Cowes Week names official charity for its 200th anniversary year

 

A charity helping young people rebuild their lives after cancer has been named as the official charity for a major Isle of Wight sailing event.

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust will be at the heart of the 2026 Cowes Week regatta for the event’s 200th anniversary.

Founded in 2003 by Dame Ellen MacArthur, the charity supports young people aged eight to 24, using sailing and outdoor adventure to inspire young people living through and beyond cancer to believe in a brighter future.

Frank Fletcher, chief executive of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, said: "It's a wonderful thing to be Cowes Week's official charity for 2026, especially as it celebrates its 200th year, and it will make a huge difference.

"Young people need somewhere to turn after a traumatic diagnosis, somewhere they feel they belong, and where they are reminded of what they can still achieve.

"At the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, sailing and the outdoors give young people the freedom and sense of possibility they are looking for.

"They start to believe in themselves again and look forward to what's next in life.

Allen and CB Cover Store Midland Area Solo Championship 2025 at Northampton Sailing Club

 

The planets have aligned in the favour of the Midland Championship which, having been postponed earlier in the season, has now been bequeathed the last big Solo regatta of 2025 and so the focus will very much be on who can claim this hotly contested title and with it, bar bragging rites, kudos and most importantly, space in the next Solo Magnificent publication to share with the membership how they did it.

Northampton Sailing Club have stepped in to host the event and I understand teams of volunteers have been forming a human chain with buckets in hand to top up Pitsford, I do hope the water source is not from the reservoir itself or they may be there sometime.

Anyone who has raced at Northampton will testify that it can be a tricky venue, the 413 hectares of water can get surprisingly narrow at some points and it's orientation from east to west certainly favours a wind direction from either of those two quadrants, fortunately the current forecast, albeit a little premature is predicting 12-22mph from the west. From memory the clubhouse is to the right so it should make for a short sail to the race area and a long beat to mark 1.

There are already just under twenty pre-entries and these include CB Coverstore CEO and former Inland Champion Chris Brown who has been keeping his finely honed body in shape by participating in the Sailjuice Series. Chris has utilised the Winder 1/Superspars M2/North F4 this year and is convinced the hull shape has much to offer the more portly figure and this final regatta may determine whether he sticks with it or not.

Meanwhile, Jasper Barnham, who has come in to a rich vein of form with race wins at the Ferry Marina Inlands and EOS, subsequently winning that title and a holiday on the Norfolk Broads courtesy of the sponsor Chris Bunn will be favourite (based on current entry list and subject to change by about five places if Davenport, Walters, Davis et al turn up).

Among the other pre-entered, Steven Dickinson showed strong boat handling skills at the Inlands and Jamie Cuxson has been knocking on the door for a podium finish all season.

I would expect Midland rep Jonathan Swain to feature along with Andrew Wilde and Mike Sims, if these guys turn up then my camera and the Solo Event WhatsApp community is in for a treat. You cannot put a cigarette paper between the likes of Bunn, Brown, Honnor and Davies and with local sailors Graham Wilson and Peter Warne keeping the fleet honest, it should be tight competition from front to back...Oh yes, and it is friendly too.

Enter at  :- webcollect.org.uk/nsc/event/solo-open-meeting-11-10-2025

If you are going then please enter online asap, the Solo media team will be covering the event via WhatsApp and the Solo Facebook page, you can join the reporting WhatsApp and catch up later via the NSCA Solo page.

BUSA London Six Pack 2025 at Welsh Harp Sailing Club

 

Saturday saw an action-packed start to the London Six Pack, with ran 44 out of 55 races completed as part of the round robin. Despite some difficulties with the start boat dragging its anchor we were able to get under way smoothly and efficiently.

Saturday concluded with BPS (Bath University) top of the ranking after narrowly defeating DW Deathsquad (Castaways) in their head-to-head, with both teams finishing on an impressive 7/8 wins.

Sunday kicked off under brighter skies and steadier breeze. The 11 teams were split into Gold and Silver leagues, and 29 races followed. The gusts picked up throughout the day into a steady 20 knots, far exceeding the forecasted 12 knots baseline. DW Deathsquad finished first in gold league after going undefeated in all five races. Bath Bubbles finished first in silver, winning 5/6 races, and faced off Solent Fuzz in the repechage.

Solent Fuzz came out on top the repechage and continued their winning stead against DW Deathsquad in the first semi-final, winning 2-0. Bristol White battled Imperial White in the second semi-final, with the former securing 2-0. In the petit final, DW Deathsquad bounced back with a 2-0 win over Imperial White, securing third place.

The grand final saw Solent Fuzz edge out Bristol White, winning London Six Pack 2-1. Thank you everyone who came for a brilliant weekend!

Final standings:

1st: Solent Fuzz

2nd: Bristol White

3rd: DW Deathsquad

Poole Regatta 2026 Builds Momentum Six Months Out

 

Only six months remain until racing begins at Poole Regatta and the IRC European Championship 2026 on the English south coast.

The event runs from 23–25 May, with an additional day on 22 May for IRC European Championship competitors.

Organisers from Poole’s combined yacht clubs report strong early interest. More than 100 owners across multiple classes have asked to be notified when entries open later this year.

The regatta has been held every two years since 2000. Its mix of competitive racing across five courses and popular post-race socials has helped drive steady growth.

Classes already signalling participation include IRC, TP52, Performance40, Cape31, Performance30, VPRS, J70, J24, Impala, Sonata, Contessa 32, HP30, Quarter Ton, Mini Ton, RS21, Classics, Folkboat, Sigma 33 and 38, Beneteau 40.7, Flying Fifteen, 2.4mR, Shrimper, XOD and the non-spinnaker Gentlemen’s Class.

Alongside the IRC European Championship, the programme includes the IRC Southern Area Championship, J80 National Championship, J24 Southern Championship, Sonata Southern Championship, Impala Southern Championship, the 2.4m Tidal National Championship and the Mini Ton Cup.

Five racecourses will be set in Poole Bay and inside the harbour, framed by the Purbeck Hills and the beaches of Sandbanks and Bournemouth. Organisers say this layout will “deliver tight and competitive racing across all fleets”.

Dragon class Marblehead Trophy 2025

 

The Royal racing yacht Bluebottle GBR192 has written a major new chapter in international Dragon Class history by winning the legendary Marblehead Trophy. This is the first time Great Britain has ever claimed the Marblehead, and the first time the event will be hosted in England on behalf of a winning British team and club.

Skippered by Graham Bailey, with Bluebottle crew Julia Bailey, Will Bedford and Killian Boag, after five close races the team delivered a superb performance against a top international fleet to secure one of the most coveted trophies in sailing.

As a result of this landmark victory, the next Marblehead regatta will be hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes. Graham commented on the remarkable victory: "It was a truly epic last day - at one point we talked about heading for the harbour as a 30 knot gust blew through. No way would we put Bluebottle downwind in that but fortunately that was the only tricky moment, and she coped like a trooper with everything else that was thrown at her. Can't believe we've won the Marblehead!"

The Marblehead Trophy is a prestigious international sailing prize linked to the Dragon class. Established in 1929 by the residents of Marblehead in Massachusetts, it commemorated the town's 300th anniversary and celebrated its heritage as a renowned centre of sailing.

Royal Yacht Bluebottle stands among the most renowned Dragons in the world. Originally crafted as a Royal racing yacht, Bluebottle has enjoyed a celebrated competitive legacy that spans several decades. In 2019, under the stewardship of The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, Bluebottle was reunited with fellow historic Royal vessels Bloodhound and Coweslip, bringing together this distinguished trio once more.

Franck Bruyere, Chief Executive of The Royal Yacht Britannia and Fingal Hotel said: "We are delighted that Bluebottle now joins the very select circle of winners of this prestigious trophy, and we hope that this marks the beginning of a new 'British era' of champions."

Bluebottle's Marblehead Trophy victory adds a significant new milestone to a remarkable story that connects royal heritage, classic yacht preservation and modern, high-level one-design racing.

IOCA Optimist Winter Championships at Rutland Sailing Club

 

The IOCA UK Optimist Winter Championships were held over 15-16th November hosted by Rutland Sailing Club with 128 Optimists travelling to compete on a chilly and wet weekend. The British winter was not enough to dampen their spirits and in breezes of 10-15knots they set out onto the water full of enthusiasm.

Main Fleet included 93 boats with Nigel Biggs leading the race committee in control of the race course as the first day was described as 'snakes and ladders racing' within the four flights with variable breeze on the far side of the lake. Laszlo Drummond led on day 1 with three 1st places under his belt.

Day two saw lots of movement in the results table with close scores across the fleets. Six races were completed over the weekend, Jonny Rogers was able to take first overall by 2 points, with Laszlo Drummond 2nd, Sean Di Salle close behind in 3rd overall. Lizzie Hudson took 1st girl in 10th place, Archie Dowling 1st under 10 in 15th overall, and Theo Fox 1st under 11 in 17th place.

Regatta Fleet had 33 entries, their course slightly closer to the clubhouse with more consistent breeze. Race committee was led by George Atwell ensuring 8 races were successfully completed by the fleet. 1st place was taken by Evelyn Rogerson with an impressive six race wins, 2nd place went to Leo Ellis-Asquith who stepped up his game on Day 2, and 3rd place to Xenia Hudson-Evans with points close between the first four sailors in the fleet.

The Coached Regatta fleet included 4 sailors and combined training and racing, with five races completed across the weekend. Led by Coach Lola Andrews their determination and sticking power was unmatched. They were still on the water long after the Main and Regatta Fleets had retired to the shore on Sunday afternoon, running on hot chocolate power and enthusiasm to build their racing skills! Well done to Fletch Sheely (1st), William Zhang (2nd), Zoe Grundy (3rd), Amina Melhem (4th).

Northumberland man completes three quarters of his solo around the world sailing challenge

 

A Northumberland sailor has sailed 21,000 of the 28,000 nautical miles needed to complete his attempt to sail solo around the world in a boat he built by hand.

Adam Waugh, who lives near Morpeth, is undertaking the voyage in support of the Ella Dawson Foundation – a UK charity that provides mental and physical health and wellbeing support to young adults with and beyond cancer, as well as their families and carers – with more than £50,000 raised so far.

The 61-year-old is currently competing in the inaugural Mini Globe Race, a 14-month, 28,000-nautical-mile solo circumnavigation in a 19-foot Class Globe 5.80 yacht named Little Wren, which he constructed entirely by hand at home despite having no prior boatbuilding experience.

The journey has taken him first across the Atlantic, his first ever ocean crossing, then the vast Pacific Ocean and he has now completed crossing most of the Indian Ocean.

The final part to complete once he reaches the end destination for the current leg (Cape Town, South Africa) is heading back up the Atlantic to the start of the race, Antigua, in two more legs.

He has been to many stunning locations, but has had to deal with navigating treacherous conditions and suffering some injuries.

He said: “There have been huge highs and lows, storms, injuries and many sleepless nights navigating treacherous seas, but knowing I am raising money to support young people through and beyond cancer keeps me going when it gets tough.

“It took me two years to build Little Wren and I’m very proud that she was built with the help of Accu’s precision engineering components.

After 11 months at sea, I’m thrilled with how Little Wren has stood up to so many challenges we’ve faced to date.

“I’m delighted to have partnered with Accu and grateful for their support of a fellow Huddersfield-based organisation, my chosen charity the Ella Dawson Foundation.”

Supporters can track Little Wren’s journey, follow Adam’s updates and donate to his £100,000 fundraising goal for the Ella Dawson Foundation at :-

 https://onemanoneboatonemission.com

Excelsior Trust appoints new skipper for 2026 sailing season

 

Adam James joins the Lowestoft-based sail training charity, bringing extensive experience in both sailing and boatbuilding.

Mr James said: "I have been lucky enough to sail most of my life, beginning with a mirror dinghy in Devon."

In his new role, Mr James is eager to engage with schools, and youth and adult groups, to introduce them to life on board.

He said: "I have really enjoyed the sailing trips I’ve done this year both filling in for Charlotte on the Tallships Race to Aberdeen and bringing Excelsior Home from the Baltic."

The 2026 sailing programme will start in spring, with various sails available from Suffolk and participation in The Tall Ships Races 2026.

Mr James said: "I am really looking forward to the amazing sailing schedule we have planned for 2026, especially visiting Norway."

All five-day and longer voyages qualify for the DofE Gold Residential Award.

For more details on the sailing schedule, visit the Excelsior Trust's website or call 07821 281950.

Top 5 Predicted Sailing Areas for 2026

Based on current trends (from rental companies, yachting-media, and traveller demand), here are the five sailing regions likely to be big in 2026, and why.

1) Red Sea (Saudi Arabia)

The Red Sea is becoming a “new frontier” for yacht charters in 2026, driven by the development of superyacht facilities (like Sindalah Marina) and more accessible charter licenses. 

It offers dramatic desert coastlines, coral reefs, and a mix of old-world and modern exploration. 

Best charter season is from November to March given climate. 

2). Sardinia & Corsica (Western Mediterranean)

Sardinia is highlighted in many 2026 charter guides as a top sailing destination. 

There are dedicated flotilla trips in Sardinia for summer 2026. 

The coast offers a great mix: sheltered anchorages, elegant marinas, rugged landscapes, and good sailing conditions. 

3). The Cyclades (Greece)

The Cycladic islands (Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, etc.) remain central in yachting itineraries. 

There’s momentum for the “lesser-visited” Cyclades, giving a more authentic experience beyond just the tourist hotspots. 

Well-suited to both experienced sailors (with longer passages between islands) and more relaxed cruising.

4) Croatian Dalmatian Coast / Adriatic

The Adriatic (especially Croatia) continues to be a favourite with charter companies.

Charming historic towns, many islands, good anchorages, and relatively less crowded than some parts of the Med make it very attractive.

Strong infrastructure (marinas, services) plus natural beauty combine to make this a “go-to.”

5). Greenland & Arctic Fjords

Luxury expedition-yachts are promoting Arctic sailing in 2026, especially to Greenland, combining adventure cruising with nature and wildlife. 

There’s additional hype around August 12, 2026, when a total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Greenland. 

For adventurers who don’t mind cold, remote cruising, the fjords of Greenland offer “pristine wilderness” sailing.

Why These Areas Are Trending :-

Emerging Infrastructure

Places like the Red Sea are building superyacht marinas, making them far more accessible.

Unique Experiences

Greenland + eclipse = a once-in-a-lifetime yachting experience.

Balanced Appeal

Regions like the Cyclades, Sardinia, and Croatia offer a mix of beauty, culture, and practical sailing conditions.

Sustainability and Exploration

More sailors are looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations, not just crowded summer hotspots.

Would you like help planning your next trip?

Please let us know about your sailing experiences and where you're planning to go by using our Contact Form on this Blog, with your requirements to receive immediate help and assistance and using our Vast Knowledge and Experience to Help and Guide You. 

WITH 12,000 RENTAL YACHTS ACROSS 60 COUNTRIES WHICH ONE WILL YOU CHOOSE?

#yachts2rentnow

Fireball class events schedule for 2026

 

The Fireball Committee is thrilled to announce a jam-packed calendar for 2026, highlighted by the World Championships in the UK at Torquay this July.

This year's schedule offers something for everyone — from top-class inland venues, including a trip to Yorkshire for the Inlands, to stunning coastal locations featuring two build-up events in Torbay*.

Stay active this winter—perhaps with some SailJuicing — and get ready for what promises to be the most spectacular season yet. 2026 is shaping up to be the granddaddy of them all!

Dates Event Venue

28-29 Mar Open Meeting Chew Valley Lake

18-19 Apr Spring Champs Draycote Water

16-17 May Open Meeting* Royal Torbay

6-7 Jun Open Meeting Hayling Island

20-21 Jun Summer Champs Lyme Regis

11-12 Jul Open Meeting* Paington

22-31 Jul UK Nationals & Worlds Royal Torbay

12-13 Sep Inlands Yorkshire Dales

10-11 Oct Winter Champs Rutland

Almost 80 entered for the Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash in the Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series

 

Dinghies of many different shapes, sizes and speeds have entered the Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash, which takes place this weekend. It's the first of eight events in this season's Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series.

If you want to join the 70-plus entries already signed up, time is fast running short as online registration closes tonight (Tuesday 18 November) at 1159pm.

Enter at enter.sailracer.org/eventsites/new.asp?eventid=227303

Entries are open for all eight events across the winter. Technical clothing specialist Magic Marine, after their sponsorship of last summer's Sailjuice Challenge, are offering a £20 voucher for anyone who enters two or more events before the Draycote Dash weekend.

Enter at enter.sailracer.org/eventsites/new.asp?eventid=227303

THE EVENTS

The following events are in the Seldén SailJuice Winter Series 2025/26:

Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash, Draycote Water Sailing Club - 22 & 23 November 2025

Datchet Flyer, Datchet Water Sailing Club - 6 & 7 December 2025

Robline Polar Chase, Chase Sailing Club - 13 December 2025

Yorkshire Dales Brass Monkey, Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club - 27 December 2025

Gill Grafham Grand Prix, Grafham Water Sailing Club - 4 January 2026

GJW Direct Bloody Mary, Queen Mary Sailing Club - 10 January 2026

John Merricks Tiger Trophy, Rutland Sailing Club - 31 January 2026 & 1 February 2026

Oxford Blue, Oxford Sailing Club - 14 February 2026

Prizegiving at RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, Farnborough - 21 February 2026

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

UK Nacra 15 Winter Training event 2 at Warsash Sailing Club

 

Our second Nacra 15 training camp of the winter started Saturday with a group briefing by Jaz to include both Squad and Class teams before splitting up, with Jaz coaching the Squad teams and Izzy the Class teams.

We started with some dry drills and a quick early lunch whilst we waited for the wind to pick up before heading out for the afternoon.

Unfortunately we only had very light winds but we still enjoyed training to improve our light wind sailing and we took the opportunity to go swimming off the boats. On Saturday evening Warsash Sailing Club hosted an 80s night which saw frizzy hair, a drink called Babycham and some rather interesting outfits from the adults!

Sunday was an early start with us all hitting the water by 9:45am to launch before the Warsash club racing. It was a much better day's sailing with a decent breeze. We practised race starts, tacking and gybing. Izzy was very helpful with tips and advice which really improved our sailing.

Thank you to all at Warsash SC for a fantastic training event.

To find out more about the Nacra 15 class and how to get involved please head to our dedicated Transition page and sign up for a demo.

With the 2026 Worlds being held in Plymouth and good value used boats available in the UK there's never been a better time to join the class!

2,000-mile voyage around the UK crewed by wounded, injured and sick veterans

 

An historic voyage has been announced today, bringing together serving military personnel and veterans who are wounded, injured or sick (WIS) who are set to embark on a 2,000-nautical-mile circumnavigation of the UK aboard two tall ships, carrying the Invictus Games flag around the UK.

Ahead of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, the sailing expedition, called Full Circle, will carry the inspirational message of The Games through the Invictus flag, which will travel from Vancouver, Canada, to the UK, where it will join the voyage.

The expedition has been coordinated by Veteran sailing charity Turn to Starboard (T2S) and the Invictus Games with the aim of raising £300,000 to help support veterans and serving personnel affected by service to help rebuild confidence, support recovery and strengthen community.

The epic adventure will take just over 12 weeks, beginning on 17 March 2026, departing from Falmouth and travelling anticlockwise around the UK before returning to Falmouth on 11 June 2026, marking one year until The Games commences in Birmingham.

The announcement of the voyage marks 600 days until the Invictus Games begins, with a crew of over 70 military personnel and veterans now in training for the expedition.

On the voyage, the crew will travel in two traditionally rigged tall ships, Pellew and Spirit of Falmouth, skippered and crewed by T2S, as they call at 22 ports across all four nations.

The journey will be split into five legs, with a crew changeover for each one- Falmouth to Chatham, Chatham to Edinburgh, Edinburgh to Tanera, Tanera to Liverpool and Liverpool back to Falmouth.

Sally added; "As a charity, we provide a unique, non-clinical environment where veterans can reconnect with themselves and others through the therapeutic power of sailing.

"We hope this challenge will help us reach more veterans, highlight the challenges they face, and celebrate the incredible achievements made possible when opportunity meets determination."

The money raised will go towards helping T2S support veterans currently facing complex challenges such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, physical injury, isolation, unemployment and low confidence.

"We hope the expedition will help us attract enough donations and sponsorship to buy the tall ship Pellew adding her to the T2S fleet.

"Every donation makes a difference to supporting veterans with their mental well-being, building their resilience and restoring a sense of purpose."

Full Circle's mission is to help veterans overcome adversity, rediscover their strengths and create meaningful connections that last far beyond the field of play or the deck of a ship.

"The project not only honours the sacrifices of those who have served, but also builds a lasting legacy of hope, healing, and possibility."

Follow the voyage on :- www.instagram.com/fullcirclet2s 

or :-www.tiktok.com/@fullcirclet2s