Merlin Rocket race start and first 2 legs - nice breeze

Lagoon's WILD NEW 43 Footer is Replacing the 42!

Cyprus Sailing Adventure

 

Cyprus is a fantastic destination for a family sailing trip – beautiful coastlines, calm waters, and plenty of cultural and natural sights to explore. Here's a suggested 7-day family sailing itinerary starting and ending in Larnaca Marina, with stops along the southern and western coasts of Cyprus.

Day 1: Larnaca to Zygi

Distance: ~20 NM | Time: ~3-4 hours

Highlights:

Start from Larnaca Marina (stock up on provisions here)

Gentle sail to Zygi, a quiet fishing village

Enjoy fresh seafood at the Zygi Marina fish taverns

Good for: Easing into the trip, calm waters, and good facilities

Day 2: Zygi to Limassol

Distance: ~25 NM | Time: ~5 hours

Highlights:

Stop at Governor's Beach for a swim

Dock at Limassol Marina – modern, family-friendly

Explore the Limassol Zoo, castle, or Old Town

Good for: Kids, amenities, nightlife for adults

Day 3: Limassol to Pissouri Bay

Distance: ~20 NM | Time: ~4 hours

Highlights:

Scenic sail with chances to see dolphins

Relax at Pissouri Beach

Optional trip to Aphrodite’s Rock

Good for: Swimming, relaxing, beach games

Day 4: Pissouri to Latchi (via Paphos)

Distance: ~35 NM | Time: ~6-7 hours (can break up in Paphos)

Highlights:

Stop at Paphos (UNESCO sites, mosaics, waterpark)

Overnight in Latchi, peaceful harbor with stunning views

Good for: Nature, archaeology, mix of action and relaxation

Day 5: Blue Lagoon Day Trip

Distance: ~5 NM

Highlights:

Anchor in Blue Lagoon near Akamas Peninsula

Snorkeling, paddleboarding, picnic on deck

Good for: Clear waters, fun water activities for all ages

Day 6: Latchi to Agios Georgios / Coral Bay

Distance: ~15 NM | Time: ~3-4 hours

Highlights :-

Shorter sail

Explore sea caves around Pegeia

Enjoy sunset dinner in Coral Bay

Good for: Exploring, calm anchorage

Day 7: Return (via Paphos/Limassol if needed) to Larnaca

Plan a leisurely return leg

Either sail back in one long day (with breaks)

Or break it into two legs, overnighting in Limassol

Extras / Tips: -

Best time to go: May–October for the best weather

Charter options: Bareboat or skippered (if you want to relax more)

What to bring: Snorkels, games, sun protection, water toys

Safety: All marinas are well-equipped with fuel, water, and medical access

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Entry Now Open for IRC Welsh Nationals to Kick Off First Irish Sea Nations Cup

 

Entries are now open for the IRC Welsh Nationals, the first event of the inaugural Irish Sea Nations Cup.

The open event will be co-hosted by Royal Dee Yacht Club and Pwllheli Sailing Club at the Welsh National Sailing Academy and Event Centre, Plas Heli from 2-4 May.

Racing will take place in the two IRC classes, with the Sonata class welcomed for IRC 2 — those who hold IRC ratings will compete for both the IRC title and the Sonata Welsh Championship.

The event will also incorporate the IRC J70 Welsh Nationals, while a cruiser racer class will race under the YTC system and a windsurfing event is also being hosted at Plas Heli, making for an action-packed weekend.

Organisers promise three days of great racing, daily prize-givings and shoreside entertainment.

The Notice of Race and online entry form are now available. Visiting yachts will be allocated a berth, if requested on the entry form.

If any help is required, please contact any of the event team by emailing ops@plasheli.org and for more details see ircwelshchamps.com.

Discover sailing at Dovestone Sailing Club

 

Would you like a chance to get out on the water for 30 minutes with an experienced sailor and see if the sport of dinghy sailing appeals to you?

Dovestone Sailing Club is based at the beauty spot, Dovestone Reservoir, a very popular destination in Saddleworth.

The club has an annual Open Day which is linked to the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) initiative, Discover Sailing, the aim of which is to encourage newcomers to the sport.

On the day, May 10, the club welcomes visitors.

 After your short sail you will be able to enjoy some refreshments in the clubhouse which are included in your fee.

If you've walked around the reservoir and thought it would be fun to get out on the water, now's your opportunity.

After booking you will receive full details by email.  

If after 'dipping your toe in the water', pun intended, you would like to take it a stage further, the club organises and provides RYA Dinghy Level 1-2 training courses for adults and youths. 

Level 1 is an introduction to sailing dinghies for complete beginners, covering everything you need to know to get afloat under supervision.

Level 2 builds your confidence and develops your skills.

By the end of this course you'll be a competent sailor in light winds.

For more information please contact the club: info@dovestonesc.org.uk, or speak to a member of the club when you attend. 

WoW April 04 25. No Go ETNZ Defend AC in NZ, Princessa Sofia Days 1-2, B...

Snettisham Beach Sailing Club looking for volunteers

 

Snettisham Beach Sailing Club has established a programme called Sailability, offering individuals with physical, learning, and mental health issues the opportunity to experience sailing.

The club is actively looking for more volunteers to join the Sailability crew.

A variety of roles are available, such as meet and greet, catering, movement assistance, pontoon helpers, hoist operators, competent helms, and support boat drivers.

Specialist training, such as hoist operation, will also be offered.

Sailing sessions will take place from 12pm to 5pm on Friday afternoons between April and October.

A free training day is scheduled for April 11, starting at 10am, covering various activities.

More details and booking information can be obtained from Snettisham Beach Sailing Club.

For more information about the Sailability programme, contact Adrian Tebbutt at sbsc.accessible.sailing@gmail.com or call 07530 046139.

Dart 15 sailing on a Sunday morning at Shanklin Sailing Club, Isle of Wight

Poole Regatta to Host IRC European Championship 2026

 

The next International Paint Poole Regatta will take place over the late May bank holiday 2026. The enviable track record Poole has built for hosting unmissable regattas continues in 2026 with the inclusion of the prestigious IRC European Championship as an integral element of racing, alongside multiple class starts across many of the most popular yacht racing classes.

The dates to save in your calendar are as follows:

IRC European Championship - 4 days - Friday 22nd to Monday 25th May

All other classes - 3 days - Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th May

The prize-giving for all competitors will be held at The Royal Motor Yacht Club following the completion of racing on Monday 25th May.

The weekend of racing will once again be organised by the Combined Yacht Clubs of Poole, who have gained a strong reputation for the professional organisation of Poole Regatta since 2000. The long-term sponsorship of International Paint and the overwhelmingly positive competitor feedback since the first event, inaugurated to celebrate the millennium, is testament to this.

To find out more about Poole Regatta 2026 and all our other sponsors visit :-

 Pooleregatta.co.uk 

 and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram to be informed about all the latest developments.

Triggernaut sponsors Scorpion Youth Series

 

Triggernaut Sports Glasses, a leading brand in high-performance sports eyewear, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the prestigious Scorpion Sailing Youth Series. This partnership underscores Triggernaut's commitment to supporting young sailing talent and promoting excellence in the sport.

The Scorpion Sailing Youth Series is a renowned initiative that provides young sailors with the opportunity to develop their skills and compete at a high level. With its emphasis on precision, endurance, and performance, the series aligns perfectly with Triggernaut's core values.

John Tailby, Coordinator of the Silver Scorpion series, welcomed Triggernaut's involvement: "Having Triggernaut on board as a sponsor is a fantastic boost for our youth sailors. Their high-quality sports eyewear ensures our young competitors have the best possible vision on the water, which is crucial for success. We're grateful for their support and look forward to an exciting series ahead."

As part of the sponsorship, Triggernaut will provide sports eyewear vouchers for top youth sailors throughout the series. The collaboration is set to enhance the experience for participants and reinforce the commitment to safety and performance in youth sailing.

The programme is...

April:

5/6 - Staunton Harold (Sprint Champs)

19/20 - Bristol Corinthian

May:

3/4/5 - Rock

June:

14/15 - Chew Valley (Inlands)

July:

19/20 - Lymington Town Dinghy Regatta

August:

Saturday Sat 2nd - Fri 8th - Penzance SC (Nationals)

Sept:

13/14 - Bala

Oct:

11/12 - Notts (End of Season)

IRC Welsh National Championship 2025

 

Well, please remember to add to your itinerary the dates for the IRC Welsh National Championships 2025, hosted by Clwb Hwylio Pwllheli Sailing Club, Royal Dee Yacht Club, and the Welsh National Sailing Academy and Event Centre, here at Plas Heli.

2nd to 4th May 2025 - It is a Bank Holiday weekend!

Racing will be for the IRC Welsh Champion title in the two IRC classes.

We welcome the Sonata class, who will race within IRC 2, with those who hold IRC ratings competing for both the IRC title and the Sonata Welsh Championship.

The Championship will also incorporate the IRC J70 Welsh Nationals Championships. So many events in one!

IRC classes will race using our new committee boat, with both windward/leeward and fixed mark courses planned set by our Race Officer Nigel Biggs from HowthYC.

We also have a popular cruiser racer class, racing under the YTC rating system and utilising the club marks and geographical waypoints, managed from the new Pwllheli bridge start line at Gimlet organised by our very popular Race Officer,Robin Evans.

Jury and Results will be with our Event Principal Race Officer Michael Butterfield.

Enter now at  :- www.ircwelshchamps.com/index.php/notice-board/entry-form2025

There will be three days of great racing, daily prize-givings, and shore-side entertainment - we are planning on something special with our sponsor, Gimblet Rock Holiday Park.

We are also hosting a windsurfer event on the same weekend, so the venue will be rocking! There will be something for everyone!

With thanks to our generous sponsors - North Sails, Partington Marine, Rowlands Marine, Firmhelm - there will be amazing prizes.

Visiting yachts will be allocated a berth, if requested on the entry form.

For the J70 and Sonata's the craning in will be on Wednesday or Thursday and haul out on Sunday afternoon. This is by prior arrangement and for boats with centre point lift and certified strops.

The code for the bridgehead gate and the free parking areas will be set and circulated prior to the event. Please do not share this code beyond your crew. This is a strict condition of entry and is for the security of your kit.

Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to return to Oban after tourism boosting debut visit last summer

 

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will be returning to Oban to "bring global focus on the area as a great place to visit and invest" as the West Coast town is announced as a port on the event's 2025-26 edition.

The Clipper Race's eleven strong fleet will sail into Oban in summer 2026. A 200 strong crew of adventurers, including over 50 nationalities, and 150 professions, will descend on the town for its international sailing festival. This news follows the successful stop last year when Oban appeared on the same international route as major cities such as Cape Town, Washington, DC and Qingdao (China).

The fleet is expected to arrive into port in early summer 2026. The stopover will be a midway point of Leg 8: The Atlantic Homecoming, which will see Race Crew take on a furious downwind battle as they make the 3,900nm crossing from North America towards the Race Finish port of Portsmouth, UK. Along with Oban, other ports that have been announced so far for the Clipper 2025-26 Race are Portsmouth (UK - the event's Race Start and Finish location), Cape Town (South Africa), Tongyeong (Korea) and Qingdao (China). Further port announcements are due in the next month.

Stoneways VPRS Class National Championship 2025 at Royal Southern Yacht Club

 

Now in its fifth year Stoneways Marine Insurance Services are delighted to be supporting VPRS once again in 2025, following a great year in 2024 with nearly 350 boats rated and 500 certificates issued.

This year's National Championships returns to the Solent to be hosted by The Royal Southern Yacht Club, Hamble over the weekend 19th / 20th July. Having successfully hosted the X-Yachts Solent Cup in 2024, using VPRS, the Royal Southern Yacht Club is uniquely positioned to host this year's event at the height of summer.

A packed weekend is planned; for Saturday, July 19th with three races followed by a longer distance race on Sunday, July 20th. Double points for Sundays' longer race adding an exciting competitive edge. Off the water a VPRS Sailors Supper at the Royal Southern Yacht Club on Saturday evening providing opportunity for sailors to relax and socialise.

Sunday's race will be followed by the event prize-giving, courtesy of Stoneways Marine Insurance, leaving time to return to home berths.

Stoneways own Yacht Manager; George Beevor due to be competing in his own Hamble based, Sparkman & Stephens 35 "Ugly Duckling", is looking forward to competing: "Our crew are excited to be racing at the Stoneways VPRS Nationals this year, on what are our home waters coupled with legendary hospitality provided by the Royal Southern."

Visiting yachts to the Hamble are urged to book berthing as soon as possible by contacting: Haven@royal-southern.co.uk

The Stoneways VPRS Championship 2024 formed part of the International Paint Poole Regatta with 27 boats racing over two classes. With a significant local entry expected for the 2025 event, exciting racing is expected in the central Solent.

VPRS is a straightforward, cost effective and transparent rating system that enables monohull yachts to race fairly against one another. The Velocity Prediction Rating System (VPRS) has consistently proven popular, using a conventional set of measurements and personally managed to avoid anomalies. 

For more  information go to   :- www.vprs.org