With lots to look forward to in the sailing event calendar this year, we have compiled a list of some of the key dates that you simply cannot miss!

May

15th - 17th May: Vice Admiral’s Cup

Solent, Southampton

This Solent-based inshore regatta (primarily for one-design classes) brings together six or more classes for three days of intense, close racing across two courses. After each day's racing, competitors can enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and socials in the RORC Cowes Clubhouse. 

29th May - 31st May: Round the Island Race

Cowes, Isle of Wight

The Round the Island Yacht Race (around the Isle of Wight) has around 1400 yachts and over 16,000 sailors compete. Anyone can take part as they provide race-prepared yachts as well as less complicated cruiser yachts.

June

4th - 7th June: Emirates America’s Cup World Series

Portsmouth

The Emirates America’s Cup World Series will take place in Portsmouth and it’s the second event of the three-regatta ACWS circuit that sees the America’s Cup teams racing on their first generation AC75 high-performance foiling monohulls.

12th - 14th June: The Falmouth Classics

Falmouth, Cornwall

The Falmouth Classics sees welcomes many boats from the south west, but also Bristol, the Thames, East Coast, the Solent and Brittany. Racing takes place on Friday and Saturday and all classic vessels and their crews are welcome at Falmouth Haven for the Haven Reception, with pasties, beer and a shanty group.

20th - 21st June: Scottish Traditional Boat Festival

Portsoy, Scotland

The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival engages the local region, bringing together boats, music, crafts, food and drink to celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage. The event consists of competitive sailing on the open seas, plenty of delicious food and a festival atmosphere with live music and many fun activities. 

27th - 28th June: Dartmouth Classic Regatta

Dartmouth, Devon

The  Dartmouth Classic Regatta is a biennial event that has been running since 2014. It consists of two days racing with two shorter races on Saturday preceded by a Sail Past for all the yachts. The boats range from those designed and built in about 1910 to the mid-seventies and with a few modern spirit of tradition yachts built to a classic design.

18th - 25th July 2020: British Classic Yacht Club Regatta

Solent, Southampton

This regatta is an occasion for classic boat enthusiasts to enjoy good racing and to spend time with other sailors who share the same appreciation of classics. The racing is organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron with a six race series.

July

25th - 31st July: Cowes Classic Week

Royal London Yacht Club, Cowes

Celebrating its 13th anniversary, Cowes Classics Week is expecting up to 160 yachts to attend the event for some spectacular Solent racing. Plenty of races to watch or take part in and a full social calendar of after-racing activity adds to the fun and social atmosphere of the week.

August

7th - 16th August: Falmouth Sailing Week

Falmouth, Cornwall

Falmouth Sailing Week aims to provide top-level competitive racing in a fun atmosphere using a variety of courses during the week, followed by enjoyable teas, presentation of prizes and entertainment at a different host club every day.

8th - 15th August: Cowes Week

Cowes, Isle of Wight

Cowes Week is one of the UK's longest-running and most successful sporting events since 1826. The event offers a great mix of competitive sailing and social activities. The 8,500 competitors range from Olympic and world class professionals to weekend sailors and more than 100,000 spectators come to watch the sailing, enjoy the parties and live entertainment.

16th August - 22nd August: Fowey Regatta and Carnival Week

Fowey, Cornwall

The Fowey Royal Regatta is one of Britain’s premier sailing events as well as one of the most fun. As well as the regatta there will be traditional favourites like the Carnival procession, Giant Pasty ceremony, Flora Dance, fireworks displays, crab-catching competition, swimming races, pasty-eating competition - and of course Fowey Town Band. 

28th August - 1st September: Dartmouth Royal Regatta Sailing Week

Dartmouth, Devon

Dartmouth Regatta Sailing Week is a unique and prestigious event for sailors set in and around the renowned sailing port the River Dart and surrounded by the picturesque towns of Dartmouth and Kingswear in Devon. 

September

11th - 20th September: Southampton International Boat Show

Mayflower Park, Southampton

Britain’s biggest festival which celebrates boating takes place at Mayflower Park, Southampton. There are 600+ global marine brands with kit, clothing and more as well as 300+ boats to see on their purpose-built marina.

October

9th - 11th October: Scotland’s Boat Show

Kip Marina, Inverclyde, Scotland

Everyone is welcome at Scotland’s Boat Show whether you want a great day out with family & friends or you’re an expert sailor looking for a new boat or the latest technology. There is plenty to see and do during your visit, from viewing the amazing boats on display, trying on the latest range of clothing or sampling treats in the food hall.

We hope you find this list of the 2020 UK Sailing Events and Regattas useful. For more content from us here at Sea Chest, check out our other blog posts which can be found here.


Post By Rosie Burnman