| This race week started back in 1990s pulling together the various offshore races into one week. We were finding that one off offshore races were becoming less well attended as people could not make every event weekend: too many crew had work or family pressures. However the one-week concentration of sailing reversed that. 2013 is the 20th Year of this well established event. |
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| Built upon the lines of a flotilla event this race week has grown into a very successful and well-supported event with 20 yachts or more joining in. The RTYC links up with, the South Devon Cruiser racing Association to attract yachts from Plymouth, Salcombe, Dartmouth, the Exe Estuary,Teignmouth and Torbay to race competitively in offshore mode, fully equipped and all living aboard and experiencing some of the wildly differing tidal and coastal regimes of the Channel Islands and North Brittany/Normandy. We have had yachts from the Solent join in too. |
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| The other aspect is the great social experience where all the crews get together. Crews never used to meet up as boats used to return to their home ports after a race. This Offshore Week brings everyone together and parties, beach activities, sports, and a few visits to local restaurants and hostelries occur to provide a great and enjoyable week away as well as good sailing. In recent years we have had more organised quiz’s, treasure hunts and other fun activities. The week is also something that families come on not just the Race crews. It has even been known for some people to participate in retail therapy French Style. |
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| The yachts can be IRC rated or Non IRC rated. We have yachts from 45ft to 25ft that have raced. The racing requires all yachts to be equipped and qualify for ISAF Special Regulation Category 3 with liferaft. Click on the link below to see the details. However this is all about safety and we should all be sailing to this safety level whenever we cross the Channel. |
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| Offshore Special Regulations etc |
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| The value of sailing as a fleet also provides some reassurance especially to those who have not crossed the Channel before and want some company and guidance. |
| While primarily a race week yachts are able to cruise in company with the fleet and enjoy the social activity while taking their own pace between ports |
| So if you are interested from any club anywhere then please make contact. The racing is not limited to local boats alone. |
| E mail |
| admin@rtyc.org |
| stating your interest in the RTYC Offshore Week. |
