The Royal Southampton Yacht Club and Marina Developments have joined forces to create the UK's very first Double Handed Regatta.

The RSYC is already well known for running the leading Double Handed series in the UK and it was a natural step to expand on its race management experience and put together this exciting two day regatta in the Solent in July. This event will be a stand-alone regatta and will not form part of the Club's own Double Handed Series.

Everything is in place to make this an exciting new event and there is every indication that many hours of discussion between RSYC Racing Committee member Rob Lamb, and MDL's head of marketing, Dean Smith and their teams, will result in a winning formula first time.

The 2006 regatta racing will be in the central Solent in IRC, Club Handicap and Multihull classes with two races on Saturday and a third race on Sunday to decide the overall winners.

MDL's sponsorship means that as well as fantastic racing, competitors will benefit from a Happy Hour' after racing on Saturday at the RSYC's Ocean Village clubhouse where a pint will cost only £1. This will be followed by an aprs sail' party including results and many prizes for the day's winners. Good food will be available, and for those with energy left, there will be music for dancing until late.

The final race on Sunday will help blow the cobwebs away and all crews will once again be welcome back at the Ocean Village clubhouse to receive the overall results and more prizes.

Entries received by June 23 will receive free berthing in Ocean Village Marina for Saturday evening and an event stylised polo shirt for each crew member.

With great interest already being shown, this unique event is on course to be a winner in the racing calendar.