Cowes Classics Regatta 2025 - The Countdown Is On
by Cowes Classics Regatta 23 May 20:22 BST
30 May - 1 June 2025
Loch Long Racing at Cowes Classics Regatta © Tim Jeffreys Photography
We are just one week away now from the start of the Royal London Yacht Club's flagship event - the Cowes Classics Regatta 2025 - and as ever, late entries are coming thick and fast across all the divisions.
For those that have already entered, the Race Officers sincerely thank you and the Royal London Yacht Club looks forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a fabulous and memorable event in the new regatta format. Below you will find a handy check-list of last-minute things to remember such as registration, wristbands for the free events and the prize-giving, plus a reminder about the pre-booking for evening social events.
To classic yacht owners sitting on the fence and wondering whether to enter, we encourage you to take the plunge and join the fun, festivities and outstanding Solent racing that the Cowes Classics Regatta offers.
The new three-day format that will see both shoreline and committee boat starts promises something for everyone whether you are an out-and-out racer or a more Corinthian crew. The regatta is open to all classic yachts with classes and divisions ready-made for participation. Come and join the finest regatta on the South Coast in 2025!
Entries can be made at www.cowesclassicsregatta.org/regatta-entry/entry-guidance
Cowes Classics Regatta Checklist
1. Signing On
To find your signing-on form you must first 'LOG IN' to the website with the same username and password used to enter the regatta.
Once logged in, the main menu will show the link 'SIGN-ON' which takes you to the form.
The form is pre-populated with the information we have about your regatta entry and any other details we might hold from previous entries for you to review, before digitally signing the declaration which is part of the regatta entry conditions (Notice of Race 4.5).
To make the process as painless as possible, you do not need to complete the form in one go as you can return to complete missing details or perhaps make a crew change right up until Regatta Registration closes, pressing the 'Save Signing-On Form' button each time to save your details so far.
The David Gower Bowl will be awarded to the youngest average age crew (which includes everybody aboard whilst racing), subject to an upper individual age limit of 45. If you wish to participate in this trophy, make sure you enter crew ages (otherwise just leave the age field empty). Ages for this trophy can only be submitted using the online form and until regatta registration closes.
2. Registration
Registration takes place at the Royal London Yacht Club on the Parade on both Thursday 29th May and the morning of Friday 30th May ahead of racing. Assuming they have digitally signed on, Competitors can pick up their sponsor goody pack which includes the all-important wristbands for all crew members.
Don't miss out on the Dartmouth Gin Opening Drinks Reception, the free traditional tea and cake every day, the Kendalls Fine Art Gallery reception and the Official Prize Giving on Sunday 1st June after racing.
3. Socials
Often the most important part of any Cowes Classics Regatta, this year we have some wonderful social events which we encourage competitors to pre-book in advance for. You can see the dedicated socials brochure with the highlights as follows:
- Thursday 29th May Pre-Regatta Supper
- Friday 30th May Welcome BBQ
- Saturday 31st May Nyetimber Regatta Dinner
- Sunday 1st June Survivors' Dinner
Full details of how to book are online. Don't delay. Tickets are selling fast, and places are limited!
4. YTC Rating System - Handicap Racing Classes
If you are competing in one of the handicap divisions, please do not forget to send your current rating or measurement certificate to
5. Sailing Instructions
Last but by no means least - the Cowes Classics Regatta Sailing Instructions will be available to view online for all competitors very soon here at the Official Notice Board.
And finally
The Chairman of Cowes Classics Regatta, His Honour Judge Peter Ralls, conveyed the following message to all competitors saying:
"On behalf of the Royal London Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Royal Thames Yacht Club, we very much look forward to welcoming all the competitors and their families to Cowes for what promises to be a wonderful spectacle of classic yacht racing.
"Do please come and enjoy the off-water events like Cowes Classics Day on Sunday 1st June where the Parade will be taken over by both classic cars and yachts, as well as enjoying everything that our wonderful clubhouse has to offer.
The new format should produce some first-class racing for all the fleets, and we look forward to continuing the regatta's rich legacy of Corinthian yacht racing at its finest. Come and join us."