200 entries registered and a new rock concert for the 2025 Taittinger RSYC Regatta
by Oliver Dewar 24 Jun 2025 17:13 BST
4-6 July 2025
Taittinger RSYC Regatta 2024 © Tim Jeffreys Photography
With registration for the 2025 Taittinger Royal Solent Yacht Club Regatta (Friday 4 - Sunday 6 June) closing at midnight on Wednesday 25 June, the current total of entries for two days of racing in the Western Solent based in Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, stands at 200, split between 142 keelboats and 58 dayboats - an increase on the 188 boats competing last year. Over 100 IRC boats will be competing in the Black Group, with Classics and NHC classes forming the White Group.
For the RSYC, the event's overall sponsor, Champagne Taittinger, and the supporting sponsors River Yar Boatyard, Wight Marine and the Edelweiss & Gurgl Hotel, entertainment onshore during and following racing is an essential factor in this highly-popular event and the Taittinger RSYC Regatta's blend of entertainment for the competing crews, and their shore-based families and friends remains a key element of the event. The Champagne Taittinger Reception held on the waterfront lawns at the RSYC opens the regatta on Friday evening and while crews are racing, the Club will be open throughout Saturday afternoon hosting live music and the popular Wightwood Pizza van.
For those competing in the regatta - and for many locals and visitors unconnected with the event who are also able to purchase wristbands - one of the weekend's onshore highlights is the Saturday night charity Towers Party at the listed, waterfront property adjacent to the RSYC, organised and hosted by John Caulcutt CBE. This year, the party will feature a selection of refreshment bars, food, fireworks and music from White Gates Band, Lucia Phillips and Mosaic, plus the unforgettable Wight Hot Pipes along with Jack Russell and John Caulcutt's band, Step on the Gas. Last year, the party raised a phenomenal £100k for Cure Parkinson's and the Motor Neurone Disease Association, who are the benefitting charities again this year.
This year, there is also The Towers Rock Concert on Friday night. Bands include the Blue Water Giants featuring members of Status Quo, Procul Harum and Tears for Fears, the Jamaican Superstar Derek Sandy and the Wight Hot Pipes, while food is provided by Cowes-based restaurant, Spice Central, and a fireworks finale will end the night in spectacular style. Wristbands for Friday's Towers Rock Concert are £50/person; for the Towers Party on Saturday the tickets are £25/adult and £15 for under 14s. Wristbands can be purchased from the Royal Solent Yacht Club and Harwoods Chandlers in Yarmouth.
Courtesy of the regatta sponsors, three exciting prize draws will take place during Sunday's prize-giving with incredible prizes for competitors to win - a trip for two on Eurostar to Reims for a tour of the Taittinger Champagne Cellars, a Honda 2.3 Short Shaft Outboard from Wight Marine and a luxury seven-night, half-board stay for two at the stunning Edelweiss & Gurgl Hotel in Austria.
Plus, this year, one lucky boat crew may find a golden ticket in their entry pack and win a tender package of a Quicksilver 2.4m slatted deck inflatable with a Mercury 3.5 HP Outboard, generously donated by Wight Marine.
Whether you are sailing, or partying, or both, the 2025 Taittinger RSYC Regatta will be a stand-out event!
For further competitor or media information, please contact the RSYC:
Tel: 01983 760256