Entry open for British Classic Week 2023
by Helen Porter 4 May 2023 13:50 BST
15-22 July 2023
British Classic Week © Chris Brown
Organised by the British Classic Yacht Club, the UK's leading classic yacht regatta will take place in Cowes from 15th - 22nd July 2023
British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC) has announced entry is open for its annual British Classic Week regatta in Cowes. Taking place from 15th to 22nd July this year, the regatta attracts classic sailing and motor yachts from across the UK and Europe.
Criteria for entry to the regatta is IRC classic yachts of 24ft and over or modern classic, Spirit of Tradition yachts of either wood or steel construction. The regatta also welcomes gaff-rigged yachts to race under the latest OGA ratings.
This year, British Classic Week will host a 6Metre class comprising national and international entries keen for racing practice ahead of the 6Metre Worlds taking place in the Solent in September.
Cruising yachts and classic motor boats are also invited to join in to watch the racing, explore local waters, and enjoy the social scene.
BCYC Commodore Jonathan Dyke commented, "British Classic Week embodies all the qualities of classic yacht ownership: commitment, camaraderie, and the pure joy of being out on the water. The pride of ownership shared amongst the fleet is exceptional and we look forward to welcoming old faces and new competitors to Cowes this summer."
Sailors will take on a six-race series of varied courses, including round-the-cans races and the 30nm Nab Tower Race that takes in the iconic Horse Sand and No Mans Land Forts. Race management organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron will see beautifully maintained classic yachts battle it out against the historic, picturesque backdrop of the Isle of Wight.
Keen spectators will be able to get close to the action on the water and watch line starts and finishes in front of the famous Royal Yacht Squadron.
The social programme includes the popular welcome reception on the lawn at the iconic Royal Yacht Squadron on Sunday 16th July. On Tuesday 18th July, regatta guests will have the opportunity to step onboard the yachts during the Open Yachts Pontoon Party (sponsored by Classic Boat with drinks by Hattiers Rum and Dartmouth Gin). The regatta will finish with a lively prize-giving dinner on Friday evening.
This year's British Classic Week is sponsored by OneSails GBR and Spirit Yachts, with event support from Suffolk Yacht Harbour and traditional chandlery Classic Marine. The UK's leading publication on classic and traditional boats, Classic Boat magazine, remains the regatta's media partner.
The regatta is also partnered with the UK's oldest and largest youth development sail training charity Tall Ships Youth Trust. The collaboration raises awareness and funds for the charity's work helping disadvantaged young people to fulfil their life potential through adventures at sea.
The motto of regatta organiser the BCYC is Per Ardua ad Marum (Through hard work to the Seas), paying homage to the commitment required to own and maintain a classic yacht. Most of the classic yachts that attend the regatta are privately owned, meaning that for many their upkeep is purely down to the devotion of their owners and crew.
Entry is now open, go to www.britishclassicweek.co.uk