The Royal London Yacht Club (RLYC) is pleased to announce the signing of a three year contract with Cowes Week Limited (CWL) for the sponsorship of a new seasonal racing mark in the Central Solent. CWL and the Solent Cruising and Racing Association (SCRA) have drawn up a shortlist of prime positions for new Solent racing marks in order to improve racing. The first of these will be sponsored by the Royal London Yacht Club and is positioned half way between Air Canada and East Knoll buoys at approximately 50˚ 47.67’ N and 01˚ 17.0’ W and will be known as ‘Royal London’.

Peter Taylor, Chairman of Sailing at the RLYC said: “We chose the mark immediately to the east of the Bramble Bank as it will be well positioned as a windward mark, away from the main shipping channel and in less tide, when sailing from marks located near to the mainland shore in prevailing SW wind conditions.” Philip Shears QC, Commodore of the RLYC added: “We are delighted to have taken the lead and been the first to sign up for one of these new dedicated racing marks in the Central Solent.”

Peter Bateson of the SCRA commented: “We welcome this support by the Royal London Yacht Club and hope that other sponsors will now come forward to take up the other positions that are available. This will greatly improve the course setting options both for Cowes Week and the rest of the season’s regattas.”

The new ‘Royal London’ mark is expected to be in position by Easter 2010.

For further information contact: Royal London Yacht Club. Tel: 01983 299727. secretary@rlyc.org.uk

For information on sponsorship of one of the new racing marks contact: Stuart Quarrie of Cowes Week Limited. Tel: 01983 295744. stuart.quarrie@cowesweek.co.uk

January 2010