Jolie Brise, Tangaroa (pictured left) and a selection of Thames barges have already signed up for Classic Fleet racing at Cowes Week

Jolie Brise, the 56-foot pilot cutter that won the first ever Fastnet race will be racing at this year’s Cowes Week. Having won the first Fastnet race in 1925 after 6days, 14hrs, 45mins, and finishing 20 hours ahead of the next boat, she went on to notch up a string of healthy results including winning the Fastnet again in 1929 and 1930, and in more recent years (2000) won the Tall Ships Race.

Joli Brise will be racing in the Thames Barge/Classic Boat fleet on the first Saturday of the week (2 August) against three Thames barges and Tangaroa, a 1925 Danish-built 85ft traditional gaff ketch now used primarily for corporate hospitality. According to Bob Beecham, the owner, there are still a few places remaining aboard Tangaroa for the regatta. Telephone 07092-006006 for more details or log onto tangaroa-sailing.com.