Over 30 boats are expected to compete in the 2006 Vice Admiral’s Cup Regatta at Cowes on Saturday 30 September and Sunday 1 October.

Alongside the highly popular level rating class for production boats in the 44-46ft size range this year’s event, to be hosted by the Royal Corinthian YC, will also incorporate the UK Beneteau 40.7 Owners’ Association National Championship and a class for Quarter Tonners, which will race under IRC.

This year’s large entry is a considerable increase on last year’s inaugural entry of 19. North Sails UK Ltd has generously agreed to support the event and will be delivering goody packages to the competitors on the water. Alongside great racing the Royal Corinthian will also host an informal supper on Saturday night and a prize giving on Sunday.

Among the teams to watch will be the DK46s Dark & Steamy, owned by Nick and Annie Haigh, and Shockwave, owned by Nick Lutte, both of which have had excellent seasons. They are up against ten Farr 45s including Michael Lawson’s Cutting Edge, Exabyte Four owned by Shaun Frohlich and Werewolf owned by Jerry Otter.

The Beneteau 40.7 class has gone from strength to strength this season and the inclusion of its UK Owners’ Association National Championship in this regatta provides the perfect conclusion to a great summer for the 40.7 teams. Already 10 boats have confirmed their entries and we can expect a cut-throat competition. Loveshack, owned by Tim Spalding and Gareth Lloyd-Jones, will be hoping to continue their Skandia Cowes Week winning streak, but those determined to keep the trophy out of their grasp include Pete Newlands and his crew aboard Anticipation and Incognito owned by Paul McNamara and Tony Lowe.

In the Quarter Tonners the competition will be as hot as ever with 10 entries already confirmed. Graydon Dawson has chartered Peter Morton’s beautifully refitted Espada. Louise Morton’s Super Q crew will include regular helm Liz Rushall and top sailing coach and dinghy champion Mark Rushall. The fleet is also looking forward to welcoming newcomer Robin Russell with his recently purchased Full Circle (formerly Quest), while class stalwarts Purple Haze, owned by Tony Dodd, and Odd Job, owned by Paul Treliving, are among those hoping to show the new boys how its done.

For further details, notice of race and entry visit www.rcyc.co.uk .