J-Class Solent Regatta
The Royal Southampton Yacht Club and the J-Class Association announce details of the Regatta Programme planned for July 2012. A three-day competitive round the cans race Series is planned in and around the Solent on 18-20 July 2012, which can be viewed from the many vantage points along the shore and on the water. This Series will culminate with a prize-giving at the RSYC Clubhouse in Ocean Village.
With the possibility of six, or even eight J-Class yachts racing, this is expected to be an outstanding regatta. David Pitman, Secretary of the J Class Association, explained: “The Royal Southampton Yacht Club (RSYC) was selected because of the Club’s deep experience of organising and running major racing regattas, it’s great onshore facilities and close historic ties to the J Class fleet. We are delighted RSYC is hosting the 2012 Solent Regatta and are looking forward to spectacular, close racing.”
On Saturday 21 July,the fleet will assemble in the central Solent, again under the flag of the RSYC for the start of the Hundred Guinea Cup – a race around the Isle of Wight over the original course of the America’s Cup in 1851. Clockwise and without a time limit, this time it will include the Nab Tower.
Finding suitable deep-water berthing and appropriate shoreside facilities for such a large fleet is often a challenge. Solent Refit, the new superyacht base on Southampton Water, has been selected as it is ideal and importantly, can berth all the fleet together. For spectators, the yachts can be viewed from the seaward side, together with their many beautiful support vessels. Allan Foot, Solent Refit, commented: “We are proud to be hosting the J Class fleet during their 2012 Solent Regatta. With more than 280m of deep water berthing just south of Hythe Pier, we are ideally located close to the Solent race areas. A regular shuttle for competitors between our base and RSYC in Ocean Village is also planned.”