Royal Southampton Yacht Club launch Solent to Santander Race
by Michael Short 25 Mar 2003 10:41 GMT
The Royal Southampton Yacht Club is pleased to announce, in collaboration with the Real Club Maritimo de Santander, a double handed "Solent to Santander" race this summer.
Starting on Saturday 12th July, the course will take competitors from the Solent, around Ushant and across the Bay of Biscay to Santander in northern Spain, with an expected finish by Thursday 17th July.
Replacing the former Brixham to Santander race, this event builds on the RSYC's highly successful Double Handed series, the premier double handed racing series in the UK.
Covering more than 500 miles, the race represents a challenging addition to the short-handed racing calendar. RSYC Captain of Racing Geoff Lynch commented: "We've listened to requests for an event to bridge the gap between our current inshore and coastal short-handed races and much longer courses, for instance the Azores and Back race. The RSYC Solent/Santander event will provide plenty of opportunity for tidal tactics, especially around Ushant. But judging from previous Santander races competitors can often enjoy fast reaching across Biscay with the foul weather gear put away once south of Brest. The RCMS is an excellent host club and everyone can expect a good celebration after the finish."
Entries are invited from qualified IRC rated monohull yachts from twenty five to sixty feet length overall, conforming to ISAF Offshore Special Regulations Category 2. Interested skippers should contact Cathy Crawley, Sailing Secretary, Royal Southampton Yacht Club, +44 23 80223352, email
racing@rsyc.org.uk, or web site www.rsyc.org.uk.