A spectacular showcase of the Solent’s boating community and historic ships will set sail on the waters off the Isle of Wight in celebration of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on 6 August – and it is not too late to take part. 

Local yacht and sailing clubs are still welcome to join by emailing mail@rys.org.uk. All boats, from RIBs to sailing and motor vessels, can register with their own yacht club to be part of the official programme, to be held at Cowes.

The Royal Jubilee event will feature more than 400 boats from sailing clubs and organisations in the Solent region which will be reviewed by VIPs in a motor-past, before racing off Bramble Bank. The line-up of historic ships will include four Dunkirk Little Ships – Tahilla, Papillon, Maimonide and Naiad Errant; two historic yachts – Gipsy Moth IV and Suhaili, and two sail training vessels – Scaramouche and Challenger 72 – 22m. These will be moored off The Green at Cowes.

Among the highlights will be Dragon ‘Bluebottle’, which was presented to The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as a wedding present by The Island Sailing Club. It has been restored and will have been racing throughout Cowes Week.

In addition to the Solent racing programme, the skies will host a Silver Spitfire air display performed courtesy of the Spitfire Academy at Goodwood. Back on dry land, there will be music and entertainment at a free concert at Cowes Yacht Haven later in the day – with headline acts to be announced.

A committee of sailing organisations, class associations and clubs from across the Solent region is organising the event, immediately following this year’s Cowes Week.

Hampshire yachtsman Geoff Holt MBE, founder of the Wetwheels charity and a member of the organising committee, said: “The Solent Platinum Jubilee event is shaping up to be a memorable ‘once in a lifetime’ celebration, bringing the Solent’s sailing and yachting community together to celebrate our Queen’s 70 years on the throne. It is not too late to join in the celebrations – just get in touch, we will be pleased to welcome you.

“Members of the Royal Family continue to give wonderful support to many local yacht clubs and charities in the Solent and they have been a common sight at yachting events for decades, so we are delighted to hold this event in honour of Her Majesty The Queen.”

The Solent Platinum Jubilee event supports Wetwheels as its chosen charity. Proceeds will provide opportunities for disabled people to access the sea in a safe, stimulating and rewarding way on board the charity’s fully-accessible powerboats. All of the Wetwheels boats from around the UK will return to the Solent for the event, enabling VIPs from across the region to review the spectacle from the water.

Chair of the organising committee, Jonathan Nainby-Luxmoore said: “This very special day will be packed with fun and action on and offshore for members of the Solent yachting and boating community to enjoy. Register your interest if you have not already done so, and please show your support for our chosen charity Wetwheels.”

Donations can be made here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/platinumjubilee

Find out more about the event on the Solent Platinum Jubilee Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SolentJubilee 

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