October 2005 sees the launch of the ‘Hamble Big Boat Series’, a two-weekend championship for IRC and IRM grand prix racing yachts to be sailed in the Solent.

Conceived in response to the wishes of grand prix yacht owners with both professional and semi-professional crews, this event is designed to deliver concentrated racing on the first and third weekends of Hamble Winter Series, 8-9 and 22-23 October 2005.

Dedicated class starts will provide a high profile ‘grand finale’ to the Solent racing season in a 10-race series, with three races scheduled each Saturday, and two on each Sunday.

Race Director Jamie Wilkinson commented: “We hope to attract an increased entry of larger racing yachts for a short and competitive series before these boats depart from UK waters to warmer climes or for winter refit. 8-9 and 22-23 October 2005 are high water weekends and will provide the very best of the Solent race area.”

The racing classes are likely to include groups of Ker 11.3, Farr 40, Farr 45, dk46, J-Boats, X-Yachts, Swan 45, and Farr 52 designs, plus the custom built one-off yachts.

Provisional minimum ratings are IRC 1.130 and IRM 1.040 with provision for class divisions and starting sequence to complement the fleet sizes.