Exciting developments for Vice Admiral's Cup 2015

Vice Admiral's Cup 2010 © Fiona Brown / www.fionabrown.com

The 2015 edition of the Vice Admiral's Cup will be hosted from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 May by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, incorporating the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, from its Cowes waterfront clubhouse.

Since its introduction in 2005 the Vice Admiral's Cup has gone from strength to strength, providing outstanding racing for a wide cross section of classes. The event has evolved each year to meet the sailors' needs and the 2015 edition will see the introduction of a new IRC Class, which will open the regatta up to an even wider audience.

By popular demand a new Class 6 for IRC boats rating between 1.100 and 1.300 with a DLR of 135 or less has been introduced. They will join IRC Classes 0 and 1 for IRC boats rating between 0.900 and 1.250, which will be split between the two classes according to entry numbers.

The hugely popular Quarter Ton Class will be back once again racing under IRC. Also returning to the regatta with strong level racing classes will be the J/111, J/109 and SB20 fleets.

The addition of the new IRC Class 6 will see a significant increase in entry numbers for this already very popular regatta. Racing will take place in the Solent with committee boat starts and up to eight races scheduled over the three days. Three races will be required to constitute a valid series and a discard will be introduced once six races have been completed. The race format will be predominantly windward/leeward with the option for Solent "round the cans" courses too.

In addition to great racing, the Vice Admiral's Cup is well known for its convivial après sailing atmosphere. All competitors will be extended a warm invitation to enjoy the facilities of the Cowes Clubhouse throughout the regatta and crews are invited to come together for a fun curry buffet supper served from 7pm on Saturday evening.

Further information about the event including the Notice of Race and Online Entry can be found at www.rcyc.co.uk or by contacting Jo Chugg, Royal Ocean Racing Club, The Parade, Cowes, PO31 7QU, email Tel 01983 293581.