Flying Fifteen Open at Broxbourne Sailing Club

 

The forecast was for high winds on Saturday and the decision was made during the week to cancel Saturday and hold three races on Sunday. On arrival it looked very sailable though several boats decided the conditions were too much for them and in the end only nine local boats entered, three of them with our cadet members as crew. As we left the shore the big black gusts started to appear across the water and by the start it was quite lively.

Pip Hudson crewed by Matthew in FF3889 led off the start and were never headed. They soon had a large lead being one of the few boats comfortable with flying a spinnaker. Behind them Brian Turner and Jackie Burns in FF3707 eventually finished second followed by Richard Anthony and Ian Rintoul in FF3715. The race was memorable for some exciting downwind planing.

The fleet then repaired to the clubhouse for a terrific lunch and to contemplate the conditions for the remaining races. Understandably a few decided to call it a day and a much smaller fleet went out for the second race.

After a strong squall, the second race started in easer conditions. It was a tightly contested start and FF3707 led at the first mark followed by FF3889 then Bob Mecham and Ian Fleming in FF3630 who had decided to sit out the first race and preserve their energy. In the lighter conditions FF3707 continued to extend, FF3889 then lost some time jury rigging a failed kicking strap shackle and were overtaken by FF3630. At the finish FF3889 just squeezed past FF3630 for second place. Thus it was all set up for a final race decider.

Having felt a little underpowered in race 2, FF3889 removed the raking pins to set up for a straighter mast. At the start the stronger winds returned and a good start saw Pip and Matthew into a good lead at the first mark. Behind them it was very close with much place changing as the race progressed. At the finish FF3630 finished second and FF3707 could only manage fifth.

Thus Pip and Matthew were first, Brian and Jackie second and making a late run, Bob and Ian third.

Well done to our cadet crews, Matthew, Alice and Merry for supporting our event. They all enjoyed themselves and will be back for more.

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Crew R1 R2 R3 Pts

1st 3889 Pip Hudson Matthew 1 ‑2 1 2

2nd 3707 Brian Turner Jackie Burns 2 1 ‑5 3

3rd 3630 Bob Mecham Ian Fleming (DNC) 3 2 5

4th 3715 Richard Anthony Ian Rintoul 3 ‑5 3 6

5th 4094 Steve Carrmichel Peter Comber ‑4 4 4 8

6th 3401 Mike Jones Alice ‑7 6 6 12

7th 3490 Mike Saunders Richard Mitchel 5 (DNC) DNC 15

8th 1803 Terry Walker Merry 6 (DNC) DNC 16

9th 4051 Bob Tait Melvin (DNF) (DNC) DNC 20

Greenock Scouts enjoyed a sailing adventure with Ocean Youth Trust Scotland

 

A GROUP of Scouts from Greenock enjoyed a weekend sailing adventure with Ocean Youth Trust Scotland.

The day's activities included learning the ropes and taking turns at the helm, to working together as a team on deck, where the group embraced every challenge and discovered what they were capable of.

A spokesperson for OYT Scotland, which is based in Greenock, said: "There were plenty of smiles along the way, new skills gained, and memories made to last a lifetime.

"Scouting is all about fun, friendship, and learning new skills — and this voyage was the perfect opportunity to live that out at sea.

"A huge well done to everyone who joined us — we can’t wait to see you back on board again soon."

Enterprises at the Ripon Sailing Club double-handed open meeting

 

Two Enterprises braved the stormy conditions to join in with the Ripon double-handed open meeting on Saturday the 4th of October.

At first it seemed too windy for sailing, but the PRO and their team endeavoured to give the sailors a chance to get some racing in when the conditions eased around 12:00, with three back-to-back races on a technical course.

Race 1

Callum and Owen were the first Ent round the windward mark, with Olly and Luke less than a boat length behind, Callum and Owen seemed to get a considerable lead on the run that followed; but were quickly reeled in on the fetch that followed, and Olly and Luke went on to take the first victory.

Race 2

A busy start-line meant that Callum and Owen had to tack around and started about 100 yards behind Olly and Luke who had had an excellent start, and promptly set about increasing their lead, until, on the final lap of the race, on the final run an evil gust swept across the water, sending them for a swim, this gave Callum and Owen just enough time to catch up, and pass Olly and Luke just before the line.

Race 3

All was still to play for going into the final race of the day, however, a flying start allowed Olly and Luke to fly in front to be first round the windward mark, and they never looked like being caught for the rest of the race, allowing them to claim the victory.

Olly and Luke were first overall in the mixed fleet, and Callum and Owen came third.

Thanks must be given to the race officer and safety crew, who allowed for everyone to get out on the water safely, as well as to the galley crew, who served up a delicious meal (and cakes).

Irish Win the Endeavour Trophy

 

Following Ireland's dominance on Sunday at the 2025 UK Champion of Champions Endeavour Trophy, Ireland's history of winning the celebrated trophy goes back 57 years.

Raced in Enterprise Dinghies at Burnham-on-Crouch in 1968, Malahide's Robin Hennessy and Robert Michael registered a historic overall win.

Hennessy subsequently went on to score in the Gold Cup in the Dragon Class racing Alphida, and raced in the Olympics, while Robert Michael became Commodore of Howth YC and registered many successes in cruiser-racing.

As Afloat reported earlier, the 2025 event was a tour de force for Belfast Lough and Cork Harbour crews with Northern Ireland's Michael Sims of Ballyholme Yacht Club and Rob Gullan, representing the 505 class, finally notched up a string of top results, which left them able to secure the Endeavour Championship trophy. Monkstown Bay Sailing Club's Chris Bateman of Cork Harbour and Lucy Loughton (B14) sailed an impressive series, including a final race win, to take second overall.

Family reveals plans for Scotland’s Craobh Marina after takeover

 

Craobh Marina, located on Scotland’s west coast, has been purchased by Brian and Sheila Norton and their three adult children, with the support of a multi-million-pound funding package from HSBC UK. 

The family plans to expand the marina’s capacity to accommodate the growing number of large vessels cruising the west coast. The marina currently offers 225 berths for vessels up to 22 metres, with direct sea access and weather protection. 

Planned improvements include upgrades to pontoons, boatyard facilities, and amenities, as well as the reopening of a long-vacant pub. Additional features, such as a floating sauna, will serve both marina users and the wider community. 

Sustainability is a key focus, with solar panels planned for the pub and boatshed to improve energy efficiency and support the protection of the local marine ecosystem. 

After selling their previous business in 2009, the couple spent two years circumnavigating the world with their children and is now bringing their sailing experience to this marina project, with all members involved in the management and development. 

Annie Norton, co-owner at Craobh Marina, explains: “For our family, sailing has always been a way of life, and having completed a circumnavigation between 2009-2011, we came to settle in the west coast of Scotland, after experiencing some of the best sailing in the world here. 

“When the opportunity to take over Craobh arose, we knew there could never be a more perfect business venture for us to undertake than this – allowing us to combine our passion for sailing with our entrepreneurial spirit. We are so excited to put our experience as marina users into action and to join the community in Argyll & Bute. For us, this marina is more than a business – it is about building community, and providing a gateway to adventure for those who share our love of the sea. We very much look forward to welcoming you all.”

Emirates GBR clinch dramatic win against Kiwi rivals at the DP World Spain Sail Grand Prix

 

The Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team has claimed its third victory of the season at the DP World Spain Sail Grand Prix. The crew, driven by Olympic gold medallist Dylan Fletcher, sealed the deal in dramatic fashion as they dived inside race leaders, New Zealand's Black Foils, at the final mark to steal the win from the Kiwis at the last moment.

It was a defiant final race for Emirates GBR, as they suffered a boundary penalty in the start box which meant they had to start behind their opponents, New Zealand and Germany. It seemed to only fire the Brits on as they stayed focused on the task at hand, sailing their own race and taking the lead on the third leg. The crew then suffered a touch down off the foils at the third gate which meant the Kiwis then took back the lead. In leg five, the Brits and the Kiwis split the course with Emirates GBR at first having the advantage, before New Zealand then made gains on the course. This was until the last mark, when Emirates GBR Driver Dylan Fletcher saw his now or never moment, and made the decision to dive inside Pete Burling's crew and overtake them at the final mark and take the win.

Fletcher said: "It's been an unbelievable weekend for the team. The penalty at the start wasn't ideal but we kept pushing and it was a great battle with the Black Foils who had an amazing day. We're so happy to come out on top, ultimately it was all or nothing and when it came to that last turning mark we just gave it everything and it came off alright."

Emirates GBR now sits top of the 2025 Season leaderboard heading into the last event, the Abu Dhabi Grand Final on 29-30 November. The top three teams from across the season will go into the winner-takes-all final in Abu Dhabi, where $2m is up for grabs.

Speaking on the final, Fletcher said: "It certainly doesn't feel like the jobs done at all regarding the Grand Final. We can't ever rest on our laurels here in SailGP so we're going to push as hard as we always do to give ourselves the best chance of getting into that Grand Final race."

Sailing club launches eco-friendly racing marker - controlled with an iPad

 

sailing club in Cornwall has celebrated the summer racing season with the launch of new technology.

Flushing Sailing Club (FSC), located in Falmouth Harbour, has become one of the first clubs in the country to use an anchor-less racing marker called a "Mark-Set-Bot."

Named "Bot-icelli" by club members, this innovative device features a battery-powered electric engine and is remotely operated and controlled using an iPad.

With built-in GPS, it stays in place without the need for an anchor, ensuring no damage to the seabed.

New iPad-operated race buoy at Flushing Sailing Club(Image: Alexia Peña Mendoza)

The club, a volunteer-run charity, acquired the Mark-Set-Bot with support from sponsors, including the Fal & Helford Protected Area Fund, Falmouth Harbour, Falmouth Boat Construction, Heather & Lay Estate Agents, and Penrose Sailmakers.

Peter Harvey, commodore of FSC, said: "Reducing our environmental impact has been a core objective of Flushing Sailing Club for many years.

"The Mark-Set-Bot delivers exactly that as regards our busy racing calendar.

"The project would have been impossible for us without the incredibly generous support of our sponsors.

"They all share our ambition to preserve the amazing surroundings - in which we are all lucky enough to live - for future generations."

Rockwool Racing Leads SailGP After Opening Day in Cádiz

 

Rockwool Racing took the lead on the opening day of the DP World Spain Sail Grand Prix in Cádiz. The team secured pole position after four fleet races in challenging conditions. Emirates GBR follows closely in second, just one point behind.

All 12 international teams faced tough waves and currents. The key to success was getting off the line quickly. Teams that fell behind struggled with disturbed air and the choppy waters. 

Emirates GBR displayed a strong performance, winning the first race and claiming two fifths and a second. "We had to fight right to the end," said strategist Hannah Mills, highlighting the delicate nature of racing in those conditions.

BONDS Flying Roos encountered setbacks in race one, receiving a boundary penalty. Their driver, Tom Slingsby, remarked on the importance of starts in light winds. 

New Zealand rebounded in race two, finishing second behind Rockwool Racing. Spain achieved their best result of the day, securing third place.

In the third race, Australia triumphed, followed by Denmark and Germany. RockwoolRacing dominated the fourth race, claiming their second victory of the day. Driver Nicolai Sehested emphasised the significance of strategy in Cádiz.

Despite holding the league's top speed record, Rockwool Racing is still seeking their first event final of the season. "It would mean a lot," Sehested stated about their goal for the weekend.

Crowds filled the purpose-built Race Stadium, with thousands more observing from the seawall. Spain sits in seventh place on the leaderboard, needing a strong performance on Day 2 to maintain hopes of reaching the Grand Final in Abu Dhabi.

The DP World Spain Sail Grand Prix resumes at 3.30 pm CEST on Sunday, October 5. Fans can watch live on Movistar.

Cork Week 2026 Dates Announced: 6th-10th July

 

The Royal Cork Yacht Club has announced the dates for its biennial Cork Week 2026 Regatta in Cork Harbour. The event is set to take place from Monday, 6th July to Friday, 10th July. 

Since its inception in 1978, Cork Week has become a staple in the sailing community, known for its warm hospitality and competitive spirit. “This event is a sailing event for sailors, by sailors,” said the RCYC's Gavin Deane.

Cork Harbour offers diverse sailing conditions, with easy access to courses both in open waters and along the scenic coastline. The race management team is dedicated to ensuring a top-notch experience for all competitors.

Preparations are already underway for Cork Week 2026, with volunteers from the Royal Cork Yacht Club gearing up. Competitive sailing will cater to various boats and sailors.

A special highlight will be the Kingstown to Queenstown race on 3rd July, offering an exciting challenge before the main event. Boats will depart from Dun Laoghaire, arriving in Cork Harbour by the 4th.

The Beaufort Cup, hosted by the Irish Defence Forces in collaboration with the Royal Cork Yacht Club, will also feature during Cork Week. This international regatta will host crews from around the world, showcasing inshore and offshore racing.

The Notice of Race and accommodation options are now available online. Early entry discounts can also be accessed through the event's website.

J/24 World Championship Plymouth 2025

Sailing on a Gulet can blend relaxation, turquoise waters, secluded bays, historic sites, and lively coastal towns.

Suggested 7-Day Gulet Sailing Itinerary – Turkish Riviera (Bodrum to Göcek)

Day 1 – Bodrum Arrival & Embarkation

Board your gulet in Bodrum Marina.

Welcome cocktails & meet the crew.

Short sail to Aquarium Bay for your first swim in crystal-clear waters.

Dinner under the stars, anchored in a quiet cove.

Day 2 – Bodrum → Knidos

Morning sail to the ancient city of Knidos (temple of Aphrodite, amphitheatre ruins right by the sea).

Swim and snorkel in sheltered coves.

Sunset dinner overlooking the ruins.

Day 3 – Datça Peninsula

Cruise along the rugged Datça Peninsula, famous for almond orchards and untouched beaches.

Stop at Palamutbükü for a dip in turquoise waters.

Explore the quaint Datça Old Town with cobbled alleys and boutique shops.

Day 4 – Symi Island (Optional Greek Touch)

Cross into Greek waters (if desired) and visit Symi – pastel-colored mansions, a beautiful monastery, and chic tavernas.

Alternatively, stay in Turkey and explore the hidden Bozburun Peninsula, known for artisanal boat building.

Day 5 – Marmaris & Paradise Island

Sail to Marmaris Bay.

Explore lively Marmaris town, with its bazaar and castle.

Afternoon swim at Paradise Island, a pine-fringed cove.

Day 6 – Ekincik & Dalyan River

Anchor in Ekincik Bay.

Take a small riverboat excursion up the Dalyan River:

Visit the Lycian Rock Tombs carved into cliffs.

Optional mud bath in thermal springs.

Relax on Iztuzu Beach, nesting site of the Caretta Caretta turtles.

Day 7 – Göcek Bays & Farewell

Cruise through the famous Göcek archipelago – 12 stunning islands with calm turquoise waters.

Swim, paddle board, or kayak in Cleopatra’s Bath (legend says she swam here).

Farewell dinner onboard in a quiet anchorage.

Day 8 – Disembark in Göcek

Morning breakfast and disembarkation at Göcek Marina.

Private transfer to Dalaman Airport.

Highlights of the Experience

A luxurious wooden gulet with private chef, crew, and water toys (kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear).

Mix of ancient ruins, lively harbors, and secluded coves.

Options for Greek islands add-ons (Symi, Rhodes, Kos) if you want more cross-border sailing.

Would you like help planning your next trip?

Please let us know about your sailing experiences 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.

WITH 12,000 RENTAL YACHTS ACROSS 60 COUNTRIES WHICH ONE WILL YOU CHOOSE ?

#yachts2rentnow

420 Open at Itchenor Sailing Club

 

Under the expert guidance of Class Chair and longstanding Itchenor Sailing Club member Piers Shepherd, acting as PRO, the GBR 420 fleet enjoyed a superb opening day of racing.

Four races were completed on Saturday in sparkling autumn conditions, with sunshine overhead and a steady 10-12 knots of breeze filling Chichester Harbour.

In place of the usual 420 championship courses, competitors were treated to a special Itchenor zig-zag layout, cleverly designed to work with the day's tide and wind direction. The format kept sailors on their toes, rewarding sharp tactical thinking and precise boat handling. With the harbour at its best, the fleet revelled in what can only be described as champagne sailing — bright skies, flat water, and just enough breeze to make the racing tactical yet fast.

Sadly, Sunday brought a different story. Despite the race team's best efforts to find a sailable window, the wind never materialised, and racing was abandoned for the day. The four races from Saturday would therefore decide the weekend's honours.

As ever, Itchenor Sailing Club delivered its trademark hospitality. Club members volunteered as rescue crews, ensuring safety cover was seamless, while the bar and buttery kept sailors, parents, and supporters well fed and watered throughout the weekend.

Saturday evening saw the 420 sailors swap sailing gear for black tie, gathering for a sumptuous dinner in the clubhouse. The night concluded with a lively disco, where the dance floor was as busy as the start line had been earlier in the day.

The evening was shared with Itchenor's Swallow sailors and the 420 class was extremely grateful to the efforts that Itchenor went to accommodate the class.

While the lack of wind on Sunday was a disappointment, the quality of Saturday's racing more than made up for it. The combination of a well-run race programme, inventive course setting, and the welcoming spirit of Itchenor Sailing Club made this a memorable event for the GBR 420 Class. With emerging young talent mixing it with seasoned campaigners, the future of the 420 fleet looks bright.

It was fantastic to see sailors travelling from across the country to Itchenor — from Hollingworth Lake and Budworth in the North, to West Kirby and Cardiff Bay, all the way down to Restronguet — alongside a strong contingent from Chichester Harbour.

A final thanks to our class sponsors Gill Marine and Xtremity.

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Bow No Helm Crew Club Category R1 R2 R3 R4 Pts

1st 54379 69 marsbar marsden Olivia Creasy West Kirby SC Open MIxed ‑4 1 1 1 3

2nd 56954 63 Sabine Potter Merle Nieuwland Warsash SC/CBYC Open Female 1 ‑6 3 2 6

3rd 54483 29 Patrick Bromilow Thomas Kelsall West Kirby SC Open Male 3 2 ‑7 3 8

4th 57701 48 Hugo Fletcher Alex Flint Royal Southern YC/Royal Varuna YC Open Male 5 4 4 ‑8 13

5th 57477 45 Harry George Ralph Cawthorne Lymington Town SC/Shustoke SC Open Male 2 ‑12 8 4 14

6th 52916 76 Rupert Garlick Freddie Jones Itchenor SC/Chichester YC U17 Male 6 ‑11 2 7 15

7th 57224 12 Pippa Shepherd Lauren Mecklenburgh Itchenor /Bosham SC U17 Female 11 ‑14 5 5 21

8th 57411 32 Isla Fletcher India Eastwood Royal Southern YC/Itchenor SC Open Female 7 3 13 (DNC) 23

9th 56943 33 Laragh Epstein Charlie Howard CBYC/Burghfield SC Open MIxed 8 5 ‑11 11 24

10th 57499 68 Jessica Skelding Zach Aziz Winsford Flash SC/Draycote Water SC Open MIxed 9 7 10 ‑12 26

11th 56467 99 Arthur Greaves Nia Mecklenburg Lymington Town SC Open MIxed 13 8 6 (BFD) 27

12th 57502 54 Tabitha Davies Zac Shepherd R Lym YC/Trearddur Bay SC/Itchenor /Bos Open MIxed ‑10 9 9 9 27

Nacra 15 Winter Camp 1 at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy

 

Day one of the first Nacra 15 training camp of the winter started with everyone rigged and ready for briefing by 9:30am at WPNSA. We were then split into two groups, the more experienced group of British Sailing Youth Team sailors being coached by Ben Harris with a weekend focused on racing and the two relatively new teams being looked after by Izzy Smith.

Everyone was launched by 11:30 with the BSYT boats heading out into the bay to do some practice racing with four windward leeward races and four Sail GP style races, while GBR126 and GBR074 were getting used to controlling the boats. As new teams to the class we focused on boat speed up and down wind and different settings and trim.

Everyone was back on shore by 3pm to sort boats out and get changed before debrief at 4pm where we discussed separately in our groups what went well and what we could improve on for the Sunday sailing, Ben and Izzy shared plenty footage from the day which was great!

Day two came around and everyone was excited to get back on the water, but first was the morning briefing where we discussed our goals for the day. The plan for the BSYT boats was a medal race which gave them double points, this really mixed up the leaderboard for the weekend's races and some match racing to help sharpen up starting skills. Meanwhile, 126 & 074 continued to get more confident with the boat and refined new skills.

The BSYT boats stayed near the harbour wall in 10-16 knots of breeze whilst we were also in the harbour learning more about lighter wind sailing. All boats then joined together for some races on a windward leeward course.

For the final race we swapped positions aboard for a crews race. This was great fun and as the breeze filled in nicely we had a blast downwind back to WPNSA with some crews noticeably more confident than others on the helm!

Everyone packed up their boats in the sun, then after a quick debrief from Ben and Izzy it was time to head home after an amazing weekend!

To find out more about Transitioning into the Nacra 15 class please head to :-

 www.nacra15.co.uk/getting-started/transition 

or reach out via nacra15uk@gmail.com

With the 2026 World Championships being held in Plymouth there's never been a better time to get involved!