THIS year's Taittinger Royal Solent Yacht Club Regatta has been cancelled because of coronavirus.

The event, regarded as the South's most popular yacht club regatta, which attracts entries from all over the country, was due to be held between July 17-19.

Anne Kyle, the Royal Solent Yacht Club's commodore, confirmed: "It is with great regret the flag officers and general committee of the Royal Solent Yacht Club have agreed the 2020 Taittinger RSYC Regatta must be cancelled.

"We have taken this difficult decision after much deliberation and consultation with our sponsors and, after a thorough evaluation, believe this is the right decision for our members, staff, competitors and volunteers.

"Our regatta is a unique event. It is not all about the racing, it is the weekend as a whole — the entertainment, the gathering in the harbour and general social interaction.

"Therefore, very little would be possible under the current Covid-19 restrictions.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank many of you for your support over the last 12 years — whether as competitors or helpers — and to assure you the regatta will be back on the weekend of July 16-18 next year."

Last year's event attracted a record 214 entries and included X One Designs (XOD), folkboats and more than 100 boats in IRC and NHC classes.