History of Panerai British Classic Week

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.

The BCYC strives to make each event as individual as possible, tweaking the format each year to retain the successful features of the week and develop others. The fact that many of the yachts continue to come back year after year is testament to the success of this evolving formula. This regatta is now the key classic yacht event of the UK yachting calendar.