Entries are shaping up for another bumper edition of the Taittinger Royal Solent Yacht Club Regatta, 24 – 26 July, one of the premier events in the annual Solent racing calendar.
Superb competition, dazzling shoreside entertainment and the sound of popping corks courtesy of title sponsor Champagne Taittinger are all part of the atmosphere of this renowned spectacle. Regatta-honed racing classes from near and far will once again be competing for the champagne prizes in all classes including a Jeroboam of Taittinger for the overall winner.
Just one thing, though. Yachts that haven’t entered yet will soon miss out on the standard entry fees. With late entry kicking in at midnight on 2 July now is the time to make that easy decision so there’s no missing out on Friday’s legendary opening Champagne Taittinger Reception on the RSYC’s waterfront lawn. Then there is Saturday evening’s famous Towers Party – now in its 61st year – featuring an incredible six different bands, including headliners Herman’s Hermits. There will be a range of bars and a stunning fireworks display with funds raised going to Cure Parkinson’s, Motor Neurone Disease Association and local good causes. Food and drink will be flowing all weekend at the Club’s ground and first floor bars, with wood fired pizza on Saturday and a hog roast on Sunday.
The event comes of age, this year celebrating its 18th edition, and it continues to attract the Solent’s best racing fleets including the seemingly unbeatable Black Group winner of 2024 and 2025 J/109 Jumping Jellyfish. Owner David Richards and his crew will be back once again, one of a large contingent of J/Boats including the J/105s, J/109s and J/111s which are facing other IRC classes in a number of divisions in their group.
“The Taittinger Regatta is always memorable,” comments Andrew McIrvine, who will be returning in the hope of repeating his 2025 IRC Class One victory in his Ker 39 La Réponse. “We are now regulars and although unlikely to repeat last year’s success we will give it a good try!”
There is a classic element too – a strong class of Contessa 32s, the ever-competitive XODs and Yarmouth’s own YODs will all be fighting for a win in their respective classes, while Charlie Wallrock and his crew will be looking to defend his class victories of the past two years on his elegant modern classic Ranger 9.9 Juvita and repeat his overall win of 2024.
“What’s not to love about this event?” says Charlie. “It’s the best regatta in the Solent, beautifully run, and it offers everything in terms of hospitality and competition.”
IRC Classic Cruiser Gwenhyfar II is also one to watch to see if she can repeat the performance that took wins in both the past two editions, carrying off the RSYC Gandalf Classic Trophy last year – and a bottle of Taittinger champagne of course!
There are two races in the West Solent on Saturday and one on Sunday run by the RSYC’s highly experienced team. Competing yachts will easily spot the brightly coloured innovative robotic MarkSetBot racing marks being used this year for only the second time.
RSYC Regatta Chair, Katie Davies, is looking forward to welcoming all the yachts and crews. “Our race team is very excited about providing plenty of thrilling courses for some great competitive racing in each of the classes,” she says, adding: “Not to mention the incredible social programme that the Royal Solent has lined up. It’s going to be an unmissable event!”
Supporting sponsors are all adding to the draw of the event. There’s the chance for all boats entered to win a fantastic Highfield Paddleboard courtesy of River Yar Boatyard and Wight Marine. The Edelweiss & Gurgl Hotel in the Ötztal Alps – just the name stirs images of beautiful scenery – is once again giving away a seven night half board stay for two in the luxury hotel’s 1889 Panorama Suite, to be drawn from the class winners.
Taittinger will again be providing a trip for two on Eurostar for a tour of the Taittinger Champagne Cellars in Reims, as part of the great prize giveaway. Anyone who purchases a Taittinger RSYC Regatta cap will be in with a chance of winning the trip to the Taittinger Cellars, with all sale proceeds going to the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
ENTER THE TAITTINGER ROYAL SOLENT YACHT CLUB REGATTA, 24-26 JULY HERE
