The Notice of Race has been posted and applications are now open. Entries are coming in from as far afield as New Zealand and Australia, as well as Yorkshire! After lengthy deliberation the BCYC Committee has decided that the Around the Island race will be part of the Regatta and count for the overall prize. In the spirit of the founding ethos of the Club, it was felt that this would ensure that only yachts which are capable of passage making will be eligible to win the Regatta. The direction of the race will be determined by the weather forecast and the start will be timed to assist the successful transit of any tidal gate. As usual there will be an alternative course in the Solent for yachts which choose not to go around the Island but this will not count towards the overall points.
The racing format for the week will be the same as last year but the intention is for the starts to be less “exciting”. There will be an active cruising programme for those who wish to enjoy the week but do not intend to race. This will include Mariquita who has expressed their intention to spend a relaxed week cruising.
New this year, there will be trackers on every racing yacht to provide real time information on the progress of each race. This will also permit replays of races in the lounge as well as later to enliven cold winter evenings and to provide endless hours of entertainment for armchair tacticians.
We look forward to welcoming you to Cowes for a week of good fun afloat and good companionship ashore.
Rufus Gilday
BCYC Secretary
