Midsummer Classic Regatta 2014 21st and 22nd June Dear Classic Boat Owner, Here is the planned itinerary for the Midsummer Classic Weekend in Dartmouth based at the Royal Dart Y.C. It is intended to be a fun weekend of gentlemanly racing in Start Bay coupled with good food, drink and company ashore with live musical entertainment where you can relax on the terrace of the RDYC and enjoy great river views. Friday 20th June Registration at RDYC from 16.00 hrs until 20.00 hrs Race Briefing on the Quarterdeck at 18.30 hrs Drinks reception in the club room at 19.30 hrs Supper available from 20.30 hrs Saturday 21st June Registration 08.00 until 09.00 hrs Two races in Start Bay with a planned start of 11.00 hrs. Buffet Supper at 20.00 hrs with music and singing from the “Nauti Boys” Sunday 22nd June One race in Start Bay with a planned start time of 11.00 hrs BBQ on the RDYC terrace from 14.30 hrs with live music from “Signs of Life” Prizegiving at 16.00 hrs. Moorings The visitors pontoons at Darthaven marina have been reserved for the event at £2.50p per meter for boats up to 45 ft overall. Boats over 45’, and any other boat that prefer, may moor between the yellow mid-river admiralty buoys. Charges are £1.85p per meter. A water taxi service is available until 23.00 hrs but it is advisable to bring your dinghy with you. Racing It is intended to run two races on Saturday and one longer race on Sunday using fixed RDYC racing marks and navigation marks in Start Bay. Boats are expected to race in a Corinthian Spirit where taking risks rounding marks is strongly discouraged as is shouting “starboard” or “water” or sailing in a fashion likely to raise a protest from another boat. There will be classes for the IRC handicap and the French JCH system with additional classes should the number of entries dictate. Boats entering the IRC class should comply with the BCYC classic criteria i.e. be designed prior to 1968, non GRP construction and have a minimum overhang of 25%. The event is registered with RORC and limited validity tcc’s can be obtained from them for a small charge. For a JCH handicap go to www.jch-online.org this handicap is free of charge. The Race officer will be Hugh Conway ably assisted by Les Hurst, who are both experienced race officials and will be assisted by Gary Bowers helming the support RIB “Zulu”. The race committee will be operating from Gary Walker’s superb classic motor yacht “White Mouse”. There will be prizes for each class winner and for runner up places depending on the number of entries in each class. Catering and Social There will be a Drinks Reception in the RDYC clubroom at 19.30 hrs on Friday courtesy of “Dartmouth Chandlery” who have retail premises in Newcomen Road in Dartmouth and if you need anything for your yacht do not hesitate to call in and see them. Crew Supper will be available on the Quarterdeck from 20.30 hrs with Fish Pie or Coq au Vin followed by Treacle Sponge Pudding at £12.50p per head. On Saturday evening there will be a buffet dinner served with seating on the Quarter deck and in the marquee and depending on weather on the terrace and balcony. You will be entertained by local shanty group the “Nauti Boys”, who have gained a strong following in South Devon. The dinner will consist of Poached Salmon, a selection of Cold Meats, a selection of Salads and hot new potatoes followed by Lemon and Lime Posset with summer berries at £15.00 per head. On Sunday afternoon there will be a BBQ on the terrace while listening to the acoustic folk music of “Signs of Life” a local group with a growing reputation. Take a look at their website at www.signsoflifeband.net . On the menu will be chicken, burgers, sausage, potato salad and coleslaw at £10 per head with strawberries and cream to follow at £2.50p per head. It is essential to book for these meals with tickets issued along with the entry packs at registration. Tickets will be limited and sold on a first come basis. It’s got the makings of a terrific weekend, the longest day, great sailing in scenic Start Bay, good company and delicious food and drink all set in a prime location on the banks of the River Dart. We hope to see you there. Organising Committee