UK Autumn Means Solent Super Series Time
by Mark Angell 3 Oct 11:41 BST
2024 Solent Super Series Round 1 Cowes © John Green / @SolentSailPhotography
With the summer racing season now finished and Autumn upon the UK, attention shifts for many to the Solent Super Series, kicking off next weekend 11th/12th October with Round 1, Cowes.
Now in its third season the Series continues to attract entries old and new, renowned for its tricky tidal and unique wind conditions combined with the stunning natural beauty of the Solent, the perfect backdrop is provided for what promises to be a great series of races.
Featuring the same amount of sailing as a 'traditional' seasonal series, condensed over fewer weekends, with an enhanced social scene, the Solent Super Series is an out of season series with a difference! The Series has a tight IRC banding to deliver a single fleet, providing close racing from one start line, the 2025 fleet consists of; Sun Fast 30 One Designs, Sun Fast 3300s and 3600s along with JPK1030 and J109 boats. Teams utilising the event to bring on double handed crews or an opportunity to sail with family and friends.
Among the exciting developments for 2025 are the event's new partners with Musto Clothing and Marlow Ropes supporting the event. "We're delighted to welcome both Musto and Marlow Ropes to the Solent Super Series family," said Charles Darbyshire Series Director. "Their support strengthens the foundation of the Solent Super Series as we continue to grow year on year, and we look forward to seeing their impact on the racecourse and the entire event experience."
Commenting on the partnership Paul Honess, Leisure Marine Sales Director at Marlow Ropes said "The Solent Super Series is a great way for people to extend their sailing season, we're proud to encourage people to continue racing their boats year-round. The Series provides an opportunity to engage with our users, we'll be at Round 3 - Lymington and look forward to speaking to our customers and end users, we'll also be on the water and our branded MarkSetBot will be out on the racecourse!"
Round 1 races off the Island Sailing Club start line and begins in just over a week's time whilst supporting the boats on the water Cowes Harbour Commission will be welcoming the Solent Super Series fleet to Shepards Marina in West Cowes.
Returning from their Series win in 2024, Gareth Edmondson onboard his JPK10.30 'Insert Coin' will be ones to watch, having had a full on Fastnet season the 'Insert Coin' team has a lot of miles under their belt. A new entrant for 2025 is the Royal Ocean Racing Club'0s Sun Fast 3600 'Griffin', also at the end of a busy season of Fastnet and RORC qualification races the usually 8 crew will take on a new challenge being short-handed - skipper Albert Barber will be leading the young crew.
With great racing and competition on the water paired with popular Saturday night socials in the host ports, the Solent Super Series 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable editions yet.
Event Dates:
- Round 1 - 12th/13th October
- Round 2 - 26th/27th October
- Round 3 - 9th/10th November
- Round 4 - 23rd/24th November