2026 Taittinger Regatta - Classic One Design Racing in Champagne Style

Published 19:18 on 28 Jul 2026

Eight Contessa 32s enjoyed classic Solent conditions at this years Taittinger Regatta, with brisk breezes and lively seas delivering exactly the sort of racing our boats excel in.

Solan Goose, helmed by Ben Rogers and crewed by his family, took the overall win after a consistent weekend. Even a restart in Race 3 (as over the line at the gun) didnt derail their campaign; a shift brought them back into the mix and ultimately secured the class victory. Drumbeat and Andaxi were 2nd and 3rd and very close.  

The Black Group courses provided tight mark roundings and plenty of interaction with the IRC fleets, but the Contessas handled the conditions superbly, showing once again why the design remains competitive and admired 60 years after Jeremy Rogers launched the first hull.

A short rain squall (or maybe miniature hurricane) on Sunday briefly paused racing, but once the breeze settled the fleet enjoyed a final, decisive race to close the regatta.

Overall, it was a weekend that showcased the enduring strength, spirit, and competitiveness of the Contessa 32 class doing classic racing in a one design context.  Read more here RYSC Taittinger. 

Last updated 19:38 on 28 July 2026