The Sailing Olympics taking place 27 July to 11 August at Weymouth on the South Coast of England and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee have triggered a significant number of sailing regattas and events in the Solent for 2012. The regattas include the Westward Cup, 12-Metre Worlds, Panerai British Classic Week, Superyacht Cup and Cowes Metre and Classic Keelboat Week, as well of course as the annual Cowes Week regatta. So, here are some dates for your diary that you really shouldn't miss!

30^th March – 1^st April

National Used Rib Show

The National Used Rib Show supported by Raymarine is being held at Sparks Marina and offers free entry - details below: -

Times: Friday and Sunday 10.00 – 16.00 Saturday 10.00 – 17.00
You can expect to see over 70 RIBs on display with a large proportion of these being second hand; this will mean there will be something at the show for all budgets. RIBs will be displayed afloat and ashore giving the public the opportunity to test some of the RIBs.
Entrance and parking to the 2012 show is free and there will be plenty of activities to make it a great day for the family.

11^th – 13^th May

Ribex at Gunwharf Quays 

Sponsored by Suzuki, the Powerboat and Rib Show 2012. This is the first time that Ribex has come to Gunwharf and will be free to all visitors to view a wide range of craft and equipment. They are expecting in the region of 80,000 visitors over the three days and should have something for everyone!

25^th – 27^th May

Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival

Over 100 vessels including traditional sailing, steam and motor vessels are expected to fill Yarmouth’s picturesque harbour for this event.

2^nd June

Queen's Diamond Jubilee Regatta

A Cowes Clubs' Regatta with the emphasis on fun to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, including One Design Racing and IRC Racing from the Royal Yacht Squadron Platform organised by a variety of the Islands Clubs, Cowes Club Match Racing in J80's and Team Racing in the Island Sailing Club's Sonar’s.

11^th – 19^th June

Westward Cup

The Westward Cup will promise some spectacular sights in the Solent in 2012. The inaugural running of the event in July 2010 was a fantastic success and provided some of the iconic images of Big Class Sailing Yachts in the Solent and has marked a revival of interest in Big Class racing. Eight of the most beautiful Big Class yachts in the world have now been invited to this event.

22^nd – 24^th June

Isle of Wight Festival

This annual pop festival this year includes Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on Friday, Pearl Jam on Saturday and Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band on Sunday to name just a few!

30^th June

Round the Island Race

This is a one day race around the Isle of Wight which attracts around 1700 yachts starting from 7am to 8.40am every 10 minutes. The yachts start off the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes and sail anti-clockwise around the Island to finish off Cowes. The fastest yachts such as the trimaran’s are expected to finish around 11am.

30^th June

Round Britain 2012

The Powerboats will be on their last leg racing from Ramsgate to Weymouth with the organisers anticipating as many as 50 boats.

1^st – 17^th July

The Brewin Dolphin 12 Metre World Championships

The largest of the modern metre class yachts will be in the Solent for the 2012 World Championships. A large gathering of the 12 metre yachts from around the world is anticipated in our Olympic year 2012 and will provide some excellent spectating opportunities.

3^rd July

P&O Centenery Cruise Ship Gathering

In celebration of this exciting milestone, all seven ships of the P&O cruise fleet will be together in their home port of Southampton on the same day July 3rd 2012. This will be a first in the history of the company and it promises to be a grand event. The ships with their gleaming white hulls and signature "buff" funnels will be alongside at seven different points in the port of Southampton. Leaving their berths on this historic day, the ship's passengers and crew will enjoy a champagne deck party as the flutterfetti flies; the marching band plays and the ships sail past in a procession from Southampton Water out into the Solent. It is here, out in the open water that the ships will meet again, saluting one another before they sail onwards to their various exciting destinations

8^th – 14^th July

Panerai British Classic Week

This regatta, which is part of the Penerai Classic Yacht Challenge, has been held every year since the Americas Cup Jubilee was held in Cowes in 2001. Entry numbers for the regatta have steadily risen each year, with over 70 boats entered in 2011. This made for a beautiful sight in the harbour and out on the water. Numbers for 2012 are expected to be a lot higher.

14^th – 21^st July 

8 Metre World Championships

We are expecting entries from all around the world for the 8 Metre Worlds including Japan which is being organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes.

15^th July   

Olympic Torch Stop-over

The Olympic torch will arrive from Jersey on its way to Brighton and on the evening of 15^th July, where the torch will have an overnight stop, there will be an evening celebration.

18^th – 20^th July

 J Class Regatta 2012

The J Class association have organised a spectacular Regatta to be held in the Solent, the traditional home of the J class in the 1930’s, which will be the first time in history that more than four of these imposing yachts will race together in a fleet. Three races are planned, one starting in the Western Solent and around Christchurch bay, one starting in the eastern Solent and into Hayling Bay, and a third in the central Solent. 

21^st July

The Final J Class Race

The last race for the J class regatta is again hosted by RSYC and will be held over the original course around the Isle of Wight, for the 1851 Hundred Guinea Cup Race, which is now known as the “America’s Cup”. The first time in history that more than four of these imposing yachts will race together in a fleet.The Fleet will all be based together at Solent Refit in Hythe.

23^rd – 27^th July

Metre and Classic Racing Keelboats Regatta  

This is the fifth regatta racing around The Solent.

22^nd – 25^th July.

Super Yacht Cup

With already ten entries, this regatta brings some of the largest and most elegant Super Yachts to Cowes, in celebration of the London 2012 Olympics.

July 29^th – 11^th August

Olympic sailing at Weymouth

The 2012 Olympic sailing events take place and all eyes will be on Weymouth and Portland!

11th - 18th August

Cowes Week

Involving hundreds of dinghies and yachts racing throughout the Solent. The oldest and largest annual sailing regatta in the world. We thought we'd show you some fireworks as apparently, there won't be any this year!!!!

18^th August

Portsmouth Air Festival

The first ever Portsmouth Air Festival will take place on the weekend of the 18th August 2012. Located on Southsea Common the organisers are working hard to provide a spectacular and exciting line up of flying and ground based displays, with up to seven hours of flying displays planned. Already confirmed are the Breitling Wingwalkers an AeroSuperBatics team who are specialists in display flying and the de Havilland DH.110 Sea Vixen a twin boom 1950s - 1960s British two seat jet fighter of the Fleet Air Arm. Other aircraft that they are hoping to see include the Vulcan Bomber, Spitfires, Hawker Hunter and a jet Provost.

14^th – 23^rd september 2012

The PSP Southampton Boat Show

PSP Southampton Boat Show is THE on water, outdoor celebration of the boating calendar and a much anticipated event. Falling in late summer and providing a celebration of all things boating, it provides real experiences both on and off the water and a fun-filled day out for boaters, trade and the whole family. Put the date in your diary now.