YOGAFF and Douarnenez. Thats about it really for good stuff. There will be the usual classic regattas at Dartmouth, Plymouth, Fowey and Falmouth but they are a bit low key and lacking in participants these days.
Having thought though, there is also the Cowes Classic Regatta. Apparently some of the big boats are coming up from the Med again next year so it should be something to watch and participate in.
Being positive about what events we have in the UK, in this time of economic trial, try turning the corner and coming up to another Celtic nation for Seafair in 2010. Seafair is working with the Bretagne teams at Brest and Semaine du Golfe to develop an event which the UK can talk about, but it needs us all to support it with positive drive to create our own SdG to be proud of.
Further to this we, Rising Tide, are now working in Wales and Southern Ireland to put a chain of maritime and costal events, of various sizes and focus. The 6 Welsh events include the longstanding Conwy River Festival and the developing Holyhead Traditional Boat Festival in the North with new events at Fishguard (celtic festival) and up the river to Carmarthen Quays in the South with a planned International Sea Rowing event to Cardigan.
In Southern Ireland the Dunbrody festival and the Barrow River festival are also a part of the Rising Tide project which is working to stop us turning our backs on the sea and to give us all a chance to celebrate our maritime heritage and culture.