Welcome to the Royal London Yacht ClubSocial Events 2026
We are looking forward to welcoming competitors, members, and guests to this year's Cowes Classics Regatta.
Cowes Classics Regatta is all about corinthian racing of traditional yachts on several varied central solent courses by day and fabulous social events ashore in the evening.
Our ever-popular post-racing tea and cake returns, as does the Kendalls Drinks Reception and traditional overall prize-giving afternoon tea after the final day of racing. The evening programme of suppers, BBQ and Regatta Dinner will this year be hosted at the Royal London clubhouse.
In addition to the evening programme, the clubhouse will be open daily. What better place for breakfast before racing or for those not on the water, to enjoy a delicious lunch and drinks, with wonderful views across the Solent?
Bar and restaurant service at RLYC
The Royal London Yacht Club will be open for breakfast, morning coffee, lunch and drinks throughout the day.
- Breakfast served: 08:00 to 09:30.
- Morning Coffee and Pastries: 09:00 to 12:00 noon.
- Lunch: 12:30 to 14:30.
- Drawing Room Bar: Open until midnight - Real Island Ales available, featuring Tennyson, Vectis Venom and Atlantic IPA.
Free Events for Competitors
Each racing entry includes daily prize-giving and drinks receptions as listed below and of course the famous tea and cake after racing.
Dress Code
We have indicated the appropriate dress code for the various events listed below with the following interpretations;
- Casual - Courteous open choice which includes dry sailing rig (but no wet clothing please).
- Smart casual - Tailored trousers and shirts (no shorts, jeans or T-shirts).
Social & Event Programme Overview for 2026
Wednesday 3rd June 2026 |  | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What | Where | When | Price | Dress |
| Event Registration - Before attending the regatta office for their race pack, competitors must login to the website and sign on. | RLYC | 13:00 to 18:00 | n/a | Casual |
Thursday 4th June 2026 - RACE DAY | | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What | Where | When | Price | Dress |
| Event Registration - Before attending the regatta office for their race pack, competitors must login to the website and sign on. | RLYC | 09:00 to 17:00 | n/a | Casual |
| Competitors Race Briefing - Skippers briefing covering all fleets by Principal Race Officer Tim Hancock. | RLYC | 09:30 | n/a | Casual |
| Race Day - Up to two starts for Classic Yachts, Old Gaffers and Spirit of Tradition. Other invitational starts TBA. | Solent | First warning not before 11:55 | ||
Pre Regatta Supper - Includes a welcome drink and sponsored by Mermaid Gin. Final bookings required by Monday 1st June 2026. |
RLYC | 19:30 | £30.00 | Smart casual |
Friday 5th June 2026 - RACE DAY | | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What | Where | When | Price | Dress |
| Event Registration - Before attending the regatta office for their race pack, competitors must login to the website and sign on. | RLYC | 08:00 to 11:00 | n/a | Casual |
| Competitors Race Briefing - Skippers briefing covering all fleets by Principal Race Officer Tim Hancock. | RLYC | 09:30 | Included with entry | Casual |
| Race Day - Two or three starts for all classes. | Solent | First warning not before 11:55 | ||
| Post Racing Tea and Cake - Competitors enjoy tea and homemade cake after racing, served at the Royal London, when the bar is also open. | RLYC | 16:00 to 17:00 | Included with entry | Casual |
| Mermaid Gin Opening Drinks Reception and Day Prize Giving - Held at the Royal London and sponsored by the Mermaid Gin. | RLYC | 18:30 | Included with entry | Smart casual |
| Regatta Welcome BBQ - With a welcome glass of Mermaid Gin & Tonic held at the Royal London. Final bookings required by Tuesday 2nd June 2026. |
RLYC | 19:00 onwards | £30.00 | Smart casual |
Saturday 6th June 2026 - RACE DAY | | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What | Where | When | Price | Dress |
| Event Registration - The Regatta Office can be found in the RLYC Arundel Room. | RLYC | 08:00 to 11:00 | n/a | Casual |
| Race Day - Two or three starts for all classes (race schedule will be published to ONB by 20:00 on day before). | Solent | Schedule TBA | ||
| Post Racing Tea and Cake - Competitors enjoy tea and homemade cake after racing, served at the Royal London, when the bar is also open. | RLYC | 16:00 to 17:00 | Included with entry | Casual |
| Kendalls Fine Art Gallery Drinks Reception and Day Prize Giving - There are limited numbers at this very popular Kendalls Fine Art sponsored event, so even though it is free to competitors, you will need to register in order to get on the entry list. |
Kendall's Fine Art Gallery | 18:30 | Included with entry | Smart casual |
| Regatta Dinner - Held at the Royal London with three delicious courses and half a bottle of wine per person. Final bookings required by Thursday 4th June 2026. |
RLYC | 19:30 for 20:00 | £55.00 | Smart Casual |
Sunday 7th June 2026 - RACE DAY & CLASSICS DAY | | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What | Where | When | Price | Dress |
| Race Day - Two starts for all classes (race schedule will be published to ONB by 20:00 on day before). | Solent | No starts after 15:00 | ||
| Cowes Classics Day - Now in its 6th year is this display of Classic Cars on The Parade in front of RLYC, and also Classic Yachts and Motor Boats at the London & Trinity Landings and Royal Yacht Squadron Haven. Free to view, Classics Day is becoming a Cowes institution! | RLYC & RYS |
11:00 to 18:00 | FREE | n/a |
| Afternoon Tea and Overall Regatta Prize-Giving - we shall try and keep the speeches short and the bar will be open. | RLYC | 16:00 to 17:00 | Included with entry | Casual |
| Survivors' Supper - Enjoy a two course buffet supper at the Royal London. Final bookings required by Thursday 4th June 2026. |
RLYC | 18:30 | £30.00 | Smart Casual |
