New Regatta for Metre Boats & Classic Keelboats - Cowes, England July 2008

A new combined International Regatta is to be held in Cowes for Metre boats and classic keel racing boats from 22-25 July 2008 to be run by the Royal London Yacht Club. This is the same week as the British Classic Yacht Club Regatta which is run in association with the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club and with which some socials will be combined. These events will bring to Cowes the largest fleet of classic boats ever assembled in the UK. In particular, expressions of interest have been received by BCYC from some of the big boats The Lady Anne, (15mR), Mariquita (19mR) and Lulworth (23mR) on their return from the Fife Regatta on the Clyde, boats that have rarely been seen recently in the Solent. The event will be run annually and such an occasion will establish Cowes as the centre for classic racing in Northern Europe consistent with its heritage. The event will be immediately followed by the Household Division Regatta and the Royal Yacht Squadron Regatta – two one-day regattas for invited racing classes.

There is real support for a continuing a Metre Regatta following the success of the Centenary Regatta for the International Rule held in Cowes during July 2007 at which 80 Metre boats attended. Fleet racing will be organised for 6mR, 8mR and 12mR boats. Other classes may sail in the mixed fleet or, if sufficient boats attend separate starts will be provided. Although the 6mR have a full calendar next year, the 8mR and 12mR have few opportunities to sail together so this provides them with a real opportunity and the event is timed to follow their respective World Championships.

There is additional demand from classic keel racing boats for an event that brings all these classic boats together. Support has already been received from owners of Darings, Classic Dragons and Sunbeams. It will be a great opportunity for the many one-design classes from around the country to come together once a year. In the past almost every major yacht club has commissioned their own one-design. Many of these normally only have the opportunity to sail in small local fleets based around the few remaining boats and enthusiastic owners and some fleets are so fragmented that they have little opportunity to sail together. On the whole, they are fairly easily moved and mainland facilities will be organised for launching and the crossing to Cowes. A rating system will be used for mixed fleet(s) and a separate start or fleet result will be provided if sufficient numbers attend. It is hoped that fleets may adopt the event as a regular or occasional slot in their calendar although the format is designed to enable all-comers. Class Captains are encouraged to contact David Elliott – see below.

We are fortunate that Bob Milner will act as Chief Race Officer – on his recent return from from assisting with the Superyacht Regatta in Palma Majorca, Bob said “It will be wonderful that Cowes can attract such a superb fleet of these wonderful classes which have had such a significant impact on racing over the last century.”

The Regatta was officially announced at the Whyte & MacKay Earl's Court Boat Show on Friday 30th November 2007.

To monitor news and event details goto www.classickeelboats.org or contact:

Rees Martin (Secretary GBR 6mR) rees@6mr.org.uk
David Elliott (Secretary for Racing Classes, BCYC) david.elliott@classickeelboats.org

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