Panerai British Classic Week attracts world-class classic yachts from across the globe

Panerai British Classic Week 2017 - Cetewayo, Volonte and Laughing Gull in front of Norris Castle © Guido Cantini / seasee.com

The fleet of timelessly gorgeous yachts will do battle in a series of extremely technical and demanding races with both wind conditions and changeable tides testing the crews' skills to the limits. The Solent races are absolutely unique, thanks to the historic backdrop provided by this corner of sailing heaven and the exceptional technical standard of the participants. Not forgetting, of course, that it was in this very stretch of sea between the Isle of Wight and the mainland that the America's Cup was born.

The six-race series organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron delivers quality and varied courses that keep many competitors entering year after year. The Nab Tower race will be a new addition to this year's regatta, taking the fleet east from the Squadron line to the Nab Tower, then back towards Lymington Bank before finishing at the Royal Yacht Squadron. The new race is scheduled to take place on Monday 16th July.

Racing is an important part of the regatta, but it is by no means the sole focus. The event is famous for its camaraderie on and off the water, bringing together classic yachts and enthusiasts from across the UK and Europe, and from as far afield as Australia.

Socialising is a vital part of Panerai British Classic Week and the regatta concludes on Friday 20th July with one final afternoon of hospitality in the Panerai Lounge, followed by the spectacular Panerai British Classic Week prize giving dinner and dance in the Haven Events Centre.

The nature of Cowes makes it the perfect location for spectators to enjoy the action; with fabulous viewpoints over the water, to a host of bars and shops, regatta week has something for everyone.

The regatta promises to be a glorious week on the water with a full and diverse programme and line starts and finishes that will provide picture-perfect moments for competitors and spectators alike as the yachts gather together. A daily programme of 'cruise in company' events sees the cruising fleet sailing to a variety of beautiful locations including Bucklers Hard at Beaulieu and Newtown Creek on the Isle of Wight.

The British Classic Yacht Club's motto is Per Ardua ad Marum (Through hard work to the Seas) and after seeing these yachts up close it is not hard to appreciate why. Most of the British classic yachts are privately owned, meaning that for many their upkeep is purely down to the devotion of their owners and crew. With such a rich heritage of classic yachts being built and sailed on Britain's coastal waters, it is delightful to see so many beautifully maintained yachts entering the regatta every year.

Find out more at www.britishclassicyachtclub.org/regatta