Tremendous regatta season ahead at Royal Southern Yacht Club
by Louay Habib 8 Feb 14:01 GMT
Start of the Deauville Race, which celabrates its 75th anniversary this year © Michael Austen
The 2018 racing season at the Royal Southern Yacht Club has an exciting line up of regattas for a wide spectrum of keelboats, as well as an extensive race programme for sportboats from February through to September including the J/70 UK National Championship.
World class professional sailors and passionate Corinthians, will be taking part in an extensive regatta programme, enjoying the first class facilities at the Royal Southern Yacht Club's Yacht Haven and clubhouse, located on the banks of the River Hamble.
"Our season has already kicked off with the Academy Frostbite series in February." Commented Royal Southern Yacht Club Commodore, Karen Henderson-Williams. "In 2018 the club will offer another tremendous season, starting with our first major event the X-Yachts Solent Cup, we are thrilled to welcome them back to the club this year. Our highly acclaimed Summer series kicks off with the North Sails May regatta. We are delighted to welcome Charles Heidsieck for the 'Champagne Charlie' July regatta, followed by the J/70 Nationals. On behalf of the club may I thank all those sailors who participated last year, and extend a very warm welcome to you all this season."
The Start of Season is marked by the Open Day and Fitting out supper on Saturday 7th April. Flag Officers, staff and members will host a full programme of activities including test sails in the RS Aero and RS 21. From 4th-6th May, the X-Yachts Solent Cup will once again be hosted by the Royal Southern Yacht Club with racing on exciting Solent courses.
From 12th-13th May, the North Sails May Regatta will mark the first of the Royal Southern's four annual summer regattas, which are open to entry for non-members and members alike. The May Regatta offers high quality, competitive racing for multiple classes including the new Performance 40 Class. Approximately 70 sportsboats and keel boats are expected to race. All are welcome, competitors, family and supporters alike.
The Deauville Race will start on the 25th May, with the Deauville Race Dinner, hosted at the Royal Southern Yacht Club Clubhouse, on the 24th May. Now in its 56th year, the 102 nautical mile event is run in association with the Yacht Club de France and Deauville Yacht Club which this year celebrates its 75th anniversary.
From 23rd-24th June, the Royal Southern will host it's June Regatta, the second event of the summer regatta series with entry for non-members and members alike. The regatta is part of the J/111 season with ten of these fast one design planing keelboats taking part. A high turn-out is expected, including performance keelboats racing under IRC, and a variety of sportboats.
Following on from the June Regatta, Oyster Week will commence on the 25th June. The first Oyster Regatta was held at the Royal Southern Yacht Club in 2010, and this year's event is set to be very popular with the British brand of luxury bluewater cruising yachts.
From 14th-15th July, the Charles Heidsieck (Champagne Charlie) July Regatta will be hosted by the Royal Southern Yacht Club, the third regatta in the summer series. The regatta will feature the 40th anniversary of the Sigma 33 Nationals. Also included are classes racing under IRC, one-design keelboat classes and sportsboats. The J/70 UK National Championship will be hosted by the Royal Southern Yacht Club from 20th-22nd July. This planing, high performance sportsboat, is the fastest growing sailing class in the world and adrenalin pumping action is expected over the three-day championship.
From 8th-9th September, the Harken September Regatta is the fourth and final event of the Royal Southern summer series, with winners decided for the season. The regatta will feature the Performance 40 Class Nationals and is also part of the SB20 Class National Series.
The 3rd edition of Hamble Classics will be hosted by the Royal Southern Yacht Club from 15th-16th September. Both of the last two editions have attracted over 60 entries. The weekend regatta again features the fabulous Elephant Rum Party and crew dinners with daily racing on courses formatted to suit each class. Hamble Classics welcomes all styles of classic yachts; IRC continues as the racer's choice but the success of the 'Regatta' class for unrated boats could see two divisions. Entries are welcome from the Metre classes, Classic Racers and Cruisers, Old Gaffers, Dayboats and Spirit of Tradition yachts. Classic Yachts of pre-1971 design, plus invited production yachts, are requested to make contact with the sailing office.
For more details about the Royal Southern Yacht Club, and the full schedule of events visit royal-southern.co.uk