Gaffers welcome as British Classic Week turns 20

British Classic Week will return to Cowes this summer from 16-23 July to celebrate the regatta’s 20th anniversary.

There will be a six-race series, with courses set by the Royal Yacht Squadron for IRC classic yachts of 24ft and over, or modern classic, Spirit of Tradition yachts of either wood or steel construction.

This year, the regatta will host a new class for gaff-rigged yachts to race under OGA ratings. Classic motor boats are invited to join the regatta to watch the action on the water and enjoy events ashore, while there is also a programme for cruising yachts, visiting places around the Solent. The regatta features drinks at the Royal Yacht Squadron and the Open Yachts Pontoon Party sponsored by Classic Boat magazine, with drinks from Hattiers Rum and Dartmouth

Gin. Suffolk-based brewery Adnams will be keeping crew and guests refreshed during the week. Other sponsors include Spirit

Yachts, OneSails GBR and Suffolk Yacht Harbour with their traditional chandlery Classic Marine. The regatta’s charity partnership with Tall Ships Youth Trust continues, with young people from the trust visiting the event. britishclassicweek.co.uk