Match racing - grand style

They're bigger than a J Class and slower than a...

An unusual match race will be taking place in the Solent this autumn between two 200ft long Brigs of the Sail Training Association - the Prince William and the Stavros S Niarchos.

The STA is inviting applications for 80 crew places on board the ships, which will compete for the prestigious Tall Ships Challenge Cup over two five hour races on 27 and 28 October.

Crew members will also get the chance to win a voyage and be part of the STA’s crew when one of the ships competes in the famous Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta in 2004 while another prize is to win a place on a youth voyage for a young person.

The races will follow the STA’s annual Big Bash reunion celebrations on 25 October when up to 1,000 STA supporters, volunteers and members get together at Portsmouth Guildhall.

The two crews will join the ships the same day, enjoy a training day on board before participating in the races. Ship dinners, receptions and parties – and four nights on board - will all be included in the price of £499 per person (discounts for group bookings) and places are open to anyone aged 18 to 69.