Fleet expands

New IRC class for May's Vice Admiral's Cup

This year's Vice Admiral's Cup will be run over Friday 15 to Sunday 17 May by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, incorporating the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club.

Since its introduction in 2005 the Vice Admiral's Cup has gone from strength to strength, providing outstanding racing for a wide cross section of classes. The event has evolved each year to meet the sailors' needs and the 2015 event will see the introduction of a new IRC Class, which will open the regatta up to an even wider audience.

By popular demand a new Class 6 for IRC boats rating between 1.100 and 1.300 with a DLR of 135 or less has been introduced. They will join IRC Classes 0 and 1 for IRC boats rating between 0.900 and 1.250, which will be split between the two classes according to entry numbers.

The hugely popular Quarter Ton Class will be back once again racing under IRC. Also returning to the regatta with strong one design J/111, J/109 and SB20 fleets.

The addition of the new IRC Class 6 will see a significant increase in entry numbers. Racing will take place in the Solent with committee boat starts and up to eight races scheduled over the three days. Three races will be required to constitute a valid series and a discard will be introduced once six races have been completed. The race format will be predominantly windward/leeward with the option for Solent "round the cans" courses too.

In addition to great racing, the Vice Admiral's Cup is well known for its convivial après-sailing. All competitors will be extended a warm invitation to enjoy the facilities of the Cowes Clubhouse throughout the regatta and crews are invited to come together for a fun curry buffet supper served from 7pm on Saturday evening.