"BEST EVER" BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK FOR 2025

This year’s overall winners at the 23rd British Classic Week were Spirit 52 Happy Forever and West Solent One Design Enchanted.  Based in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, British Classic Week welcomed 52 classic and modern classic yachts for a week of racing, socialising, and camaraderie. 

Hosted by the British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC), with race management by Peter Saxton and the Royal Yacht Squadron team, the annual regatta saw stunning sailing conditions across the five-race series. 

BCYC Regatta Chairman Giovanni Belgrano commented, “It was a spectacular week, arguably our best to date.  Five consecutive days of champagne sailing – I cannot remember better regatta conditions.  The weather, the quality of the racing, and the calibre of the classic and modern classic yachts was outstanding.”

The week began with a feeder pursuit race from the Royal Solent Yacht Club Taittinger Regatta in Yarmouth to British Classic Week in Cowes, which was won by Stella yacht Timoa.  The regatta series began on Monday with round the cans racing sponsored by Spirit Yachts – of which there were seven at this year’s event, ranging from a Spirit R30 up to a Spirit C72.

Tuesday saw Classes 1, 2 and 3 take on the east-about Around the Island Race sponsored by Global Forecaster, while Classes 4 and 5 sailed a long inshore course in the Solent.  Tidal conditions and a challenging ‘wind hole’ at St Catherine’s made the Around Island a race of two halves, but after a long day’s racing it was 10M Class Cutter Bojar that triumphed overall.

On Wednesday, the female and youth helm pursuit race, sponsored by Awlgrip and Marineware, took the fleet around the cans and into a tactical finish.  At the race time limit, 22-year-old Victoria Theaker on Timoa took the overall win. 

This year, the regatta attracted more young sailors than ever, including a family crew with five under 25s onboard Sparkman & Stephens Swan 40 Aleana, and youngest crew awards going to teenagers racing on Lak II, Flight of Durgan, Sioma, and Arctic Skua.

Inshore racing sponsored by OneSails GBR on Thursday was followed by the final day’s round the cans race sponsored by Pantaenius Sail and Motor Yacht Insurance in the eastern Solent.

 Owner of West Solent One Design Enchanted, winner of Class 4 and the Overall Small Yacht of the Week trophy, Claire Locke, commented, “This was our third year of competing at British Classic Week and it has been absolutely brilliant.  We have had peachy sailing conditions, and we are so pleased the work we have put into the boat over the last three years has paid off.  Not only that, but it was also incredible to have four West Solent One Designs racing together – a fantastic moment for the class.” 

This year’s fleet included 1894 Thames Rater Dorothy (owned by Olympic sailor Ossie Stewart), gaff cutter Peggy Bawn (also 1894), and the iconic 36m Summers & Payne gaff ketch Cariad, built in 1896.

Navigator on Cariad and former skipper of the famous Fife yacht Mariquita, Jim Thom, said, “This has been one of the best regattas I have ever attended.  The event organisation and race management have been excellent.”

Giovanni Belgrano added, “We are a regatta organised by sailors for sailors.  We are not professional event managers, but we know better than most what makes for a memorable regatta experience.  We will keep pushing to improve and to continue to attract the best classic yachts and sailors out there.”

Further race and shoreside support came from Suffolk Yacht Harbour, Classic Marine, TOIO clothing, Broadfield Law, Bainbridge International, Classic Boat magazine, and Hattiers Rum.  The regatta continued its partnership with Tall Ships Youth Trust with fundraising throughout the week.

At the end of the regatta, Christian Oldendorff’s Spirit 52 Happy Forever won Class 1 and the BCYC Yacht of the Week trophy.  Staysail schooner Viveka, owned by Keith Mills (British entrepreneur and deputy chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games) won Class 2 overall.  Class 3 was won by Laurent Giles designed sloop Whooper.  Claire Locke in Enchanted triumphed in Class 4 and took the BCYC Small Yacht of the Week trophy.  Class 5 was won by Andrew Gilmour in Timoa, who took four class wins out of five races.  Thames Rater Dorothy won the Gaffer Class overall. 

For the full set of results, click here.  The dates for next year’s British Classic Week are 20th – 25th July 2026.

ONESAILS INSHORE RACE ON DAY 4 AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

It was a classic Solent day in Cowes for day four of British Classic Week with hot temperatures, sunshine and little to no wind in the morning before the sea breeze kicked in from the west and it was time to go racing.

Race four, sponsored by OneSails GBR, saw classes 1, 2, and 3 start together off the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) inner line to the west in glorious sunshine and 10-12 knots. 

Onlookers on the shore were treated to fast-paced action as most of the yachts started on starboard and almost immediately had to tack off out of the shore on to port into the oncoming starboard tackers.  Once clear of the shore, yachts made the most of the west-going tide and beat out into the central Solent for the long leg up to Power Byrne.  Tacking around Powder Byrne to port, it was a tight reach south west to Solent Bank. 

With a strong west-going tide, tacticians had to carefully judge the port rounding of Solent Bank to avoid being swept down onto the mark as they hoisted spinnakers, gybed and set off for the mainland shore to get out of the tide.   

Rounding West Lepe to starboard, the yachts beat back upwind to Hamstead Ledge, before a beautiful long run close inshore out of the tide passing Monex Marine and Polly’s Challenge and on to finish at the RYS line.

Meanwhile, classes 4 and 5 also started together on the RYS inner line, taking a similar first leg beat with the tide to the west to Craftinsure.  Rounding Craftinsure to port and tucking themselves inshore as soon as possible, classes 4 and 5 took Gurnard Ledge to starboard, again judging the strong west-going tide carefully upon rounding. 

A beat to Salt Mead preceded a champagne sailing downwind leg inshore back to the RYS line, passing Monex Marine and Polly’s Challenge and their way. 

The winners of Race 4 sponsored by OneSails GBR were Spirit R52 Flight of Durgan in Class 1, 10Metre Bojar in Class 2, Laurent Giles designed Whooper took Class 3, West Solent One Design Enchanted won Class 4, and Timoa made it a clean sweep with her fourth class win of the week in Class 5. 

Click here for results

FEMALE / YOUTH HELM RACE ON DAY 3 AT BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

Day three at British Classic Week in Cowes brought the annual Concours d’Elegance parade and the female and youth (under 25yrs) helm race sponsored by Marineware and Awlgrip.

It was a beautiful day in Cowes for the third day of racing for the 51 classic and modern classic yachts at British Classic Week.  Following the traditional parade in front of the Royal Yacht Squadron, the female and youth helm race began in a pursuit format in 18 knots of wind from the west.

The yacht with the lowest handicap in the fleet, 1961 long keel sloop Allegra del Mar, was the first yacht to set off, followed 63 minutes later by the final yacht to start, Spirit C72 Gwenhyfar II and the race was on. 

Beating with the tide to the west, the fleet sailed to East Lepe, rounded the mark to port and carried on tacking up the Solent – hunting down the yacht in front – to Newton East.

Broad reaching across the tide with spinnakers up, dropping as they rounded Craftinsure to port, the yachts set off on a long beat up in fair tide to Draycott Chartered Surveyors.

Seventeen year old Ruby Sunderland, helming Spirit R52 Flight of Durgan commented, “It was a really good race. It was different because the boat has a wheel rather than a tiller, so that was a new experience for me, but she is such a nice boat to steer.  The downwinds were fun, we were right in shore.  It was very interesting race as we were just getting closer to everyone as the race went on – it was a great day.”

Rounding Draycott Chartered Surveyors to starboard, it was a big bear away and spinnakers up to begin the long downwind leg via Zwerver and Powder Byrne.  With a race finish time set for 1600 and the tide against the fleet, it was still all to play for in the last 30 minutes of the race.  As the final third of the fleet approached Power Byrne against the tide, time was called on the race and positions were taken. 

John Parker of OneSails GBR, racing on Spirit R52 Flight of Durgan, commented, “It was rare in a conventional yacht race that you spend time with so many yachts around you, and this made it a unique racing environment.  We had yachts of different sizes, classes, and handicaps around us for the whole race, it made for a fantastic spectacle on a beautifully sunny day in the Solent.” 

Back on the down, sundowners were served courtesy of Marineware and Awlgrip as the crews prepared their yachts for the evening’s Pontoon Party sponsored by Classic Boat magazine. 

The second smallest yacht in the fleet, Stella Timoa helmed by Victoria Theaker took the overall win.  Class 1 was won by Spirit R52 Flight of Durgan, staysail schooner Viveka won Class 2, Swan 36 Scherzo took Class 3, Claire Locke on West Solent One Design Enchanted took her third class win of the week in Class 4, and Timoa won Class 5.

Click here for results.

BRITISH CLASSICS GO AROUND THE ISLAND ON DAY 2

It was an early start for the British Classic Week fleet on day two, as Classes 1-3 prepared to race around the Isle of Wight. 

Sponsored by Global Forecaster, racing began with class starts on the Royal Yacht Squadron line to the east.  Sailing with the tide, and with up to 15 knots of wind from the North, it was a challenging tight reach down the eastern Solent for the first 10nm.

As soon as the wind angle allowed, spinnakers were hoisted on the bear away as the fleet was met with lighter conditions along the Seaview coastline.

Giovanni Belgrano, winner of Class 3 on Whooper, commented, “By Seaview we were in a tricky, choppy sea.  It was difficult to steer and keep the boat going well.”

Giovanni added, “We gybed at Bembridge and pushed hard as we didn’t know what we would face at Ventnor and St Catherine’s.  We debated whether to go high and hope for breeze under the cliffs or to take the rum line.  In the end, we stayed inshore and it paid off.  There was less breeze, but we wriggled through before the big wind hole came in.”

The yachts behind weren’t so fortunate, with one crew member from Spirit C72 Gwenhyfar II commenting, “The race was reset at St Catherine’s as we all bunched up when the wind died.” 

Once they got clear of St Catherine’s, the breeze filled in and the fleet had a glorious upwind leg with the tide and strong currents pushing them to the Needles in 10-14 knots and bright sunshine.

Rounding the Needles and hoisting spinnakers as they went, most of the fleet were faced with the still oncoming tide on the homeward leg back to Cowes.  Tucking close inshore as the wind steadily built, the yachts tucked into the island shore to dodge the tide.

Giovanni added, “We stuck to the island shore and benefitted from the gusts coming off the island due to the hot weather, this helped us along.  Normally it makes sense to go North and come across to Cowes but this time it worked to stay island-side.” 

The final run into Cowes was champagne sailing with Code Zeros and spinnakers decorating the Solent horizon as the yachts crossed the RYS line.

In the meantime, Classes 4 and 5 took on a long inshore course in the Solent, starting to the west and tight reaching against the slackening tide all the way up to Hurst.  Conditions were challenging as the wind died for the long leg back into the central Solent and across to South East Ryde Middle, taking a circular course around Royal Yacht Squadron, Hamble Yacht Services, and Team O before heading back down to the RYS line to finish alongside the mid-fleet around the island yachts. 

A well-deserved cold beer on the dock was enjoyed by all courtesy of Bainbridge Sail Cloth after a long but memorable day on the water.

Race 2 was won by Spirit 52 Happy Forever in Class 1, 10M Bojar in Class 2, and Whooper in Class 3.  In the long inshore, West Solent One Design Enchanted took Class 4, and Stella Timoa won Class 5 – both yachts taking two class wins from two races.

For results click here

BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2025 KICKS OFF WITH CHAMPAGNE SAILING

Day one at British Classic Week in Cowes saw fast-paced racing around the cans sponsored by Spirit Yachts for over 50 classic and modern classic yachts.

Organised by the British Classic Yacht Club with race management by the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS), British Classic Week brings together some of the finest classic and modern classic yachts from across the UK and Europe. 

Northerly winds gusting 22 knots saw racing delayed by an hour for Classes 1 to 5.  Starting on the RYS line to the west in a short Solent chop, Classes 4 and 5 set off on a 10nm course upwind with the tide to The Boss. 

Rounding The Boss to port, it was champagne sailing with spinnakers up as the sun broke through on the downwind leg to Monex Marine.  Rounding the mark to port, Classes 4 and 5 sailed a short leg to the east along the Isle of Wight shore to Salt Mead. 

Rounding Salt Mead to starboard, Classes 4 and 5 set off upwind across the Solent to West Lepe, followed by a powered-up reach with the turning tide to Cowes Week.  Bearing away around West Lepe some yachts hoisted kites for a broad reach back to the RYS line.

Owner of Race 1, Class 5 winner Timoa, Andrew Gilmour, commented, “Good call by Peter Saxton (PRO) and the team to delay the start to let the front go through.  Great sailing in sunshine and around 15kn of shifty breeze from the north.  Sailing short legs at all angles to the wind suited the classics - a great day on the water.” 

Sailing a similar course, Classes 1 to 3 set off on class starts from the RYS line to The Boss.  It was a fantastic spectacle for passing cruising yachts with everything from modern classic Spirit Yachts to 36m gaff ketch Cariad and the iconic 1929 staysail schooner Viveka owned by Sir Keith Mills.

Rounding The Boss to port, the yachts hoisted spinnakers and sailed a stunning downwind leg in 10-12 knots to Monex Marine.  Dropping spinnakers and rounding up around Monex Marine to starboard, it was a reach on to Newton East.  A series of windward leeward legs followed, before Classes 1 to 3 sailed a long reach homeward from Zwerver to Cowes Week, where spinnakers were hoisted for the final leg of the 18nm course to the RYS line.

Upon arrival back at the dock, regatta sailors were treated to Nyetimber sparkling wine courtesy of Pantaenius Sail and Motor Yacht Insurance.

Race 1 was won by Spirit 52 Flight of Durgan in Class 1, Viveka in Class 2, Regatta Chairman Giovanni Belgrano in Whooper won Class 3 (by only 37 seconds on corrected time), West Solent One Design Enchanted took Class 4, and Stella Timoa won Class 5.

For full results click here.

BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK ANNOUNCES STRONG ENTRIES FOR 2025

British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC) has announced a stellar fleet of entries for its annual British Classic Week regatta in Cowes.  With ‘Early Bird’ entry now closed, the regatta has 32 classic and modern classic yachts signed up at the time of writing with less than two months to go until the event.

The entry list spans build dates from as early as 1896 to modern classics launched in the 21st Century.  The fleet currently has five yachts over 65ft, including original classics boats such as Summers & Payne gaff ketch Cariad, Frank Paine staysail schooner Viveka, and the ‘original maxi’ and Fastnet 1961 line honours winner Stormvogel.

Regatta Chairman Giovanni Belgrano commented, “This year’s regatta is attracting many special new entries from across the UK and overseas.  The calibre of the yachts and their sailors is set to make for exceptional sailing and unforgettable memories on the dock.”

Pedigree yachts also signed up to take on the five-race series include 1924 Bermudan sloop Suvretta, 1904 Fife-designed Clyde 30 Linear Rater Mikado, and West Solent One Designs from the 1920s.

Taking place from 6th to 11th July, based at Cowes Yacht Haven, British Classic Week comprises a varied programme of racing run by the prestigious Royal Yacht Squadron.  Race sponsors providing invaluable support are Spirit Yachts, OneSails GBR, Global Forecaster, Marineware and Awlgrip, and Pantaenius Sail & Motor Yacht Insurance.

Giovanni Belgrano continued, “This year’s regatta offers the opportunity to be a part of one of the biggest sailing summers in UK waters for quite some time.  There is still time to enter, but we have an event capacity so sign up soon to avoid disappointment.” 

Alongside the sailing, the shoreside scene promises to be as lively as ever with the famous dockside parties, a reception at the Royal Yacht Squadron, and a more relaxed Regatta Supper, with plenty of opportunities to catch up with old friends and meet new faces. 

Further race and event sponsorship comes from TOIO marine apparel, Suffolk Yacht Harbour, traditional chandlery Classic Marine, Hattiers Rum, Raymarine, and Bainbridge sail cloth.

ENTER HERE

ENTRY OPEN FOR BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK 2025

The British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC) have announced the details for British Classic Week 2025.  Entry for this year’s event is now OPEN!

Taking place from 6th to 11th July at Cowes Yacht Haven, the regatta is slightly earlier this year to make way for the iconic return of The Admiral’s Cup. 

Last year, the regatta’s new format was met with overwhelming positive feedback, so the 2025 event will be run the same again with small refinements.  Early expressions of interest have been flooding in and yacht owners are encouraged to submit entry promptly to avoid missing out as there is an event capacity limit.

Race management from Peter Saxton and his team at the Royal Yacht Squadron will see yachts compete in a five-race series.  This year’s regatta will be kicked off by the usual Concours d’Elegance before racing gets underway with a round-the-cans race sponsored by Spirit Yachts.  Tuesday 7th will bring a race around the Isle of Wight sponsored by Global Forecaster.  To increase the chances of ‘going around the island’, the regatta organisers have divided the fleet into “Offshore-capable yachts” (with self-draining cockpits), and a “Solent” group (fast day-racers and lower handicapped boats).  The race office plan to send the offshore-capable group around the island and deliver competitive and safe inshore racing for the Solent group.

Later in the week, the regatta will hold a new Female/Youth Helm (under 25) Pursuit Race sponsored by Marineware and Awlgrip, and the Long Inshore race sponsored by OneSails GBR.  The week will round off with Race 5 in the Solent, sponsored by Pantaenius Sail & Motor Yacht Insurance.  

The shoreside scene will focus on a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to share stories from on the water and socialise on the fleet beautiful yachts.  The popular Pontoon Party makes a return as well as welcome drinks at the Royal Yacht Squadron.  This year, we will host a prize giving dinner on Thursday 9th with racing trophies awarded in the afternoon on Friday 10th July.

Thanks to valued sponsors there are some fantastic offers for regatta entrants this year.  Cowes-based TOIO clothing will once again be generously offering a free embroidered jacket for each yacht. 

Long-standing regatta supporter OneSails GBR is offering 20% off Dacron and white 4T Forte sails (OneSails’ high performance, fully recyclable sail membrane) for regatta entrants only.*. As well as the discount on sails, OneSails will be running a sail repair service during the regatta and the opportunity to drop off your old sails, which they will recycle or upcycle. 

Continued support comes from Suffolk Yacht Harbour, Classic Marine, Broadfield Law, Bainbridge sailcloth, Classic Boat magazine, and Hattiers Rum.  Tall Ships Youth Trust returns for a fourth year as the charity partner, and event attendees are asked to give anything they can to help get young people out on the water.

So shake off those winter blues and let’s get ready to go sailing!

*OneSails offer is for British Classic Week entrants only, delivery of sails is minimum 12 weeks from order date, offer is valid until 31st December 2025.  Contact east@onesails.co.uk or south@onesails.co.uk