FCS Enter ‘Parade of Sail’ During Southampton Sailing Week

Southampton Sailing Week’s Parade of Sail from the River Itchen will look similar to Amsterdam’s

It is time to celebrate the thrill of sailing and in May, First Class Sailing are getting involved with Southampton Sailing Week.

Both of our yachts will enter the ‘Parade of Sail’ which is being billed as “the finest display of watercraft on display in a generation”. It will gather on the River Itchen and feature as many watercraft from in and around Southampton’s waters and from across the Solent.

You can be on our yachts Batida and Manhattan who will be starting a weekend RYA Day Skipper Course and RYA Competent Crew Course, so not only will you be moving forward with your sailing knowledge but taking part in a piece of Southampton history.

What a Day in May!

The date for your diary is 27th May and if your boat is going to take part the parade will gather between Northam and Itchen Bridges before midday.

The fleet will be led out by a Svitzer tug and start with large powered watercraft, closely followed by the keel boats, dinghies and rowers.

it will be a sight to see whether you are part of it, or spectating from Ocean Village, the Itchen Bridge, Woolston or Weston Shore and it’s definitely one for the history books. Just don’t forget to register your craft.

Putting the Sail into Southampton

Added to the yearly boat show this event is trying to encourage more people to enjoy this fabulous sport and pastime, plus remind the City that these maritime activities not only bring prestige but also business.

For those into racing and business, there’s the Business South League of Champions Sailing Cup and South Coast Property Cup which will be part of Race Series that starts 26th May and lasts all week. As the organisers say: “You can race for one day, the weekend or the whole series!”

There is also a Macmillian Coffee Morning 26th at Banana Wharf in Ocean Village and Sail 4 Cancer Liferaft Challenge with people spending 24 hours in a liferaft to raise awareness of the 1,000 people who are diagnosed with cancer in the UK every 24 hours.

People will be encourage to try sailing for the first time.

Time for a Party

The social aspect is well catered for with The Great Coal Row BBQ is at Coalporters Amateur Rowing Club on Saturday 27th and the Regatta Party on Sunday 28th in Oxford Street.

We’re promised music, good food and a space to party in multiple bars, restaurants and entertainment on display.

Starts at 4pm until late there will be music, dancing and lots of fun entertainment and build up to Bank holiday Monday’s Carnival Parade.

The aim is to bring the Sea to the City with a procession starting from Oxford Street and weaving its way around the Bargate, the new West Quay esplanade and ending back at the Regatta Party Closing party in Oxford Street.

It’s expected that the 1,000+ parade will be formed of local community groups, bands and sailors, rowers and yachties plus 300 performers from in and around the city will participate in the ‘From the Sea’ parade.

We don’t know if we’ll be entering a float yet but if you want to then get in touch with the organisers with your group’s details and idea for a float!

For more details and entry information visit:

www.southamptonsailingweek.co.uk register here for the Parade of Sail.

Posted by: First Class Sailing