POOLE REGATTA POOLE REGATTA
30 APRIL - 2 MAY 2022
Ian Roman Photography
The unmissable International Paint Poole Regatta will be returning from 30th April to 2nd May 2022 for a bank holiday weekend of friendly, but serious racing out on the water and relaxed evening socials. 2022 sees a one-off move to the first May bank holiday to avoid a clash with the celebrations of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee across the late May holiday. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Purbeck Hills and ‘Old Harry’s Rock’ the regatta has become one of the highlights of the South Coast boating calendar and a not to be missed event for anyone with the slightest inkling of yacht racing spirit within them. Visiting yachts come from far and wide, from across the channel and beyond, to compete with a strong field of south coast based yachts. Five Gold Anchor berthing arrangements are made by Poole Quay Yacht Haven. The regatta in its current form has been successfully hosted biannually since 2000 by the combined yacht clubs of Poole and a true spirit of collaboration between the eight clubs around the harbour has led to its strong reputation and growth. The committee made up of members of all clubs are highly professional in their race management and meticulous about the finer event details. Racing in Poole Harbour has taken place for over 170 years. The ornate Canford Cup which was recently rediscovered at auction, was first awarded at the Poole and Bournemouth Regatta in 1849. Two years earlier than the America’s Cup ‘Auld Mug’. It was purchased by Poole Museum in 2015 with help from the whole boating community around Poole and has been awarded to the overall regatta winner at each event since. Between regattas the historic trophy remains on display in Poole Museum for all to see. Over 150 yachts are expected out on the water over the three days and racing across a diverse range of fleets, ranging from the elite Fast 40+ class to club racers in 3 IRC classes and 2 VPRS classes. In 2022 the semi-professional Performance 40 and Cape 31 classes will be competing at the regatta for the first time. At the last count, eighteen race classes were confirmed to be competing across five courses spread around Poole bay and harbour. Even from land, the sheer number of sails out on the water make the regatta a spectacle to see. Racing will include the IRC Southern Championships, the VPRS National Championship, the 2.4mR National Tidal Championship and the J70 Grand Slam Series/World Cup Qualifiers.
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