COWES Classics Week, the largest classic yacht regatta in the world, has announced that Red Funnel has taken the role of signature sponsor for the event.

Cowes Classics Week runs from July 27 to August 2, with racing from Monday, July 29 onwards.

Run by sailors for sailors, the event is organised by the Royal London Yacht Club, supported by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, Royal Thames YC, Cowes Corinthian YC, Royal Victoria YC and the Island SC.

The online entry system will be open from March 7 when regatta information and the notice of race will be available at www.cowesclassicsweek.org.

David Gower, chairman of Cowes Classics Week and commodore of the Royal London Yacht Club, said: “Red Funnel’s support for yachting in Cowes has always been key to the success of Cowes as a yachting venue, the vibrancy of the town and the prominence of the Isle of Wight as a tourist destination.”

Fran Collins, chief executive of Red Funnel, said: “Cowes Classics Week is now firmly established as one of the UK’s most prominent traditional sporting events and we are very pleased to have the opportunity to play a part in its success.”