Summer regatta guide

SUMMER RACE WEEKS GUIDE 2021

Following the challenges and canned events of the Covid-19 pandemic, many regattas are looking forward to welcoming visitors again this summer and gearing up for a bumper staycation season.

With ever-changing guidance, remember to keep an eye on regatta websites for any latest updates, including if one of your favourite regattas is not listed here as usual, since organisers may still be working through the needs of their club/s, volunteers and any local restrictions.

Overall, however, there is lots of optimism that 2021 will see a successful return to the sociable race weeks we all know and love. With stunning locations and regattas ranging from family-friendly fun to world class competition, whatever your boat or budget, there will be an event for you!

NORTH

BASS WEEK

31 July-8 August, Bassenthwaite SC, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cumbria OVERVIEW: Nine days of racing and partying in the beautiful Lake District, at the foot of Skiddaw and close to the town of Keswick. Camping available on site. Social programme for all the family. A mix of fleet and handicap racing suits all abilities. Some races are run as a series whilst other races are one-offs. The best value summer race week! INSIDER TIP: Tactically make friends with a GP14 sailor, with a plan to borrow their boat for one of the two highlyINSIDER TIP: Use the tides to work out your best route on the day! SPONSOR: Yachtmaster Insurance WEBSITE: www.3rr.uk and horningsailing.club

ALDEBURGH REGATTA

15-20 August, Aldeburgh YC, Aldeburgh, Suffolk OVERVIEW: Over 200 sailors enjoy class racing for Wayfarer, Laser, Dragon, Flying Fifteen, Loch Long, Cruisers and Lapwing as well as handicap fleets. The largest fleet is the highly competitive beautiful wooden 21ft Loch Long One Design keelboat, with in excess of 30 boats fighting it out on the fixed river

contested pursuit races. GP14s have won more than any other class! SPONSORS: The Lakes Distillery and Craftinsure.com WEBSITE: bassweek.org.uk

EAST

60TH ANNIVERSARY THREE RIVERS RACE

5-6 June, Horning SC, Norfolk Broads OVERVIEW: The Three Rivers Race sees upwards of 100 boats leaving Horning Sailing Club to participate in this tough 50-mile endurance race, which sees competitors sail through the night, across the Broads, and lowering their masts under three bridges. start line in front of the clubhouse. Something for everybody and a great social programme to match. There is also Aldeburgh Junior & Youth Race Week, 8-12 August, with everything from beginner coached Optimist sailing to competitive racing for Laser sailors. Fabulous sailing on Suffolk’s beautiful tidal River Alde adjacent to the North Sea for a consistent breeze and an active social programme make this an unmissable week for all the family. INSIDER TIP: Don’t forget to visit the world famous concert hall at Snape Maltings and the renowned fish and chip shop in the high street. WEBSITE: aldeburghyc.org.uk

Bass Week Three Rivers Race

BLACKWATER SAILING CLUB REGATTA & RACE WEEK

Regatta, Saturday 21 August; Race Week, 22-27 August, Blackwater SC, Heybridge, Essex OVERVIEW: Regatta day for all the family with racing on the river, inshore fun and games, including the Greasy Pole, Crabbing Competition and Cruising - Cote d’Azurexcellent teas. Followed by Blackwater SC Club Race Week, with racing on the river for dinghies and cruisers, food available from the galley and drinks from the bar. Social events in the evenings. INSIDER TIP: A fun week of sailing and socialising. WEBSITE: blackwatersailingclub.org.uk

BRANCASTER SAILING WEEK

9-13 August, Brancaster Staithe SC, Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk OVERVIEW: The highlight of the sailing calendar at BSSC, Brancaster Sailing Week is a multi-class open regatta with socials! Going ahead subject to the continuing lifting of Covid-19 restrictions. INSIDER TIP: Registration online only and now open on the website. WEBSITE: bssc.net/pages/sailingweek

DEBEN YACHT CLUB REGATTA

8-12 August, Deben YC, Woodbridge, Suffolk OVERVIEW: The regatta is held on the

BURNHAM WEEK

28 August-4 September, Burnham on Crouch, Essex OVERVIEW: Eight days of fantastic racing with prizes for weekends and the week, welcoming a wide range of classes and boats. Cruisers with spinnaker and non-spinnaker divisions, popular day boat classes, Mocra and dinghies, including Ospreys and mixed handicap classes. The prestigious Town Cup is being run alongside the Houghton Cup (the oldest offshore race on the East Coast) in conjunction with EAORA for IRC on the final Saturday. The week is also expanding with other exciting events for stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and river swimmers. All this alongside great shore side hospitality and entertainment, it’s a great way to round off the summer season. INSIDER TIP: Enter early to avoid late entry fees: there is racing to suit everyone, check out all classes in the Notice of Race. SPONSORS: Craftinsure, Fambridge Yacht Haven, Church & Hawes, Lonton & Gray, Rice & Cole, LAS Partnership, Holt, Allen, The Financial Practice, The Old Salt Loft, Dewhirst. WEBSITE: burnhamweek.com beautiful River Deben over five days. Dinghies are split into slow and fast fleet with a mix of boats: Toppers, Fevas, Argos, Hadrons and many more. There are also yacht races. Visiting boats are welcome. The club is family friendly and there are evening social events particularly aimed at young sailors. INSIDER TIP: Beware of the mudbanks! WEBSITE: debenyachtclub.co.uk

EAST ANGLIAN OFFSHORE REGATTA

7-11 July, Thames Estuary OVERVIEW: IRC racing from Harwich, Mersea, Medway and Burnham. INSIDER TIP: Coastal/offshore racing with supporting yacht clubs and their friendly facilities. Pontoon party on the River Medway. SPONSOR: dxbpumppower.com WEBSITE: eaora.org.uk

HORNING OPEN REGATTA WEEK

2-6 August, Horning SC, Norfolk Broads OVERVIEW: This annual regatta sees the River Bure at Horning become a hive of activity with racing from 9am6pm every day outside the clubhouse. Races for dinghies, keelboats and river cruisers. INSIDER TIP: Practise your boat handling in close quarters - the river can get busy! WEBSITE: horning-sailing.club

MERSEA WEEK

8-13 August, West Mersea YC & Dabchicks SC, Mersea Island, Essex OVERVIEW: Mersea Week attracts people and an array of boats from all over the UK. Combine your summer holiday with a week of sailing and what is more, a free mooring! In addition, there is entertainment all week, what is there not to like? INSIDER TIP: Organisers say: “We have adjusted our sails and are getting ready to set sail – come join us!” SPONSORS: Weekly sponsors: Marinestore Mersea and Adnams Brewery. Daily sponsors: Catering Elite, West Property Management, Fenn Wright, West Mersea Marine and Mersea Homes. WEBSITE: merseaweek.com

NORTH WEST NORFOLK WEEK

24-31 July, various locations along the north and west coasts of Norfolk OVERVIEW: A unique week’s sailing at five venues around the Norfolk coast for N12s, Supernovas, Streakers, Lasers and Allcomers. Venues include restricted inland, tidal harbour and open sea. Prizes are awarded daily to all fleets, with 12 races (less two discards) counting towards the overall weekly trophies. The friendly, warm and welcoming atmosphere ashore brings participants back year after year.

Burnham Week Mersea Week

British Classic Week

INSIDER TIP: Free camping at most venues. If there’s an early morning start make sure you rig the night before. If in doubt, ask anyone for help! WEBSITE: norfolkweek.co.uk

OULTON WEEK

22-27 August, Waveney & Oulton Broad YC, Oulton Broad, Suffolk OVERVIEW: Six days of racing for dinghies, keelboats and river cruisers. The dinghies are in fast and slow handicap fleets although Lasers and Optimists will also have some class races. Squibs and local one designs (Waveneys, Broads and Yare & Bures) have class races, plus there are mixed keelboat races. There›s a busy social programme and some racing in the evenings. INSIDER TIP: Find accommodation afloat if possible, such as aboard hire cruisers - and bring your children - they›ll love it! WEBSITE: wobyc.com

RAMSGATE WEEK

18-23 July, Royal Temple YC, Ramsgate, Kent OVERVIEW: A friendly regatta with berths only a short walk to the yacht club where all activities will take place under one roof. With racing for everyone from family friendly roundthe-cans to IRC classes racing offshore, as well as the challenging Round the Goodwins Race, organised by an experienced team. INSIDER TIP: Give special attention to the tides, there is a strong tidal gate across the harbour mouth. SPONSORS: Headline sponsor Euromarine Insurance supported by ICOM, Shepherd Neame, Page & Sons, Miles & Barr, Kent Decking Supplies. WEBSITE: ramsgateweek.com

WHITSTABLE WEEK

26-30 July, Whitstable YC, Sea Wall, Whitstable, Kent OVERVIEW: Competitive 10-race week for dinghies and catamarans on the sea off Whitstable. Great racing for Lasers, Solos, Tasars, Merlin Rockets, B14s, Wanderers, Toppers, Dart 18s, F18s, Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and other dinghies. Live music and entertainment all week, and sample the local delights of the award-winning shops, pubs and restaurants on the club’s doorstep. INSIDER TIP: Less than 90 minutes from central London, or an hour from the M25. Lots of accommodation available in the town, or book a bunk room in the club! WEBSITE: wyc.org.uk

Ramsgate Week

SOUTH

J CUP

June 24-26, Royal Southern Yacht Club, Hamble, Hants OVERVIEW: Three days of intense racing in one of the most competitive fleets in the world. INSIDER TIP: Situated at the pulsing jugular of the UK yachting scene the J Cup kicks off the Solent season in style. WEBSITE: keyyachting.com

BOURNE END WEEK

28-31 August, Upper Thames SC, Bourne End, Bucks OVERVIEW: UTSC river racing at its best, on the widest stretch of the nontidal Thames. Featuring the Merlin Rocket River Championships, International OK HD Inland Series River Championship and Wayfarers Splashaway Trophy. Solo and National 12 classes included in the Fast Handicap. With Covid restrictions hopefully behind us by August, organisers expect a ‘school’s out atmosphere’ and promise a warm welcome. Bourne End Week is traditionally the venue for the historic Thames A Rater Nationals, with the Queen’s Cup a much-valued prize sailed for on the Tuesday. Camping is just behind the clubhouse, there is quality catering every evening and a Saturday supper is included in the sailing entry. INSIDER TIP: Don’t miss the famous Sunday night sunset cocktail party, entry fee covers all you can drink; there will be a dinner and music to follow. WEBSITE: utsc.org.uk

Bourne End Week

BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

17-24 July, British Classic Yacht Club/ RYS, Cowes Yacht Haven, Isle of Wight OVERVIEW: Premier classic yacht regatta in the UK. Organised by the British Classic Yacht Club, the event attracts entries from all over the world and, with shoreline starts from the Royal Yacht Squadron, the racing provides a breath-taking spectacle for onlookers. INSIDER TIP: Stunning classic yachts all available to view in Cowes Yacht Haven. SPONSORS: Classic Boat, One Sails, Spirit Yachts, Adnams, Suffolk Yacht Harbour, BRIG, The Dartmouth Distillery Company, Hattiers Rum, Classic Marine, Stiletto 60. Official Charity: Tall Ships Youth Trust WEBSITE: britishclassicweek.co.uk

COWES SPRING CLASSICS

20-22 August, MSJ Events/Cowes

CHICHESTER HARBOUR RACE WEEK

9-13 August, organised by Chichester Harbour Federation from Hayling Island SC, Hampshire OVERVIEW: One of the biggest dinghy sailing events in the country with a bumper turnout expected in 2021 and entries limited to 425 boats. Class racing for Fireballs, Flying Fifteens, D-Zeros, Aeros, Finns, RS200s, Foiling Moths, Solos, Lasers, RS Fevas, RS Teras and RS Elites as well as fast, medium and slow handicaps and asymmetric handicap. Cruiser racing in the bay under national handicaps. Vibrant socials: steel band and beach barbecue, beer and skittles at Emsworth Slipper SC, pub quiz at Mengeham Rythe SC, and the perennial Hayling Island SC disco. INSIDER TIP: Early bird discount up to 30 June. Ten or more boats entered in a class by 31 July will be eligible for class prizes. WEBSITE: chichesterharbourraceweek.sailevent.net

Corinthian YC, Shepards Marina, Cowes, Isle of Wight OVERVIEW: This regatta, which is based at Shepards Marina, attracts a wide range of classics plus modern Spirit of Tradition yachts. Racing is organised by Cowes Corinthian YC. INSIDER TIP: Visitors welcome to view the yachts at Shepards Marina. SPONSORS: British Classic Yacht Club, Henri Lloyd, Classic Marine, West System, Mermaid Gin, Solent Wealth, Ratsey & Lapthorn, Rigit, Classic Boat, Shoreside Lettings. WEBSITE: cowesspringclassics.com

COWES WEEK

July-6 August, Cowes Week Ltd, Cowes, Isle of Wight OVERVIEW: Cowes Week is one of the UK’s longest running and most successful sporting events and is a key highlight of the British sporting summer. The regatta sees over 700 boats in up to 40 different classes take part in seven days of world-class racing. INSIDER TIP: Be part of the action, enter online at cowesweek.co.uk/go/ enter or book a spot on a spectator boat via the website. SPONSORS: Chatham, MUSTO, Sunsail, aql, Cuvée 450, The Ginery, Yachts & Yachting Official Charity: Scaramouche Sailing Trust WEBSITE: cowesweek.co.uk

MUDEFORD WEEK

7-13 August, Mudeford SC, Christchurch, Dorset OVERVIEW: A week of family racing and fun sailing at a sheltered safe location. The Harbour is rarely more than chest deep for adults and the sailing club is right on the edge of the race area, giving close-up views of the action. The event is not suitable for high-performance craft because of the depth limitations. Two fleets will be run with separate starts. A junior fleet will be raced. INSIDER TIP: Have a sail around before racing starts to find out where the shallows are. WEBSITE: mudefordsc.org

POOLE WEEK

22-27 August, Parkstone YC, Poole, Dorset OVERVIEW: Friendly yet competitive racing around a wide range of courses in Poole Harbour, set against the background of Brownsea Island, Sandbanks and the Purbecks. Class starts for Lasers and Laser Radials, RS200s and 400s, Merlin Rockets, Dart 18s, Wayfarers, Flying Fifteens, XODs, Dolphins and Cornish Shrimpers as well as fast and slow handicap fleets. Great socials too! INSIDER TIP: It’s worth studying the courses in advance so you know where to find all the marks! SPONSORS: Headline sponsor Bournemouth Digital, plus Axent Embroidery, Badger Beers. WEBSITE: pooleweek.org

SOUTHWEST

DARTMOUTH ROYAL REGATTA SAILING WEEK

21-29 August, Royal Dart YC, Kingswear, Dartmouth, Devon OVERVIEW: Dartmouth Royal Regatta is a family orientated regatta that offers competitive racing in Start Bay and the River Dart, with a wide range of activities for all the family, including a funfair and firework display on the Saturday evening. Please note that because of tide times the Senior Dinghy Regatta runs earlier than the main regatta from 15-18 August. The Junior Dinghy Regatta starts the week’s racing from 21-24 August and the yacht regatta follows from Wednesday 25 August to Bank Holiday Sunday 29 August. There will be classes for IRC and SWYTCF rated yachts, one design fleets, dayboats and gaffers depending on the number of entries. INSIDER TIP: Dartmouth Royal Regatta is very popular with visiting yachts so make sure you book your accommodation early. Details available on the website. SPONSORS: Salcombe Gin, Pilot Financial, Paradigm Norton, Chatham Marine, Savills, Dream Charter Holidays, Rockfish. WEBSITE: dartmouthsailingweek.com

FALMOUTH SAILING WEEK

7-14 August, The Port of Falmouth Sailing Association on behalf of Flushing SC, The Royal Cornwall SC, Helford River SC, St Mawes SC, Mylor YC and Restronguet SC. OVERVIEW: Winners of the British Yachting Awards 2020 ‘Event of the Year’, Falmouth Sailing Week is back for a full seven days of racing. Two fleets will race, out in Falmouth Bay and in the Carrick Roads, for some 18 classes. Three-day series entry for some classes; daily entries to include the standalone Ancasta Champagne Race and The Mainbrace Rum Race. INSIDER TIP: No payment will be taken on registration. Full details on the Race Management pages of the website. SPONSORS: Ancasta Yacht Sales, Mainbrace Rum, Mylor Yacht Harbour, Hine Downing Solicitors, Windsport International, Helpful Holidays, Bex Chamberlain Photography, Pasco’s Boatyard, Coast Medic, 3Deep Media. WEBSITE: falmouthweek.co.uk/sailingweek/

PENZANCE AROUND SCILLY AND BACK (PASAB)

30 July-2 August, Penzance SC, Albert Pier, Penzance, Cornwall OVERVIEW: Annual three leg race over four days from Penzance to the Isles of Scilly and back with prizes for National Handicap for Cruisers (NHC), IRC, multihulls (MOCRA), COGS and Petit Bateau (two-handed). PASAB is part of the COGS Offshore Series. INSIDER TIP: Entry forms on the website or e-mail cruisers@pzsc.org.uk WEBSITE: pzsc.org.uk/pasab

PLYMOUTH DINGHY REGATTA

12-13 June, Port of Plymouth Sailing Association, Plymouth Sound, Devon OVERVIEW: Plymouth Regatta is going from strength to strength, incorporating several national championships within it in the last few years. Based in the UK’s first National Marine Park, there will be racing for National 12s, mixed handicap classes and one design starts for classes that field over five boats, with boat storage, changing facilities and social at Mount Batten. INSIDER TIP: Watch out for shipping movements: Plymouth is a naval port, so big traffic has right of way! SPONSORS: Cattewater Harbour Commission, Plymouth Waterfront

Cowes Week

Poole Week Falmouth Week

Partnership, Mount Batten Centre, INSIDER TIP: Enjoy great food and drink hospitality and great shoreside Freshwave, Highwater Sails, Dinghy at Fowey Gallants SC and Royal Fowey entertainment. Shack, Plymouth Youth Sailing, Mount YC after racing - both great waterside INSIDER TIP: Look out for Torbay Plymouth Dinghy Regatta Batten Boathouse. venues and welcoming all regatta Dinghy Regatta as well over the WEBSITE: dinghy-regatta.ppsa.org.uk sailors and their families. weekend of 2-3 October. Information WEBSITE: pofroc.org.uk/page/regatta for both regattas is available online or PLYMOUTH YACHT REGATTA for further details email events@rtyc. 9-11 July, Port of Plymouth Sailing SALCOMBE REGATTA org Association, Plymouth Sound 1-6 August, Salcombe Yacht Club, WEBSITE: rtyc.org OVERVIEW: Plymouth Yacht Regatta is South Devon one of the great success stories in OVERVIEW: A very special regatta for WEYMOUTH YACHT REGATTA south-west yachting over the last members and visitors with a stunning 11-12 September, Weymouth couple of years. Supported by sailing area, fantastic racing and SYC SC, Weymouth, Dorset Plymouth Yacht Haven and its tenants, friendly welcome. Golden beaches and OVERVIEW: Weymouth Yacht Regatta, the regatta includes the Impala National quiet creeks to explore, the superbly organised by the combined Yacht Clubs Championship, One Design racing for located yacht club terrace high above of Weymouth, is open to yachts with an J24s, 2.4mRs and the new RC1000 the racecourse has exceptional viewing IRC rating or participating in a One class, as well as mixed handicap and IRC of the racing, and there is a fun ‘après Design Class. This year’s event racing. Berthing, craning and social at sail’ social life. It’s a sailing celebration! incorporates the IRC Spinlock Southern Plymouth Yacht Haven. INSIDER TIP: Book early to enter. Championships and has National Squib, INSIDER TIP: Plymouth’s complex tidal Accommodation from camping to great VX One and J24 one design classes. systems are widely available for study holiday lets. Dinghy berthing on Mill Bay INSIDER TIP: If you’re looking to berth in before you arrive. Check out some of and help with trolley transfer either end Weymouth Harbour, book early! the back eddies! of week. WEBSITE: weymouthregatta.uk SPONSORS: Cattewater Harbour SPONSOR: Headline sponsor Salcombe Commission, Plymouth Waterfront Gin. Partnership, Plymouth Yacht Haven and WEBSITE: salcombeyc.org.uk tenants, Freshwave, Dart Sails and Covers, Dinghy Shack. TORBAY ROYAL REGATTA WEBSITE: yacht-regatta.ppsa.org.uk 20-22 August, Royal Torbay YC, Torquay, DevonROYAL FOWEY REGATTA OVERVIEW: A highlight of the summer 15-21 August, Royal Fowey YC and season in Torquay for over 200 years Fowey Gallants SC, Fowey, Cornwall and the first yachting regatta in the OVERVIEW: A family friendly event, country to be granted royal patronage. part of Fowey Royal Regatta, with Racing for IRC, cruiser classes and racing for IRC and SWYTC cruisers, PY sportsboats on the fine sailing waters dinghies, Falmouth Working Boats, of Torbay on the English Riviera. This Troys and Fowey Rivers: 15-16 August year will see the IRC South West races to/from Flushing IRC/Cruisers; Championship returning once again. 17-20 August racing for all classes in Free berthing included in entry fees and Fowey/St Austell Bay; 21 August from the sheltered harbour in Torquay children’s race. Join in some of the fun there is quick and easy access to the town events, fireworks and live music. race areas. Friendly atmosphere, cordial

Royal Fowey Regatta

Salcombe Regatta Torbay

SCOTLAND

WEST HIGHLAND YACHTING WEEK

31 July-6 August, Royal Highland YC & Oban SC with regatta moving from Craobh Haven, Oban and Tobermory OVERVIEW: Stunning surroundings with a winning combination of round-thebuoys and passage racing, supported by an excellent social programme. In addition to spinnaker classes, restricted sail classes are offered which attract skippers with limited experience, crew or equipment. Whilst these classes also suit the yachts with small children aboard, some of the most competitive crew members are the children themselves! Many competitors are infrequent racers, often first timers - the committee is always delighted to encourage those dipping a toe into racing waters for the first time. INSIDER TIP: Competitors can enter individual races if they do not want to take part in the whole week. Some choose to enter only for the passage races, or just one race - or even a feeder race - before going off on a cruise. SPONSORS: Tunnocks, Scottish Seafarms, Owen Sails, Dunstaffanage Marina, Tobermory Harbour WEBSITE: whyw.co.uk

Jersey Regatta

CHANNEL ISLANDS

JERSEY REGATTA

10-12 September, Royal Channel Islands YC, St Helier YC and St Catherine’s SC, Jersey OVERVIEW: The Carey Olsen Jersey Regatta provides three days of fun and competitive sailing coupled with a lively social programme. Now in its 23rd year, the regatta is the largest multi-class event in the Channel Islands area and incorporates the 8th GBR IRC Channel Islands Regional Championship. Eligible classes include IRC sportsboat, cruiser/ racer and Quarter Ton; NHC cruiser/ racer; dayboat and small traditional boat; dinghy; sport-catamaran; Kona windsurfer. INSIDER TIP: Early bird discounts for entries no later than 20 August, book ferries and accommodation (VisitJersey) early as the Island really buzzes in September. SPONSOR: Headline sponsor offshore law firm Carey Olsen; supported by Ports of Jersey, Jersey Marinas, complementary berthing. WEBSITE: jerseyregatta.com