Club Regatta 2025 at Overy Staithe Sailing Club

 Overy Staithe SC are gearing up for 4 days of regatta sailing, running from Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 August.

The Regatta, which is open to non members, begins with the Wilson-Stephens Trophy for under 17's. With a growing number of juniors racing at the club this promises to be a great race and we expect a good turnout with a mix of Toppers, Lasers and perhaps some double handers too.

Friday offers pursuit racing for the Crossley Holland Cup. The entry list always generates a degree of head scratching as to what is the slowest boat. The question this year is whether Mark Beck will make an appearance with the family Twinkle 10, which may be 'slow on handicap', but is always fast on the water.

On Saturday and Sunday there will be racing in defined 'fleets' - and we anticipate there being 7 separate starts, keeping Race Officers Andy Turner and Peter Beck on their toes! Traditionally these races finish off the quay which gives spectators a chance to watch the sailors battle wind, tide, moored boats, swimmers and paddleboarders as they head to the finish line.

Sunday sees racing for the Haines Cup, and a chance to fund-raise for the RNLI. The regatta prize-giving will be held on Tuesday, after the club's long distance 'Nod Race'.

Largs Sailing Club has adult sailing courses later this month

LARGS Sailing Club will offer an adult sailing course over two days on August 21 and 22.

This course welcomes complete beginners or those new to the sport, promising lessons in safe, supportive conditions.

During the two days, attendees will learn the art of boat handling, on-water safety, and introductory sailing methods.

For more details, and to book, go to :-

 https://webcollect.org.uk/lsta/event/adult-start-sailing-1.

Equipment, including buoyancy aids and wet boots, will be provided by the club, alongside a limited supply of wetsuits.

If you have any queries, contact the club’s administrator Julia at secretary@largssc.co.uk.
 

Like a Phoenix from the Ashes, Emirates GBR Rise to Secure Podium in Sassnitz

 

The final day of the Germany Sail Grand Prix came after a long night of repairs, as the SailGP Tech Team and the Emirates GBR shore crew worked against the clock to fix the British F50. The boat had suffered a large hole in the port hull after being hit by the USA SailGP Team on Day 1.

The British team made a tentative start in today's opening race, crossing the line in sixth place in light conditions. They were one of the first teams to pop from H1 onto the foils, gaining three places on the reach to Mark 1. At the first downwind gate, GBR took the right-hand mark and moved into the lead.

At the bottom mark, the wind dropped and GBR came off their foils, slipping behind Denmark and Australia. They rounded Mark 4 on the right-hand side alongside Denmark, while Australia split left. The decision paid off as GBR closed the gap, reclaimed the lead, and held firm. Using their right of way on the final approach, they forced Australia and Denmark off their foils and powered through to take the win in Race 5.

GBR nailed the start in Race 6, coming in fast from the back of the pack with perfect time-on-distance to cross the line first and lead to Mark 1. In the shifty conditions, Emirates GBR Wing Trimmer Iain Jensen remarked, "Make hay when the sun shines," as the team split left at the downwind gate to stay in the best breeze. A duel with Australia on the upwind leg followed, but GBR executed their manoeuvre more cleanly, pulling away to open a commanding lead. From there, they controlled the race and stormed home to secure back-to-back wins.

Another strong performance in the final fleet race of the day saw GBR finish second and book their place in the final against Australia and France. The podium final was one not to miss. On a shifty race course, GBR started strongly and established an early lead, but a wind shift allowed Australia and France to capitalise, pushing GBR back into third. Despite a fight to regain ground, there wasn't quite enough runway left, and Emirates GBR finished third overall, their fifth podium finish of the season, leaving them third in the League standings.

Emirates GBR Driver Dylan Fletcher said; "We definitely felt like a phoenix from the flames today. It's been a hectic couple of days, so just being back on the water was unbelievable. A massive thank you and huge appreciation to the SailGP Tech Team and our shore crew for getting the boat fixed and enabling us to race. We wanted to win the event for them, we couldn't quite get it done, but I'm super proud of the team's performance."

Dylan continued "It's great to be back in the top three again after a strong performance in Portsmouth. It's disappointing not to have won the last two finals, but we just need to keep chipping away and make sure we're in that winner-takes-all final in Abu Dhabi."

SailGP returns to action with the ROCKWOOL France Sail Grand Prix | Saint-Tropez on September 12/13.

Great North Asymmetric Challenge at Bassenthwaite Sailing Club

 

Bassenthwaite Sailing Club is pleased to announce that the Great North Asymmetric Challenge (GNAC), sponsored by Trident UK, will take place on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September 2025. Now a well-established fixture in the northern sailing calendar.

This multi-class regatta is open to all asymmetric dinghies. Over the years, the event has welcomed a wide variety of boats, from Vareos to 49ers and VX Ones. The 2025 edition will feature an eight-race series sailed on windward/leeward courses. It will also form part of the RS200 and RS400 Northern Tours.

Camping is available on site for tents, caravans, and motorhomes. The club and bar will be open on Friday evening, and a live music is planned for Saturday night. The galley will serve breakfasts and lunches throughout the weekend, and visiting food vendors will offer a range of options, including fish and chips, waffles, and ice cream.

The first race is scheduled to start at 13:00 on Saturday 20 September. Entry fees are £35 for a double-hander and £25 for a single-hander, with a £5 discount for helms under the age of 18. That's a bargain given the way prices have been going lately.

Emirates GBR battle to repair damage

 

Emirates GBR face a race against time to be ready for the second day of the Germany SailGP Grand Prix.

Taylor Canfield’s USA SailGP Team collided with Emirates GBR in a port–starboard, incident in the final race of day 1, as GBR were sailing the upwind leg on starboard – a basic right-of-way situation – with the USA approaching on port and having to keep clear . . . instead making a beginners error in failing to alter course sufficiently, and striking the Emirates GBR hull and rudder.

The impact caused significant damage to the British boat, the Tech Team is now working overnight on repairs in a bid to have them back on the water for race day two.

Earlier in the day, Emirates GBR had made a strong start to the regatta.

In Race 1 they nailed the start, but an extra manoeuvre on the upwind leg allowed Germany to slip through, leaving the British to settle for second.

Race 2 saw GBR battle back from the pack with smart gate choices and a favourable wind shift to climb six places and claim an emphatic race win.

Race 3, however, proved one to forget as the team slipped to a disappointing 11th. Their day ended abruptly with the collision in Race 4.

The USA SailGP Team were penalised 12 event points and 8 season points for hitting the Emirates GBR hull. The U.S. will not compete on Sunday due to the damage.

Tall Ship 'Blue Clipper' Sails into Dublin Bay

 

The sailing vessel Blue Clipper has anchored off Dun Laoghaire Harbour, sailing under the United Kingdom flag.

At 38 metres long and 7 metres wide, the three-masted gaff rig schooner is owned by Maybe Sailing, a not-for-profit company offering sail training voyages worldwide.

Company founder Steven Swallow began the venture after restoring TS Maybe, the firm’s flagship. He remains actively involved, often skippering both vessels.

Acquired in 2016, Blue Clipper has sailed from the Arctic to the Caribbean, with profits funding life-changing voyages for underprivileged young people and vulnerable adults.

Built in Sweden in 1991, the ship was chartered by Hennessey in 1992 for a commemorative voyage from France to Shanghai. She has since appeared in television programmes and commercials.

In 2017, Blue Clipper completed the entire 10,000-nautical-mile Rendez-Vous Tall Ships Regatta, placing first or second in four of five race legs.

Haiti Sailing Extravaganza

Here's a curated sailing itinerary for a week exploring Haiti's signature islands, blending scenic moorings, cultural spots, and memorable beach and nature activities.

Day 1: Set Sail to Île-à-Vache (Southwest Coast)

Sail from a convenient mainland harbor (e.g., Port-au-Prince or Les Cayes) to Île-à-Vache, located about 6–7 miles off Haiti’s southwest peninsula 

Onshore: Explore the mangrove-fringed east, enjoy local hospitality, snorkeling near reefs, and soak in some surf and beach time.

Day 2: Island Exploration & Beaches

Activities: Walk or kayak to mangrove lagoons, relax on beaches, or visit local communities in Port Morgan and Abaka Bay resorts 

Day 3: Sail to Les Cayemites

Sail northeast to the twin islands of Grande Cayemite and Petite Cayemite in the Gulf of Gonaïves 

Onshore: Enjoy a quiet beach day, light hikes, or wildlife watching on these low-populated islands.

Day 4: Continue to Gonaïve (Coastal Option) or Start Northward Leg

Option A (inland coastal): Pass near Gonaïve.

Option B (island option): Continue north around the west tip of Haiti and enter Gulf of Gonaïves.

Day 5: Head Toward Gonâve Island

Sail to Gonâve Island—Haiti’s largest satellite island, located northwest of Port-au-Prince 

Onshore: Explore Anse-à-Galets or Pointe-à-Raquette, soak in rural island life, hiking opportunities, or local markets.

Day 6: Sail to Tortuga (Legendary Pirate Isle)

Sail north to Tortuga, famed for its pirate history and dramatic coastline.

Onshore: Walk around historic terrain, enjoy secluded coves, or soak in the island's storied breezy ambiance.

Day 7: Finish at Labadee (North Coast) or Cap-Haïtien

Option A – Labadee: Arrive at Labadee, a private resort leased by Royal Caribbean. Enjoy beaches, watersports, zip-lining over water, or a Haitian artisan market.

Note, however, access is restricted to cruise-line guests and often fenced off 

Option B – Cap-Haïtien: Alternatively, sail into Cap-Haïtien, an inspiring colonial city ("Paris of the Antilles") with cultural sites, local cuisine, and easier local access.

Notes & Planning Tips

Safety & Access: Access to Labadee may be restricted—usually only for cruise passengers via Royal Caribbean. Consider permissions in advance 

Navigation Hazards: Île-à-Vache is surrounded by reefs and shoals—take care when anchoring 

Cultural Respect: These islands are home to local communities. Seek permission before landing and respect local customs.

Flexibility: Weather and sea conditions can change quickly—plan for variable sailing times and be prepared to adjust course.

Would you like help planning your next trip?

Please let us know about your sailing experience and where you're planning to go by using our Contact Form on this Blog, with your requirements to receive immediate help and assistance and using our Vast Knowledge and Experience to Help and Guide You.

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Cockle and Mucklow Trophies at Overy Staithe Sailing Club

 

It truly was the Glorious 12th for the club's Cockle Trophy on Tuesday. The Stiffkey Cockle is a well known boat in North West Norfolk with many of them sailed at Overy Staithe. Their tan sails regularly grace the creek and this is the chance for them to dust off their racing skills and move up a gear from those leisurely sails around the creek and to the beach at Scolt Head.

A course was set in the lagoon by the Race Team of Jerry Clark and Rachel Campbell-Gray, and the safety team of Paul Sacker and Jeremy Neville-Elliot stood by to retrieve late finishers who were struggling in the light winds against the falling tide.

'Tickle' (Bernard and Ellie Clark) took line honours. 'Avocet' (Jim and Hugo Heffer) were second. 'Elsie' (Malcolm Rogers and Paul Goakes) were 3rd and (Gannet) William Heffer was fourth.

The Mucklow Trophy, which was previously awarded to the GP fleet and now awarded as a general handicap trophy, took place on 12 August with a mixed fleet of Lasers, OK's and Lightning dinghies taking part. They sailed the same course as the Cockle fleet and Rodney Tidd took first place on the water and on handicap. Nina Plumbe (Lightning) was second, and Fred Deakin (Laser) 3rd.

Cramond Boat Club Wanderer Scottish Championship

 

Cramond Boat Club, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, was delighted to host the inaugural Wanderer Scottish Open Championship in association with the Wanderer Class Owners Association on 9th & 10th August 2025.

Visiting boats started to arrive on the Thursday, eagerly anticipating a pre-regatta cruise which had been planned for Friday. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate and with gusty winds up to 40mph from the WSW on Friday, the dinghy cruise had to be cancelled.

Despite encouraging signs of slightly less wind in the forecast, conditions on Saturday turned out to be very similar to Friday, so all racing was cancelled for the day. The post-racing food and drinks were quickly repurposed as a lunch, so competitors had an enjoyable afternoon in the clubhouse with excellent food and company, which at least partly made up for the disappointment of not being able to sail on Friday and Saturday.

Sunday provided much better sailing conditions with SW F3-5 winds forecast so the race committee was able to schedule three races, both for the Wanderer championship and the open handicap fleet. Following a briefing to the competitors, everyone headed out to the start line, which the race officer set close in to the picturesque shore by Dalmeny House.

The Wanderer fleet, including two visiting boats, started first and enjoyed close racing, with Alasdair Simpson and Chris Stanger (Arnside Sailing Club) just pipping local crew Leonie Griffin and Janice Kerrisk in Jennifier for first place, with Scott Livingstone and Claire France (Upper Forth Boat Club) in Bonnie in third.

In the second race, Jennifier and Bonnie started close together but soon Scott and Claire in Bonnie pulled ahead and held their lead to the finish, with Jennifer second and Alasdair and Chris third. Unfortunately Pavol Mraz and his son in Joshua had to retire from the race when the pin at the tack of their jib failed and they gave the impression of trying to use the jib innovatively as a spinnaker as they headed off downwind.

By the third race, the wind had strengthened, making for challenging sailing. All boats were cautious getting to the start but Bonnie began to pull away, with Joshua chasing, having fixed their jib. Jennifer was close behind, followed by Alasdair and Chris but it was hard work in the gusty conditions. There was much relief all round when the race officer shortened the race. At the finish, Bonnie held on to their lead, followed by Jennifer and Joshua.

This meant that Scott and Claire were crowned Wanderer Scottish Champions, with Alastair and Chris second, and Leonie and Janice third.

Wanderer Scottish Championship Results:

Pos Boat Sail No Helm Crew Club R1 R2 R3 Pts

1st Bonnie 680 Scott Livingstone Claire France Upper Forth Boat Club ‑3 1 1 2

2nd 1768 Alasdair Simpson Chris Stanger Arnside Sailing Club 1 3 ‑4 4

3rd Jennifer 1487 Leonie Griffin Janice Kerrisk CBC 2 2 ‑3 4

4th Joshua 1300 Pavol Mraz Daniel Mraz CBC ‑4 RET 2 6

Dragons Deliver Thrilling Racing at Cowes Week 2025

 

With the best turnout for many years, 13 Dragons, including classics, vintage, new models and international visitors from Hong Kong, Ireland and Denmark, went to battle in the world's largest keelboat regatta.

After an exciting week of racing, Bluebottle won the week with Fit Chick second, Bertie third, Furious fourth and Dreki fifth.

A great week for all Dragons, and battles going on in whichever part of the pack you were in.

The fleet's thanks go to the regatta organisers for absolutely excellent race management and a very memorable event. The Solent Dragon fleet is having somewhat of a renaissance, and Cowes Week has proved that.

The class looks forward to celebrating the 200th edition of Cowes Week in 2026, and then only two weeks afterwards, the Edinburgh Cup incorporating the UK Grand Prix (16-21 August 2026).

Tingdene Group Buys Holy Loch Marina in Scotland

 

Holy Loch Marina on the Cowal Peninsula in Scotland has been sold to Tingdene Group.

The 250-berth marina in Sandbank, Argyll, includes indoor and outdoor hard standing, as well as ancillary services.

Christie & Co handled the sale on behalf of the Downs family. The family had managed the marina since the passing of their father, Matthew Downs.

Originally home to two boat builders in the late 1800s, the site later served as a submarine base in World War II. It has since become a popular boating destination.

The marina also partners with the Scottish Forestry Commission through the TimberLINK project, transporting logs by cargo vessel.

“This is a natural and welcome addition to our growing marina portfolio,” said Ian Collier, Managing Director of Tingdene Group. “Its location and berth holder community make it an ideal fit.”

Alison Downs, former co-owner, said: “We felt it was time to move the business onto a group with a strong portfolio who could take the marina to the next level.”

The sale expands Tingdene’s marine portfolio to 12 sites and marks its first step into Scottish waters.

Operations Director Steve Arber said: “We’re incredibly proud to become part of this well-established boating family and respectful of the legacy built here.”

Christie & Co’s Mark Lavery added: “We quickly identified a buyer who aligned with the seller’s ethos and hopes for the marina’s future.”

British American Cup (BA Cup) Teams Selected

 

The Independent Selection Committee and Royal Thames Yacht Club are delighted to announce that the British Teams for the 2025 BA Cup has been selected. The teams are selected, in accordance with the published selection protocol, by the independent selection committee; Greg Eaton, Saskia Clark and Tom Williams.

British BA Cup Team for 2025

Boat 1

Arthur Henderson (Team Captain & Helm), Tim Gratton (Main), Honor Fell (Jib), Jamie Webb (Bow)

This will be Arthur's 5th BA Cup and his second as Captain. He was 2nd at the Carmela Cup (Keelboat Team Racing National Championships) in 2025. He has a strong crew with a lot of time in the boat together.

Boat 2

Andy Cornah (Helm), Guy Brearey (Main), Jemima Lawson (Jib), Simon Morris (Bow)

Andy is the most experienced BA Cup helm with 11 BA Cups under his belt. Jemima won the last two Lochan Cups and captained the Royal Thames team at the prestigious Thayer trophy.

Boat 3

Murray Hampshire (Helm), Jack Hanslope (Main), Emma Baker (Jib), Calum Healey (Bow)

Murray helmed on the 2023 winning BA Cup team and is also the three time National Keelboat Team Racing champion.

Boat 4

Scott Wallis (Helm), Matt Wallis (Main), Josh Voller (Jib), Rosie Watkins (Bow)

Scott helmed on the 2023 winning BA Cup team and is also the three time National Keelboat Team Racing champion.

BA Cup Selector Tom Williams said "The selectors were impressed by the number of high quality applications. The BA Cup is the pinnacle of keelboat team racing and we're delighted to once again have a strong British team featuring many of those from the victory last time (2023) as well as a number of new members to the Cup team".

Tom Partridge said "Thanks for all of those who applied to be on the teams. Whether you were selected or not I would encourage anyone interested in keelboat team racing to come and join us at one of the Royal Thames open events throughout the year. We run events and training for all levels. More information on Autumn 2025 / Spring 2026 open events will be released shortly. Additionally, if you were not selected for this edition of the BA Cup but would be interested in joining in the BA Cup training on 28th September, please contact racing@royalthames.com".

Whitstable Week 2025

 

Whitstable Yacht Club held its annual Whitstable Week regatta on August 6th-10th with the five days being blessed with glorious sunshine but mostly light breezes. The good weather certainly brought out the crowds with 61 boats competing and all ten races completed for the first time in a Whitstable Week!

The racing takes the form of an all-in-handicap with one start for all classes with largely trapezoidal courses making clear wind, particularly for the slower boats a priority. WYC has a large fleet of Lasers (or ILCAs), so the 29 starters were no surprise, but the excellent Tasar turnout of eleven is a reflection of the recent nationals held at WYC. It was also great to see visitors from six other clubs, several returning after previous visits this year.

It was away third time lucky for the best race of the series with Mark/Joe winning from Rick/Sarah and Stephen Nation and Julie Nuttall in a Tasar in third - another Tasar podium!

Overall winners were Rick and Sarah Perkins in a Tasar, Mark Barnes and Joe Barton in a Tasar took second and Charles Campion in a Laser third - in fact there were five Tasars in the top ten, four Lasers and a single Wanderer. Amongst the commendable performances were those of the seven 'Transition to Racing 2025' course graduates who raced the series and were headed by Sian Rose Sargaison in 17th overall, but there were many others throughout the fleet.

Whitstable week also saw some lively socials which may have dampened the odd performance the following day. An intellectual start with Phil Emery and Ian Hender's quiz night on Wednesday was followed by the club band on Thursday (Stairway to Heaven was both ambitious and amazing!).

Commodore's cocktails was a great success on Friday thanks to sponsor's Holidaycottages.co.uk and the backdrop of Thames barges arriving for Whitstable Harbour day. The final night party saw another beautiful Whitstable sunset and dancing to live band 'Total Recall'.

The prize-giving saw the 'Spirit of Whitstable Week' trophy awarded to Matt Young the WYC safety boat co-ordinator and chief mover of windward marks - the success of the event relied on Matt and his team. It was also down to the committee boat team of drivers, recorders and ARO's who collectively kept RO Steve Gray the right side of sanity. Onshore the bridge crew, social team and bar staff ensured safety, lots of fun and a ready supply of drinks - thanks to them all.

Only snag is how to top such a great event? Come along next year July 29-August 2nd, 2026, and find out - you'll be most welcome!

Full results: www.wyc.org.uk/latest-resultsl