In July 2002, ten yachts attended the inaugural regatta organised by the British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC). Held in Cowes, the event marked the start of an annual regatta, which went on to be named British Classic Week.
British Classic Yacht Club – What started as a long weekend of informal racing developed and grew so that by 2012, over 80 Yachts, racing in five divisions, were joined by a growing fleet of cruisers. Many familiar faces return every year for a week of close racing, or fun cruising, and a vibrant social programme.
The six-race series, organised by the prestigious Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS), takes place in the challenging tidal waters of the Solent. The schedule includes class racing around the cans, as well as two longer fleet courses, including the 30nm NAB Tower Race, and a Ladies Race. Racing starts and finishes on the RYS line, which presents a fantastic opportunity for photographers and spectators ashore to watch the action on the water.
Based at Cowes Yacht Haven, the regatta sees all yachts berthed in the same marina, creating a hub of activity. The friendly, welcoming atmosphere and opportunities to socialise with fellow yacht owners and crew attract elegant classic yachts from around the world. Classic motor yachts are now part of the week, adding a touch of style to the fleet of sailing yachts.
The scene ashore is as lively as it is out on the water. The social programme offers a variety of events, including drinks on the lawn of the Royal Yacht Squadron, a dock party, regatta BBQ and a glamorous regatta prize-giving dinner.
The BCYC strives to make each regatta as individual as possible, tweaking the format every year to retain the successful features of the week and develop others. The fact that many yachts continue to come back year after year is testament to the success of this evolving formula.
British Classic Week is now the key classic yacht event of the UK yachting calendar, and the BCYC looks forward to once again welcoming a fleet of beautiful classic boats back to Cowes in 2021.
Please click here to visit the British Classic Yacht Club website.