The RSYC Contessa Regatta 2026
A fantastic weekend of close racing on the Solent
The annual Contessa Regatta once again brought the fleet together in Yarmouth for two days of competitive racing, good company and classic Solent sailing. With more than 30 Contessas on the start line, crews travelled from far and wide to celebrate another memorable weekend of close competition. The regatta also formed part of the Contessa 26’s 60th anniversary celebrations, making this year’s event particularly special.
Saturday 27th June 2026
Saturday’s racing was a true test of patience as light and often fickle winds challenged crews throughout the day. Success came down to careful tactics and making the most of every patch of breeze. The result was some incredibly close racing across the fleet.
Back ashore, we gathered once again for the well-loved Rum Punch Party. A firm fixture in the regatta calendar, it was another brilliant evening spent catching up with old friends, welcoming new owners and reliving the day’s racing over a glass of rum punch or brand new Contessa Gin.
Images © ByBrooks
Sunday 28th June 2026
Sunday brought a complete change in conditions, with a fresh south-westerly breeze providing a more energetic finale to the weekend. The stronger winds made for exciting racing and a fitting conclusion to two contrasting days on the Solent.
Once the boats were safely back, everyone came together for the prize giving at the Royal Solent Yacht Club. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and to every crew who took part. Whether competing for a trophy or simply cruising the water with fellow Contessa owners, it was a wonderful way to round off a successful regatta yet again.
Images © Tim Jeffreys
A huge thank you to the Royal Solent Yacht Club for once again hosting such an excellent event. We’d also like to thank the race management team, volunteers and everyone who helped the weekend run so smoothly. Finally, thank you to every owner and sailor who travelled to Yarmouth and took part. It is your enthusiasm and support that continues to make the regatta such a special occasion and the Contessa family so strong. We also appreciate everyone who has taken the time to share their experiences of the weekend through photos and write-ups. If you’d like to relive the event from a few different perspectives, you can read some of the excellent reports linked below:
https://rule69.substack.com/p/contessa-at-60 by Magnus Wheatley
