Royal Burnham Yacht Club Whitsun Regatta Preview

Opening days of Burnham Week 2016 © Sue Pelling

After a very successful Squib Gold Cup, held at the Royal Corinthian YC, the Royal Burnham Yacht Club is only 16 days away from the RBYC Whitsun Regatta to be held between 23rd and 25th May.

The Social is something not to be missed. We have a welcome drinks party on the Friday night for all competitors and friends.

This year we have two music acts. Saturday 23rd is Dan Hull's curry night with band SX5 performing in the courtyard. Sunday 24th after Prizegiving, with a well-known festival DJ, Polar Bears can Dance, performing in the courtyard.

The RB is delighted to be hosting the 2026 Squib East Coast Championships during the Whitsun regatta.

This is the first time the RB has held a major Squib event. It looks like we may get around 25 boats entered, which is fantastic! Including some visitors. It's a competitive fleet with at least 4 RBYC Squibs competing, so get involved - there is still time to beg, borrow or steal a Squib.

The racing will consist of 8 races over the weekend, comprising of windward, leeward courses. Edwin Buckley and team Phoebe will be the committee boat. It will be a great spectacle.

After speaking to Harriet Roberts (Class captain of the RBOD fleet), she mentioned, that there could be a possible 13 RBODs gracing the river. Other fleets include the Elites and Royal Corinthian One designs.

On the Cruiser/Racer front, it looks like several Burnham Sailing Club boats will be joining us for the Regatta, which is fantastic news. We'll also be welcoming the dinghy fleet this year. Sally Harbot (and team) have very kindly volunteered to run their racing from the BSC race box, giving them the dinghies their own dedicated patch of water.

For the Club line starts, David and Alison Osbourne and their team (Fainne, Liz, Sue, Annie, Sylv and Sid) have generously offered to run the RB race box. Andy Wise will be taking charge of the Cruiser/Racer starts, and we're very grateful to him as well.

Just as we did last year, we're delighted to have Mighty Oak Brewery sponsoring the event. Their support means we can once again offer a great selection of reasonably priced ales throughout the weekend. Don't forget to try one of Joe the Barman's Rum cocktails including his famous, Dark and Stormy's at reduced prices.

A highlight of the weekend will be the £200 Cup pursuit race on Monday 25th, starting at 11am (sadly not dinghies). It's always a great spectacle—and of course watching the drinks flowing for the winners afterwards is always fun.

Here's hoping for glorious weather throughout the weekend. Looking forward to seeing everyone there and enjoying some brilliant racing together.

For those that want to join in the fun, visit rbyc.uk