Classics head for Cowes

A gathering the likes of which have not been seen since the AC Jubilee to take place in July

The cream of historic classic yachts will meet in Cowes over 19-26 July at the British Classic Yacht Club Regatta, in a fantastic display of the most beautiful yachts and the greatest gathering in Cowes and the UK since the Americas Cup Jubilee Regatta of 2001

Some of the greatest sailing yachts afloat meet many of the most iconic yachts from the UK’s famous yacht designers, to create a week of aspirational yachting beauty.

60 well known, famous classic yachts will make up the BCYC Regatta fleet including Mariette, Mariquita, The Lady Anne, Adix, Tuiga (HRH Prince Albert of Monaco). There will also be Bloodhound (ex HRH Prince Phillip), Lutine (ex Lloyds of London), Cetewayo (ex- Zulu), Clarion of Wight, Sceptre (America's Cup contender 1958, celebrating her golden jubilee) and many other yachts which raced in Cowes from the 1920s to 1960s.

The event is organised by the British Classic Yacht Club, which was formed in 2002, in the wake of the Americas Cup Jubilee Regatta by a small number of classic yacht owners, for the purposes of raising the profile of classic yachts and classic yachting in the UK and also to establish an annual classic yacht regatta in Cowes.

From humble beginnings, the first regatta had just 10 entrants, the event has become a highlight in the Cowes calendar, not just because of some 50 or 60 classic yachts moored together, but also because of the heritage they represent in terms of the designers and builders of the yachts, some of which were built and raced in Cowes when new, by the famous yachtsmen of the time.

The BCYC has been careful to allow the development of the event to be 'organic' and has not chased large numbers or indeed sponsors, but has focused on providing a high quality event in a number of different ways which has lead to a steady growth.

In particular, eligibility relating to “classic” has been carefully adhered to, a series of well organised and entertaining parties and other social events has been developed, and the racing has been managed strictly under IRC, giving close results and accurate handicapping. The result has developed into a good humoured, well mannered immensely enjoyable regatta – the rumour of which has echoed through the classic yachting world, drawing beautiful yachts from near and far – this year including a number of classic super yachts from the Mediterranean.