Event Feature: 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.

Ian Roman Photography

2022 will see a special focus on youth sailing, aiming to inspire a younger generation to get involved in the excitement of yacht racing. Special trophies are being introduced to encourage yachts to include a youth element to their crews.

However, the International Paint Poole Regatta is not all about the racing on the water. The social element of getting together post racing with like-minded sailors for a bit of banter and an excellent club supper is a key part of the experience. An open evening on Thursday 28th April is being held at the Royal Motor Yacht Club and a competitors’ reception on Friday 29th hosted at Poole Quay Yacht Haven aboard the Greenslade boat ‘Purbeck Princess’. These are followed by evening socials on Saturday 30th April at Parkstone Yacht Club and Sunday 1st May at Poole Yacht Club. The regatta is rounded off with the obligatory prize giving at Parkstone Yacht Club on Monday 2nd May.

Hosting such a large event also includes a responsibility to do so in a sustainable manner and in 2022 the environmental impact of the regatta is a key consideration of the organising committee. The regatta is being planned in as socially responsible manner as possible, promoting green initiatives to positively influence and minimise impact on the environment and local community.

The regatta could not take place without the support of the business community and for the last sixteen years International Paint have been the headline sponsor. They are joined by Haven Knox-Johnston Insurance and Poole Harbour Commissioners as silver sponsors as well as Savills and Coleman Marine Insurance as bronze sponsors. Salcombe Distilling Co are the 2022 spirits partners with marketing of the event sponsored by The Knot Agency. We are hugely indebted to each of them for their enthusiastic support.

Poole Regatta is perfect for an early season tune up and crew bonding session, prior to what we hope will be the first full season of racing following the pandemic.

Andrew Pearce – Regatta President said, “Our showcase event brings together a large and diverse range of keel boats from the glamour classes such as the Fast40+’s, Performance 40’s and Cape31’s to the single handed 2.4mR’s all competing for the oldest trophy in yacht racing the Canford Cup.

We hope to help the season start with a bang and really encourage everyone out for a full year of racing in 2022. I look forward to seeing you all out on the water racing and in the evenings at the socials”