Offshore Week is rapidly approaching, entries are still open on the RTYC Website, it’s not too late to enter so get your entry in now!
What is Offshore Week?
The Offshore Week is a flotilla style race week combining racing, cruising and social activities. The itinerary takes into account yachts and sailors of wide ranging ages and abilities. It has grown over 25 years to become a highly successful, enjoyable and well supported event. Typically attracting over 20 Yachts (now limited to 25 Yachts) with combined crew over a hundred. The event attracts yachts from Plymouth, Salcombe, Dartmouth, the Exe Estuary, Teignmouth and Torbay. Racing 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, North Brittany and Normandy.
Although the majority take the racing very seriously (what sailor doesn’t?), it’s not all about racing, many family crewed boats attend for whom the cruising destinations are the draw. Social activities take place most evenings and often include, elaborate fancy dress nights, karaoke, quizzes, treasure hunts, sports and not least of all the opportunity to discuss the days sailing over a beer with friends new and old.
The region sailed is challenging. The value of sailing as a fleet provides some reassurance especially to those who have not crossed the Channel before and are able to benefit from the company and guidance of veterans.
Yachts can be IRC or Non IRC rated. From 25 to 45 feet, maximum draft 2.5m the racing requires all yachts to be equipped and qualify for ISAF Special Regulation Category 3 with life raft. 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.