Sea View Yacht Club Hosts the 79th RA Keelboat Regatta

Published 16:27 on 15 Jul 2025

On Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July 2025, Sea View Yacht Club was proud to host the 79th Royal Artillery Keelboat Regatta on the Isle of Wight. Under gloriously sunny skies and in light to very light winds, we welcomed ten spirited teams: seven from 16 Regiment, two from 100 Regiment, and a guest team of distinguished retirees from the Walsh family. The event brought together a fantastic mix of male and female soldiers from across the ranks, from Gunner to Lieutenant Colonel.

Day 1

Racing began with a slow start — the morning race was abandoned due to a complete lack of wind, with results taken as the fleet sat mid-course. After lunch, the sea breeze finally filled in, and we were delighted to see four competitive races take place in quick succession. The crews adapted well to the light airs and tidal influence, with close contests and lots of learning on the water.

Day 2

The second day mirrored the first, with a still morning that gave teams time to relax and enjoy the best of Seaview. Some crews made the most of it by visiting nearby yachts St Barbara V and Witchcraft, followed by a refreshing swim ashore. After an early lunch, Race Officer Robert Lidbury successfully ran three more fiercely fought races, bringing the regatta total to eight.

The final race proved decisive. Though the overall result remained in question until the final leg, it was the exceptional consistency of 100 Regiment B Team, skippered by Lt Col Jim Edwards, that secured them victory — achieving seven second-place finishes across the regatta. They edged out the Walsh family by just two points, with 16 Regiment/49 Battery and 16 Regiment/32 Battery close behind in third and fourth.

Regatta Highlights Video

For the second consecutive year, the Commodores Trophy was awarded to 100 Regiment RA.

Our thanks go to Lt Col Ronnie Sefton, Commanding Officer of 100 Regiment RA, for presenting the prizes, and to Lt Col James Boutle, CO 16 Regiment RA, for his continued support in making this years regatta such a success.

Looking ahead, Sea View Yacht Club is already preparing to welcome the Royal Artillery community back for the 80th RA Keelboat Regatta, scheduled for Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th July 2026 — a landmark event in this proud and longstanding RAYC tradition.

For us at Sea View Yacht Club, the true success of the regatta lies in the joy and camaraderie shared by the participants. The mix of friendly rivalry, new sailing skills gained, and the sea of smiling faces throughout the two days showed just how much this event means to those who take part. Morale was high job done.

Images and full story from here.