‘1908 Olympic Yacht Race’ Centenary Celebration




Cobweb, winner of the 8 metre class 1908 Olympic Regatta painted by James Bartholomew


The Olympic Regatta was held over three days from 27th to 29th July, 1908,
the first year that Olympic sailing took place in the UK.
 
The racing was held in the Solent starting off the end of Ryde Pier and was undertaken,
at the request of the British Olympic Council, by the Council of the Yacht Racing Association
(now the Royal Yachting Association) and was hosted by the Royal Victoria Yacht Club
using new, simplified, International Yacht Racing Rules.

The Centenary of this historic sailing occasion will be celebrated with a series of events to be held
during Cowes Classic Week, and all members and classes of boats are very welcome to attend.

 

Programme of Events

Thursday 24th July

1200 hrs – Metre Class 1908 Olympic race to be held off Ryde

Some 50 boats will be taking part in this re-enactment race which will follow the original course
so it should be a spectacular sight – best seen afloat or from Ryde Pier. 

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1930 hrs – Celebration Dinner ‘Centenary of Olympic Yachting in the United Kingdom 1908 to 2008’
Cowes Yacht Haven

In the presence of HM Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight,
the President of the International Sailing Federation
and the Chairman of the Royal Yachting Association.
Guest Speaker, Alan Titchmarsh, The High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight. 

In addition, a new painting by James Bartholomew, specially commissioned to commemorate
the centenary, will be auctioned for charity at the Dinner.
 
A limited number of tickets are available for this event. Click here for Booking Form.


Sunday 27th July

1200 hrs – Re-enactment Race at the RVYC

In period costume, open to all, including keelboats and classic classes,
with simultaneous firing of guns at the RVYC exactly 100 years to the hour of the original regatta. 
Messages of goodwill and encouragement will breeze through the ether to our
brave crew of sailing Olympians in Beijing. 

This will be followed by a cream tea.

Notice of Race for 1908 Re-enactment Race

Entry Form for 1908 Re-enactment Race 
 
Sailing Instructions for 1908 Re-enactment Race

Further Information

During the summer, the Classic Boat Museum Gallery will be featuring an exhibition of the 1908 Olympics. 
For more details contact: 01983 533493 or info@classicboatmuseum.org
Or visit the website www.classicboatmuseum.org

For more information about the British Classic Yacht Club visit ~ www.britishclassicyachtclub.org

Cowes Online article - The Sailing Olympics 1908