This biennial race week -- in its sixth running -- has become a favourite of sailors with its split format. The Classics Regatta, held over the weekend of July 19-20 during the club's 100th birthday celebration of America's legendary yacht designer Olin J. Stephens, will host some of the sport's most awe-inspiring yachts, including historic 12-Metres and Sparkman & Stephens designs. For Race Week at Newport's second session – from Thursday, July 24 through Sunday, July 27 – up to 200 modern racing machines will converge on Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound for IRC, PHRF and one-design competitions. The event is part of the 2008 US-IRC Gulf Stream Series, and three one-design classes – the NYYC Swan 42s, J/109s and Melges 32s – will use the event to determine their 2008 North American or National champions. In addition, the event will serve as the J/105 and J/122 East Coast Championships and the Beneteau First 36.7 Northeast Championship.