REGATTA CHAIRMAN NEWSLETTER: After the roaring success and champagne sailing of the 2025 British Classic Week, which saw 52 classic and modern classic yachts - including original classic boats such as Summers & Payne gaff ketch Cariad, Frank Paine staysail schooner Viveka, and the “original maxi” and Fastnet 1961 line honours winner Stormvogel - the regatta team has been hard at work once again, building a programme for 2026 that will deliver a week of quality racing, socialising, and camaraderie.
With entries expected from across the UK and Europe, the regatta will be hosted at Cowes Yacht Haven, on the Isle of Wight, from 20th - 24th July, with racing from Monday to Friday.
Peter Saxton and the Royal Yacht Squadron will once again provide world-class race management. The regatta will run a five-day series, including Round the Cans racing, a Long Inshore Race sponsored by OneSails GBR, and class racing sponsored by Spirit Yachts and Pantaenius Sail & Motor Yacht Insurance. The midweek highlight will be the Female & Youth Helm (Under 25s) Race - an exciting staggered-start pursuit race that will see the fleet finish en masse. The final-day spectacle will be a race around the Isle of Wight for the offshore-capable yachts, alongside an Inside Island Race for fast day-racers and lower-handicapped boats wishing to remain inside the Solent.
As always, the social scene ashore will be buzzing, with relaxed and inclusive events every evening that foster camaraderie and a traditional, classic regatta atmosphere. The event culminates in a fun prize-giving ceremony, featuring racing results awards as well as special awards for Gaffers, Spirit Yachts, and Vintage Standard Classics, along with the coveted Je ne sais quoi award.
Further lead event sponsorship comes from Suffolk Yacht Harbour, Classic Marine, and TOIO. Tall Ships Youth Trust returns for a sixth year as our charity partner, and we are grateful for any support you can give to help get young people out on the water.
Entry will open in mid-February. Please don’t hesitate to contact Jess or me with any enquiries, or to register your interest in the meantime.
Finally, on behalf of the regatta and my fellow BCYC committee members, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a 2026 filled with fantastic sailing.
Best regards,
Giovanni Belgrano
Regatta Chairman