ONE of the world’s best known regattas is on the brink of returning to the Solent thanks to a cash boost from Southampton investment firm Skandia.

The Admiral’s Cup – widely regarded as the world championships of offshore racing – saw nations battle it out on the water for the ultimate prize, before the event ran into financial trouble in 2003.

But it could be set for a glorious comeback after the former sponsors of Cowes Week donated an undisclosed sum to event organisers the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC).

The club will use the money to carry out a feasibility study into bringing back the 52-year-old biennial event, which once saw Prime Minster Edward Heath captain one of Great Britain’s boats to victory.

RORC chief executive Eddie Warden Owen said the study was the first step towards bringing the event back in 2011.

He said: “This study is the first step to making the dream happen.

“It’s an enormous boost to the idea of bring back the Admiral’s Cup.

“We want to see the Admiral’s Cup back as a world class regatta, deserving of its name.

“It’s not just us talking the talk – it really could happen.”

Skandia sponsorship manager Tim Sewell added: “The history and heritage of the Admiral's Cup is immense.

“We hope that our support with the feasibility study will enable RORC to create an event that will do justice to its history and reputation as one of the world's leading offshore racing regattas.”

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