Fast Cruise 2 - 2026/27 Series
Sat 14 Nov
|Cowes
The Little Ship Club Fast Cruise Series brings tide, trim and tactics together in the Solent. Spirited passages test seamanship and spark friendly rivalry, before crews gather in harbour for a tot and hearty supper. Hoist sail, chase the wind, and join the fleet for adventure afloat and ashore.
Time & Location
14 Nov 2026, 11:00 – 15 Nov 2026, 15:00
Cowes, 83 High St, Cowes PO31 7AJ, UK
About the event
The Little Ship Club Fast Cruise Series is a winter tradition in the Solent, established in 2006 to blend spirited sailing with friendly rivalry. By day crews test their seamanship; by night they gather ashore for good company and a hearty meal.
Post-event, we will be heading to the Max Aitken Museum, Cowes. We are also delighted to share that the
RNLI City Shanty band will be on hand to have a little bit of a sing song!
Please be generous with your contributions to the RNLI.
Bar available for drinks at 1900 for dinner at 1930
The Museum is licensed to a maximum of eighty attendees and registration will close immediately that threshold is reached. Please make sure you book early.
Times
The event may start based on whether you are on the 'Long' or 'Short' course.
Long and short course boats will start at 11:00.
Cutoff for declaring is 17:00.
Course
The course to be published 48 hours prior to the event.
Two courses are set for each cruise: 'Short' for slower boats and 'Long' for faster boats. These courses, combined with the handicap system, should result in the majority of the fleet being visible to each other throughout the course. Plus, they create an environment where boats at different parts of the sailing spectrum can compete on an adjusted time basis.
Boats rated at 0-999 sail the Long course. Boats 1000 and above sail the Short course.
Result
Skippers must provide the following information to the event officer by 17:00 hrs, or the vessel will receive a DNF (Did Not Finish)
Start time
Finish time
Boat ahead
Boat astern
NOTE: The Little Ship Club has migrated to the YTC handicap; all boats must be pre-registered and handicap assigned prior to the event.
Sailing instructions
Menu
TBC
A PAY BAR WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE MUSEUM
Berthing instructions
Berths will be reserved at the Cowes Yacht Haven if requested when booking. Rafting may be necessary if insufficient alongside space is available. Mooring fees to be settled directly with the marina, please ask for the rally discount (Little Ship Club Fast Cruise Rally) when paying.
Organiser-Simon Kaye/Lewis McDonald
Duty Officer-Leigh Gibson