J/105 racing within the Solent during 2011 has been a mixture essentially on the back of other more major regattas. However, in 2012, the intention is to raise the bar and organise some dedicated class racing that will hopefully encourage J/105s based outside the Solent and from northern Europe to come and race.
2011 was a RORC Fastnet Race year and there were a number of J/105s from Europe racing here in the UK for the offshore series and also for Cowes Week. With this in mind, the J/105 EuroCup 2012 will take place over 2 weekends – partially offshore and partially inshore.
The first weekend’s racing will incorporate the Round The Island Race [over 60 miles around the Isle of Wight] on 30th June with the following weekend [7th & 8th July] comprising 5 inshore races at Yarmouth that would include at least one day’s racing in Christchurch Bay and the second day within the West Solent.
The overall regatta, branded as the J/105 EuroCup, will be managed by The Royal Solent Yacht Club based in Yarmouth.
There are around fifteen J/105s based in the Solent area and already ten of these owners have signalled their intention to enter the J/105 EuroCup 2012. We now want to encourage boats out of the Solent to come and join us – especially from northern Europe.
There is no clash on dates with the J-Cup being staged on the Solent from the 25th to 28th July – indeed it is anticipated that the J/105 EuroCup will be a natural feeder for boats to stay in the Solent for more fleet racing later in the month.
On shore facilities will be based out of the Royal Solent’s new Clubhouse that is presently under-going a complete face lift over the winter; a huge marquee will be in place for the event plus live music and dinner on the Saturday evening.
Further details can be obtained from: sailing@royalsolent.org
