The Portsmouth Regatta was first held in 1854 when a group of gentlemen formed the Royal Albert Yacht Club out of respect for the Prince of Wales who had taken a great interest in Portsmouth.
In that same year of 1854 the club ran a regatta with the first prize being the magnificent Royal Albert Cup.
This year the Royal Albert Yacht Club celebrates its 150th anniversary and to mark this auspicious occasion it has joined with two other Portsmouth clubs to revive this historic and prestigious regatta first held a century and a half ago.
The two clubs are Victory Class whose 80th birthday it is and the Portsmouth Sailing Club.
The regatta will be held over the weekend of june 28/29 and features a number of boats both small day boats and cruisers the current entry is seventy and rising.
The racing will be held in the Solent an area beloved by yachts people the world over with courses being set in the eastern Solent.
The racing will be clearly visible from the Portsmouth/Southsea shore and dear reader what a spectacle awaits you!
A myriad of boats in full sail, spray flying their colorful spinnakers set, engaging in hard competitive racing.
The Regatta is part of the annual Portsmouth Festivities which attracts thousands of people from in and around the city so join the crowds along the seashore and enjoy the thrill of the race . The crews will mightily appreciate your support which will add real drama and excitement to their racing.
A personal note I am a senior citizen and an avid reader of Mature Times so readers “See You at the Regatta!”
David Porter – Regatta Publicity
