solenthandbook.com 36 SOLENT EVENTS DIARY RSYC MDL SOUTHAMPTON WATER SERIES Sponsored by MDL Marinas 28 January – 8 December Throughout the year the Royal Southampton Yacht Club run several series of keel boat races out on Southampton Water: RSYC MDL Warm Up, Twilight, Summer, and Autumn Series. Catering for both IRC and Club rated boats, they run on Sunday mornings in the winter months and Thursday evenings in the summer. They welcome entries to individual races or whole series. Entry and full details are available on the website: rsyc.org.uk/racing/ COWES ETCHELLS REGATTAS March – October Etchells are 30 feet of pure one-design sailing machine, designed to plane downwind and sail easily in light winds built locally by David Heritage Racing Yachts. It is the largest fleet of dry sailed keelboat in Cowes. Sailed by a crew of 3 or 4 keeping to a weight limit of 285kg, more fun than big boats but with less hassle and maintenance! A full programme for 2024 can be viewed on the website etchellsuk.co.uk Loaner boats are available and we have an active youth programme. Committee boat starts, windward/leeward courses. The World Championship will be held in Fremantle in March. Class Secretary: Jan Ford. Contact: 07747 602707 or [email protected] JOG CHAMPIONSHIP 25 March – 30 September JOG Yacht Racing (Junior Offshore Group)) was established in 1950 to allow smaller yachts to compete offshore; it organises highly competitive races for IRC rated yachts. JOG runs a full programme every season, grouped into an Inshore and Offshore Series. Competitors enjoy a high standard of racing and a similarly high level of camaraderie at the parties which are held at the end of almost every race in a host port. Most JOG races start in the Solent from the club’s fixed line and distinctive starting box just east of Egypt Point, Cowes. Contact: [email protected] SOLENT EVENTS DIARY RSYC MDL Southampton Water Series