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’

XOD’s Already Lining Up

The XOD Class, one of the biggest traditionally at Cowes Classics Regatta, is gearing up once again for a highly competitive long-weekend of windward/leeward racing – something that many in the fleet thoroughly enjoy. Rory Paton, XOD Class Captain, is looking forward to the regatta saying: "The XOD Class has a very busy schedule in 2025, and we look to both the Cowes Classics Regatta and Cowes Week itself with much anticipation. The windward/leeward nature of the Cowes Classics Regatta certainly appeals and it's a regatta that we, as a class, have supported for many years. Despite entries not yet open, we have already identified 15 XOD boats that will enter and I expect a lot more will be attracted. The long-weekend format is something that we all welcome and the increased number of races will certainly provide a good test of boatspeed, tactics and consistency."

Enhancing the Shoreside Team

Shoreside, preparations are well advanced for the regatta with the entries going live in the next fortnight. From a media perspective, the regatta organisers are delighted to announce that America’s Cup historian, author, and current-day journalist, Magnus Wheatley, has joined the media team and will be writing daily reports throughout the regatta. On the water, Tim Jeffreys the renowned marine photographer, will once again be providing the photos that very much bring the event to life and have been a feature of the regatta for a number of years.

A full breakdown of classes that will be competing will be available online once entries are confirmed and the organisers are open to any classic fleets that wish to have a class start.

The updated regatta website will appear on the new domain www.cowesclassicsregatta.org at the end of February 2025 when the Notice of Race will be issued and entries open.