unwound in the evening sunshine for sundowners, dinner at the regatta marquee and catch ups with old friends.

On Sunday morning, the yachts will head out into the Solent sunshine for the famous Concours d’Elegance parade. A mainstay of the regatta, the parade sees the racing, cruising and motor yachts glide past the Royal Yacht Squadron in sequence by class. Upon passing the Squadron, crews will ‘tip their caps’ to the race officer on the shore and a blast from the cannon denotes the first yacht in each class. A spectacle for those watching from the shore, the parade is not to be missed.

Follow all the action, including photos and videos, from the regatta on Facebook and Instagram.

One Month To Go To British Classic Week 2021

June 21, 2021 British Classic Week

The British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC) has confirmed this year’s British Classic Week will go ahead from 17th – 24th July. Now in its 19th edition, the regatta will take place despite ongoing Covid restrictions.

BCYC Commodore Jonathan Dyke commented, “As it stands, limitations will be in place for the initial two days of the regatta and we are adjusting the shoreside scene to adhere to the latest Government guidelines. We remain fully optimistic that from Monday 19th July onwards the regatta will be restriction-free, but we can adapt accordingly if plans change.”

Jonathan continued, “We are totally committed to running this year’s British Classic Week and delivering a fantastic week on the water and ashore. With the support of our sponsors and our team of experienced event organisers, we are fully prepared to go ahead in line with any government guidelines.”

Criteria for entry into British Classic Week is IRC classic yachts of 24ft and over or modern classic, Spirit of Tradition yachts of either wood or steel construction. Fast-paced racing for classes 1-4 and a 6mR class will take place in the challenging tidal waters of the Solent against the historic, picturesque backdrop of the Isle of Wight.

Race management organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron will see beautifully maintained classic yachts battle it out over a six-race series of varied courses, including round-the-cans races and the 30nm Nab Tower Race that takes in the iconic Horse Sand and No Mans Land Forts.

*Above: yachts heading away from No Mans Land fort during the NAB Tower Race. Image: Guido Cantini*

The regatta dinner on Saturday 17th July will go ahead in the marquee, operating under Covid rules, with drinks and meals served to guests at tables of six people. Sunday’s popular sunset drinks party at the iconic Royal Yacht Squadron will be moved to Monday 19th July when the Government plans to lift current restrictions.

Tuesday will see the return of the lively Pontoon Party, sponsored by Classic Boat magazine, with sundowners by Hattiers Rum and Dartmouth Gin. Kim Holman designed yacht Stiletto celebrates her 60th anniversary on Thursday 22nd July by hosting a free of charge BBQ and party in the regatta marquee. To round off the week, prizes will be distributed during the final regatta dinner on Friday evening.

Keen spectators will be able to enjoy fantastic views of the racing from the coastal paths and secluded beaches along the north shore of the Isle of Wight. Line starts and finishes in front of the famous Royal Yacht Squadron allow shore-based crowds to get close to the action on the water.

*Above: crossing the line in front of the Royal Yacht Squadron. Image: Chris Brown*

This year’s British Classic Week will see a bumper line-up of event support in the wake of Panerai’s long-term partnership with the event. This year’s sponsors include OneSails, Spirit Yachts and BRIG RIBs, with event support from Suffolk Yacht Harbour and traditional chandlery Classic Marine. The UK’s leading publication on classic and traditional boats, Classic Boat magazine, remains the regatta’s media partner.

Also new for British Classic Week 2021 is a partnership with the Tall Ships Youth Trust. As the regatta’s official charity partner, the Tall Ships Youth Trust will be integrated into all aspects of the week, from sailing to socialising and fundraising.

*Above: The Tall Ships Youth Trust is the official BCW charity. Image: Tall Ships Youth Trust*

A daily programme of ‘cruise in company’ events will see the cruising fleet sail to a variety of beautiful locations including lunch breaks at the Master Builders on the Beaulieu River and the Royal Victoria Yacht Club in Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight.

ENTER BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

Entry Open For British Classic Week 2021

April 30, 2021 British Classic Week

The British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC) has announced entry applications are open for its annual British Classic Week regatta in Cowes. Taking place from 17th to 24th July, the 19th edition of the event will combine competitive racing with camaraderie and is set to be a celebration of classic yachts.

*Above: racing in the Solent sunshine. Image: Chris Brown*

Criteria for entry is IRC classic yachts of 24ft and over or modern classic, Spirit of Tradition yachts of either wood or steel construction. Fast-paced racing for classes 1-4 and a 6mR class will take place in the challenging tidal waters of the Solent against the historic, picturesque backdrop of the Isle of Wight.

*Above: yachts approaching No Mans Land fort during the NAB Tower Race. Image: Guido Cantini*

BCYC Commodore Jonathan Dyke commented, “After an extremely challenging year, we are very much looking forward to hosting British Classic Week this summer. With a renewed appreciation for yachting in home waters and a lack of racing opportunities over the past year, we know classic yacht owners are keen to be back out on the water.”

With drinks brands Adnams, Hattiers Rum and Dartmouth Gin providing celebratory drinks delivered direct to yachts after they have crossed the finish line, the social scene promises to be lively on and off the water.

BCYC Commodore Jonathan Dyke added, “This year’s social programme remains as vibrant as ever, with a balance of casual and more formal events. Whilst we are mindful of Covid and we will adhere to any restrictions in place at the time, we are lucky that the mostly outdoor nature of the event means we can be flexible with the arrangements. We remain optimistic and we have planned a dynamic week full of “old favourites” and fun new additions.”

The social programme includes the traditional welcome reception on the lawn at The Royal Yacht Squadron on Sunday 18th July. On Tuesday 20th July, regatta attendees will have the opportunity to peruse the fleet of timeless classics during the Open Yachts Pontoon Party (sponsored by Classic Boat with drinks by Hattiers Rum and Dartmouth Gin).

*Above: Drinks at the Royal Yacht Squadron. Image Chris Brown.*

Thursday night at the regatta will be hosted by yacht Stiletto to celebrate the 60 years since the 33ft Kim Holman designed sloop was built by Whisstocks boatyard in Suffolk. This free of charge party will be limited in numbers and tickets for the BBQ and live band party can be applied for at entry on a first come, first served basis. The regatta will round off with a prize giving dinner on Friday evening.

*Above: yacht Stiletto racing at British Classic Week 2018. Image: Guido Cantini*

Founded in 2001, the BCYC will celebrate its 20th anniversary at this year’s British Classic Week.

ENTER BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK