SOLENT EVENTS DIARY YCOWES CLASSICS WEEK 9 July – 14 July The 15th edition of Cowes Classics Week runs from 9 to 14 July 2023. Organised by The Royal London Yacht Club, it has become the largest classic yacht regatta in the world and offers a different racing and social experience to other Cowes regattas. Class racing for all SOLENT EVENTS DIARmetre boats, classic racing keelboats and one designs including, but not restricted to, 12mR, 8mR, 6mR (classic and modern), 5.5mR, Daring, Dragon (classic and modern), Solent Sunbeam, Bembridge Redwing, Seaview Mermaid, Squib, XOD, Folkboat, Victory, Bembridge, Loch Long and Yarmouth One Designs, Flying Fifteen and Swallow. There are also classes for Classic Yachts including a non-spinnaker class, Classical/Revival Day Boats, S&S Swans and Old Gaffers. Typically the one-design dayboats have two races a day from committee boats with windward-leeward courses and some round-the-cans courses, satisfying their keenly competitive spirit. Handicap classes and larger yachts on the other hand will have one longer, round-the-cans race around the Solent each day, creating great opportunities to gain an edge with the varying winds and currents. A full social calendar of after-racing activity, including the legendary daily afternoon tea and cakes at the clubhouse, adds to the fun and social atmosphere of the week. Cowes Classics Day on 9 July is open to competitors and visitors alike and free to attend. Visitors will see classic cars and classic power boats joining the classic yachts, creating a wonderful spectacle for like-minded enthusiasts of all things classic. cowesclassicsweek.org ETCHELLS NATIONAL AND EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS National: 14 – 16 July | European: 26 – 28 August For more than 50 years the Etchells class has enjoyed solid and steady growth with over fifty active fleets worldwide. The National and European Championships will each see three days of racing on the Solent, The Nationals run by The Royal Yacht Squadron and the Europeans by The Royal London Yacht Club. Class Secretary: Jan Ford. Contact: 07747 602707 or [email protected] etchellsukfleet.co.uk TAITTINGER ROYAL SOLENT YACHT CLUB REGATTA 14 – 16 July Following 15 years of sponsorship from Champagne Taittinger, this increasingly popular regatta continues to please sailors and spectators alike. The 2022 Regatta was an exceptional weekend with champagne sailing on both days with three thoroughly enjoyable races. Hosted by the Royal Solent Yacht Club in the picturesque harbour town of Yarmouth, the regatta attracts a real mix of sailors and yachts and is popular for its fun vibe, and exciting inshore races based in the Western Solent. The legendary Taittinger Champagne Reception will take place again on the Friday evening and the Towers Party by kind permission of John Caulcutt will be on Saturday evening. The Royal Solent is looking forward to welcoming competitors old and new to the 2023 Taittinger Regatta. 44 solenthandbook.com