The Royal Yacht Squadron Bicentenary

The Royal Yacht Squadron’s Bicentenary International Regatta will take place from 25-31 July. One of the yachts taking part is Mike Slade’s 30 metre Leopard 3. “The Bicentenary gives us the challenge of top level racing in the Solent on our home patch,” comments Mike Slade. “We would love to be on the podium!”.

The inclusion of many large yachts has meant that amendments have been made to the crew classification requirements in the IRC event.

“We wanted our fellow clubs to bring their members along to help us mark this great occasion and initially set the crew classification limits with that in mind,” explains Jonathan Peel, Chairman of the Regatta Committee. “However, it has become apparent that our original limits on Group 3 sailors in some of the larger yachts were unrealistic, not least on safety grounds and, as a result we have made some changes.”

Several classic yachts will also be competing at the event, such as the William Fife designed Mariquita built in 1911. The largest yacht in the fleet is Eleonora, whose owner explains that he has a “passion for racing Big Class classic yachts and is looking forward to enjoying the RYS Bicentenary and racing safely”.