Founded in 2002 and hosted by the British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC), British Classic Week will celebrate its 20th anniversary from 16th to 23rd July in Cowes this year. Entry is now open for the regatta, which is set to be a celebration of classic yachts on and off the water.
Criteria for entry is IRC classic yachts of 24ft and over or modern classic, Spirit of Tradition yachts of either wood or steel construction. This year, the regatta will host a new class for gaff-rigged yachts to race under the latest OGA ratings. Cruising yachts and classic motor boats are also invited to join British Classic Week to watch the racing, explore local waters and enjoy the social scene.
BCYC Commodore Jonathan Dyke commented, “Pre-entry interest in attending the 20th edition of British Classic Week has been high, and we are anticipating a wide range of classic and modern classic yachts from across the UK and Europe this year. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to Cowes to celebrate 20 years of classic yacht racing and camaraderie.”
Sailors will take on 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. Race management organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron will see beautifully maintained classic yachts battle it out against the historic, picturesque backdrop of the Isle of Wight.
Keen spectators will be able to get close to the action on the water and watch line starts and finishes in front of the famous Royal Yacht Squadron.
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.
The social programme includes the traditional welcome reception on the lawn at The Royal Yacht Squadron on Sunday 17th July. On Tuesday 19th 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). The regatta will finish with a prize giving dinner on Friday evening.
This year’s British Classic Week will see continued sponsorship from OneSails GBR and Spirit Yachts, 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.
The regatta’s charity partnership with the UK’s oldest and largest youth development sail training charity Tall Ships Youth Trust continues into its second year for 2022. The collaboration raises awareness and funds for the charity’s work helping disadvantaged young people to fulfil their life potential through adventures at sea.
Jonathan Dyke commented, “British Classic Week began in 2002, when a group of like-minded owners started a regatta to celebrate classic yachts and the people who maintain them. Whilst the regatta has evolved, the ethos is the same: quality racing, camaraderie, and a shared appreciation of beautiful classic yachts.”
The motto of regatta organiser the BCYC is Per Ardua ad Marum (Through hard work to the Seas), paying homage to the commitment required to own and maintain a classic yacht. Most of the classic yachts that attend the regatta are privately owned, meaning that for many their upkeep is purely down to the devotion of their owners and crew.
