The organisers of the re-launched Cowes Classics Regatta 2025 that will run over the weekend of Friday 30th May through to Monday 2nd June, are delighted to announce that the long-established and prestigious Dartmouth Distillery Company – makers of the famous and award-winning Dartmouth Gin – are to sponsor both the regatta’s opening ceremony as well as provide daily bottle prizes throughout the event.

The Dartmouth Distillery Company re-affirms its long-standing connections with the Royal London Yacht Club through this much appreciated support for Cowes Classics Regatta, having previously sponsored the Uffa Fox Regatta in 2022. Lance Whitehead, Managing Director of Dartmouth Distillery Company, and himself a fanatical and accomplished classic boat sailor, commented: “Dartmouth Distillery Company is delighted to support Cowes Classics Regatta 2025, renowned for close racing and a Corinthian spirit that keeps alive the golden age of British yachting. I look forward to the event and live in hope that someone will need a crew!”

Lance is the owner of a quite extraordinary Bristol Pilot Cutter named ‘Merlin’ alongside a classic Firefly that he brought to the Royal London YC for the Uffa Fox Regatta. Speaking about the support, Principal Race Officer Peter Taylor MBE, commented: “We are delighted to have the Dartmouth Distillery Company back supporting our flagship regatta at the Royal London Yacht Club and it’s always wonderful when a sponsor is involved both on the water and off. Lance is a terrific sailor, and we will be bending his arm to bring ‘Merlin’ but logistics might prove tricky. Whatever, we are certain that a spot will be found on a suitable classic yacht for the long weekend. Thank you to the Dartmouth Distillery Company, your support is very much appreciated.”

Viveka Hoping to Join the Regatta

Meanwhile elsewhere, the organisers are delighted to hear that Sir Keith Mills is hoping to bring his classic 75-foot schooner ‘Viveka’ to Cowes Classics Regatta 2025 and is hoping that similar yachts will come to challenge him. ‘Viveka’ was originally designed by Frank Paine for John Pierpont Morgan who wanted a cruising boat that was fast as well. Restored at Rutherford’s Boat Shop in Richmond, California, ‘Viveka’ was re-launched in 2020. Classic Boat magazine nominated her as the ‘Best Restored Vessel over 40-feet’ in their annual survey in 2022.

Gill Smith, Regatta Director, is excited by the possibility of this remarkable yacht attending Cowes Classics Regatta 2025, saying: “One of the great features over the years at the regatta has been the participation of yachts like ‘Viveka’ who add so much to the event from both a sailing and spectator side. Seeing these beautifully restored classics in full flight around the Solent elicits such joy and we look forward to welcoming Sir Keith and his crew to the Royal London Yacht Club.”

The classic 75-foot schooner ‘Viveka’

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Tim Jeffreys original and outstanding photographs afloat and ashore of the Cowes Classics Regattas are well known. The entire portfolio  is available to view here on the website in the regatta gallery.

Copies in high resolution may be purchased at £40 for 1, £70 for 2 and £90 for 3 by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. making note of the image file name/s.

Do have a look and see if there is a great image of you or your boat.