Fifty two boats took part in the inaugural Westmacott One Design Regatta for day boat classes in the Eastern Solent on 6th and 7th June 2009. Twenty one were Portsmouth Victorys celebrating their 75th anniversary this year.

The organisation of the event, hosted by the Royal Naval Club and Royal Albert Yacht Club and the Victory Class is now set to become an annual fixture in the Solent racing calendar.

Alfred Westmacott designed many of the local dayboat classes especially for Solent conditions and bringing them together for their own event proved appropriate as they currently enjoy the surge of interest in one design day boat racing.

The main prize was the Royal Albert Cup, first presented in 1865, and which bears the names of some of the most illustrious sailors of the past, including King George V.

Apart from the local Victorys , there were fleets of Squibs from Royal Victoria Yacht Club from Fishbourne and the Redwings, together with the eponymous One Designs, came from Bembridge.

Next year’s event will be held on the 12/13th June 2010.