Welcome From the Chairman

To celebrate in the Millennium 2000 The Combined Yacht Clubs of Poole organised a keelboat regatta in which over 100 yachts competed in some of the best yacht racing areas to be found anywhere. The event was so successful that it has since been repeated biennially.

Since the 2006 event, International Paints has become our title sponsor and with their enthusiasm the 2010 event looks certain to be another successful, enjoyable and well supported event, with at least 200 yachts participating.

We are delighted that “Toe in the Water” have agreed to join forces with us in 2010. Co-funded by Help for Heroes, they are a tri-service initiative who aim to involve injured servicemen in competitive sailing as part of their rehabilitation.

A number of classes hold Area, National or European championships as part of Poole Regatta, with racing being tailored to individual class requirements. Many types of yacht are catered for, including 2.4 metre singlehanders (competitors have used the event as preparation for the Paralympics). Other classes include IRC and local handicap cruisers, Sigma 38s, J24s, Sonatas, XODs, Flying Fifteens, Shrimpers and multihulls. The Regatta is used by many skippers to tune up both yacht and crew before the Round the Island Race and Cork Week.

For the 2010 event, yachts from mainland Europe and the Channel Islands are offered sponsorship by International Paint, who are keen to increase the international flavour of Poole Regatta. Local yacht clubs have considerable facilities for visitors who are always welcome. Feeder races from around the coast of the UK and across the Channel are planned.

Post-racing entertainment is free and is largely based at Parkstone and Poole Yacht Clubs, with daily prize givings, live entertainment, bar extensions and full catering. The main Regatta prize-giving is held immediately after racing on Monday afternoon at The Royal Motor Yacht Club. Ben Ainslie was a previous presenter at our prize giving. The organising committee have always prided themselves on the variety, quality and numbers of prizes. Daily/spot prizes are also presented. In 2008 International Paint and their co-sponsors were extremely generous, and the prize fund totalled in excess of £5000.

Celebrating 10 years of Poole Regatta, the 2010 event will take place over the Whitsun Bank Holiday Weekend at the end of May, Saturday 29th – Monday 31st.

Join us for three great days of racing in some of the fairest and safest waters in the world – plus a full social programme and excellent facilities for visiting yachtsmen and women.

Robin Phipps

Chairman