Thanks to Suzanne and Alan for this latst sailing update. Ed
Panerai British Classic Week It not only attracts entries from these shores, but also regularly from Europe and occasionally from Canada. This regatta, which is part of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, is perfect for classic boat enthusiasts to enjoy some fantastic racing and to get together with like-minded individuals with the same appreciation of owning a classic boat.
In 2014, the regatta will be taking place from the 12th to 19th July, with racing starting on Sunday 13th and the Classic Around the Island Race taking place on Monday 14th July. This race follows the original clockwise course of the first America’s Cup and racing is being organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron.
Cowes Classics During the regatta there will be several special events. One of these is a presentation from the trustees of K1 Brittania explaining the project to complete the re-construction of a replica of King Edward VII and King George V’s famous racing yacht.
The Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race On the way there are memorable landmarks which include the most northerly lighthouse – Muckle Flugga- off the Shetland Islands, Scotland before the boats return to Cowes.
When entry for The Royal Ocean Racing Club’s 2014 season of races opened in January Ian Walker’s Volvo Ocean 65 Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing quickly confirmed its participation with Azzam (Determination) in the RORC’s toughest race of the year – The Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race.
Britain’s twice Olympic silver medallist Ian Walker will skipper Azzam (Determination) and he and the crew will take part in this race prior to their second successive Volvo Ocean Race 2014-2015 which starts in October.
Organisers of the Volvo Ocean Race confirmed that the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race is part of their pre-race programme. This will give all teams the chance to compete for the first time against each other, offering valuable crew training and boat preparation before the start of their round the world race from Alicante, Spain.
Back in 2010 Groupama returned to Cowes on Sunday morning having sailed around the coast of England, Scotland and Ireland in the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race and smashed the previous record by more than 14 hours. Volvo Open 70, Groupama, crossed the Royal Yacht Squadron Line at 11.26.55 (BST) to claim line honours in the race and take the course record.
Will the record be broken again in 2014?
Image: © Suzanne and Alan Whitewood
This classic yacht regatta for the UK and held in Cowes is now in its 11th year and is the annual Regatta of the British Classic Yacht Club.
The Charles Stanley Cowes Classics Regatta runs from Monday 21st to Friday 25th July. It is going to be a spectacular event with 150 or so yachts expected from Solent Sunbeams and XODs to stunning vintage classic cruisers and 8-metre boats. This regatta will be staged by the Royal London Yacht Club (RLYC).
Starting on Sunday 10th August from Cowes The Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race will have a 1802nm course – the ultimate test of endurance for sailors. This race has been supported by leading Dutch specialist yacht transport company Sevenstar since 2006 and the race takes competitors non-stop around the coastline of Britain and Ireland.
