2008 Vice Admiral's Cup Regatta at Cowes

by PR on 30 Jan 2008 Now in its fourth year the 2008 Vice Admiral's Cup Regatta, hosted by the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club Cowes, will take place from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June inclusive.

Originally instigated as a fun level racing regatta to fill a gap in the big boat racing calendar, this event's simple racing format and excellent social programme have proven hugely successful with the competitors and is back by popular demand again this year, and for 2008 expect record entries.

For 2008 racing will be run for four classes. The 50-52 foot class will be enhanced by the presence of up to nine TP52s racing alongside the Farr 52s ensuring that the racing in this class is not only exceptionally competitive, but also truly spectacular to watch. The ever popular 44-46 foot class, which includes the Farr 45s, DK46s and Swan 45s, will be back again and with 12 - 15 entries expected will once again provide hot racing action and plenty of surprises.

New to the event for 2008 is the X- 35 One Design Class. This rapidly growing class expects to attract around 10 entries and will be making it their Southern Area Championship. Last, but most certainly not least, is the Quarter Ton Class, whose revival continues apace. This year a number of newly renovated boats will be joining the fleet alongside many of the regular faces, all keen to take advantage of this excellent warm up opportunity in preparation for the 2008 Coutts Quarter Ton Cup, also being hosted by the RCYC from 15-18 June.

With the exception of the Quarter Tonners the fleets will level race, retaining the 'first past the post' format that has made the Vice Admiral's Cup so popular. The Quarter Tonners will compete under IRC as level racing in boats of such varying age and design is impractical. Racing will take place in the central Solent with the 50-52 and 44-46 foot classes on one course and the X35s and Quarter Tonners on another. There will be fun informal social events at the Royal Corinthian's lovely clubhouse each evening, including a prize giving reception after sailing on the final day.

For the third consecutive year we are delighted to be working with event sponsors North Sails, Musto, and Boat Sales International who will each sponsor a day of racing. The support of these sponsors plays a vital role in ensuring the success of the Vice Admiral's Cup and we are very pleased to be able to welcome them aboard again for 2008.

For further information about the 2008 Vice Admiral's Cup please contact Louise Morton, Secretary, Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, The Parade, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7QU, E-mail louise@rcyc.co.uk, Tel +44 (0)1983 293581 or visit www.rcyc.co.uk