Entry for the 18th edition of the Taittinger Royal Solent Yacht Club Regatta (Friday 24 – Sunday 26 July), based in Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, opened on Wednesday 6 May.
Last year, 198 boats entered the regatta for two days of exhilarating racing in the Western Solent and an early spike in pre-registration enquiries for this year’s event from sailors around the UK and further afield, including a Hong Kong-based sailing team, suggests the regatta will be fully subscribed and early competitor registration is recommended. Furthermore, an early bird discount of just over 30% off the standard entry fee is available to day boats and keel boats until 10 June.
Entries can be made via the 2026 Taittinger RSYC Regatta page on the Club’s website: https://www.royalsolent.org/event/taittinger-rsyc-regatta-2026/
The Taittinger Royal Solent Yacht Club Regatta continues to develop and combine highly competitive, professionally managed racing with a vibrant and inclusive onshore entertainment schedule; a successful formula that has firmly embedded the event in the South Coast’s sailing calendar. On the water, the range of competing yacht classes taking part in the two races on Saturday and the single race on Sunday include IRC 1 – 4, J109, J111 and Contessa 32 in Black Group, with IRC Classic Cruisers, RYA NHC, Folkboat, XOD and YOD included in White Group.
Socially, the regatta opens with the ever-popular Champagne Taittinger Reception on Friday evening held on the RSYC’s waterfront lawn where a vast majority of the teams meet pre-event, followed by a curry supper. On Saturday evening, following the Club supper, the famous Towers Party – now in its 61st year – will feature six different bands, including headliners Herman’s Hermits There will be a range of bars and a stunning firework display with funds raised going to Cure Parkinson’s, Motor Neurone Disease Association and local good causes.
Shoreside friends and family of those competing are not forgotten with live music on the lawn, the Club’s ground and first floor bars and freshly prepared food, including wood fired pizza on Saturday and a hog roast on Sunday.
The RSYC’s Commodore, John Poyner, enthused: “The Royal Solent Yacht Club is delighted to welcome sailors and supporters back to Yarmouth for one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season. Expect competitive racing, good humour, and the unmistakeable spirit of the Taittinger weekend. Our race team, as ever, will be out in force to ensure fair, well-run racing with courses set to keep things interesting. Whether you are on the water or enjoying the view from the lawn, colonnade or balcony, we look forward to seeing you.”
