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.

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