Hamble Classics Regatta moves to the Royal Air Force Yacht Club
by Jonty Sherwill 6 Feb 2019 15:21 UTC
20-22 September 2019
The Hamble Classics team of Jonty Sherwill and Vicki Weston are delighted to announce that the 2019 Hamble Classics Regatta is to be hosted by the Royal Air Force Yacht Club in Hamble, 20-22 September.
The RAFYC is a superb Hamble yachting venue with excellent waterside facilities and an enthusiastic membership who are very keen to host this much-acclaimed classic event. With direct access to the MDL Port Hamble Marina, its own smaller section of the Prince Philip Yacht Haven, a launch service for river berthing and a spacious car park, the club is well placed to deliver the 2019 Hamble Classics Regatta to the same high standard previously enjoyed by entrants.
Speaking about the relocation Jonty Sherwill commented: "After three years of the Hamble Classics being hosted at the Royal Southern Yacht Club we decided the time was right to involve other yacht clubs and businesses on the River Hamble, reflecting the true and inclusive spirit of the event as we stated from the outset. We are looking forward to working with the RAF Yacht Club team and our thanks go to the Royal Southern Yacht Club for their support in previous years."
On behalf of the RAFYC, Rear Commodore Sailing John Best commented: "Our team at the 'RAF' are delighted to have the opportunity to host this outstanding regatta and we look forward to welcoming classic boat owners and crews to our 'classic' yacht club that is steeped in the history of both aviation and yachting".
The Hamble Classics welcomes all types of classic style yachts and since 2016 has attracted serious contenders each year for its Concours d'Elegance Awards. Uniquely to the event there are four separate categories to reward the diversity of entries, with prizes for historic wooden-built classics, Spirit of Tradition and the best GRP yacht.
Racing for all classes is to be organised in the central Solent on Saturday and Sunday with two course areas to suit the various types of boats, plus for the first time an extra day's racing on Friday 20th for the IRC Zero class including the big Spirit Yachts. The PRO for this year's Hamble Classics will be Peter Bateson, as in each of the previous regattas, with an experienced RAFYC team and additional support from Hamble River Sailing Club, this year celebrating its Centenary.
All yacht crews are welcome at the club from noon on the Friday for afternoon tea and cakes before the Welcome Reception. Within this packed programme of racing there are plenty of opportunities for socialising at the onshore events including the Saturday Rum Party and Hamble Classics Dinner.
With continued support from Spinlock, Performance Rigging, Classic Marine, The Sandeman Yacht Company, Ratsey & Lapthorn Sailmakers and A-Plan Marine Insurance the stage is set for a superb Hamble Classics Regatta at the RAFYC: rafyc.org.uk
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