Organised by the British Classic Yacht Club, the Panerai British Classic Week will see racing in the Solent in July

Entry applications are now being taken for the 2019 Panerai British Classic Week.

The regatta will be taking place out of Cowes with racing in the Solent from 13-20 July, and is expected to attract classic yacht owners from the UK and Europe.

The six-race series organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron will once again include a schedule of varied and quality courses, including the popular Nab Tower race from last year.

Criteria for entry is IRC classic yachts of 24ft and over or modern classic, Spirit of Tradition yachts.  Fast-paced racing for classes 1-4, an 8mR and a 6mR class will take place in the challenging tidal waters of the Solent.

This year’s event will have two elements to the prizes.

Panerai British Classic Week

Yachts from UK and Europe compete in the regatta. Credit: Chris Brown

All yachts will race towards the primary IRC overall and class winner prizes, which will be awarded solely on race results.

Building on last year’s emphasis on authenticity, race results will also go towards a second set of prizes to be won by yachts deemed as authentic by a panel of independent judges including classic yacht builder Martin Nott  and yacht designer Paul Spooner.

Ashore, there is plenty of entertainment, with the traditional welcome reception on 14 July, held on the lawn at The Royal Yacht Squadron.

On 16 July, regatta attendees will have the opportunity to peruse the fleet of timeless classics during the Open Yachts Pontoon Party.

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A new event for this year, the crew Pontoon Party, will give competitors the chance to socialise and enjoy a BBQ in front of Cowes Yacht Haven on 18 July.

A week of entertainment will be rounded off on Friday 19 July at the Regatta Dinner and prize-giving followed by dancing to a live band.

Keen spectators will be able to enjoy fantastic views of the racing from the coastal paths and secluded beaches along the north shore of the Isle of Wight.

Line starts and finishes in front of the famous Royal Yacht Squadron allow shore-based crowds to get close to the action on the water.

A daily programme of ‘cruise in company’ events will see the cruising fleet sail to a variety of beautiful locations including lunch breaks at the Master Builders on the Beaulieu River and the Royal Victoria Yacht Club in Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight.

For entry go to www.britishclassicweek.co.uk.