Stoneways Marine VPRS National Championship 2023 set for Cowes in June

Stoneways Marine VPRS Nationals © VPRS

Returning for 2023 with a bigger and better event than ever before, The Stoneways Marine VPRS National Championship will take place at The Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club on the Isle of Wight this June.

Make sure to mark your calendar to avoid missing out on an action-packed weekend of close competition on the water, followed by friendly post-racing socials with fellow VPRS sailors in the home of British yacht racing.

Stoneways Marine, the friendly face of yacht and marine trade insurance established in 2020, are delighted to continue sponsorship of the VPRS class and the 2023 Championship. Proud to deliver the highest levels of service, care and expertise, Stoneways provide high quality marine insurance solutions. They are often able to provide comprehensive cover, even when others cannot.

The Schedule

Two VPRS fleets are set to race for the 2023 VPRS national Championships, to ensure closely fought racing on the water.

Three short races (ranging from 1 to 1.5 hours per time) will be run on Saturday 10th June, followed by one long distance course on Sunday 11th. On the Sunday race, sailors can win double points meaning any less successful sailors on Saturday still have a chance to win. Following the action, a prize-giving ceremony will take place later in the afternoon at Cowes Corinthian with fantastic prizes up for grabs.

The VPRS class not only provides simpler access to yacht racing but is also centered around socialising with a like-minded community of sailors, with plenty to enjoy during the weekend. Yacht crews and their guests are invited to a welcome reception hosted on Friday evening at The Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club, followed by a class dinner on Saturday. Further details and timings will be announced in the coming months.

Please note, participants are responsible for organising their own berthing in Cowes and are advised to book soon to avoid disappointment and secure the best locations.

About VPRS

For those who have not previously discovered VPRS, it is a straightforward rating system that enables monohull yachts to race fairly against one another. The Velocity Prediction Rating System (VPRS) is rapidly growing in popularity due to its simplicity of using a conventional set of measurements and highly affordable entry cost, with an annual rating certificate costing just £25.00.

Proven through extensive testing and use over the last 14 years, VPRS offers yacht clubs a single system which is easy to use and provides accurate and reliable ratings across a vast range of yacht types - including sportsboats - based only upon measurement data.

The system is now used across the South Coast of the UK, in parts of Europe and South America, having developed considerably since its initial introduction by Poole Yacht Racing Association in 2010.

Keith Lovett, Managing Director & Senior Underwriter at Stoneways Marine commented: "I am delighted that Stoneways Marine will once again be supporting the VPRS National Championship for 2023. As an avid yacht racer myself and knowing so many who compete amongst the VPRS fleet, giving back to the racing communities both local and further afield brings me absolute joy whilst also seeing this event go from strength to strength."

He continued: "What's more, there will be something for everyone during the weekend. Not only does using VPRS mean that entering races is far simpler for seasoned sailors, but it also helps provide racing opportunities for newcomers and those who may just want to race a few times each season."

There's still time to gain a VPRS rating for the 2023 championship, with further details available via vprs.org. For all yacht insurance requirements or queries, contact the Stoneways team on 03333 609 886 or visit www.stoneways.co.uk.