Merlin Rocket Craftinsure Silver Tiller and Rowsell Sails Thames Series at Tamesis Club

 

The Merlin Rocket fleet arrived at Tamesis Club  for one of the season's most distinctive events, with the Craftinsure Silver Tiller joined by the Sondown Cup, Porteous Cup and Southcott Cups forming the Rowsell Sails Thames Series, Craftinsure Vintage Series and the Classic Series event. After many competitors had already enjoyed a full day's racing in Saturday's Tideway Dinghy Derby, another day of tactical Thames racing awaited.

The outlook on Sunday morning was far from encouraging. A hesitant north-north-easterly left the river almost glassy as crews rigged eighteen Merlins before retreating to the clubhouse for bacon sandwiches, coffee and plenty of discussion over whether racing would be possible at all. Race Officer Peter Fryer wisely postponed proceedings while waiting for the breeze to settle, but shortly before midday the wind finally filled sufficiently to get racing under way.

A downstream river course, with all marks left to port, produced classic Tamesis racing where every shift, gust and patch of tide offered opportunities to gain - or lose - several places. The compact fleet remained closely contested throughout the day with positions changing continuously as crews searched for pressure across the river.

The event also attracted several competitors fresh from the Tideway Dinghy Derby, with Rob and Hatty Cage, Stuart Jenkins and Nicola Scaddan returning after Saturday's racing, while Ollie Houseman swapped crews for Peter Impey for the day.

Andy Harris and Lyra Wade, sailing Crescendo, mastered the opening race to record the first win of the day before the fleet returned ashore for lunch. With the breeze now more established, the final two races were sailed back-to-back during the afternoon, providing a fitting conclusion to a highly competitive meeting.

Richard Harris and Sara Warren, sailing Passing Cloud, found another gear in the afternoon, producing two race victories to secure the overall event honours. Consistency throughout the fleet meant that every position mattered, with close racing from start to finish ensuring the Craftinsure Silver Tiller and Rowsell Sails points remained hard earned.

Following racing, competitors gathered in the clubhouse where Vice Commodore Ros Warwick-Haller presented the prizes before sailors enjoyed tea, chocolate cake and refreshments from the bar while discussing another memorable day on the Tideway the day before

Tamesis Sailing Club and the Merlin Rocket Owners' Association extends thanks to Merlin Class Captain Rob Hatley, Rear Commodore Sailing Peter Impey and Honorary Sailing Secretary Joe Woods for coordinating the event, together with Race Officer Peter Fryer and Pauline Fryer, Sean and Bethan Roberts on patrol boat duty, and the kitchen and bar volunteers led by Nim Harris, Jacqui Harris, Sally Warwick-Haller and Carolyne Vines, whose efforts ensured a warm welcome both afloat and ashore.

1st ST, Thames & Vintage Series (plus ST Silver Fleet Winner) Richard Harris & Sara Warren

2nd ST, Thames & Vintage Series Andrew Harris & Lyra Wade

3rd ST, Thames & Vintage Series (plus ST Bronze Fleet Winner) Ollie Houseman & Peter Impey

1st Junior Lyra Wade

The next Craftinsure Silver Tiller is at Burton Sailing CLub on Sunday 28th June the event is also a combined Vintage and Classic Series event. The Next Rowsell Sails Thames Series event is at Upper Thames Sailing Club on Sunday 6th September as part of the classes 80th Celebrations.

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Boat Helm Crew Club R1 R2 R3

1st 1079 Passing Cloud Richard Harris Sara Warren Tamesis SC (2) 1 1

2nd 607 Crescendo Andy Harris Lyra Wade Tamesis SC 1 2 (3)

3rd 3560 Luka Ollie Haouseman Peta Impey Chew Valley Lake SC (4) 3 2

4th 1692 Hullabaloo Rob Cage Hatty Cage Thames SC 3 5 (DNS)

5th 1097 Flinkidink Stuart Jenkins Nicola Scaddan Hampton SC (6) 4 5

6th 1357 Chimp David Baker Jameson Buchanon Tamesis SC (DNS) 7 4

7th 995 Masquarade Matt Peregrine‑Jones Arthmo Peregrine‑Jones Tamesis SC 5 (8) 6

8th 522 Magician Tim Barr Alistair Banks Tamesis SC 8 6 (DNS)

9th 1602 Saltarello John Adams Ros W‑Hallow Tamesis SC (9) 9 7

10th 1136 Shoestring Peter Schoss Paul Jamison Tamesis SC (13) 11 8

11th 1004 Avenger Kim Duffell Joe Woods Tamesis SC 12 10 (DNS)

12th 3675 White Sorcerer Rob Hatley Lucy Hatley Tamesis SC 10 12 (DNF)

13th 3653 Artemis Joe McCauglin Max McCauglin Tamesis SC 7 (DNS) DNS

14th 1605 Omega Rupert Fletcher James Berry Tamesis SC 11 (DNS) DNS

15th 2431 Connie Tim Ginn Jim Hamilton Tamesis SC 14 (DNS) DNS

A combined relaxed sailing adventure with quiet anchorages, medieval villages, beaches, and excellent food

 

Day 1 – Chios Town to Karfas

A gentle first sail lets everyone settle into the boat.

On shore

Relax on Karfas' sandy beach.

Swim or paddleboard in calm water.

Sunset drinks along the promenade.

Dinner featuring fresh octopus and local white wine.

Overnight

Anchor off the bay or use local moorings if available.

Day 2 – Karfas to Emporios

Sail south along the east coast before rounding into one of Chios' prettiest harbours.

On shore

Walk to Mavra Volia, the famous black volcanic pebble beach.

Visit the nearby mastic-producing villages.

Sample locally produced mastic liqueur and sweets.

Short walk through olive groves.

Evening

Harbour taverna overlooking the fishing boats.

Day 3 – Emporios to Limenas Mesta

A short passage leaves plenty of time ashore.

On shore

Explore Mesta, one of Greece's finest preserved fortified medieval villages.

Highlights include:

Labyrinth streets

Byzantine churches

Small artisan shops

Traditional cafés

Local cheeses and mastic products

Stay long enough to wander after the day visitors have left.

Day 4 – Mesta to Elinda Bay

A peaceful anchorage on the west coast.

Activities

Snorkelling in exceptionally clear water

Paddleboarding

Coastal walk among pine-covered hills

Sunset from the cliffs

This is one of the quietest nights of the cruise with very little development ashore.

Day 5 – Elinda Bay to Volissos

Continue north along the rugged west coast.

On shore

Visit Volissos Castle for panoramic views.

Then enjoy:

Traditional village streets

Small bakery

Local honey

Excellent seafood tavernas

Nearby beaches such as Lefkathia are worth a swim before dinner.

Day 6 – Volissos to Langada

Sail around the northern tip of Chios.

Langada is an authentic fishing harbour that feels very different from the tourist resorts.

On shore

Walk the harbour at sunset.

Watch local fishing boats return.

Seafood dinner specialising in lobster pasta (season permitting).

Evening stroll to nearby coves.

If conditions are calm you could instead anchor off one of the small bays north of Langada for a quieter night.

Day 7 – Langada to Chios Town

A relaxed final sail back to base.

If time allows before disembarkation:

Visit Nea Moni of Chios, renowned for its remarkable 11th-century mosaics.

Wander the old Turkish quarter.

Browse local food shops for mastic products, citrus preserves and ouzo.

Enjoy one last coffee on the waterfront.

Optional day trip to Psara

If your crew enjoys longer passages and the weather is settled, you could replace Days 4–5 with an overnight visit to Psara. The crossing is around 22 nautical miles each way, making it a rewarding but more demanding addition with excellent swimming, quiet anchorages and a wonderfully traditional atmosphere.

Seasonal sailing notes

Summer Meltemi winds can exceed 25 knots, especially around the northern capes.

The west coast generally offers more secluded anchorages than the east.

Fuel, water and provisions are easiest to obtain in Chios Town; stock up before departure.

Daily passages in this itinerary range from approximately 6–18 nautical miles, leaving plenty of time for swimming and exploring ashore rather than spending the whole day under sail.

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Celebrating 90 years of the National 12

 

The National 12 class, the boat that brought dinghy racing to the masses, celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, with a number of events planned to mark the occasion.

The celebrations begin on 18th and 19th July at Royal Harwich Yacht Club, with the fourth event of the National Series, an anniversary dinner and a special pursuit race.

For the pursuit race, boat age will determine each boat's handicap, creating an opportunity for boats from across the class's history to compete on a more even footing. With 90 years of development represented on the water, it should provide a fitting way to mark the anniversary.

The Saturday evening dinner will offer National 12 sailors, past and present, as well as friends of the class, the opportunity to come together and celebrate 90 years of National 12 sailing.

The celebrations will continue at the National Championships, Burton Week, which this year will be hosted by Shoreham Sailing Club from Saturday 29th August to Tuesday 1st September.

Burton Week is always a highlight of the National 12 calendar, with four days of racing, the Sir William Burton Cup endurance race, the Burton Week Dinner and prize-giving, alongside a full programme of social events (yet to be announced).

Shoreham Sailing Club last hosted Burton Week in 2021 and will welcome the fleet back for what is expected to be a memorable anniversary championship. The event will include racing on the sea, a large fleet, prizes across a range of boat designs and crew categories, and the annual Burton Week Dinner at Sussex Yacht Club.

Further information and entry details are available through the Burton Week 2026 website.

Anyone interested in getting involved with the anniversary events, or with National 12 sailing more generally, is encouraged to contact the class. Whether you are looking to borrow a boat, find a crew, offer crewing, or simply try a National 12 for the first time, the National 12 Owners' Association can be contacted at ntoa@national12.org.

The Clippers are coming!

The Clipper Race Fleet is on its way to Oban after departing the shores of Washington DC last week. 

The race’s 10 day stopover in the USA capital ended on June 22 with all 10 teams now a third of the way through their transatlantic sail, the penultimate leg on their year long race around the globe. 

Team Scotland have slipped to fourth in the leaderboard after 8th and 9th placed finishes across the last two legs, two points behind London Business School for a podium position. 

Skippered by Heather Thomas with support from first mate Millie Apperley, the Oban sponsored team have done incredibly well on their first race.

They will be hoping for a big finish on their homecoming leg, which is expected to result in rapturous celebrations here in Oban. And it is looking likely that will happen! 

At the moment Scotland sit in first place on this current leg, 1.8 nautical miles ahead of the chasing pack. 

Yachts are expected to sail into town between July 10 and 12, marking the start of the festival of the sea, which will end with their departure on July 19 from Dunstaffnage Marina. 

From there they complete the final leg to Portsmouth, where the winner will be crowned. 

Annandale Sailing Club celebrates its 70th anniversary

 

As Annandale Sailing Club gears up to celebrate its 70th anniversary with a weekend of racing and a party on June 27 -28, we take a look back at its history, from ‘the small band of adventurers’ who launched it at Lochmaben, to its celebrity supporters, and the passionate volunteers who are keeping it buoyant for a new generation

Seventy years ago, a small band of adventurers decided to launch a sailing club on the shores of Castle Loch, Lochmaben.

They included a farmer, a fishmonger, a roofer, a medical consultant and a car salesman - most of whom had no previous sailing experience.

One of them, Bruce Beveridge, who owned the Crown Hotel in Lockerbie, did have some sailing know-how, having been a member of Clyde Cruising Club at Bardowie Loch near Glasgow and it occurred to him that the not dissimilar Castle Loch, had great untapped potential. Annandale Yacht Club (later changed to Annandale Sailing Club) officially opened in 1956 with the main aim of dinghy racing and members learned through trial and error, with no official training. They settled on GP14 dinghies as the most suitable boat class and most members built their own.

The early clubhouse was a tiny, derelict curling bothy but that gradually developed with a major expansion in 1970, a new boatshed appearing in 2005, extended changing rooms in the mid-2000s, and most recently a new training room and balcony added to the front.

ASC has survived flooding, new housing developments growing up around it and even, in 1989, almost losing the land it sits on when the site it had leased for 20 years was put up for sale, with a price tag of about £13,000.

With only £1,000 in the bank and less than a year to raise the required sum, things were looking grim for the club. But, at the eleventh hour, thanks to the hard work and initiative of the committee, headed up by the then Commodore Alasdair Cook, enough was raised by members’ loans, to buy the site and secure the club’s future.

Like most sailing clubs, training has been key to Annandale’s longevity and, without doubt, the club’s most memorable training day rounded off the 50th anniversary in 2006, when members welcomed double Olympic gold medallist and broadcaster Shirley Robertson on a sunny September day.

Membership at Annandale SC has, like most sports clubs, ebbed and flowed over the past six decades. In 1974 it was growing so fast, the committee discussed setting a limit on the number of new members and boats and it reached a peak of 300 in 1976.

Just seven years later it had declined to 105 and finances were said to be in a ‘serious state’.

These days, membership sits at around 100 and is relatively stable, though the committee is always keen to encourage more young people and families in to safeguard the club’s future.

Current Commodore Trudie Mitchell, who joined the club in 2016, says: “Growing the club is always a challenge but over the past few years we’ve had parents coming in, following their children, realising they can learn to sail too.

“I’m so thankful to the club for being there over the years. I love the feeling of racing and being supported by a friendly club, catching up afterwards with a cuppa and a chat, and I get great pleasure from coaching, seeing our young sailors learn to sail, develop and race their own boats and knowing I have been part of that journey.

“The next 70 years will bring more change, but the club will adapt, move with the times, and can look forward to many more years to come.”

Annandale Sailing Club is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a weekend of racing and a party, on June 27 /28. For more information about membership and training see 

 www.annandalesailingclub.myclubhouse.co.uk

New sailing boats proving popular at Stanborough Park

 

Since arriving at Stanborough Park, the new fleet of sailing boats funded by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has been a great success, supporting a wide range of activities.

The boats have been in frequent use by schools, holiday programmes and community groups, and were a popular part of the recent This Girl Can Week activities, the Sport England initiative that champions physical activity for women and girls. They will also continue to be regularly used for the Youth Holiday Sailing programme, school bookings and community sessions.

Among the groups benefiting from the new fleet is Heathlands School for the deaf, whose pupils attend Stanborough Park weekly to work towards their Stage 1 Sailing Qualification. The boats are also used by Home Education Groups and students who may not be in mainstream education, helping to make sailing accessible to a wider range of people.

The 18 boats replaced the older fleet which had come to the end of its useful lifespan. The council’s total investment in the new boats came to just over £62,000.

Councillor Max Holloway, Executive Member, Community & Leisure, said:

“The sailing facilities have always been a great attraction for visitors of Stanborough Park. Now, the sailing experience will be even better, with the new boats in use for the start of the sailing season and summer holidays! We were very pleased to be able to fund and supply these new boats to GLL, our leisure partner, who do a brilliant job of running lessons and activities for many sections of the local community. This new fleet of boats should provide a lot of educational fun for many years to come!”

Emily Nicholls, General Manager, Outdoor Facilities at Stanborough Park, said:

“The new fleet of boats has been a fantastic addition to Stanborough Lakes, and their bright yellow sails look beautiful on the water. They are extremely stable and user-friendly, making our sailing courses easier and safer, and the team love using them".

Sailing club in Dorset to mark major milestone with weekend of racing next month

 

A sailing club will mark a major milestone next month with a weekend of racing.

Lilliput Sailing Club, based at the Blue Lagoon in Poole and established in 1956, will hold its 70th annual regatta on July 18 and 19, with events planned for both cruisers and dinghies across Poole Bay and the harbour.

Alex Clapperton, newly appointed commodore of the club, said: "We punch well above our weight in terms of the number of cruisers we have out racing each week, given the size of our club.

"The cruiser and dinghy sailors enjoy competing against other clubs each week during the sailing year and our regatta is an extension of that.

Commodore Alex Clapperton in Temptation (Image: Avril Young)

"We very much welcome any local sailors to join in during these two days of competition."

Cruiser races will take place in Poole Bay, including events for PHHS Class 1 and the Gentlemen's Class, under the progressive handicap system.

Three races are scheduled for Saturday, with two more on Sunday.

Dinghy handicap racing will be held inside the harbour, featuring A and B fleets and up to five races over the weekend.

The final race will be a long-distance harbour race for the Charity Cup.

Details and entry forms are available at the Lilliput Sailing Club website.

Royal Yacht Britannia exhibition featuring Uffa Fox boat 'Coweslip' coming to Cowes

 

A PRESTIGIOUS new exhibition celebrating Cowes's rich maritime heritage and royal connections is set to open in the town this summer — featuring an Uffa Fox boat that was once the world's most photographed.

Sailing Through Royal History, presented by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, will bring the story of the Royal Yacht Britannia back to Cowes for the first time in nearly three decades — marking a landmark moment in the bicentenary year of Cowes Week.

Hosted at the historic Commodores House — once the workshop of legendary Island yacht designer Uffa Fox — the exhibition highlights the deep ties between the Island, the Royal Family and one of Britain's most influential figures in yacht design.

At the heart of the display will be Coweslip, one of the most celebrated Flying Fifteen keelboats ever built, moored at Commodores House and reconnecting it with the place where it first made history.

Commodores House, as well as being Fox's base of operations, welcomed members of the Royal Family, including Prince Philip, who was both a crewmate and close personal friend of the renowned designer.

Running from July 31 to August 29, the exhibition coincides with a series of major sailing events, including the Cowes Week Bicentenary Regatta and the prestigious Dragon class competitions, the Edinburgh Cup and the Marblehead Trophy.

Visitors can explore the exhibition through photography, film and immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences — bringing to life Uffa Fox's innovations, Britannia's enduring presence at Cowes Week and the wider story of royal sailing.

Alongside the exhibition, a series of specially commissioned panels will be installed on The Parade, charting the legacy of 'Racing Royals', including Edward VII, George V and Prince Philip.

Chief executive of The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, Franck Bruyere, said the exhibition marked a proud first for the organisation and a fitting tribute to Cowes's global standing in sailing during this milestone year.

Khumbu Claims Line Honours In Round Ireland Race

 

The Botin 56 Khumbu, skippered by Guy Gillon, secured Line Honours in the 2026 Round Ireland Race after completing the 704-nautical-mile course and finishing in Wicklow on Wednesday morning.

The powerful offshore racer rounded Ireland ahead of the fleet to become the first yacht home in the biennial challenge, one of the toughest offshore races in northwest Europe.

Khumbu arrived at the finish after a commanding performance around the Irish coast, consistently maintaining a significant advantage over her nearest rivals on the water. As she approached Wicklow from the northeast, favourable tidal conditions helped extend her lead over the chasing fleet.

Race organiser Kyran O'Grady presented the Line Honours trophy to Gillon and his crew following their arrival ashore at Wicklow Sailing Club.

While Khumbu secured the coveted distinction of first yacht home, the battle for overall victory under IRC handicap remained unresolved. At the time of her finish, French entry Courrier Pogo continued to lead the estimated corrected-time standings ahead of Johnny Murphy's J/109 Outrajeous, with Khumbu holding third place on the projected rankings.

Several leading contenders were still making their way down the Irish Sea on Wednesday morning, ensuring that the race for overall honours would continue long after the Line Honours trophy had been decided.

Enterprise Masters Championship at Wigan and St Helens Sailing Club

 

The 2026 Cock of the North Northern Series heads to Wigan & St Helens Sailing Club next month for what promises to be one of the standout weekends of the season, as the fourth round of the series combines with the prestigious Enterprise National Masters Championship.

Set on the renowned waters of Scotman's Flash, the event on 18-19 July is expected to attract a strong fleet from across the North and beyond, with seasoned championship contenders, Masters sailors and club racers all set to line up on the same start line.

Following excellent turnouts at Scammonden, Tynemouth and Ogston, the Northern Series has already delivered a fantastic mix of inland and sea racing, close competition and memorable social events. Wigan & St Helens now offers a very different challenge, with Scotman's Flash well known for rewarding tactical decision-making, sharp boat handling and consistent teamwork.

The National Masters title adds extra significance to the weekend, bringing together some of the most experienced and respected sailors in the Enterprise fleet. Open to helms and crews aged 40 and over, the Masters Championship celebrates the depth of talent and experience within the class, with years of racing knowledge on display and highly tactical, closely fought racing expected throughout the event.

However, the weekend is about far more than Masters honours. While sailors aged 40 and over will be competing for the National Masters title, the event is open to everyone, with all Enterprise sailors warmly welcomed to race as part of the Cock of the North Northern Series. Whether you are chasing Northern Series points, competing for Masters honours, or simply joining for competitive racing and great company, Wigan & St Helens offers something for everyone.

As always, the famous Enterprise social scene will be in full flow once boats are ashore, with plenty of post-race discussion, stories from the boat park and the usual friendly rivalry continuing long into the evening.

With Northern Series points on the line, Masters honours up for grabs and another fantastic host club ready to welcome the fleet, Wigan & St Helens is shaping up to be an unmissable weekend in the 2026 Enterprise calendar.

Entries are now open, and competitors are encouraged to sign up early for what promises to be another superb chapter in this year's Cock of the North series.

www.wish-sc.co.uk/open-events

2026 Fireball Worlds - Fireball legends evening open invite

 

Calling all current and former Fireball sailors.

The Fireball World Championships are returning to the UK and will take place on 21st July at the Royal Torbay Yacht Club.

As part of the evening entertainment on the 28th, at 7pm we will be hosting a Legends Evening to celebrate the most influential and decorated Fireball sailors through the decades.

For more information or to register your interest in attending, please contact Adam Whitehouse at a.whitehouse74@googlemail.com. You may even have a story to share.

Event tees are mandatory — older shirts are encouraged—and spot prizes will be awarded throughout the night.

Bridlington Sailing Coble Festival Set for August Return

 

Bridlington Sailing Coble Festival 2026 celebrates fishing heritage

The Bridlington Sailing Coble Festival 2026, organised by the Bridlington Sailing Coble Preservation Society (BSCPS), returns to celebrate the region’s rich fishing heritage. First staged in 2016, this popular free event continues to attract visitors eager to experience traditional coble boats and coastal culture.

Historic coble boats on display

The festival opens at 10am each day, with traditional cobles moored along Harbour Road near the Harbour Heritage Museum. These historic fishing vessels will then head out into Bridlington Bay for scheduled sailing sessions.

Once the backbone of the inshore fishing industry, cobles were a familiar sight along the coastline from the Humber to the Tweed. Today, Bridlington offers one of the few opportunities to see these iconic boats in action and gain insight into a bygone era.

Visitors can admire craft built by renowned boatbuilders, including:

One notable absence at the 2026 festival will be the Flamborough coble Imperialist. Built in 1934 for the Stephenson family, it is currently undergoing a full refit at the BSCPS workshop at Beck Hill.

Live music and harbourside entertainment

Alongside the sailing displays, the Bridlington Sailing Coble Festival will feature a lively programme of entertainment throughout the weekend.

Performances include:

Hornsea Shanty Lasses

Headlanders

Ramshackle Shantymen

Colleen’s Fancy

Bridlington favourite Jim Eldon will return with his wife Lynette, an award-winning clog dancer. On Sunday, the Flamborough junior long sword dance team will add a traditional touch to the festivities.

Inside the Exhibition Hall, visitors can explore a range of displays celebrating local fishing heritage. Highlights include traditional fishermen’s ganseys and educational exhibits.

The North Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority will also be present, showcasing its work in protecting and managing the local coastline and fisheries.

The festival offers something for all ages, making it a perfect family day out in Bridlington. Refreshments will be provided by the Bridlington Lions, while the Harbour Heritage Museum will be open throughout the weekend with free admission.

Community support and sponsorship

As a registered charity, the Bridlington Sailing Coble Preservation Society relies on funding and community support to deliver this annual event.

Funding for the 2026 festival has been provided by:

The Lords Feoffees and Assistants of the Manor of Bridlington

Dogger Bank Wind Farm

Trevor and Janet Kidd

Additional support has come from Wold Top Brewery. The festival committee has also thanked Bridlington Harbour Commissioners and the harbour master for their continued support.

For further information about the Bridlington Sailing Coble Festival 2026, the BSCPS, or the Harbour Heritage Museum, enquiries can be made via email at:

threebrotherscoble@gmail.com

Navigators & General is new title sponsor of the Sailjuice Winter Series

 

After eight successful years, the SailJuice Winter Series bids a fond farewell to Seldén as title sponsor. The support of Steve Norbury and his team at Seldén Mast has helped the Series continue to thrive through some of the most challenging periods in recent memory, including the disruption caused by the Covid pandemic.

The Series is now delighted to welcome Navigators & General as its new title sponsor, with the 18th edition officially named the Navigators & General SailJuice Winter Series 2026/27.

For more than a century, Navigators & General has been at the forefront of pleasure craft insurance in the UK, supporting generations of sailors and boating enthusiasts. The company joined the Series during the 2025/26 season through its support of the SailJuice coaching programme led by three-time Series champion Simon Horsfield, and the partnership will now expand into title sponsorship of the UK's leading winter dinghy racing series.

John Tuckwell, Business Development Manager at Navigators & General, commented: "We're delighted to be title sponsor of the Navigators & General SailJuice Winter Series for the 26/27 season. This series brings together sailors from across the UK and from an incredible variety of classes, making it a perfect fit for Navigators & General as a specialist insurer supporting almost every type of dinghy class on the water."

Seven Events for 2026/27

The 2026/27 edition returns to a seven-event calendar (see details below), following the temporary expansion during the Covid years, when additional events provided resilience against lockdowns and cancellations.

One notable change sees the Polar Chase expand to a two-day event, while the Grafham Grand Prix is no longer included in the Series. Although hugely respected in its own right, the event's three-race course-racing format sat outside the SailJuice philosophy of mass participation handicap racing where the entire fleet races together.

The Navigators & General SailJuice Winter Series continues to offer sailors of all classes and abilities the opportunity to enjoy competitive winter racing at some of the UK's best-known venues, combining close competition, camaraderie and endurance across the winter months.

The following events comprise the series:

Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash, Draycote Water Sailing Club - 21 & 22 November 2026

Datchet Flyer, Datchet Water Sailing Club - 5 & 6 December 2026

Polar Chase, Chase Sailing Club - 12 & 13 December 2026

Yorkshire Dales Brass Monkey, Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club - 27 December 2026

GJW Direct Bloody Mary, Queen Mary Sailing Club - 9 January 2027

John Merricks Tiger Trophy, Rutland Sailing Club - 6 & 7 February 2027

Oxford Blue, Oxford Sailing Club - 13 February 2027

Prizegiving at RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, Farnborough - 20 February 2027

You can find out more about the Series here: www.SailJuiceSeries.com