The east coast’s leading independent marina, Suffolk Yacht Harbour (SYH), has announced its annual Classic Regatta will be held from 25th - 27th June 2021. Due to take place from 12th – 14th June this year, the regatta was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
SYH managing director Jonathan Dyke commented, “With so many 2020 sailing events rescheduled due to Covid-19, we know people are keen to plan ahead for an active season on the water next year. We are looking at new ways to open up the regatta and maximise the racing and camaraderie for entrants and spectators.”
Following popular demand, the regatta will include a new, optional race on Friday evening in addition to the main three-race series across Saturday and Sunday. On-the-water action will be complemented by a regatta party on Saturday evening, which includes a live band and the choice of food from a pop-up pizza restaurant or a sit-down menu in the famous onsite Haven Ports Yacht Club (HPYC) lightship.
Suffolk Yacht Harbour managing director Jonathan Dyke commented, “Several owners expressed an interest in extending the weekend to include more racing. We listened to the feedback and an optional Friday evening race followed by socialising in the HPYC lightship will be a fantastic way to start the weekend.”
Next year’s regatta will also include an invitation for classic motor yachts to join the event. In particular, the Fairey Marine Eastern Ports rally will be hosted by SYH concurrently with the regatta.
SYH’s boatyard services director and owner of a Fairey Huntsman 28, Joshua Major, added, “The invitation for classic motor yachts to join the regatta stems from Suffolk Yacht Harbour’s growing reputation for restoring Fairey Marine boats. The classic regatta is the ideal opportunity to bring together yacht owners who have a shared appreciation of traditional vessels.”
Founded in 2002, the SYH Classic Regatta is now firmly established in the UK classic yachting calendar as the largest event of its kind on the east coast and attracts a fleet of both local and visiting sailors from as far afield as the Channel Islands. The event welcomes everyone from keen racers to social sailors to compete in the fast, slow and Stella classes across a three-race series.
Winner of the 2019 regatta and owner of International One Design Whisper, Mark Wincer, commented: “What makes the Suffolk Yacht Harbour Classic Regatta so special is there is such a mix of boats and it is such a nice social occasion.”
Owner of Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford and founder of Spirit Yachts, Sean McMillan added, “There is something quite magical about racing on the east coast. The welcome here is quite extraordinary; Jonathan puts so much effort into the whole thing. It’s run on a very Corinthian spirit and the manners on the racetrack are rather wonderful. It’s at that fantastic time of year when everyone is full of enthusiasm for the season to come; I wouldn’t miss it.”
SYH managing director Jonathan Dyke said: “SYH has a long association with classic yachts, going right back to Stella designer Kim Holman (one of SYH’s original founding directors). With classic yacht maintenance facilities in the workshops and the Classic Marine chandlery onsite, we are well-equipped to assist classic yacht owners in the lead up to, during and after the regatta.”
Entry criteria for the regatta requires yachts to be either pre-1970 design of traditional construction, Bermuda or gaff rigged and built of wood or steel. Modern classic yachts with wooden or steel hulls are also welcome. Contact enquiries@syharbour.co.uk or visit the regatta website www.syhclassicregatta.co.uk for further details.