Inter-Livery Regatta 2026

The Inter-Livery Regatta, run by the City Livery Yacht Club, is the most prestigious sailing event of the Livery calendar, and the first of the year open to all sailors of all Livery Companies.

In 2026, it was the 57^th anniversary of the Inter-Livery Regatta!

Across the weekend, we saw Livery Companies of the City battle off the coast of Cowes throughout two races to decide the winner of the sought-after Lord Mayor’s Cup. We were also joined by members of the City Sailing Series in order to compete for the Visitor’s Vase, and added a new racing fleet of Sonars for sailors who are keen on racing smaller keelboats!

The weekend is a pillar of the Livery calendar and combines the camaraderie and conviviality of the Livery world, with the gentle competitiveness of sailing. Really, a weekend not to be missed!

RESULTS – 2026

Class 1 Results – HERE

Class 2 Results – HERE

Sonar Class Results – HERE

WHY ENTER?

You will have the opportunity to race against some of the finest sailors from London’s historic Livery Companies, regardless of your own level of experience. The weekend is professionally managed but intended as a relaxed, sociable event to allow attendees to network and strengthen Livery bonds.

ENTRY ELIGIBILITY

The regatta is open to all members of London’s Livery Companies. Each Livery Company may enter one or more boats, providing an excellent opportunity for companies to field competitive teams and showcase their sailing prowess. You need not enter or use your own boat, as many companies charter a boat(s) for the weekend’s activities, or enter a team of 3-5 crew members to race a Sonar.

Important: Each boat must be skippered by a member of the City Livery Yacht Club in order to qualify for entry for the Lord Mayor’s Cup. Where there is no CLYC member onboard, the boat will only be entered for the Visitor’s Vase.

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RACING FORMAT

Each boat entering the Inter-Livery Regatta will be required to have a YTC Handicap (YTC HANDICAP FORMS) in order to participate. This is free of charge to obtain, and should not cause you to spend hours taking measurements! The CLYC Race Officers will use this handicap system to calculate the results of the racing. If you do not have an existing YTC Handicap, please contact the CLYC Club Secretary who can provide you with assistance where possible.

Participating boats will be split into two fleets for the larger cruisers, and a third fleet for the Sonars. There are individual trophies awarded for each fleet in each of the races, though the combined results of the Saturday races will be used to ascertain the winner of the Lord Mayor’s Cup and Visitor’s Vase.

Whilst the event has traditionally been white sails only, CLYC is opening this up for Skippers to now elect to use spinnakers or a downwind sail during the racing. However, this must be declared at least 2 weeks before the Regatta.

The third race on the Sunday morning is a separate race to the Saturday, with it’s own winner and awards. The winner and results will be announced during the week after the Inter-Livery Regatta.

TROPHIES UP FOR GRABS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• When is this year’s competition? May 2027
• Where is the Inter-Livery Regatta Located? All events are held within West Cowes, on the Isle of Wight. Cowes Yacht Haven and each of the evening venues are about 15 minutes’ walk from each other, and taxis/water taxis are available.
• How do I enter the racing? By completing and submitting the ‘Book Now’ form if you follow the link provided throughout this page.
• Do I need to pre-book the evening events? Yes, though these will be separate bookings to the race entry. There are number limitations for each of the venues, so it will be best to book tickets early to avoid disappointment (if you scroll up this page, you can click on the requisite images for the dinners to be taken to the booking forms).
• Are the venues accessible? Each of the venues in Cowes is disability friendly, with non-steps access to each indoors venue. If you require any specific access arrangements for your berth at Cowes Yacht Haven please let CLYC Club Secretary know, and she will liaise with the Haven as to your requirements.
• How do I secure a berth at Cowes Yacht Haven? When you complete the entry form, you must specify that you wish to have a berth at Cowes Yacht Haven. If you do not request a berth, the CLYC Club Secretary will be unable to ensure that there is space available for you on what will be a busy weekend in Cowes.
• Do I do anything differently to book a Sonar? The entry form will be the same, you simply need to include ‘Sonar’ as the type of boat you plan to race for the weekend. CLYC’s Club Secretary will then liaise between you and the Island Sailing Club about the hire costs and requirements.
• Can I join in even though my Livery isn’t sending a boat? Certainly! Ask about the CLYC Crew Boat and book on a space, we only have a few remaining.
• Do I need to be a CLYC member to take part? No, but it’s always best if you are! Each boat competing for the Lord Mayor’s Cup must have at least one CLYC member onboard.
• If I am not racing, will there be anything for me to do? West Cowes has a lovely high street full of shops and cafes to explore, though there will also be premier race viewing available at either RORC (Royal Ocean Racing Club) who are hosting our Race Team, the Royal London Yacht Club (one of our affiliates), or the terrace at the Island Sailing Club throughout the day. All guests are welcome to book tickets to the Friday and Saturday evening events whether they are racing or not.
• Is there a spectator boat? No, but there is nothing to stop you from attending by boat to act as your own spectator base! You will not need to complete any entry form, but it is imperative that you notify the CLYC Club Secretary if you will require a Cowes Yacht Haven berth.

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