A DOUBLE-HANDED racing series that includes ‘the Weymouth Double’ will be taking place a month earlier than usual.

The Royal Southampton Yacht Club (RSYC) has announced that the Corona Extra Double Handed Series 2012 will be starting on Saturday, March 24.

Racing will begin with the Spring Solent Double, starting in the central Solent at 10am.

2012 will see the 32nd consecutive year of double-handed racing organised by the Hampshire club.

This year the races are sponsored by Corona Extra, which is providing gifts for early entrants, battle flags and generous race and series prizes.

The annual series aims to provide a friendly and competitive contest with three trophies up for grabs.

RSYC Captain of Racing Bob Trimble said: “We’re looking forward to the start of the new double-handed racing season.

“It’s always a thrill to see a fleet of some 80 boats battling for their class win in the first race of the series.”

He added: “Even though the series is starting almost a month earlier than usual this year, numbers are promising to be as strong as ever.

“As well as the usual four monohull classes, we’ve heard rumour that we may see the return of a multihull class, which should add to the excitement.”

The Main Series comprises eight races and is made up of four Inshore Series races and four Offshore Series races.

The Inshore Series comprises the Spring and Autumn Solent Doubles – Solent races with a passage flavour, the popular Nab Tower Double, and the popular Island Double.

The Offshore Series comprises the Weymouth Double – one race out, one race back, the Cherbourg Double and a long distance race, this year the Le Havre Double.

The series will be rounded off with a prizegiving and party at the end of October.

Entries can be accepted up to the day of each race but series entries attract discounts.

To find out more visit RSYC.org.uk/Racing