Portsmouth Regatta 2015 follows on from the success in 2014
by Adrian Saunders 18 Sep 2015 08:36 NZST
26 September 2015
Action from Portsmouth Regatta 2014 © Alan White
2014 saw the rebirth of the historic Portsmouth Regatta. A group of Portsmouth based sailing enthusiasts emulated their Victorian forbears and recreated a regatta with a wide appeal for entrants and spectators. They had the added impetus of celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Royal Albert yacht Club and the 80th of the Victory Class, coupled with the long term aim of stimulating racing in the Eastern Solent. The last full running of the original event was in 1908. In 1854 it became a royal event in honour of Prince Albert who took a great interest in Portsmouth That year also saw the introduction of the magnificent Royal Albert Cup.
The 2014 event was a great success with more than 50 boats participating over the two day event. Plans for this year should see an even better regatta. The decision was taken to schedule for the end of season since this summer saw the Eastern Solent hosting the Americas Cup World Series Regatta off Southsea Beach in July and other major events included the Royal Yacht Squadrons 200th.
Regatta Chairman, Miles Linington commented: "2015 will be a year of consolidation for us, strengthened by all that is happening in our waters. We will go into 2016 ready for a truly major event, joined by many other clubs, to celebrate a key milestone in the history of Sailing."
This year's Regatta will feature a round of the Solent Owners IRC Championship including some of the top racing yachts in the Solent making there way down to the Eastern Solent. Racing will also include the first day of the Portsmouth Sailing Club Autumn Parhelion Series for Club and NHC rated boats together with day boats including Victory's and the XOD's. The date for the calendar is Saturday 26th September, with the first race starting at 1100hrs, aiming for two races of either windward/leeward or round the cans followed by the prize giving on the Lightship in Haslar Marina Gosport from 1500. Once again the Regatta will be jointly organised by the Royal Naval Club and Royal Albert Yacht Club, Portsmouth Sailing Club, the Victory Class and joining the team this year the Eastney Cruising Association.
Regatta COO, Adrian Saunders, says "2016 will be a very exciting year with a major anniversary in the design and development which changed the history of the sails and sailing. The Regatta committee is planning to really celebrate and promote the event to a higher level. If you are interested to be involved do email ."
Further details on the race instructions, the registration form and contact details can be found at www.portsmouthregatta.org.