Following the huge success of its inaugural Red Funnel Quarter Ton Cup revival regatta held in June, the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Cowes have announced it will host the 2006 Red Funnel Quarter Ton Cup from 5-7 June next year.

Already the majority of competitors who raced in 2005 are committed to returning in 2006 and in addition there has been considerable interest from other Quarter Ton owners including a number of French teams keen to join in the fun. Red Funnel Isle of Wight Ferries has also confirmed its ongoing sponsorship support.

As in 2005 the focus of the regatta will be close Solent racing combined with a full social programme. The Quarter Ton Cup dinner was the social highlight of the 2005 event and will be repeated in 2006 with Quarter Ton Sailors from all eras being invited to join competitors for another very special evening of anecdotes and camaraderie. With the Round The Island Race taking place on 3 June 2006 and the RORC IRC Nationals planned for 8-11 June the regatta’s timing offers teams the opportunity to enjoy a full week of sailing on the Solent.

Among those most firmly committed to racing in 2006 are the legendary Manzanita team from Ireland. Joxer O’Brien, Neil Kenefick, Ron Holland and Killian Bush hugely enjoyed the 2005 regatta despite loosing their rig on the first day and are determined to return in 2006 and prove that their sailing skills equal their partying skills! 2005 Red Funnel Quarter Ton Champion Tony Dodd and his Purple Haze crew will also be back to defend their title.

Bob Fisher, Quarter Ton Cup Patron commented: “For a few days in June, the fun returned to sailing. The Quarter Ton Cup 2005 was a delightful success that brought pleasure to all concerned – competitors, organisers and spectators – as the universal smiles on their faces confirmed. Great close racing was matched with furious shoreside activity – only the truly dedicated could stand the pace. Those who missed it should not forgive themselves and in 2006 we look forward to seeing more competitors, including those from overseas to join in this revival of all that was best in level rating racing in its heyday.”