Ullswater Yacht Club 2026 Open Events

 

Ullswater Yacht Club (UYC) is gearing up for another thrilling season of open sailing in 2026, offering competitive racing across all classes on one of England's most scenic lakes.

2026 Key Dates

Date Open Event

25 & 26 April Magic Marine Daffodil Regatta (includes 2000 ‑ Latitude Series Event)

30 & 31 May Tempest Nationals and K6 Open

6 & 7 June RYA North West Junior & Youth Travellers

4 & 5 July 64th Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy

1 & 2 August Ullswater Regatta

7–9 August VX One European Open Regatta

5 & 6 September Flying Fifteen Northern Championships

26‑September Lakeland & Border ILCA Grand Prix (includes Series Prize‑giving)

3 & 4 October Northern Club Championships

25 October – 6 December UYC Open Winter Series

Visit the Ullswater Yacht Club website for more information.

Scottish Student Sport Announce New Partnership to Support Student Sailing

 

RYA Scotland is thrilled to have agreed a new two-year partnership with Scottish Student Sport (SSS), aimed at strengthening opportunities for student sailors across Scotland.

The collaboration will focus on key areas including event delivery and volunteer support, ensuring that sailing remains accessible and welcoming for all participants.

As part of the agreement, the volunteer-led Scottish Student Sailing Sports Group will continue to play a vital role in supporting events and creating development opportunities for students. Both organisations share a common ambition: to make sailing inclusive and enjoyable for everyone involved.

The competitive student sailing programme is already underway, with an upcoming League Weekend scheduled for 31 January – 1 February.

Commenting on the new Partnership, RYA Scotland CEO Finlo Cottier said: 

“Student sailing plays a vital role in helping young people continue their passion for our sport beyond school, and provides an opportunity for many to discover sailing for the first time.

RYA Scotland is delighted to strengthen our partnership with Scottish Student Sailing and Scottish Student Sport, working together to deliver the highest quality instruction, racing, and leisure opportunities for university students across Scotland.

Our strategy is built around People, Places, and Communities, and the student community brings incredible diversity and opportunity to those wishing to sail in Scotland.”

Sailing Lead at Scottish Student Sport Julia Stenhouse added:

“We are delighted to sign a new partnership with RYA Scotland, strengthening our shared commitment to creating a more visible, collaborative and engaging sailing environment for students.

This agreement will help grow participation, enhance workforce development and raise the profile of student sailing through closer collaboration on events, club development and communication.

We look forward to working closely with RYA Scotland to deliver meaningful opportunities and impact for student sailors across Scotland.”

GP14 World Championship 2026 at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club - NoR published

 

The Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, in conjunction with the GP14 Class Association, is delighted to announce the publication of the Notice of Race for the GP14 World Championship, taking place from 8-14 August 2026.

The Notice of Race can be accessed now [PDF]

Event Director Gerry Reid commented: "We are thrilled to be hosting this prestigious championship. Working closely with the GP14 Class Association, preparations are well under way and we are very much looking forward to welcoming GP14 sailors from around the world. With 74 pre-entries already received and a maximum fleet of 100 boats, this promises to be a truly competitive and memorable event."

The 2026 GP14 Worlds promises outstanding racing combined with the Club's legendary Royal North hospitality, ensuring a warm welcome both on and off the water for all competitors and visitors.

For more information about the venue, racing area, and social programme, view the Event Brochure [PDF].

WoW. RORC 2026 Transatlantic Race Start Sunday 11 January 2026 | Marina ...

2026 ILCA Senior European Championships Applications Open

 

Applications are now open for the 2026 ILCA Senior European Championships & Open European Trophy to be held in Kastela, Croatia, from 15-22 May 2026.

The 2026 ILCA Senior European Championships & Open European Trophy is a restricted-entry allocation championship. Sailors wishing to enter must first complete an application form.

You can find all the information on the event website, 2026-senior.eurilca-europeans.org

The event is organised by JK Marina Kastela and EurILCA.

The ILCA Under 23 Senior European Titles Continue in 2026

Following the successful introduction in 2025, this year will mark the second edition of the Under 23 titles at the Europeans. The decision to offer a dedicated Under 23 competition in the Olympic classes (ILCA 7 and ILCA 6 Women), alongside the Senior titles, underscores the growing focus on the next generation of elite sailors, providing them with a unique platform to shine on the international stage.

As the event unfolds, the best young talents from across Europe will battle it out for these coveted titles, continuing to push the boundaries of skill and sportsmanship in the world of Olympic sailing.

Important Dates:

Application opening date: Mon 5th of January 2026

Close of applications for initial allocation: Sun 15th of March 2026, 23:59 GMT

Ranking of applications by National Associations: Mon 16th of March until Tue 3rd of March 2026, 0:00 GMT

Late application opening date: Tue 3rd of March 2026

Entry closing date: Thu 16th of April

All coach/support boats shall register here before Thu 30th of April 2026.

Back-to-Back wins for Pank in the GJW Direct 50th Bloody Mary

Blind sailor aims for 2032 Paralympics

 

A blind sailor is aiming for the Paralympics in Brisbane in 2032, after winning medals in the World Sailing Inclusion Championships.

Karl Haines, 36, from Tile Hill in Coventry, has the hereditary and degenerative eye condition, retinitis pigmentosa, and took a gold as well as the overall bronze for Britain at the inaugural tournament in Oman in December.

He said he and his wife got into the sport after the Covid pandemic, taking advantage of Discover Sailing open days.

"We did that at Tamworth Sailing Club at Kingsbury Water Park and that's where it all started," he said.

Karl was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa when he was a teenager and knows he could ultimately lose his remaining eyesight.

"It's a bit like looking through binoculars with no zoom, so I have very much what people describe as tunnel vision. I do have a very little bit of wide peripheral vision and it's encompassed with night blindness as well, so in dim light or dark places, I really, really struggle with that as well."

He said as his eyesight worsened, he would have to give up sailing on his own at the Tamworth club.

"That will end. And that's what got me involved in the GB Blind Sailing team.

"They did a training event at Draycote two-and-a-half, three years ago. It's been the opening of a door for me, being able to compete in these international competitions."

His ultimate ambition is to represent Paralympics GB at the 2032 Paralympic Games in Brisbane, despite para-sailing not being included since 2012.

He added World Sailing was "desperate" to try and get it back in, and the recent competition was the first step in "showing the world" it was ready.

Haines said competing was definitely on his radar.

"If I'm realistic, who knows if I'll be good enough, young enough or fit enough?

"But I think that has to be the end goal and the aspiration to drive me forward. Yeah, 100 per cent, I want to be there."

More Kind Reviews, Thank You so Much We are so Grateful

 

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

14 Oct 2025

Very positive experience with customer support

I have asked the customer support numerous questions on cancellations, yacht locations and contact information of boat owners. Ece in particular has been very helpful in helping me answer these questions (and possibly questions I'll have in the future) and they have done a great job! The responses were very quick, exactly what I required, and always polite. Besides this, the booking process has been very smooth so far. Will use you again in the future!

Thomas Werthenbach

Netherlands

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

29 Nov 2025

I am very happy to booked with you…                                                                                                                                                                           

I am very happy to have  booked with you because Ms. Ece was the best supporter. She has replied instantly to all my question and been a bridge with the Captain.I hope I feel the same on  my holiday.

Gokmen Dursun

Turkey

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

8 Dec 2025

Sedef was very responsive and gave a…

Sedef was very responsive and gave a great service.

Paul Austin

Malta

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Customer Rep                                                                                                                                                                                                          24Dec 2025

Customer rep. Ms. Sedef has perfectly coordinate and assist me, in order to rent very suitable boat for my needs.

I am really grateful to her🙏🏻

Osman Alpturer

Turkey

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Early bird entries open for historic 2026 Royal Escape Race

 

Entries are now officially open for the Royal Escape Race, the historic cross-channel yacht race that departs from Brighton's Palace Pier and finishes in the Normandy port of Fécamp, with early bird pricing available until 31 March 2026.

The Royal Escape Race is one of the longest-running and most distinctive offshore races in the UK. Organised by Sussex Yacht Club (SYC), in partnership with Société des Régates de Fécamp, the 46th edition of this prestigious offshore event will take place on Friday 22 May 2026, bringing together a diverse fleet of yachts and sailors from across Sussex, the wider South Coast, and beyond.

Sailors can now benefit from early-bird pricing on race entries, with discounted rates available for a limited time. Entry includes participation in the race, moorings in Fécamp for the duration of the event, live race tracking.

The Royal Escape Race was founded in 1977 to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee. It commemorates the daring escape of King Charles II in 1651 following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester. Fleeing Parliamentary forces, Charles journeyed to Shoreham-by-Sea, crossed the Channel aboard the coal brig Surprise, and landed safely in Fécamp. After the Restoration, he renamed the vessel HMY Royal Escape - from which the race takes its name.

Over nearly five decades, the event has evolved into one of the South Coast's most iconic and thrilling offshore challenges and it continues to draw both seasoned offshore racers and adventurous newcomers.

Sussex Yacht Club encourages sailors of all experience levels to take part. The course is accessible to less-experienced crews wishing to attempt their first cross-Channel passage, while still providing tactical challenges for experienced offshore racers.

Robin Stevenson, Commodore of Sussex Yacht Club, said: "We are delighted to open entries for the 2026 Royal Escape Race. This event is truly special - it blends the excitement of offshore sailing with centuries of local and national history. Whether you're racing, supporting, or watching the fleet set off from Brighton Beach, the Royal Escape Race creates a remarkable spectacle and a wonderful sense of community."

To enter the 2026 Royal Escape Race or learn more, visit sussexyachtclub.org.uk/royal-escape-race

POSH 2026 to be held on 9th and 10th May

 

Paignton Sailing Club are pleased to announce that their 2026 Paignton Open for Single Handed dinghy event (POSH) will be held on 9th and 10th May 2026.

Paignton Open for Single Handers (POSH) was founded in 2012 as a replacement for our Spring Regatta. This unique format appeals to a range of high-performance single-handed dinghies and has been adopted by many as a class open meeting. The regatta has gone from strength to strength with turnouts of around 100 boats, with many classes incorporating their UK National Championships. This year the RS Aero 9 and the RS Vareo Class Associations will be running their National Championships from Thursday 8th to Sunday 10th May.

Paignton Sailing Club is renowned for hosting high-profile events with an enviable record, superb facilities and equipment, and a world-class Race Management team. The club itself is located on the Paignton Harbour and has plenty of parking within walking distance. This year, the event will be run from Paignton harbourside due to flood defence work being carried out on Paignton South Green (our usual home for the event).

Entries will open in February.

Entry opens for 2026 Finn Europeans in Gdynia

 

Entry for the 2026 Finn Open European Championship in Gdynia, Poland, from 20-27 June, has opened.

Early entry is encouraged with a limit of 120 boats on the start line. Places are offered on a first come first served basis, and they are expected to be in high demand as this is the only major senior championship in Europe in 2026

20 places will be reserved for U29 sailors until March, so sailors are advised to make plans to enter as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

The Finn class is delighted to return to the Gdynia, famous for its challenging sailing conditions and great hospitality. With both the Finn Gold Cup and Finn World Masters happening in Brisbane Australia, in February, Gdynia offers the best opportunity for high level competition in Europe in 2026.

The class event page is at finnclass.org/event-page/2026-open-europeans-gydnia with all the necessary links.

Or go straight there at events.pya.org.pl/open-finn-european-championship-2026,e152

GJW Direct 50th Bloody Mary - Good luck message from GJW Direct

 

GJW Direct are thrilled to sponsor the Bloody Mary again this year and to be part of the 50th anniversary is a privilege! 2026 is also a big year for us as we celebrate our 200-year anniversary so it's a wonderful way to kick off such an important year for us and the race.

We wanted to take the opportunity to wish you all the very best of luck in the race. The GJW Direct team will be there on the day and will look forward to meeting you. We've got some free goodies for you so don't forget to come and collect at registration!

If you have any questions about insurance for the race, please feel free to either contact our specialist team on 0151 473 8000 or get an online quote.

To find out more about GJW Direct and to read some of our blogs, please visit us 

 www.GJWdirect.com.

Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026

Start Time: 12:00 pm

Entry is Online

Online Entry will close: Midnight, on Thursday, January 8, 2026

Notice of Race

Sailing Instructions

Ramsgate Week entries open with a double Early Bird discount

 

With this current cold snap warmer weather can seem far away, but now is the time to start planning your sailing for 2026. We are delighted to be providing our New Year update on the 2026 Ramsgate Week Regatta, being held between 19th and 24th July 2026.

We are offering a DOUBLE early bird discount for bookings before the end of January 2026. A saving of £65!

Visit www.ramsgateweek.com/entry-form for further details and to take advantage of the double early bird entry options.