Sailing events for your diary in 2016

Beaulieu Boatjumble
Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire
24th April 2016
9am – 4.30pm

We’re big fans of the Beaulieu Boat Jumble, which takes place every year in the heart of the New Forest. The entry fee gets you access to hundreds of stalls selling new and used sailing kit, as well as admission to all the Beaulieu attractions including; The National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey and more. 

Get ready to haggle and get there early to find the best bargains.
Image credit. 

Round the Island Race
The Isle of Wight
2nd July 2016

The JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Yacht Race is one of our favourite events of the year. Taking place every summer, it brings together over 16,000 sailors from Olympic gold medalists and world champions, to amateur crews and those trying their hand at racing for the very first time.

It’s the largest yacht race in the world and a magnificent sight you won’t forget in a hurry. The only thing better than viewing from the sidelines is jumping on a yacht and joining in the fun, and if you’re looking to do so we have spaces available on our 72ft yachts. We’ll be making a weekend of it and setting off from Portsmouth with a training and preparation day on the Friday, before sailing over to Cowes to get to the start line nice and early on Saturday morning, returning to Portsmouth on the Sunday.

Find out everything you need to know and book your place

The America’s Cup
Southsea Common, Portsmouth
21st – 24th July 2016

The Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series has an exciting summer ahead with events in New York, Chicago, Toulon and Portsmouth. That’s right, after a successful event on Southsea Common last year, the America’s Cup is returning for another South Coast spectacular sailing event.

There’s a variety of tickets on offer, starting with access to the family friendly Race Village, to  seats in the Premier Grandstand, access to the Sailors Lounge and right through to VIP Hospitality.

The racing takes place over two days – the Saturday and Sunday, with the winner being announced after all the different rounds of the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series 2015/2016.

Find out more information and follow all the action on Twitter using #LVACWSPORTSMOUTH

Cowes Week
Cowes, Isle of Wight
6th – 13th August

This iconic British sailing event is the largest sailing regatta in the world, and has been running since 1826. Held over 8 glorious days, with around 40 races each day and a whole host of shore-side activity, it’s not hard to see why Cowes Week is so popular with sailors and spectators alike!

As you can imagine, Cowes gets pretty busy during the event, and accommodation and transport is best booked in advance. Take a look at this guide from the Red Funnel for more information on the event and how to get there (if you’re not sailing over of course!).

Follow all the action on Twitter @cowes_week

Southampton Boat Show
Town Quay, Southampton
16th – 25th September 2016

Britain’s best loved on-water Boat Show returns to Southampton for what promises to be yet another fantastic event. Alongside hundreds of boats, there’s also equipment, crafts, activities and much more. Did we mention it’s on water? The Boat show takes place on a purpose-built show marina in the city of Southampton. Image credit.

Find out more information and book tickets – under 15s go free

The ARC
From the Canaries to the Caribbean
November 2016

The ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) is one of those amazing life experiences you’ll never, ever forget. It’s an incredible journey, with over 200 yachts coming together to race across the Atlantic. Dating back to 1986, it started as a way for a few yachts to safely cross the ocean in the safety of each other’s company. It has since grown into the fantastic event it is today.

We’re proud to be entering a Challenger 72 into the ARC Rally 2016, and we have an opportunity for 12 people to crew in this trans-ocean race – the largest of its kind. Find out how you can join us.

We also blogged on board during last year’s event, catch up on all the action

London Boat Show
8th – 17th January 2017
ExCeL, London

Taking place in January 2017, this event may not be one for this year’s diary, but we couldn’t leave it off the list. Taking place at ExCeL London, what the London Boat Show lacks in water, it makes up in innovative sailing solutions. Featuring the latest boats and sailing products, it’s the place to be for keeping up with industry trends.

There’s also a whole host of activities, competitions and offers available on the day, providing fun for the whole family.

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Posted by: First Class Sailing