A wave of early entries for Panerai British Classic Week

By Mary Scott-Jackson on 16 May 201117-23 July 2011

Entries have been flooding in for the 2011 Panerai British Classic Week in Cowes, which runs from the 17th - 23rd of July. Classic yachts of every shape and size will take part in six days of racing in and around the Solent, including the ever popular Panerai Classic Round the Island Race, which this year takes place on the opening day of the regatta and will also be open to classic yachts not competing in the main regatta. For the second year the regatta will form a part of the 2011 Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge Series, which also includes some of the world's leading classic yacht regattas, such as the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and the Régates Royales in Cannes.

Early entries to this year’s regatta include Sandy Fielding’s 35’ Spirit Yacht ‘Strega’, a regular at this event, which will once again be competing in the Modern Classic Division. Another early entry is the beautifully restored 1897 Cork Harbour One Design, ‘Jap’, owned by David Sherriff, who will no doubt be hoping to repeat the form which saw him carry off the overall Class 4 prize last year. Over the winter, Martin Cooper’s 36’ 1965 McGruer designed ‘Marelle’ has been undergoing a major refit in Hamble not far from the yard where she was originally built, and this year’s Panerai Classic Regatta looks likely to be her first major outing after her relaunch. Competitors and spectators alike will be pleased to see that Pelham Olive’s wonderful 1903 Gaff Cutter ‘Kelpie’ will be making a welcome return to the regatta this year. Great excitement is also building around the expectation that the legendary Gipsy Moth IV, on which Sir Francis Chichester became the first person to sail single-handed around the world in 1966-7, will be making an appearance at this year’s Panerai British Classic Week.

Visitors at last year’s regatta in Cowes were treated to a full week of Mediterranean style conditions, with racing take place in balmy breezes and under clear blue skies. In addition to a full racing schedule which offers a solid mix of short and long course day racing, the regatta also features daily onshore social activities for the public, including the Panerai Event Village offering music, a bar and crafts from local artisans.

Entertainment for the crews will include a Welcome Reception at the Royal Yacht Squadron, a Seafood Buffet, a Pontoon Party with live Jazz, as well a Crew Party and a Prize Giving Dinner, both at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club. In addition, competitors will be able to take advantage of the Panerai Lounge which will be located near the berthed boats at Cowes Yacht Haven. Those classic yacht owners not inclined towards racing but who would like to enjoy the company of likeminded classic yacht enthusiasts are encouraged to join the regatta’s Rally Division.

Full details on the 2011 Panerai Classic Week in Cowes including the official Notice of Race, and entry forms can be found on the BCYC website.