THE countdown to the Royal Solent Yacht Club's (RSYC) popular annual Contessa Regatta has begun, with entries now open.

The 2024 Contessa Regatta, which starts on Friday, May 31, runs through to Sunday, June 2.

Entries are now open, with a discounted early bird entry available until midnight on Friday, April 8, with standard entry open the following day, through to May 22. 

Last year, the regatta attracted 40 Contessas from across the Solent region — predominantly comprised of 26, 28 and 32 classes. 

How to enter the 2024 Contessa Regatta

To enter online and view the Notice of Race go to royalsolent.org 

For any competitor inquiries, please contact the Royal Solent Yacht Club office on 01983 760256, or by email: sailing@royalsolent.org

In addition to the Contessa 32 Point Series, the 26s and 28s are again holding their National Championships over the regatta weekend.

A full programme of racing is planned, with three races on the Saturday and two on the Sunday, in the Western Solent.

The winning boat in each class will receive a magnum of Louis Jadot Moulin-à-Vent Château des Jacques, with a jeroboam presented to the overall winner.

A full social programme is also planned ashore, with the weekend culminating on the Sunday a prizegiving ceremony.