The Salcombe Gin Morgan Cup Race 2024 is a thrilling offshore race from Cowes, Isle of Wight, to Dartmouth, the charming coastal town on the south coast of Devon.
Part of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) Offshore Programme, competitors from around the world will line up on Friday 7 June 2024 to race between 110-150 nautical miles offshore along the UK’s South Coast, a course which will be riddled with tactical navigational challenges.
Jake Carter, Clipper Ventures’ Chief Instructor explains: “Some of the incredible scenery you see along the Morgan Cup route is actually one of the reasons why the race is so tactical. You have St Catherine’s Point, St Albans, Portland Bill and of course Berry Head at the entrance to Dartmouth – they all give you a good view but will throw up some dilemmas tactically.”
Racing offshore along the UK’s South Coast can also prove challenging with variable weather conditions offering little predictability. During the 2023 edition, 91 teams had to work through wind holes along the route, with a high pressure ridge followed by a low pressure trough. Making the most of the light breeze and strong trimming skills were the keys to a top performance.”
On the route, Jake says: “You normally go the ‘wrong’ way to start, heading east around the back of the Isle of Wight before heading to Dartmouth. There’s tidal gates and tricky winds in the summer – you can get a whole mix of conditions.”
Clipper Events is opening up the opportunity, regardless of previous sailing experience, to line up amongst some 500 competitors on the iconic Royal Yacht Squadron start line for this year’s Morgan Cup on board a fully equipped Clipper 68 ocean racing yacht.
Whether you’re looking to experience competitive yacht racing for the first time, or hone your offshore racing skills, our professional Skippers and Mates will be on hand to lead the crew and ensure you have a fun, memorable experience.
Once the racing concludes, crew get a chance to discover Dartmouth. Jake adds: “Arriving into Dartmouth is one of the most spectacular entrances to a port. It’s a historic town, you head in between two cliffs, turn a corner and see a quintessential Devon village.“
DETAILS
- Thursday 6 June – join the boat at 0900 in Gosport
- Friday 7 June – Race start 1150 (subject to change), Cowes – Isle of Wight
- Saturday 8 June – Racing. The race is 110-150 miles and will take approximately 24-36 hours to complete. Downtime and time to explore Dartmouth subject to race finish time.
- Sunday 9 June – Sail back to Gosport
- Monday 10 June – Expect to depart Gosport by 1600
The cost to take part is £975 per person, inclusive of; Race entry fees, a fully equipped and staffed Clipper 68 yacht, on board accommodation, a training day, arrival dinner, on board catering and use of Musto foul weather gear during the race, and a technical top to keep.
For enquiries and bookings, please contact us on +44 (0)2393 382848, complete an online enquiry form or email [email protected].
