The Brixham Heritage Regatta including the Classic Boat Race has its roots in the Sailing Trawler races that have been held in Torbay since the early 1800’s. In 1914, King George V presented the Perpetual Challenge Trophy also popularly known as the 'King George V Cup' or the 'Kings Cup', to be raced for by Brixham registered sailing trawlers over 40 tons. This was competed for annually from 1919 until 1939 when the war ended racing, it was not re-started for almost 60 years.

The Brixham Heritage Sailing Regatta was revived in 1997 and is traditionally held on the Friday and Saturday of the late May Bank Holiday, but this will change for one year in 2012. The Bank Holiday is being moved next year to be included in a four day weekend to allow for the celebration of Her Majesty the Queens Diamond Jubilee. Consequently, the 2012 Heritage Regatta will take place over the Jubilee weekend, on the Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd June. Under the organisation of the Heritage Sailing Committee, the event will once again be hosted by Brixham Yacht Club.

PROVISIONAL DETAILS 2012

Participants should arrive in Brixham on Friday, ( or earlier ), a passage race will also take place from Dartmouth to Brixham on Friday. By kind permission of the Brixham Harbour Master, there will be free berthing on the Town Pontoon on Friday and Saturday Nights, ( this can be extended to Sunday night if weather conditions are such that they delay your departure from Brixham ).

A water shuttle service to the Brixham Yacht Club will be provided. Registration will take place on board Brixham Trawler ‘Vigilance’ or at the Yacht Club from 1700. This will be followed at 2000 by a complimentary Fish Suppers* at the Yacht Club for participating Skippers and Crews. (* Complimentary fish suppers, for up to 6 crew members per vessel – Over 6 is £5 per head )

The Yacht Club will serve pre-booked breakfasts on Saturday Morning. There will be another opportunity to register and then the Skippers briefing will take place in the Yacht Club at 1000, there will again be a water shuttle service. The parade of sail will be at 1240 and the first Race start at 1400. The prize giving will be at 1900 at the Yacht Club followed by the end of Regatta party with music by ‘Bollards’ and Fireworks by the Harbour.

Please see the 2012 Event page for more detailed information.

The Regatta is organised by a team of volunteers, many with nautical experience of both modern and classic boats. We aim to provide what sailors want, good sailing, good competition and good fun. The Heritage Regatta is a non profit making event and any excess funding raised, is used to fund future events. Whether you are a traditional boat owner, skipper, crew, enthusiast or spectator, we hope that you will be able to join us in Brixham for the 2012 race.