A MAJOR offshore sailing contest will set sail from Cowes this coming weekend as the Royal Ocean Racing Club's iconic Cowes-Dinard-St Malo Race returns to The Solent.
The historic race, which dates back to 1906, will see a fleet of boats depart from the Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes today, before heading west through The Solent and across the English Channel on the 150-nautical-mile route, to the walled French port of St Malo.
With changing tides and Channel conditions often playing a decisive role, the race regularly produces tight finishes across the fleet — underlining its reputation as one of the stand-out events of the summer sailing season.
The first start is scheduled for 1.50pm, with spectators able to watch from Cowes Parade and the foreshore.
Among the stand-out entries is Johnny Vincent's powerful Volvo 70 Pace, a former record breaker in this race.
Racing previously as Tschuss 2, the yacht claimed line honours and overall victory under IRC in 2023, and is expected to be a leading contender again, if conditions suit.
One of the key storylines will be the double-handed fleet, which forms the opening race of the 2026 Double Handed National Championship.
Some 16 entries will compete, with just two crew on board, balancing speed, navigation and fatigue over the demanding offshore course.
Further depth comes in the IRC Two and Three classes, packed with proven offshore designs, while a notable classic entry adds a touch of heritage.
French yacht Pen Duick III, famously linked to Eric Tabarly, will be among the most recognisable boats on the water, alongside a range of other vintage contenders.
Multihulls will also add excitement, with several high-speed trimarans expected to make rapid progress if favourable winds develop.
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