West Country Boat Repairs RS2000 Millennium Series 6 at Exe Sailing Club

 

Exe SC provided a fantastic two days of racing for the RS2000 fleet, with seven races producing a mixture of wind ranges, sea states, and plenty of close competition.

Saturday certainly lived up to its forecasted billing as the tougher day with four races sailed in 18-28 knots, with big waves making conditions demanding from the start but super fun downhill. The day started with both the 2000s and 200s being held ashore an extra 45 minutes while the Race Officer made a decision from the course, but the right call was made and we headed out into the bay.

The final race of the day saw the wind drop slightly making it a much more tactical race and less survival, with places changing throughout the fleet all the way up the first beat. Nats and Katie led at the top mark, closely followed by Si and Darren, Luca and Lou. Si and Darren took the early gybe to take the split and came out on top at the bottom mark, while Jay and Alice showed their downwind prowess (newly discovered this season thanks to chats with Spanner), to pop out in 2nd at the bottom mark. The top 2 boats traded blows for the rest of the race, with Si and Darren holding on for the win. Another compressed fleet in the race gave a great spectacle on the finish line once again with 3-6 finishing in the space of 3 boat lengths all on the plane, showing how truly competitive the fleet is.

Despite the challenging conditions, the racing remained close, with positions changing throughout the fleet. Si/Darren and Nats/Katie were the most consistent performers on day 1, sitting 1st and 3rd respectively after day 1, with Jay/Alice holding 2nd overnight despite their early inconsistency.

Sunday brought a complete change of character and additional boats on the start line. The breeze eased to 8-13 knots and the flatter water made for a very different challenge. The shifty conditions rewarded crews who could find the pressure and make the right tactical calls with the 20-40 degree shifts. With the racing so close, there was little room for mistakes. Despite each race being AP'd in the sequence at least once, race officer Mike Way and his team did a great job to get us racing as quickly as they could.

Despite Darren's anti-hiking agenda, Si Horsfield and Darren Kirkham took four race wins from the seven races. Jay and Alice Whitehead recovered from early inconsistency to take second overall including two race wins, while Natalie Johnston and Katie Horsfield's consistency secured third.

The weekend saw some new faces in the fleet and it was great to see how they progressed throughout the weekend with confidence in the boat in challenging conditions. It's always great to see those at the top of the fleet being approachable and willing to help newer faces with their boat setups. It's not unique to the RS2000, but it is something the class really prides itself on.

With everything from 28-knot gusts and big waves on Saturday to lighter, shifty breeze on Sunday, the series provided a testing 7 race series and an enjoyable and hard-fought weekend at Exe Sailing Club. A massive thanks to the race committee and safety boat teams who did a great job all weekend, and the shore crew who helped with trolleys, served us bacon butties, and even provided free cake after racing.

The RS2000 class is very much looking forward to returning here next year for our National Championships.

Overall Results:

Pos Helm Crew Club

1 Si Horsfield Darren Kirkham RNSA / ASA

2 Jay Whitehead Alice Whitehead RNSA / Exe SC

3 Natalie Johnston Katie Horsfield RNSA / TISC

4 Jonathan Ching Hayden Ching Bough Beech SC

5 Pete Vincent Victoria Upton Llandegfedd SC / Exe SC

6 Mike Comey Harri Lawrence Llandegfedd SC

7 Luca Mitchell Lou Dicker Paignton SC / ASA

8 Guy Boswell Julie Boswell Llandegfedd SC

9 Neil Palmer Nick Watton Exe SC

10 John Smith Sally Taviner Wilsonian SC

Sea Equity launches boat membership scheme in the Solent

 

A new boat membership scheme has launched at Hamble Point Marina, offering access to a professionally maintained fleet of sailing yachts without the cost and responsibility of ownership.

Sea Equity, based in Hamble, Hampshire, provides members with access to boats for Solent cruising, coastal exploration, and weekend trips. The scheme offers three membership options for different budgets and boating needs, with each tier including transparent booking rules and priority access windows.

“Sea Equity is about removing barriers,” says Nikki Walker, director of Sea Equity. “People want to get out on the water, but they don’t want the stress, cost or maintenance that often comes with ownership. We’ve built a scheme that gives them freedom, flexibility and beautifully kept boats, without any hassle.”

Alternative to boat ownership

Sea Equity joins a growing market for boat membership and shared-access schemes, as more operators develop alternatives to traditional ownership.

The scheme is based at Hamble Point Marina, providing access to the Solent as well as cruising routes towards the Dorset coast and Channel Islands.

The available fleet includes Hanse 418 sailing yachts, according to the launch material, with the boats professionally maintained and ready for members to use.

Sea Equity says its membership structure is designed to keep the process straightforward, with booking rules and access arrangements set out for each tier.

The company is also explicitly dog-friendly, allowing members to bring their dogs aboard.

“Boating should be for everyone – including the dogs,” Walker says. “Our members can enjoy being on the water with their whole family, without compromise.”

For Sea Equity, the aim is to provide access to sailing without requiring members to manage maintenance, berthing, and the other ongoing commitments that come with owning a boat.

Memberships are available from September, with early members offered enhanced booking benefits and discounts during the launch period.

Fairlie Yacht Club Autumn Regatta 2026 sponsored by Largs Yacht Haven

 

Over the weekend of the 19th & 20th of September, Fairlie Yacht Club organised its annual Open Autumn Regatta, sponsored by Largs Yacht Haven. This end of season regatta was based on the sailing areas off Largs on the Clyde. Nine yachts entered, coming locally and from other bases on the river. Unfortunately, due to the strong winds on Saturday morning and forecasted all weekend, only five yachts made it to the starting line.

This was an action packed weekend with plenty of wind, keeping the crews busy on courses within the Largs Channel. Saturday saw gusts of over 40knts in the squalls as skippers handled their boats in close quarter manoeuvres from the start, and kept the crews busy on the mark roundings. The committee boat and Pete Wright (PRO) took shelter on the Cumbrae shore, starting the races on a fast reaching leg before the yachts set off towards Largs.

A departure from the usual windward /leeward courses at the request of the skippers. The two J109s of Salamander and Mocking J couldn't hold back the J92 Samurai J who took 2 bullets, with only 9 seconds between first and second places in race 2. Reindeer, a classic swan 43, recently returned from a seasons cruising to Norway, Fareos, Iceland and Greenland, weathered the squalls to win in the restricted sail class.

Sunday was a bit kinder with a slight drop in the wind in the Largs Channel. The RO set a course round the Largs Channel marks which tested all the crews on close reaches, spinnaker handling and mark roundings. The second race was then a blast around Great Cumbrae, taking the fleet out of the lee of the island on a fast course to the west of Cumbrae and through the Millport channel.

Sunday's race was joined by the Lutra V1 30, Infinite Probability which added to the competition of the J's. The two J1019s finished only 11 seconds apart after 80 minutes of challenging tactical racing round the island, but again the J92 took the bullet.

Following this tiring race the fleet returned to Largs Yacht haven for the prize-giving in Largs Sailing Club. Largs Yacht Haven sponsored the event with a 1st prize of a "free lift out", along with many branded items and gift vouchers. FYC also presented engraved glassware to the winners.

David Hewitt, Marina Manager of Largs Yacht Haven said: "We are very proud to be sponsors of this closing season's FYC Autumn Regatta. This was a great way to finish a spectacular summer of world class events hosted at Largs Yacht Haven and I hope the competitors enjoyed the racing and their stay in Largs".

John Kent Vice Commodore FYC said, "It was a very challenging event for both officials and competitors alike. The strong winds and numerous squalls made hard racing for skippers and crews, who handled their yachts with great skill and obvious teamwork. Amazingly close racing, considering the conditions.

"My thanks to the PRO Pete Wright, the small number of volunteers, Coastworks for the use of a mark laying RIB, LSC for marks, access to the Clubhouse and especially to LYH for their fantastic sponsorship. Well done to all the competitors who braved the weekend weather. Hopefully the weather will be a bit kinder in 2027."

Class 2 results:

1st Samuri J, J92, Alan Macleod, Cove SC

2nd Salamander, J109, Craig Corson, FYC

3rd Infinite Improbability, Lutra V1 30, Sam Dryden, Port Edgar SC

4th Mocking J, J109, Ben & Jono Shelley, FYC

Class 3 (restricted sail) results:

1st Reindeer, Swan 43, Jack Meredith, FYC

Noble Marine RS300 National Championship at Brixham Yacht Club

 

The results tell a story, but most definitely not the full story! Yes, with the forecast there were two front runners and then the pack. Yes, the results made it look like Charlie South and Pete Mackin were in a class of their own, and to be honest, that was true. But, neither had it their own way all the time!

Day 1 Harken Thursday: Races 1 and 2 were held in breezy lumpy conditions. It was perfectly raceable, topping out in the high teens with occasional Danger Gusts requiring safety kicker to be applied. The lesson the fleet (and by fleet we mean mainly Tom Moore) didn't learn was that the Pin End belonged to the Big Boys. Starting slightly up line gave a great viewpoint of Power Sailing in the RS300, pull the strings tight, hike hard and drop the bow - Engage Afterburners! Watching Pete and Charlie boat-on-boat blast off became a familiar sight with little between the two. Charlie held a slight edge, tacking 1st and often ducking Pete and crossing Luke South. Luke gave Charlie and Pete a workout on the downwind, briefly taking the lead one race for half a leg with Charlie slipping as low as 4th, the lap 3 of doom hit for Luke on both races on the "not a run / not a reach"; his Achilles heel, which led to swimming practise, letting Pete and Charlie disappear. The rest of the fleet had a mixed bag, with Neal grabbing a 4th in race 2 after snapping his extension race 1, Tom doing enough to take 3rd after both races and Chairman William Powell in the Purple Beast showing signs of rapid all-round performance. Worryingly for Pete, it was looking like the pecking order was established with Charlie taking two bullets to Pete's to 2nds, and winning the Harken prize voucher and red and black 'only won, never sold' beanie.

Day 2: Races 3, 4 & 5, the wind had slightly moderated for the start of the day along with a more predictable wave pattern making the days sailing slightly less taxing with the three races scheduled, and a fourth threatened. However, by the end of race 2 the breeze was back up and thankfully no 4th race was held. The pecking order of day one was resumed with Charlie, Pete and Luke (with no swimming today) in the top three finding the fast low modes upwind. Though the positions changed around, Charlie was always a little faster and more controlled with Luke and Pete occasionally swapping positions - Pete's immaculate boat handling always giving him the edge. Highlights included Pete retrieving from the water Luke's hat on the tight reach Race 4 whilst in FULL SEND mode - Great catch Pete!, Ed Wilkinson snapping a boom pre-race 3 and returning for race 5, Ben Cutler-Sharp for demonstrating Extreme Speed coupled with Extreme Death Rolls and the RS300 fleet picking their way through upturned and diss-masted 600's splattered across the racetrack "it was like a scene from Dunkirk" and it was generally agreed that, between Race 1 and 6, at any one point at least 2 RS600's where upside down!

Day 3: Race 6, It was Abersoch Ballistic. The depleted RS100's didn't get a race in, the 600's continued down the path of self-destruction, the RS300's.... lapped it up! (see Rob's photo of the year, if not a generation! Credit: Tom Wild) Race 6 was Charlie's - He started and wasn't seen again, though apparently, he went for a swim. Sparky had audacity in a reefed rig to try (& failed) to Port tack the start, Pete and Luke nervously headed down the run level yet with separation, Gust 1 hit and they span out, a casual look back down the track and the rest of the fleet where just recovering from their spin outs... BANG Gust 2 was a take down! Last thing seen was a blur of spray and hulls zooming passed, massive shout out to Ed for staying upright and nailing the beats. Lesson for Pete: Longer arms to reach the retrieval line.

Day 4: Race 7, What a difference a day makes. Blue Sky, calm waters, and a different anxiety in the boat park. Would we get 1 race in? Or would the wind hold to get 3 in to shake the table up! With an earlier start the fleet drifted out in around 3-6knts with big holes and shifts. The wind settled a little and a committee boat bias start led to a squeeze, 7 seconds to go and a clatter at the committee boat was heard as Charlie slipped and executed the perfect trigger-pull too early propelling him out passed the fleet and the line - There was no way back from that! Mid-line, a class stalwart pulled clear and sailed a perfect race, Steve Sallis wasn't challenged, picking the shifts and finding the puffs - Well deserved and impressive race win in tricky conditions! The pack swapped and changed with the shifts, Oli Scrimshaw picking 'em right most of the time and Richard Hanby finally visiting the sharp end of the fleet. Luke, Neal and Chairman Powell all in the hunt for 3rd overall exchanged places, with Luke taking the 4th to secure 3rd overall. After half hr of "will we, won't we?", thankfully (for some) we were sent in just as the wind evaporated...

Brixham managed a brilliant event given the weather, and were excellent hosts, both on and off the water, with thanks given during the prize-giving to the host club and generous sponsors RS Sailing and Rooster.

Our little boats delivered again in challenging conditions with the least number of breakages and Rob definitely gets Photo of the Week. Most importantly, the Club Prize returns home to Emsworth with family South, after a brief stop in Wales! Next stop Dabchicks!

Overall Results:

Pos Helm Sail No Club R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 Pts

1st Charlie South 520 Emsworth SC/ RNSA 1 1 1 1 1 1 ‑13 6

2nd Peter Mackin 556 Y Felinheli 2 2 2 2 2 (DNC) 7 17

3rd Luke South 542 Emsworth SC 6 5 3 3 3 ‑10 4 24

4th Rob Baker 546 Rutland SC 3 6 5 4 6 3 ‑12 27

5th Tom Moore 560 Stokes Bay SC 5 3 ‑10 8 7 5 3 31

6th William Powell 433 Dabchicks/Stokes Bay SC 4 7 8 5 4 4 ‑9 32

7th Neal Gibson 515 Bough Beech SC (DNC) 4 4 7 5 8 6 34

8th Steve Sallis 476 Hykeham 10 9 ‑11 9 8 6 1 43

9th Edward Wilkinson 456 Warsash SC 9 10 (DNC) DNC 9 2 10 55

10th Ben Cutler‑Sharp 481 Starcross 7 8 6 (RET) RET 9 11 56

Merlin Rocket Craftinsure Silver Tiller at Trent Valley Sailing Club

 

Trent Valley Sailing Club were looking forward to hosting the Merlin Rocket Craftinsure Silver Tiller, for the first time in over 30 years alongside the Vintage, Classic and Midland HD Series as well on Sunday 20th September.

Sunday prove a challenging day with a westerly breeze to keep everyone on their toes.

Sadly, a couple of boats pulled out to leave seven boats eager to start racing.

Just as the five minute signal blew Greg Martin 3437 crewed by James Dalby suddenly found their rig fall down, due to port side deck giving way.

Once started close racing up to buoy 1 saw plenty of lead changes in tricky conditions, Samuel Bailey crewed by Mia Hateley rounded first ahead Guy Browne and Tommi Cluley, Christopher Howarth and Michael Haworth and James Clark and Nikki Elliot, half way up river Pete Male filled up and retired. Chris managed to pass Guy for 2nd place on the next lap to take 2nd overall.

Race 2 saw a change of course with buoy 2 as the first mark to round. Samuel and Mia took the lead from Guy and Tommi, James and Nikki and Christopher and Michael who were having a fight for positions. On the run back down James and Nikki filled up and Pete and Time Male filled up for the 2nd time during the day. Sam and Mia came home first from Guy and Tommi, and Christopher and Michael in 3rd.

Race 3 saw Sam and Mia go off into the distance with Christopher and Michael holding Guy and Tommi off to the end of the race.

Trent Valley Traditional Roast Dinner followed, which was thoroughly deserved after an enjoyable day of sailing.

Next up

Craftinsure Silver Tiller is at Itchenor Sailing Club on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October.

Vintage and Classic Series at Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club on Saturday 10th October.

The HD Sails Midland Circuit has now concluded for 2026.

Overall Results:

Pos Division Fleet Sail No Helm Crew Club R1 R2 R3 Points

1 Silver 3752 Samuel Bailey Mia Hateley South Staffordshire SC 1 1 1 2

2 Vintage Silver 2663 Christopher Michael Blackpool & Fleetwood SC 2 3 2 4

3 Silver 3690 Guy Browne Tommi Cluley Trent Valley SC 3 2 3 5

4 Bronze 3619 James Clark Nikki Elliot Trent Valley SC 4 4 4 8

5 Classic Silver 3547 Pete Male Tim Male RYA 8 5 5 10

6 Vintage Bronze 2805 Ian Laing Andrew Hunt 5 8 8 13

7 Classic Bronze 3437 Greg Martin James Dalby Trent Valley SC 8 8 8 16

ILCA UKLA Northern Grand Prix Series at Scammonden Water Sailing Club

 

Eight visiting boats made the journey to Scammonden Water to join 8 home boats on a bright and fairly breezy Sunday morning in early September, some travelling from as far afield as Burton SC and WLYC at Southport.

The inevitable question of what rig choice to use left some local sailors pondering for a while looking at the conditions and the waves on the lake, while the majority of the visitors opted for the 6 rig.

After a short briefing by the race officer the fleet headed off 2/3rds of the way down the dam for a water start. which happens very rarely at this club. The fleet got away clean at the 1st attempt and made their way up to the windward mark in a fresh breeze, the host club laying on a lead power boat to show the way. Scammonden had also painted numbers on the marks especially for this event after realising all but 2 marks were actually unnumbered and known by the local fleet more by their location. An early casualty forced to retire just 200 meters upward from the line with a broken traveller was local helm Ian Turrell after a promising start. Lewis Bacon (junior) of Leigh and Lowton SC took an early lead and was 1st to reach the windward mark sailing with a 7 rig, closely followed by local helm Christopher Smith in a 7 rig and Ian Jones in a 6 rig.

The fleet then headed back down the triangular shaped lake with a series of runs, reaches and broad reaches. Gordon Riddell of Delph SC stayed in contention, as did Wendy Jones both in 6 rigs. The wind direction was southerly and so didn't really give any home club benefit of local knowledge to the home based fleet as it hardly ever blows in that direction in this valley. This wind direction made for long port tacks and short starboard tacks to sail across the course. After just under the 50 min mark of close racing throughout the fleet it was Lewis Bacon that secured victory (on the standard club line) by just 18 seconds over Ian Jones on corrected times, with Gordon Riddell finishing in 3rd. Luke Revell (junior) from Delph SC had a great race and finished in an impressive 5th place in his 6 rig.

The fleet headed for shore and were served up a tasty lunch consisting of farm shop pies and also puddings for those that could fit one in. Scammonden's clubhouse is a converted vicarage for a church on the opposite side of the valley and it is a short steep walk from the lake but offers outstanding views of this stunning valley that attracts many visitors to explore the many paths built and maintained by the local water authority.

The wind had calmed down for race 2. Same course and a start that had a big port bias that not everybody realised, including many of the home boats. Once again Lewis Bacon lead the way, but in this race he didn't get a gap on the chasing pack and Ian Jones was able to win the race after another close fought 4 laps. Local helm Oliver Boocock (who is more well known for his skills in the driving seat of an Enterprise at events nationally) lead a strong challenge and finished 3rd. Poppy Bedwell (junior) from West Lancs YC sailing in a 4 rig made the most of the lighter winds and had her best race of the day finishing in an impressive 5th place.

The third race was sailed back to back and the wind increased once again. The freshening wind took its toll on a couple of boats who had early breakages leading to retirement for both, including Gordon Riddell who had been in contention for a podium finish overall. In common with the earlier races Lewis Bacon lead the fleet on the water with an impressive confidence but couldn't make the gap large enough between him and the chasing Ian Jones. Local helm Mike Goodwin in his black hulled boat stayed up near the front all race but had to be content with a 4th place finish after Wendy Jones stayed up near the standard rigs to secure a 3rd place.

Scammonden couldn't hold its planned open meeting in 2025 due to low water levels and it was pleased to welcome people back in '26 for a fun competitive day of racing on its 55 year old reservoir.

Overall Results:

1st Ian Jones (Dovestone S.C.) ILCA 6

2nd & 1st Junior, Lewis Bacon (Leigh and Lowton S.C.) ILCA 7

3rd Wendy Jones (Dovestone S.C.) ILCA 6

4th Gordon Riddell (Delph S.C.) ILCA 6

5th Oliver Boocock (Scammonden Water S.C.) ILCA 7

8th & 2nd Junior, Poppy Bedwell (West Lancs Y.C.) ILCA 4

9th & 3rd Junior, Luke Revell (Delph S.C.) ILCA 6

Sailing Clubs Urged to Review DBS Supervision Changes for England, Wales and Northern Ireland

 

Following a recent change in UK Government legislation, the rules on regulated activity changed from 1 September 2026, such that supervision no longer automatically excludes an individual from being considered to be undertaking regulated activity.

As a result, anyone who regularly teaches, trains, instructs, cares for or supervises children in England, Wales and Northern Ireland may now be classed as undertaking regulated activity, even where their work or volunteering is overseen by another adult.

This means sailing clubs should review any roles that previously required an Enhanced DBS check without a Children’s Barred List check because supervision placed them outside the scope of regulated activity.

In light of the legislative changes, clubs should consider whether these roles now meet the criteria for regulated activity and therefore require an Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check.

Eligibility for an Enhanced DBS check is not limited to regulated activity. Individuals undertaking certain roles involving the teaching, training, instruction, care or supervision of children may still be eligible for an Enhanced DBS check, even where the role is not classified as regulated activity. However, a Children’s Barred List check can only be requested where the role meets the legal definition of regulated activity.

The RYA will be launching its own club and centre specific eligibility tool this winter; in the meantime, individuals can find out what type of DBS check one can get, and clubs should:

Review roles involving contact with children

Consider whether previously supervised roles now meet the definition of regulated activity

Ensure the appropriate level of DBS check is being obtained

Update safer recruitment and safeguarding procedures where necessary

Review the official guidance from the DBS regarding what these changes mean

The annual DBS conference next month will explore the legislative changes in more details. Any questions regarding the changes should be directed to safeguarding@rya.org.uk.

Emirates GBR Remain in Grand Final Fight Despite Frustrating Geneva Performance

 

Emirates GBR endured a frustrating final day at the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix in Geneva, finishing ninth overall as the battle for a place in the winner-takes-all Season Grand Final continues.

Extremely light conditions once again dominated racing on Lake Geneva, with Dylan Fletcher's Emirates GBR beginning their opening Group B race on the back foot after straying outside the course boundary and picking up a penalty.

The British team were forced to sail a wide angle towards the opening mark to burn off their penalty. Despite the setback, Emirates GBR recovered strongly to round Mark 1 in fourth place.

Fletcher and his crew continued to build around the outside of the fleet, gaining another position to enter Gate 2 in third. The wind dropped again in the closing stages, but Emirates GBR held their position to cross the line third, behind Canada and Australia.

Under the initial Race Management plan for the day, which would have seen just one race for each fleet group before the Event Final, the result would have been enough to secure Emirates GBR a place in the Final.

However, with the conditions on Lake Geneva improving, the Race Management opted to run an additional race for each fleet group, giving Emirates GBR another fight to secure qualification.

In the decisive fifth and final Group B race, Emirates GBR entered the start line late, with only Canada behind them. On a tight course and in light winds, opportunities to overtake were limited. Fletcher's crew fought throughout to claw back positions but were unable to make the gains they needed, eventually losing out to Canada at the final mark rounding to finish sixth.

Australia's BONDS Flying Roos and home team Switzerland secured the Group B qualification places for the Event Final.

In Group A, ROCKWOOL Denmark continued their impressive form with two consecutive race victories, adding to their race win from Saturday to qualify for the Final alongside Los Gallos Spain.

Spain went on to claim victory in the Event Final ahead of Australia, Denmark and Switzerland.

Emirates GBR finished the Geneva event ninth overall, ahead of rivals the United States but behind Artemis SailGP Team, who finished seventh. Both teams are Emirates GBR's closest rivals in the increasingly tight battle for the third and final qualification spot in the winner-takes-all, top-three Season Grand Final.

The result leaves the British team fifth in the overall Championship standings six points of third, with just two events remaining in the 2026 season Dubai (21-22 Nov) and the season finale in Abu Dhabi (28-29 Nov).

Emirates GBR Wing Trimmer Stuart Bithell said: "It was a frustrating day for us in the end. The start is so important in these conditions, and we didn't deliver in that last race, especially after putting ourselves in a position to make the Event Final in the race before.

"Today was classic SailGP, anything can happen. After the first race we thought we were in the Final, but then another race was added. We needed to stay on our toes and adapt, and that's certainly something we can learn from.

"It's not been the result we wanted here, but we're still right in the mix for a Grand Final place with two events to go. As ever with this team, we won't give up. We'll keep fighting right until the end."

With the fight for a place in the Season Grand Final still open, Fletcher and his Emirates GBR crew will now turn their attention to Dubai as every Championship point becomes increasingly important in the closing stages of the season.

Black Foils second in Group B after streaky opening day in SailGP Geneva

 

New Zealand’s Black Foils are right in the mix for the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix final after a strong opening day on Lake Geneva.

In light, patchy winds, the Black Foils finished second, third and fourth in their three Group B races to sit second overnight on nine points.

Australia’s Bonds Flying Roos lead the group on ten, with Emirates Great Britain and home team Explora Journeys Swiss just behind the Black Foils on eight. The top two teams in each group advance to the four-boat final.

The Black Foils’ most dramatic moment came in the final race of the day. After rounding all four marks in sixth, they edged past Red Bull Italy and Canada’s NorthStar just before the finish to claim fourth.

“All in all, it was a really good day,” said Black Foils co-CEO and wing trimmer Blair Tuke.

“We were in the fight the whole time, with hardly any respite, just fighting for every metre. That last race was a case in point. We snuck from sixth into fourth right on the finish line for two really valuable points.

“We talk as a group about every point being valuable, whether you’re trying to move from second to first or, like we were, sitting sixth and trying to scrape a point,” Tuke said. “Getting past those two boats was really important heading into tomorrow.”

Tuke said the light winds demanded precision from the whole crew.

“In my opinion, this racing is harder than pretty much all other conditions. It takes a lot of finesse and choreography between the crew to keep the boat sailing fast while making good decisions. In this stuff, you have to live with your decisions for quite a while.

“Blending all of that together is difficult, and I think we mostly did a good job today. Of course, we left some points out there, but if you’re heading into tomorrow with a chance, you’ve done some good things.”

The overnight debrief would focus on boat handling, decision-making and starts, Tuke said, after one good start and two tougher ones left the team chasing points.

Across the two groups, five races produced five different winners. Rockwool Racing and Artemis each took a win from Group A’s two races to sit level on six points.

With just two points separating the top four teams in Group B, Tuke knows every place will count on Sunday.\“It’s really close between a number of boats, so we’re going to have to put two good races together to make the final. But we’ve given ourselves a chance, and that’s pleasing. It’s all to play for tomorrow.”

Racing is scheduled to resume at 3.30pm local time on Sunday, 1.30am Monday NZST, live in on YouTube.com

Solo, Aero and Contender open meeting at Lymington Town Sailing Club

 

On Saturday October 3rd, Lymington Town Sailing Club is hosting our final Open Meeting of the 2026 season for Solos, RS Aeros and Contenders.

LTSC has a strong fleet of Solos and Aeros and a long association with the Contender fleet so we're very much looking forward to welcoming friends, old and new, to Lymington.

Registration opens at 09:00 with a Competitor briefing scheduled for 10:00. 1st Warning signal is 11:25 with 3 back to back races planned.

Our legendary coffee and doughnuts will be available when you return to shore!

Our Notice of Race and Online entry is available at: www.ltsc.co.uk/solo-aero-contender

Aero Sailors can also find the event via their own site at: www.rsaerosailing.org/index.asp?p=event&eid=3230

Visiting sailors are very welcome to make a weekend of it and join us for Club Racing on Sunday 4th October.

Please feel free to contact the Club directly for further information: www.ltsc.co.uk/contact-us

Seldén UK Sponsor IRC Autumn Championship

 

Hamble Winter Series is delighted to announce that Seldén UK will be sponsoring the Hamble IRC Autumn Championship this year. The IRC Autumn Championship will take place on the 10th and 11th of October 2026, Race Week 2 of the 45th Hamble Winter Series.

"Seldén UK is proud to support the Hamble IRC Autumn Championship" said Richard Thouroughgood, UK Sales Manager at Seldén, "We have a long-standing relationship with the Hamble River Sailing Club that organises the event and we are looking for to supporting the club and competitors in this renowned weekend of close racing"

HRSC Commodore, Trevor Pountain was equally enthusiastic. "We look forward developing our partnership with Selden UK, for the benefit of all concerned."

Competitors taking part in the event will be able to claim a discount from Seldén, who make a complete range of deck hardware, as well their famous masts and spars.

A number of the usual suspects have already entered the weekend, including the recently crowned National IRC Champion, Elaine Again, Ed Mockridge's JPK 10.10.

Enter online at: www.hamblewinterseries.com

Emirates GBR Ready for Crucial Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix in Geneva

 

Reigning Rolex SailGP Champions Emirates GBR return to action this weekend at the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix, with the battle for a place in the Season Grand Final intensifying.

Racing takes place on Lake Geneva on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, marking the 11th event of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship and the first of the final three events of the season.

With the Championship approaching its decisive stages, Emirates GBR arrive in Geneva fifth in the overall standings on 51 points, just five points behind the United States in third and the all-important Grand Final qualification places.

Dylan Fletcher's team showed signs of improved performance at the Spain Sail Grand Prix in Valencia last time out but missed the Event Final following an incredibly tight weekend of light-air racing.

Fletcher said: "As we know in SailGP, anything can happen, and it often does. We feel like we're finding our form and we need to continue pushing for gains right up until the last race of the season.

"We left points on the table in Valencia, but there are still three events to go and a huge amount to race for. We've been in this position before and know how quickly things can change in SailGP. Our focus is on putting together a strong weekend in Geneva and continuing to close that gap to the top three."

Light winds are forecast on Lake Geneva, conditions expected to favour some of the fleet's recognised light-air performers. However, Lake Geneva is renowned for its complex and changeable breeze, which could create opportunities throughout the 13-team fleet.

Strategist Hannah Mills said: "Geneva is going to be a very different challenge. The forecast looks light and we know those conditions can quickly change the complexion of an event. Starts become even more important, and finding pressure and getting the boat flying will make a huge difference.

"There have also been some big changes across the fleet coming into this weekend. Ultimately, though, we need to concentrate on ourselves, execute our racing and put ourselves in the best possible position to fight for the Final."

Emirates GBR have been drawn into Group B for the opening fleet racing alongside Championship leaders Bonds Flying Roos, the Black Foils, NorthStar Canada, home favourites Explora Journeys Swiss and Red Bull Italy.

The United States, meanwhile, will race in Group A alongside Artemis, Los Gallos, ROCKWOOL Racing, Mubadala Brazil, Germany by Deutsche Bank and France.

With only the top two teams from each group progressing into the winner-takes-all Event Final, every point will be crucial as Emirates GBR look to close the gap in the Championship standings.

Fletcher will once again be joined onboard the Emirates GBR F50 by wing trimmer Stuart Bithell, flight controller Luke Parkinson, grinders Nick Hutton and Neil Hunter, and strategist Hannah Mills.

The Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix is SailGP's second visit to Geneva, following the Championship's Swiss debut in 2025.

Racing takes place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, with UK viewers able to watch all the action live on TNT Sports 3 on Saturday and TNT Sports 4 on Sunday from 14:30 BST.

RYA refreshed Together on Water strategy with ambitious vision to double participation

 

The RYA and British Sailing have today unveiled the refreshed Together on Water strategy, setting out an ambitious ten-year vision to connect more people than ever before with the water and the benefits it brings.

Read the strategy

Building on the foundations of the strategy first launched in 2023, the refresh outlines a clear plan of action designed to grow participation, strengthen communities and safeguard the waters that inspire millions across the UK.

At the heart of the strategy is a bold ambition to:

Double active participation in water-based activities over the next decade.

Enable 10 million people to experience a meaningful connection to blue spaces.

Create more opportunities for people from all backgrounds to get on the water and feel they belong.

"Since originally launching Together on Water, we have put our community at the heart of everything we do, and we are already seeing the impact," said Sara Sutcliffe, RYA CEO.

"We have listened and we know that being on the water can be life-changing, but too many people still feel that spending time on the water is not accessible to them, and that must change. As an island nation, being on the water should be part of our national identity".

In order to achieve these ambitions, the strategy is built around four cross-cutting priorities:

More People, More Often- Growing participation and helping people develop lifelong connections with the water.

More Backgrounds- Opening opportunities and creating a welcoming community where everyone feels they belong.

Better Blue Spaces- Protecting and enhancing the waters that connect us all.

Brilliant Basics- Providing the strong foundations, systems and support that enable everything the RYA does.

From challenging dated perceptions to enabling more young people to unlock opportunities that extend far beyond participation, Together on Water is about making time on the water something people can grow up with and return to throughout their lives.

The refreshed strategy is informed by key insights from the RYA's Reflections on Water Survey and the National Watersports Participation Survey, which highlight the significant role that water plays in people's lives.

The research shows that:

People are drawn to the water because of how it makes them feel.

Strong communities help more people thrive on and around the water.

Reducing barriers will enable more people to participate.

Future growth depends on reaching and welcoming new audiences.

People who feel connected to blue spaces are more likely to protect and care for them.

Through Together on Water, the RYA will continue to support and empower the people who make activity possible, working with the incredible network of clubs, training centres, volunteers, partners and communities.

Areas of work include creating opportunities through volunteering, leadership and careers, supporting under-represented groups and building programmes that connect people where they live.

Sir Michael Arthur, RYA Chair added: "We know this ambition is bold, but due to the invaluable support from our members, dedicated network and partners, we are not working alone.

"Together on Water has always championed the joy of sailing and boating and now the RYA enters its next chapter with a sharper focus as we turn that vision into action".