Hamble Classics 2020 starts in three days
by Jonty Sherwill 18 Aug 2020 12:27 BST
21-23 August 2020
Ragdoll is entered for the hamble Classics 2020 © Rick Tomlinson
The Hamble Classics Regatta has got used to impressive weather forecasts, and this year after the remnants of Storm Kyle have blown through on Friday a good breeze in the relatively sheltered waters of the Solent should be just what classic yacht sailors like.
With some carefully considered measures to help reduce COVID-19 risks including strict crew limitations and a scaled down social programme the Hamble Classics and Royal Southern Yacht Club teams look forward to welcoming the 40 yachts entered.
With boats sailing with fewer crew the option to use a non-spinnaker rating and a 5-pip handicap reduction for shorthanded boats in the Regatta class, these innovations are aimed to help social distancing on board and equalise performance against ratings. A few things are changing onshore as well, with limited numbers at the club each day and the temporary sacrifice of the Elephant Boatyard Rum Party and Hamble Classics Dinner - it is hoped that both can resume in 2021.
Commenting on the event's return to the Royal Southern after a year away, Paul Ward the club's Chairman of Sailing said: 'We are delighted to be hosting the Hamble Classics again albeit in a testing year, and it's clear that Jonty Sherwill and Vicki Weston's enthusiasm is undimmed and the passion of classic yacht owners undaunted, and not forgetting the race team, volunteer helpers and our club staff that make these regattas happen."
Rick Tomlinson is the official photographer and this year's event sponsors are Spinlock, Classic Marine, Performance Rigging, the Sandeman Yacht Company, the Elephant Boatyard, OneSails GBR, and Joseph Perrier Champagne.
Race results are at yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=13039 and further updates will be posted at www.facebook.com/hambleclassics and at www.royal-southern.co.uk