Ten
yachts attended the inaugural BCYC regatta held in Cowes,
July 2002, marking the start of an annual regatta which
has continued to grow in size and popularity. What started
as a long weekend of informal racing has now grown to a
week long regatta of rallying and racing split into many
classes. In 2006 40 yachts ranging in size from the 31ft
International 5 Metre, Sensa, to the 95ft J Samuel
White Bermudan ketch, Berenice, attended the regatta
coming from all over the UK & Europe.
Aside from the stunning
spectacle of gorgeous classic yachts racing in the changeable
waters of the Solent, the regatta is known for many things
– the varying and fun social calendar, the friendly
camaraderie on and off the water and the quality and variety
of racing.
The racing is held in the
changeable tidal waters of the Solent. The highlight of
the week is the Classic Round the Island Race. Photo opportunity
after photo opportunity is presented as the fleet starts
together on the Royal Yacht Squadron line before racing
the 60 mile course either East or West about the Isle of
Wight. The leader board changes constantly as the tides
play their part in the race.
