ILCA open meeting at Overy Staithe Sailing Club

 

Race 1 of the 2026 OSSC Laser Open 1-2 August 2026  was sailed in lovely sunshine and a gentle force 2 providing sparkling conditions for the competitors.

During race 2 the wind became very fickle and the tide started sucking people out of the harbour. This lasted about 20 minutes until suddenly a lovely force 3 sprang up again which enabled most people to finish and to sail home. Lucy Lamont and Jonathon Jones were the race winners.

Day 2 saw another two races sailed in a gentle force 2 and sunshine. Lucy Lamont made the best start in race 3 which helped her to establish a good lead up the first beat before being overhauled by Jonathan Jones. Dave Cooper, Ashley Deakin and Brian Lambert all sailed consistently well to establish themselves in the overall standings.

For race 4 Lucy had to win to be first overall and made a poor start having to return from being over the line. However this was much better than Jonathan Jones and Sam Worsley who finished in first and third places but were both disqualified for being over the line at the start - leaving Lucy as the overall winner.

Well done also to a couple more juniors Felix Williams and Polly Kurushchak, both of whom completed all four races to finish 18th and 19th overall.

Many thanks to Team Turner as Race Officers and the A-Team of safety boat drivers, Ben Goakes and Julie Carroll, Paul Goakes and Rod Thorpe.

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm R1 R2 R3 R4 Pts

1 189186 Lucy Lamont 1 5 2 1 4

2 213542 Jonathan Jones 2 1 1 OCS 4

3 174547 Ashley Deakin 3 10 4 2 9

4 218421 Brian Lambert 4 2 3 4 9

5 117461 Dave Cooper 7 6 6 3 15

6 120 Will Worsley 10 3 8 6 17

7 218349 Luke Cornwall Jones 8 Dnf 5 5 18

8 None Alex Smith 6 12 9 8 23

9 158374 Sam Worsley 11 8 7 OCS 26

10 198981 Nina Plumbe 16 7 10 11 28

11 218433 Phil Henson 15 Dnf 12 7 34

12 195196 Rob Archer 9 4 Dns Dns 35

13 174899 Colin Hargreaves 5 9 Dns Dns 36

14 142775 Alex Vandeleur 12 13 13 12 37

15 132167 Antonia Bullivant 14 11 14 13 38

16 170901 Elliot Brader Dns Dns 11 9 42

17 128747 Kurt Jesson 17 17 15 10 42

18 177546 Felix Williams 18 16 16 14 46

19 22 Polly Kurushchak 20 15 17 15 47

20 174629 Sophia Hodges 13 14 Dns Dns 49

21 160552 Tim Holmes 19 Dnf Dns Dns 62

Nacra 15 World Championship 2026 at Plymouth, UK

 

As the Nacra 15 fleet reached their final day, everyone anxiously looked out to sea to see how truthful the weather forecast was. Miraculously, a short hold ashore of the fleet enabled RO David Rollinson to set up a course inside Plymouth Sound, where the scorching temperature had brought out a stable 10 knot sea breeze.

With most of the overall results mostly decided, the fleet conservatively got away cleanly on the first black flag, despite the pile up at the committee boat. Two race wins ensued for Italy 393, but they were not enough to overtake Italy 228.

After racing, the fleet headed ashore for the pack up and prize-giving. They were all treated to Cornish pastys and scones, lovingly made and distributed by the Boalch family, while the final protests took place. The overall prize-giving was overseen by Event Director Sam Marshall and Class Manager Edwin Lodder, where all the winners were treated to extravagant prizes from the sponsors, and rapturous applause from the onlooking crowd.

Thanks go to the OA of Hooe Point Sailing Club and Plym Yacht Club, as well as the numerous volunteers from across the City and the Country. Also to the sponsors, Plymouth Yacht Haven, Yacht Haven Quay, Shopfitting by SWS, Dart Sails and Covers, Yarde Farm ice cream, Gill, Kingfisher Ropes, South Coast Embroidery and Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, all of which without their support the event would not have been possible.

Under 17 prizes:

3rd - ITALY 197 Julilya Albrizio and Simone Oteri

2nd - FRANCE 135 Julian Autret and Paco Dengreville

1st - HUNGARY 299 Samson Litkey and Tristan Litky

Under 19 prizes:

3rd - USA 346 Dylan Tomko and Casey Small

2nd - ITALY 393 Alessandro Vargiu and Noa Lisci

1st - ITALY 228 Mattia Di Martino and Nina Cittar

Overall Championship prizes:

3rd FRANCE 362 Anahita Fontanille and Leo Jean-Albert

2nd - ITALY 393 Alessandro Vargiu and Noa Lisci

1st - ITALY 228 Mattia Di Martino and Nina Cittar

Nations Cup:

3rd HUNGARY

2nd FRANCE

1st ITALY

Craftinsure Supernova Travellers Series at Chelmarsh Sailing Club

 

The Chelmarsh S.C. Craftinsure Supernova event took place at its picturesque 110 acre reservoir in a sometimes fickle 10 knot or often less NorthWest breeze and in bright sunshine. Race Officer John Dickinson and his team put on three races, each of around one hour, for the six local boats and three visitors, one travelling from Devon to our Shropshire location.

The first race was delayed until mid-day for the predicted increase in wind but a directional change in the last minute of the start caused an abandonment.

The revised line and course saw a clear all starboard tack start. Matt. Thursfield (1302 Chelmarsh) tacked and beat a contrarian path to the first mark but boats on a starboard approach were headed in the final few metres thus allowing the port arrivals of Ian Horlick (1361 RYA) to claim the lead with Duncan Cheshire (1281. Chelmarsh) and Stephen Woodhouse (1286 Chelmarsh) following.

Those three boats took a handsome lead while the rest gazed at the 360 degree turns of their burgees before rounding.

Some 'navigational errors' at the wing mark resulted in a five boat competition for leeward mark room resulting in David Bibby (1297 Chelmarsh) 'honourably' bailing out to prevent disaster.

The phoenixes rising from these ashes were Ian and Alex Reeve (1344 Burghfield). The former developing an unassailable lead and the latter an unassailable second to the finish with Matt T in third. Duncan C and David Partridge (1250 Chelmarsh) took 4th and 5th placings.

Race 2 start promised more breeze and the pin end starters were favoured off the line. Matt T was first to round the windward mark followed by Ian and Alex. In a falling breeze and a half mile run, places changed frequently between all boats.

At the already notorious leeward mark room 'battlefield' a revision of order took place with David P elevated to third position ahead of Ian and Duncan.

On the next beat saw the 'hand of the Lord' reach out to Ian and provide him with a double digit lift, elevating him to into the mark well ahead and to the finish.

Now followed by Alex and Matt T with Duncan and David P thereafter.

Race 3 start again saw the pin end start to be best but again the breeze filled in from the left, bringing in the port approaching fleet back into contention. Matt T rounded first, followed by Stephen, Alex and David P.

The long reach/run first two groupings were like close and neat chevrons. Stephen, Alex and Matt well ahead of the second comprising Matt Robbinson (1317 Chelmarsh) Ian and Alistair Reid (1270 Blithfield). The fleet behind being more separated.

New a bit of a drifter, the lead three of Alex, Ian and Matt T were being 'wound in' by Alister, Matt R. and Duncan. The gap between the two groups rapidly disappearing.

Alex hung on to win with Ian, Matt T, David P and Stephen to follow. The positions here described in race 2 were subject to a protest.

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Club R1 R2 R3 Pts

1 1344 Alex Reeve Burghfield 2 ‑3 1 3

2 1361 lan Horlock RYA 1 (DSQ) 2 3

3 1302 Matt Thursfield Chelmarsh ‑3 1 3 4

4 1250 David Partridge Chelmarsh ‑5 2 4 6

5 1281 Duncan Cheshire Chelmarsh 4 4 ‑7 8

6 1286 Stephen Woodhouse Chelmarsh ‑8 6 5 11

7 1317 Matt Robinson Chelmarsh ‑6 5 6 11

8 1270 Alistair Reid Blithfield 7 7 ‑8 14

9 1297 David Bibby Chelmarsh ‑9 8 9 17

Northern Club Championship 2026 at Ullswater Yacht Club

 

The Northern Club Championships 3-4 October 2026 is the premier end-of-season all-classes handicap event, bringing together sailors from across the region to compete for the title of Northern Club Champion.

Racing will take place over two days at Ullswater, with five races scheduled across a variety of courses. All boats compete on a single start line, creating exciting and competitive racing between a diverse fleet of dinghies. One discard will apply, and the combined results will determine the top five clubs.

The leading five clubs will each qualify four boats for the Championship Sail-Off. With all previous scores discarded, the finalists will go head-to-head in a winner-takes-all race to decide the Northern Club Champion. The final promises a thrilling spectacle, watched from the shore by competitors, supporters and team members alike.

There is no limit to the number of entries a club may submit, meaning that strong participation across a range of classes can provide a significant advantage. As every sailor knows, however, success will ultimately depend on the conditions on the day and making the most of whatever the weather delivers.

Running alongside the main event will be the Junior Northern Club Championships. Following the same format and racing on the same waters, junior sailors will compete to earn the title of Junior Northern Club Champions.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Ullswater, one of the UK's most beautiful lakes, competitors can expect a memorable championship. Renowned for its dramatic scenery and famously challenging sailing conditions, Ullswater offers fluctuating winds and tactical racing that will test even the most experienced sailors.

Whether you are aiming for club glory or simply looking to measure yourself against some of the finest sailors in the North of England, the Northern Club Championships promises a weekend of outstanding competition and great sailing.

The Notice of Race is now available on the website and entries are officially open.

Competitors are encouraged to enter early and secure their place at what promises to be a fantastic weekend of racing on Ullswater.

Camping will be available on site throughout the event, allowing sailors and supporters to make the most of the championship atmosphere. Catering will also be available on Saturday evening, providing an opportunity for competitors to relax and socialise after racing.

We are also planning an RYA Rules Discussion session in the clubhouse on Saturday evening, giving sailors the chance to hear from experienced race officials, discuss racing scenarios and refresh their understanding of the Racing Rules of Sailing ahead of the final day's competition.

We look forward to welcoming clubs and sailors from across the North of England to Ullswater for a memorable weekend of competitive racing and great hospitality.

RS Aero Worlds Set Course for Australia, Italy and Scotland

 

The RS Aero class has confirmed the next three hosts for its World Championships, unveiling a long-term calendar that will take the lightweight singlehander fleet to Australia, Italy and Scotland between 2027 and 2029. The announcement gives competitors several years to prepare campaigns and international travel. 

The venues were revealed during Travemünder Woche in Germany, where almost 200 sailors were competing at the RS Aero European and Youth World Championships as part of RS Games 2026.

The 2027 RS Aero World Championship will be hosted by Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron on Port Phillip, Melbourne, from 16-22 January.

In 2028, the fleet heads to the renowned sailing waters of Lake Garda, Italy, where Circolo Vela Arco will stage the championship from 26 August to 1 September.

The 2029 championship will then move to Dalgety Bay Sailing Club on Scotland's Firth of Forth from 25-31 August.

RS Aero Class Manager Sammy Isaacs Johnson said announcing venues well in advance was important for a class with a truly international membership.

"The RS Aero community spans the globe," she said. "Campaigning an RS Aero is as much about the adventure as it is the competition, so we want to give sailors plenty of time to plan."

She added that the class aims to deliver "exceptional racing in outstanding venues" while strengthening the worldwide RS Aero community.

The class believes the three venues offer contrasting but equally attractive sailing. Melbourne brings the open waters of Port Phillip, Lake Garda offers its famous thermal breezes beneath the Italian Alps, while Scotland's Firth of Forth provides racing under the iconic Forth Bridges.

The announcement comes as international classes increasingly award major championships several years ahead to help host clubs, competitors and national associations prepare.

While no decision has been announced beyond 2029, there is industry speculation that an Irish yacht club could bid to host the 2030 RS Aero World Championship. However, no formal bid or host selection has yet been confirmed.

Historic Fastnet Winner Tally Ho Bound for Baltimore Harbour

 

Historic Fastnet Race winner Tally Ho is expected to arrive in Baltimore, West Cork, on Friday evening, marking a special Irish stop during her Atlantic voyage back to Britain. 

The beautifully restored 48-foot gaff-rigged cutter is now expected to arrive between 3pm and 7pm, although organisers say the latest estimate points towards closer to 7pm, subject to weather and sailing conditions.

The visit follows an invitation from Baltimore publican and wooden  boat enthusiast Bill Hillyard, whose admiration for the yacht's remarkable restoration prompted him to invite skipper Leo Sampson Goolden and his crew to West Cork.

A traditional harbour welcome is planned.

Renowned boatbuilder Liam Hegarty is expected to greet Tally Ho aboard Saoirse, the replica of Conor O'Brien's famous yacht. Members of Baltimore Sailing Club, local traditional wooden  boats and other vessels are also expected to join a welcoming flotilla, alongside the Baltimore RNLI lifeboat, subject to operational requirements.

Designed by Albert Strange and built in Sussex in 1910, Tally Ho secured her place in offshore racing history by winning the 1927 Fastnet Race on corrected time after a celebrated duel with the schooner La Goleta.

After decades of changing ownership and eventual neglect in Oregon, the yacht was bought by British boatbuilder Leo Sampson Goolden for just $1 in 2017.

Over seven years, Goolden led an extensive restoration in Washington State, documenting the project on YouTube for a worldwide audience.

Now back under sail, Tally Ho is completing a 14,000-mile voyage from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Britain with the ambition of racing once again in the 2027 Fastnet Race, exactly 100 years after her famous victory.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Hillyard said he had followed the restoration from the beginning and felt compelled to invite the yacht to Baltimore.

"When my wife, Ann, and I moved from California to Baltimore in 2019, I never imagined that one day I'd be welcoming one of the most famous boats in Fastnet history to our adopted home," he said.

Goolden said returning to Baltimore would be a highlight of the voyage. 

"I have wonderful memories of sailing into Baltimore many years ago," he said. "Tally Ho's story has always been about the people who have helped bring her back to life, so being able to stop in a community with such strong maritime traditions and such close ties to the Fastnet makes this a very special part of the voyage."

Summer Sailing Hotspots

 

If you're looking for the best European sailing destinations this summer, the ideal choice depends on whether you want lively nightlife, secluded anchorages, reliable winds, or easy island hopping.

Here are some of the standout hotspots to consider :-

🇭🇷 Dalmatian Coast

One of Europe's most popular sailing regions.

Highlights:

Island-hop between Hvar, Brač, Vis, Korčula, and Mljet.

Hundreds of sheltered coves and historic harbours.

Crystal-clear water and relatively short sailing passages.

Best for: First-timers, flotillas, families, and mixed groups.

🇬🇷 Cyclades

Famous for whitewashed villages and stronger summer winds.

Highlights:

Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Santorini.

Reliable Meltemi winds in July and August.

Spectacular scenery and authentic tavernas.

Best for: Experienced sailors seeking exciting sailing.

🇬🇷 Ionian Islands

The gentler Greek option.

Highlights:

Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Paxos.

Warm, calm seas with predictable afternoon breezes.

Plenty of protected anchorages.

Best for: Beginners and relaxed cruising.

🇮🇹 Amalfi Coast and Aeolian Islands

Amalfi Coast

Positano, Amalfi, Capri.

Dramatic cliffs and luxury atmosphere.

Can become crowded in peak season.

Aeolian Islands

Active volcanoes including Stromboli.

Excellent swimming and unique overnight anchorages.

Best for: Food, scenery and memorable cruising.

🇪🇸 Balearic Islands

Includes Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.

Highlights:

Beautiful turquoise coves.

World-class beach clubs alongside peaceful anchorages.

Excellent marinas and charter infrastructure.

Best for: Combining sailing with nightlife and beaches.

🇫🇷 French Riviera

Highlights:

Nice, Cannes, Antibes and Saint-Tropez.

Luxury marinas and glamorous ports.

Great restaurants and events.

Best for: Luxury yachts and vibrant social scene.

🇹🇷 Turquoise Coast

Although partly in Asia, it's one of the Mediterranean's premier sailing destinations.

Highlights:

Göcek, Fethiye, Marmaris.

Pine-covered bays and ancient ruins.

Excellent value compared with much of Western Europe.

Best for: Longer cruises and excellent value.

Best by interest,  then go to...

Easy island hopping Croatia

Reliable sunshine Greece

Calm sailing Ionian Islands

Stronger winds Cyclades

Luxury French Riviera

Nightlife Ibiza & Mykonos

History Croatia & Turkey

Best value Croatia & Turkey

Food & wine Italy

When to go

June: Warm weather, fewer crowds, good prices.

July: Peak season with excellent weather and busy marinas.

August: Hottest and busiest month; book berths well in advance.

September: Often considered the sweet spot—warm sea, settled weather, and fewer crowds.

For a one-week charter, Croatia and the Ionian Islands are often the easiest and most rewarding. If you're after more adventurous sailing the Cyclades offer some of the Mediterranean's best wind conditions.

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WAITING READY FOR YOU - JUST SELECT - COMPARE - BOOK IN MINUTES ONLINE

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Pollard Retains SB20 UK Title in Solent Championship

 

Defending world champion John Pollard successfully retained his SB20 UK National title after leading XCELLENT to victory at the 2026 Rovika UK and Open SB20 Championships on the Solent.

The four-day championship, hosted by the Royal London Yacht Club, attracted 31 teams from five nations and delivered everything from 25-knot winds to light-air tactical racing.

Pollard, sailing with Henry Wetherell and David Chapman, topped both the Open Championship and the UK National standings after a consistent series that included six race wins.

Sunday's scheduled racing was abandoned before  boats left the dock when gusts exceeded 25 knots. Race officer Peter Taylor kept the fleet ashore, allowing competitors to regroup before racing resumed in more manageable conditions on Monday.

Monday provided classic Solent sea-breeze racing, with Pollard's crew establishing a narrow overnight lead after three races.

The championship concluded on Tuesday in lighter winds. Taylor's race management team completed four races before the final warning signal deadline, using Vakaros RaceSense technology to identify individual boats over the start line and avoid general recalls.

Although XCELLENT dominated the series, the fleet remained highly competitive. Singapore's Glasgow Kiss claimed one race victory and finished second overall in the Open Championship, while Australia's Porco Rosso completed the podium.

Reflecting on the victory, Pollard said the fleet featured "plenty of champions on the line" and praised both the standard of racing and the atmosphere ashore.

"Super pleased to take the win in a tight fleet with plenty of champions on the line. A fantastic event and what a fleet with a great dockside atmosphere."

The championship also recognised standout performances across the fleet. Australia's Ares won the Top Female Team award, while Belgium's youth sailors impressed throughout the regatta.

UK SB20 Class chairman Charlie Whelan said the turnout demonstrated the class's continued growth.

"To see 31 boats on the start line supported by world-class race management showed just how strong, friendly and inclusive this fleet has become," he said.

Overall Open Championship

XCELLENT (GBR) — John Pollard, Henry Wetherell, David Chapman

Glasgow Kiss (SIN) — Nils Razmilovic, Marcus Tressler, David Salembier

Porco Rosso (AUS) — Paul McCartney, Will Sargent, Sam Tiedman

UK National Championship

XCELLENT — John Pollard, Henry Wetherell, David Chapman

PBTwenty II — Mark Gillett, Paul Hine, Richard Anderton

Reservoir Bod — Charlie Whelan, Richard McAdam, Patrick Whelan

Cowes Week 2026

 

As the world's oldest and largest yachting regatta, Cowes Week is a highlight of the sporting summer on the south coast.

More than 60,000 people are set to gather on the Isle of Wight for seven days of racing on the waters of the Solent, alongside the famous on-shore social scene.

The regatta is celebrating its 200th anniversary, with special races and events held to mark the bicentennial.

More than 630 yachts are taking part in this year's Cowes Week races, with more than 5,000 crew members participating.

They will be taking part in seven days of yacht racing in a range of classes and boat types, from the Grand Prix giants of International Racing Certificate (IRC) class one, to the historic gaffers and one design keelboat classes.

Other longstanding classes include Flying Fifteens, Redwings, Seaview Mermaids and Sunbeams.

Alongside the racing, there are events staged to help develop youth sailing - including the UK Sailing Association's free Try Sailing sessions - and Women's Day on Tuesday, which encourages women to take the helm.

The new Bicentenary Gold Cup will be awarded to the best performing boat over the first three days, to mark the 200th anniversary of the first Cowes Week.

Races are traditionally started by the cannon fired at the start and finish line outside the Royal Yacht Squadron.

The Regatta Village, on Cowes Parade, is one of the best places to watch the class starts each morning.

Racing is scheduled to start from 10:00 or 10:30 depending on the day.

Follow the races on the official app, which has course information, results and standings.

A short walk along the Green in Cowes provides great viewing and the boats can get very close to the shore - wind and tides depending.

In the afternoon, head along the Esplanade towards Egypt Point to watch the fleet as they finish.

To get even closer to the racing action, a spectator boat heads out three times a day. Bookings can be made online.

HD Sails Scottish Streaker Travellers at Prestwick Sailing Club

 

Conditions looked very inauspicious on Saturday 25th when we arrived at Prestwick SC for a traveller event jointly with the Solo fleet.

For some days the forecast had been for strong westerly winds which can cause problems with the west facing beach meaning reduced entry for both fleets. Clubs from the north Yorkshire to NE Scotland were represented. On arrival it was raining heavily, the wind at the adjacent airport was still 22mph from the west and the heavy surf started breaking about 150m offshore. Most of us thought we wouldn't be sailing. At the briefing Neil the PRO confidently predicted that after a 30 minute postponement the wind would have dropped enough and the outgoing tide would cause the surf to reduce enough to go racing! They then sent one of the rescue team to wade out through the surf to see if this was correct.

When we launched though the wind had dropped the surf was still high. 4 of 5 Streakers tried to launch, Prestwick member Ian thought better of this. Katie tried twice but just couldn't get through the breakers. Only 5 of 9 Solos managed to get launched. After getting through the surf we were all full of water but the bailers soon sorted this.

Race 1. Triangle sausage. The wind was now around 12-14mph though with a steep and high chop. All 3 started close together with a long beat of probably 1 km ahead. At the windward mark David (Aberdeen & Stonehaven) lead Barney (Craven YC) by about 50m with Michael (Loch Ryan) a similar distance behind. There were no real changes after this.

Race 2. Triangle, sausage, triangle. Just before the start the wind increased significantly to 18+ mph with rapid increase in wave height. Michael decided to go in just before the start. David being used to these conditions in the North Sea had a good lead from Barney at the windward mark which he kept down the very fast reach. Complacency then set in as he decided to tack round in a big gust which allowed Barney to use the gust to catch up and successfully gybe as the gust passed. The next reach was neck and neck with Barney getting water at the mark. David had to tack to get clear wind but at the next cross was 20m ahead. This margin then extending for the rest of the race. The run was one long surf keeping both on their toes. David took the win. They then decided to miss race 3 as there was nothing riding on it and much trepidation about getting back in. The committee boat helpfully radioed the shore team and the streaker gang who were ashore waded in and caught us safely. The streakers should have stayed out as by the time the solos returned after 3 races the surf had gone down significantly as the tide went out further.

Prestwick SC should be congratulated on putting on racing in marginal conditions when canning the day would have been an easy option.

We now have a 6 week break until the next traveller at Loch Tummel on September 12th.

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Club R1 R2 Pts

1st 2242 David Parkin Aberdeen and Stonehaven SC 1st 1st 2

2nd 1750 Barney Proud Craven SC 2nd 2nd 4

3rd 1843 Michael Broadbent Loch Ryan SC 3rd DNC 9

4th 1912 Ian Collins Prestwick DNC DNC 12

4th 2112 Katie Masterson St Mary's Loch SC DNC DNC 12

GP14 Fleet Heads to Carrickfergus Before World Championship

 

The build-up to the 2026 GP14 World Championship steps up this weekend with the Irish National Championship at Carrickfergus Sailing Club, the final competitive test before the world's best crews assemble across Belfast Lough.

Many of the Irish and international entries expected to contest the World Championship at the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club from 8-14 August are expected to race at Carrickfergus first. The event offers crews a final opportunity to fine-tune  boats, teamwork and tactics before the main championship begins. 

After the Irish Championship, the fleet will relocate across Belfast Lough to the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, where preparations for one of the largest GP14 World Championships in recent years are entering their final stages.

Volunteers have spent weeks preparing the venue, clearing  boat parks, refreshing facilities and completing the infrastructure needed to welcome competitors from Ireland, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan and France.

This year's championship will introduce several innovations. Robotic race marks will be used on the race course, while every competing boat will carry a GPS tracker, allowing racing to be followed live online. Action afloat will also be streamed to screens around the yacht club for spectators ashore.

Event Director Gerry Reid said the organisers were looking forward to welcoming competitors from around the world.

"We are really excited and looking forward to welcoming all the competitors from the world of sailing. The racing will be highly competitive, and the social afterwards each day should be full on!"

Royal North Commodore Lindsay Nolan praised the efforts of the club's volunteers.

"Our dedicated volunteers have worked tirelessly to deliver an exceptional GP14 World Championships, and Royal North looks forward to welcoming competitors and their families from across the globe!"

The World Championship racing begins on Sunday 9 August on Belfast Lough, with racing taking place between the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club and Grey Point.

Ridgeway Rockbags Waszp Irish National Championships 2026 at Ballyholme Yacht Club

 

The Ridgeway Rockbags Waszp Irish Nationals 2026 took place on the 25-26th of July at Ballyholme Yacht Club. With a West North West forecast with wind and waves a ten boat fleet assembled in Ballyholme Bay.

With four races on Saturday in 13-20kts of breeze the competitors had a simple choice every upwind and downwind. Shelter in flatter water and less wind by the beach or more wind and waves on the edge of the bay!

Johnny Flynn of the Royal St George took all four bullets with Rob Espey and Matt McGovern scrapping for twond and third respectively.

Sunday dawned and the breeze was up even more and had clocked round to the North West! This meant there was no shelter in the bay now!

Race wins were shared amongst Flynn, Espey and McGovern but in the end Flynn held on and took the overall win from Espey closely in second and McGovern in third.

Speeds of over 20 knots and spectacular dismounts where had by even the best, and the fleet was buzzing when they finished up for the weekend.

A big thank you goes to Sheela and her team for running such a slick eight race series in challenging conditions for the flying Waszps. Next year the Nationals will return to Dublin Bay where it is hoped that some fresh new faces will join the Irish swarm.

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Club R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 Pts

1st 3478 Johnny Flynn RSIGYC 1 1 1 1 3 ‑4 1 ‑4 8

2nd 2810 Rob Espey BYC ‑3 2 2 ‑3 1 1 2 2 10

3rd 99 Matt McGovern BYC 2 ‑3 3 ‑4 2 3 3 1 14

4th 2752 Henry Start RSIGYC ‑4 4 4 2 ‑5 2 4 3 19

5th 20 Conor Paul LRYC 5 ‑7 ‑8 7 6 6 6 6 36

6th 3123 Alex Trickett RStGYC (DNF) (DNC) DNC DNC 4 5 5 5 41

7th 2611 Michael Ferguson BYC 6 5 5 5 (DNC) (DNC) DNC DNC 43

8th 2071 Jeremy Tomalin BYC 7 6 6 6 (DNC) (DNC) DNC DNC 47

9th 2455 Eoghan Duffy LRYC 8 (DNF) 7 (DNC) 8 DNF DNC DNC 56

10th 1 John Chambers DMYC (DNF) (DNC) DNF DNC 7 DNF DNC DNC 62

Aspiring Olympians head to sailing championship

 

Dozens of young sailors from across the globe are heading to Plymouth Sound for a world championship.

Hooe Point Sailing Club and Plym Yacht Club have joined forces to host the Nacra 15 World Championship, with 60 15-foot (4.5m) catamarans taking to the water.

The boats are designed for sailors aged 13 to 21 with competitors travelling from across Europe, Australia, the United States, South Africa and China, some of whom are expected to feature in future Olympic Games.

Following and opening ceremony on Monday, four races are scheduled each day from Tuesday until Saturday.

Event co-director Sam Marshall said spectators would be able to enjoy the races from vantage spots including Jennycliff, Plymouth Hoe, Cawsand and Bovisand.

Marshall added there were plans to sail north and south of the Breakwater weather permitting.

Among the competitors are Devon sailors Eliza Pritchard, 18, from Exmouth and Plymouth's Will Boalch, 19, who are part of the British Youth Sailing Team.

Pritchard said: "You need to have a willingness to learn, so much of it is down to the weather."

Boalch added: "You just have to have a passion for it, a passion for the sea."