Racing Entry Information

© Chris Brown

Racing

British Classic Week has a full and varied programme with racing organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron. Five days of IRC-handicap racing begins on Monday 15th July with a five race series, including long passage races and fast-paced inshore courses to deliver variety, competition, and fun on the water. The 2024 British Classic Week will incorporate a race around the Isle of Wight (with optional inshore racing for those who would prefer) and a passage race around the famous Solent Forts. The full programme of racing is available in the Notice of Race.

Eligibility - The Yachts

The regatta is open to yachts with a current IRC Rating Certificate or a Single Event Rating.

  • All yachts to be a minimum of 24ft (7.32m) L.O.D

  • A ‘Classic Yacht’ for the purpose of the regatta, is a monohull designed and built for recreational purposes in wood, steel or aluminium to a pre-1970 design by traditional build methods.

  • Modern classic yachts shall be Spirit Yachts or yachts that the committee of BCYC consider to be built with the appearance of a ‘Classic’

  • Large classic yachts with length on deck 70ft (21.34m) and over, with a current IRC Certificate.

  • Cruising classic yachts – no IRC Certificate required.

  • Applications from classic or Spirit of Tradition GRP yachts will also be considered.

Spinlock IRC Single Event Rating (SER)

For 2024, British Classic Week will once again be able to accept Single Event Rating TCCs (previously known as Limited Validity TCC), and we hope that if you do not wish or need to get a full IRC certificate, the option of racing with a Single Event Rating TCC will encourage your participation in this event.

The Singe Event Rating is an initiative by the RORC Rating Office for occasional IRC racers. If you are thinking of doing just one or two IRC events this year then the Spinlock IRC Single Event Rating may be for you. Please have a look at the introduction on the RORC Rating website to see whether it would fit your racing plans.

Berthing

All yachts will be berthed in Cowes Yacht Haven, creating a festival atmosphere, maximising camaraderie, and allowing entrants, crew, and guests to appreciate each other’s yachts.