Berthon Source Regatta preview

This year there will be 13 classes ranging from the J/80 to the IC45 and there will be the added spectacle of some 12 metres and some America's Cup Classes. If there is enough demand, the regatta organisers are also contemplating holding a maxi class start by invitation only.

This will also be the first time that some International 12metres would have raced in the Solent for many years. There will be Richard Matthews' Crusader, Don Woods' Italia and Ecosse. There will also be at least three Farr 52s including Bear of Britain and Chernikeef. Other boats to look out for will be David Aisher's Rogers modified Judel/Vrolik 44 Yeoman, Tony Mack's Beneteau 47 McFly and Steven James's 1999 Swan European Champion Jacobite. The Mumm 30s will be out in force as well as a comprehensive turn out of the J-Boats.

The Regatta Centre, adjacent to the dock master's office on site at Berthon Lymington Marina, will be open with full bar facilities until Sunday 15 July. Full English breakfast, lunch, afternoon hot snacks and dinner will be available and booking in advance is highly advisable. There will also be live entertainment 'The Allstars' at both the marina and the local sailors' haunt The Chequers pub.

The Berthon Source Regatta has always been a well-attended event. Both the racing and the social element are normally well organised and enormous fun. It is a good training ground for those who will be participating in Cowes Week where certainly stamina is required for the eight day sailing and drinking endurance event.

Berthon's Managing Director Brian May commented: "We are looking forward to hosting what looks to be the most exciting Berthon Source Regatta so far. With entries coming in every day, we expect crews to really enjoy the magnificent America's Cup boats racing alongside International 12ms, Farr 40s and an influx of One Design boats from the ever-popular J-Boat fleet. We have potentially one of the most significant regattas on the Solent this summer."

Entries to date on page two........