RVYC Merrydown Regatta

The 2017 Regatta is on the 26 & 27 August

History of Merrydown Regatta

The origins of the Race date back to 1955 when members of the 'Sailing Section' at Ryde Rowing Club, then located on the Pier at Ryde, discovered the wonderful properties of Merrydown Vintage Cider. Racing began annually for firstly a Magnum of the cider and then, from 1959 when the Merrydown Wine Company first learned about the race, they presented a Methuselah as first prize. The Company's continuing support for the race from that time is the earliest and longest commercial sponsorship of any sporting event.

The present silver Merrydown Trophy was first raced for in 1962 with the winner being Bob Casson of East Cowes SC. The race continued to be held from the Pier until 1970 when the Club had to move to its present site at Appley. Until the Club could continue running the event again, the Royal Victoria Yacht Club hosted the race at Fishbourne 1971-75.

From 1976 the race was staged at Appley until it was no longer feasible for the Club to run it and now, fortunately, it appears to have a bright future being staged at Fishbourne again.

Of the many local Clubs whose members have won the race, Stokes Bay SC has been the most successful with 27 winners, of which Paul Chatfield has won five and Stuart Gummer four times.

Royal Victoria members to have won the Merrydown include John Hoyland (1970), RC Payne (1975) and Martin Harrison (1996 and 2002).

Last updated 09:55 on 5 April 2018