A NEW sailing regatta for wooden classics designed before 1970 will be held in Cowes in May. 

The Cowes Spring Classics event will be open to a range of classic yachts, from cruisers and cruiser racers to gaff-rigged yachts and pilot cutters. 
Organiser Mary Scott-Jackson, of MSJ Events, is running the regatta alongside IW boat builder Martin Nott. 
He said: “By holding the event in May we are hoping to extend the racing season for these fabulous boats. 
“We are inviting a very wide range of classic yachts, large and small, and although we expect people will take the racing seriously, it will be a relaxed regatta conducted in a gentlemanly manner.” 
The regatta will be based at Shepards Wharf Marina between May 11 and 13. 
For entry details, visit www. cowesspringclassics.com or contact Mary Scott-Jackson by calling 245100 or e-mailing mary@msjevents.co.uk