Title Sponsor secured for 50th Anniversary Sonata Nationals

 

The National Sonata Class Association is delighted to announce Goodall Roofing as the official Title Sponsor of the 2026 Sonata National Championships, taking place from 16th to 19th August 2026.

In the Sonata's 50th Anniversary Year, the National Championship will be hosted by the Royal Southern Yacht Club on the Hamble, bringing together top Sonata sailors from across the UK and Ireland for four days of competitive racing, camaraderie, and celebration of the iconic one-design class.

As Title Sponsor, Goodall Roofing, an award-winning, Isle of Wight-based roofing specialist, will support the event both on and off the water. Passionate Sonata supporter and owner Luke Goodall commented, "The One Design element of the Hunter Sonata is the thing that keeps the racing super close and exciting. As a company with strong ties to the community and a passion for supporting British sporting excellence, Goodall Roofing is proud to support the Sonata in its 50th Anniversary year. We had a great time supporting the 2021 Nationals in Cowes, and I look forward to competing against many other teams from around the country back on the Solent." Goodall continued, "As the roofing specialist for English Heritage in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, racing in front of an iconic building like Osbourne House will bring work and pleasure under one roof."

Sonata Class Association Chairman Alistair Bolton commented, "We are thrilled to welcome Goodall Roofing back as our Title Sponsor for the 2026 Nationals. Their commitment to the Sonata Class Association truly helps us to deliver a great Championship, and we look forward to racing around their very own racing mark that is out in the Solent."

From the 16th - 19th August, Teams will compete for the coveted Pimms Trophy and Sonata National Champion title. Reigning National Champion Joe Cross, [Having just retained his Endeavour Keelboat Trophy crown representing the Sonata.] will return with his Duette Team. Set to challenge Duette, multiple (19) times National Champion Steve Goacher with his 'Eric the Boat' Team and 2021 Nationals winner Max Richardson on board 'Little Scarlet' will no doubt mount a strong challenge.

"Team Duette are looking forward to defending our Title at the 50th Anniversary Nationals, along with one of my crew who can boast competing in the fourth Nationals back in 1980." Commented Joe Cross "Serial Champion Steve Goacher will be gunning to regain the title, along with multiple top teams from across the country, so it looks set to be a hotly contested championship! There are strong local fleets in the Solent, Poole and Weymouth, which could deliver a bumper turnout. Hopefully, the 50 boat target will be achieved, it would be great to see so many Sonatas on the start line!"

Racing in the Solent teams will have to battle the strong currents and localised weather patterns that make the Solent a unique racing venue for the event. The 2026 Goodall Roofing Sonata National Championship promises an exciting programme of competitive fleet racing, social events, and opportunities for sailors of all experience levels to connect. Entry details, information and Notice of Race can be found at www.sonata.org.uk

The Sonata Association is also providing three free entries and a small bursary to Under 25 youth teams (One member of the crew may be over 25). To enter the competition, a short video submission is required - Closing date for the competition is 1st May 2026 - for more information, head to www.sonata.org.uk

Windsong takes off for 2026 at Overy Staithe Sailing Club this weekend

 

This weekend the Windsong class will be racing in the glorious surroundings of Overy Staithe, the home of the designer John Owles and where the first boat was built.

The fleet will come together to race on the morning tide, ahead of the class going 'on tour' around the UK over the next few months. Will they be coming to a club near you?

On Saturday evening the class will have a social event, the first of the 2026. It promises to be an action packed season for this beautiful boat and its supporters.

Belfast Lough to come alive as GP14 World Championship 2026 set to arrive in Northern Ireland

Belfast Lough is set to come alive with over 100 boats from across the world as the spectacular GP14 World Championships sail into Northern Ireland in August 2026 - promising a week-long celebration of world-class racing, coastal energy and true regatta spirit.

Hosted by the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, and supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council, the championship will take place from 8th to 14th August 2026, welcoming elite sailors, families and supporters from across the globe to one of the UK and Ireland's most iconic sailing waters.

 

Such is the demand for the event, entries sold out in record time, with a waiting list now in place - a clear reflection of both the global popularity of the GP14 class and the appeal of Belfast Lough as a premier sailing destination. Competitors will range in age from just 14 to over 80 years old, showcasing the unique inclusivity and lifelong appeal of the sport.

From colourful sails lining the horizon to the buzz of crews preparing dockside, Belfast Lough and Holywood town, will transform into a vibrant international Regatta - a showcase not just of competitive sailing, but of Northern Ireland's warm hospitality, stunning coastline and proud maritime heritage.

Lindsay Nolan, Commodore of the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, said: "We are incredibly proud to bring the GP14 World Championships to Belfast Lough in 2026.

"This event will be a true celebration of sailing - not just for our club, but for Northern Ireland as a whole. We're looking forward to welcoming competitors and visitors from around the world and giving them an unforgettable experience both on and off the water."

Beyond the racing, the event is expected to deliver a significant boost to local tourism and the wider economy, with visitors exploring everything from seaside towns and coastal walks to the vibrant culture and hospitality of the region.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said: "Hosting the GP14 World Championships in 2026 is a fantastic opportunity for our borough and for Northern Ireland as a whole. Belfast Lough provides a spectacular natural stage for world-class sailing, and this event will bring significant benefits for the local economy while showcasing our coastline, tourism offering and maritime heritage to an international audience. I wish all competitors and organisers every success for what promises to be a memorable championship"

With a packed schedule of racing, social events and onshore celebrations planned, the GP14 World Championships 2026 will be more than a sporting event - it will be a moment for Northern Ireland to shine on the global stage.

Further announcements, including event highlights and visitor information, will be released in the coming months.

Keep up to date with event timings or if you would like to offer your volunteer services visit rniyc.org , email manager@rniyc.org or call +44 (0)28 9042 8041.

Henri-Lloyd JOG Week 2026 Entries Open

 

Entries are open for Henri-Lloyd JOG Week 2026, taking place in Dartmouth from Saturday 25 to Wednesday 29 July 2026.

Based in the beautiful harbour town of Dartmouth, with the support of the Royal Dart Yacht Club, this family-friendly event promises to be a highlight of the 2026 season. The programme combines exciting coastal racing with the opportunity to enjoy one of the UK’s best sailing destinations, both on and off the water.

The programme includes a mix of racing across the week, starting with an optional offshore race from Cowes to Dartmouth.

Full details and entry at jog.org.uk/henri-lloyd-jog-week-2026

Discover Sailing at Dovestone Sailing Club

 

Enjoy a short sail with experts on Dovestone Reservoir

There are spots available for Dovestone Sailing Club's annual Open Day on the 16th May this year. Discover Sailing 2026 is your chance to get out on the water for 30 minutes with an experienced sailor and see if the sport appeals to you.

After your sail join us for some refreshments, included in your fee. If you've walked around the reservoir and thought it would be fun to get out on the water, now's your opportunity. Full details, what to wear, where to park etc, will be sent to you when you book a place.

Price is just £10 per person, with refreshments included, it's a bargain. Sign-up at

 dovestonesc.org.uk/events.php

Tideway 80th Firefly Nationals Entry Limit Raised to 120 as demand smashes previous limit

 

Amendment to Notice of Race confirmed as 2026 Tideway 80th Anniversary Nationals at Tenby Sailing Club approaches sold-out status and a race-ready Ovington Firefly up for grabs in the anniversary raffle (see T&C's on our website).

The National Firefly Association (NFA) is delighted to announce that, following agreement with Tenby Sailing Club, the entry limit for the 2026 Tideway 80th Anniversary National Championships has been increased to 120 boats. With 100 paid entries already confirmed and a Notice of Race amendment now published, the fleet is expected to reach capacity well ahead of the August event.

The NFA would like to thank the team at Tenby Sailing Club for their work so far to support this event in TSC's 90th year. The hard work of both their team and the ever-reliable pairing of Jim Bramley and Callum Farnden on behalf of the NFA means that we have enabled us to expand the fun.

The increase marks a significant milestone: the last time the Firefly gathered a fleet approaching this size was at Abersoch in 2006 - the class's 60th anniversary regatta -where 111 boats competed. That the 80th anniversary fleet looks set to surpass it speaks to how if you have great value boats and sails, welcoming socials, and a thriving UK University Team Racing scene, anything is possible.

The NFA has confirmed that a formal amendment to the Notice of Race has been issued and published on the Tenby Sailing Club website. Prospective entrants are advised to review the updated entry procedures. Those who have submitted entry forms will be contacted directly with bank details to complete payment if a place within the 120-boat limit is available. Once the limit is reached, the entry form will close, and those wishing to be considered should contact the event organisers directly to be placed on the waiting list, in line with the system used at last year's championship.

Win a brand-new race-ready Firefly

Adding to the occasion, the NFA has launched a major anniversary raffle giving every competitor the chance to win Firefly F4444, a race-ready boat built by Ovington Boats Ltd. to mark the class's 80th year. The complete prize package includes Selden spars, Hyde Sails and covers, and a Sailboat Trailers launch trolley.

Every helm and crew competing at the Nationals earns a raffle ticket (see the T&Cs on the NFA website). The draw will take place at the NFA 80th Anniversary Dinner on 21st November 2026 at the Royal Thames Yacht Club.

About the event

The championships are hosted by Tenby Sailing Club on the Pembrokeshire coast, with camping available at the nearby Tenby Rugby Club.

The 2026 Tideway 80th Anniversary National Championships is sponsored by Tideway Wealth. Additional class supporters include Ovington Boats, Selden, Hyde Sails, Sailboat Trailers, Craftinsure and Marlow Ropes.

Enter now at www.tenbysailingclub.org.uk/2026-firefly-nationals (Early entry closes: 12th May 2026)

Full event information at www.fireflyclass.co.uk/event/tideway-80th-nationals-tenby-sc

Disabled Sailors Association launches £1.2m appeal

 

The Disabled Sailors Association (DSA), a pioneering charity that has opened up sailing to people with disabilities for more than 30 years, has launched a £1.2 million fundraising appeal to complete the build of a groundbreaking new catamaran.

Based at Port Solent, Hampshire, the DSA was founded in 1993 by Mike Wood MBE, who, following a life-changing accident that left him paralysed, set out to make sailing accessible to all. Now aged 80, his vision has enabled more than 50,000 people to experience the hands-on exhilaration of sailing.

The charity supports people of all ages and abilities, from wheelchair users and amputees to those with complex disabilities and long-term health conditions, including their families and carers, ensuring that those who might otherwise never step aboard a boat can take to the water.

Operating from its current vessel, The Spirit of Scott Bader, the DSA delivers around 1,000 sailing opportunities each year. However, following the closure of the Jubilee Sailing Trust in 2024, demand has risen sharply and now far exceeds supply.

To meet this growing need, the DSA is building a new, fully accessible Dazcat 1500 at The Multihull Centre in Torpoint, Cornwall. The £2.5 million project will double the number of places the charity can offer, while being carefully designed to maximise independence on board, featuring deck wheelchair lifts, internal lifts to both hulls and spacious accessible facilities throughout.

While the DSA has long been supported by grant-making trusts, alongside valued partners including Scott Bader and, more recently, Airtech, this ambitious project now depends on a number of new corporate partnerships and sponsorships to maintain momentum ahead of a planned Spring 2027 launch.

Mike Wood’s mission is to build a lasting legacy for future generations of disabled sailors, and he is calling on the maritime community to help make it happen.

To find out more about supporting this project, please contact helen@disabledsailors.org.

UK Nacra 15 Class Association Plymouth Demo Day

 

Following on from a successful RYA Youth Nationals, on Sunday April 12th we welcomed 10 young sailors from across the South West to test sail a Nacra 15 on Plymouth Sound.

There was a fresh breeze and blue skies as we took the first 5 sailors out in the morning. Two Nacra 15s with experienced sailors demonstrated their capabilities and speed before the young sailors had a go crewing with many trapezing for the first time.

We welcomed five more sailors for the afternoon. With a slightly gentler breeze they were able to crew, fly the spinnaker and even helm the Nacra.

Maddie Jinks, BSYT Nacra 15 sailor commented:

"It was great to see sailors coming from a range of boats keen to try out the Nacra 15 and I'm looking forward to watch them progress through their sailing career. The boats are really fast, challenging and fun to sail. We have a hub of boats based in Plymouth and are really exited to be hosting the worlds this summer."

If you missed this opportunity and would like to try out a Nacra 15 there is another demo day at Weston Sailing Club (Southampton) on Saturday 18th April. Contact nacra15uk@gmail.com for more details or to book on!

The Nacra 15 is the official World Sailing Youth Multihull, a 15ft version of the Olympic Nacra 17, creating a clear pathway for those with Olympics aspirations.

The UK fleet race and train all year round, with regular participation at International events. We are proud to be hosting the Nacra 15 World Championships in Plymouth this summer. Find out more at nacra15worlds.com

Enterprise Cock of the North Series Opener at Scammonden Water Sailing Club

 

The Cock of the North series got under way at Scammonden Water with a strong turnout of 21 boats, all eager to kick off the season in style. While conditions proved challenging, spirits remained high both on and off the water.

Racing saw 2 out of the scheduled 5 races completed, with the conditions taking their toll across the fleet. Only 50% of boats managed to finish the first race, dropping further to 35% in the second, highlighting just how demanding the day was.

Wind conditions over the weekend, showed a solid westerly to south-westerly breeze averaging around 17 mph, with gusts reaching up to 25-28 mph. Combined with passing showers, this created highly unstable and shifty conditions, with big variations in pressure across the course—making for challenging and unpredictable racing, particularly on an inland venue like Scammonden. It truly delivered "four seasons in one day."

In such testing conditions, local knowledge proved invaluable. Hosts and local sailors Oli Boocock and Luke Hartshorn demonstrated exactly how it was done, mastering the shifting breeze and tricky water.

A big congratulations to Paul Young and Igor Bakowski from Midland SC for securing an excellent 2nd place. Completing the podium in 3rd were Chris and Owen Smith, proudly representing the host club.

Well done also goes to all other prize winners across the range of categories, including furthest travelled, first female helm, and even best drawing—ensuring there was something for everyone to celebrate.

A huge thank you must go to the volunteers, who were outstanding throughout the weekend. From the kitchen and bar teams to the race committee and those providing towing vehicles, their efforts made everyone feel incredibly welcome—like true members of the club.

A big thank you to the sponsors for their support—this event wouldn't be possible without them. The series is backed by Peak Dinghy, North Sails and Allen, with event support from Hogs Head Brew House (Pale Sail) and Flowhire Limited. Saturday night was made even better with live music from Keegan and Harrison. We're also grateful to Stoneywood Motors, BPI Auctions and RGW Glazing for their generous raffle prize donations.

Although we didn't get as much racing as hoped, the fleet certainly made up for it ashore, with Saturday night's dance floor proving just as lively as the racing had been challenging.

We now look forward to returning next year for another fantastic event.

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Crew Club R1 R2

1st 22118 Oliver Boocock Luke Hartshorn SWSC 1 1

2nd 22901 Paul Young Igor Bakowski Midland SC 3 2

3rd 23135 Christopher Smith Owen Smith SWSC 5 3

4th 23089 Charles Morrish Dan Swaffield St Marys 2 7

5th 22418 Andy Gomm Daisy Ross Ogston SC 4 5

6th 22908 Nigel Orkney Claire Watson Largo Bay SC 8 4

7th 22451 Mike Goodwin Lucy Goodwin SWSC DNF 6

8th 20900 Chris Fry Leo Fry Ogston SC 6 DNF

9th 22619 Martin Honnor Abigail Honnor Ogston SC 7 DNC

10th 22886 Richard Wharram Hannah Wharram SWSC 9 DNF

11th 22629 Richard Critchley Emily Fox WISH/ Bassen 10 DNC

12th 22821 lan Turrell Cody Alder SWSC 11 DNF

13th 22127 Alan Goodman Dianne Hill SWSC DNF DNC

13th 20816 Mike Lewis Lisa Griffin St Marys DNF DNF

13th 23520 Matt Rawson Pheobe Rawson Ogston SC DNF DNC

13th 23159 Jamie Holdaway Owen Holdaway SWSC DNF DNC

13th 472 Philip Wilson Rosie Wilson Ogston SC DNF DNC

13th 22112 Mhairi Ogilvie Duncan Willoughby Largo Bay SC DNF DNC

13th 22075 lan Sheldrake Liam Thompson DNF DNF

Kinsale Spring Series Opens With Tight Fleet Racing

 

The Axiom Private Clients Spring Series got underway at Kinsale Yacht Club with competitive racing across multiple fleets.

Results remain provisional after two races sailed on April 12.

In IRC Spinnaker 1, J109 Artful DodJer leads the fleet. Finbarr O’Regan’s Kinsale Yacht Club entry posted two race wins to top the standings.

Second place goes to the Elan 333 Reavra Too, owned by Stephen Lysaght of Kinsale Yacht Club. Justus, sailed by Dan Buckley, also of Kinsale Yacht Club, is third overall.

The ECHO Spinnaker 1 fleet mirrors the IRC podium. Artful DodJer again leads, with Reavra Too second and Justus third, all representing Kinsale Yacht Club.

In IRC Spinnaker 2, Illegal holds a clear lead. The Royal Cork Yacht Club boat, owned by Kieran Kelleher and Coleman Garvey, secured two race wins.

Flyover, sailed by David Marchant of Waterford Harbour Sailing Club, sits second. Third place is shared between Snoopy of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, owned by Diarmuid Foley, and Gunsmoke II, sailed by Samuel Cohen of Kinsale Yacht Club.

The White Sail fleets are led by Valfreya. David Riome’s Kinsale Yacht Club Sigma 33 tops both IRC and ECHO standings after consistent results.

In IRC White Sail, Miss Charlie, owned by Patrick Beckett of Kinsale Yacht Club, is second. Capella of Kinsale, sailed by Peter and Siobhan Ryan, also of Kinsale Yacht Club, is third.

The ECHO White Sail podium sees Godot, owned by Alan Mulcahy, in second, with Capella of Kinsale again taking third.

Racing continues in the series next Sunday.

FM Sailing Northamptonshire Youth Series 2026

 

A Fresh (& Marsh) New Look for Youth Sailing in Northamptonshire

A new season is on the horizon, and youth sailing in Northamptonshire is back with a bang. Now backed by FM Sailing, the newly named FM Sailing Northamptonshire Youth Series gets under way at Northampton Sailing Club on 18 April, promising a bigger and better season ahead.

Open to sailors aged 8 to 18, the series features seven race events plus a summer camp in August. Entry remains accessible at £10 for single-handers and £15 for double-handers, but with nearly 100 sailors taking part in recent years, early booking via host club websites is recommended.

There's a new and improved approach to racing in 2026, with four races at each event - two in the morning and two after lunch - keeping the action flowing throughout the day. The focus remains firmly on fun, friendly competition, with coaching and support available on the water for those looking to build confidence and improve.

A new fleet system also brings more to play for, with prizes for the top three in each fleet as well as overall event winners, thanks to FM Sailing.

The August summer camp jumps into the action too - mixing friendly competition with skill-building and new mates - before everything winds up with a big finale and prize-giving at Northampton Sailing Club.

For full details and entry information, visit www.fmsailing.co.uk/northamptonshire-youth-sailing-series

National 12 Sprint Series at Burghfield Sailing Club

 

The National 12 class had a highly unpredictable day on the water at Burghfield Sailing Club. It was an excellent start to the N12 season, with no time to hang onto any winter cobwebs. The sprint racing format led to tight, competitive racing... and some much-needed starting practice.

We went from breezy to genuinely frightening, to sunny and peaceful, finishing with some rather dramatic hail, all in the space of just a few hours. This led to more than one hairy moment across the fleet.

With a building forecast, we were all keen to get onto the water. The breeze, blowing directly over the clubhouse, proved tricky. One boat capsized almost immediately, and it quickly settled into the classic shifty Burghfield wind that we all know (and love?). As a result, the fleet was generally split across the beat on every leg, with Burghfield locals favouring the right and the East Coasters (Tom + Isobel and Ian + Alex) preferring to tack up the left.

Ultimately, despite the locals' insider knowledge, the left seemed to pay pretty consistently, with the two East Coasters finishing first and second overall.

There were plenty of standout moments, with unpredictable gusts causing issues on all legs of the course. One of the more memorable came on a planing reach, looking back to see the aftermath at the gybe mark, where it seemed current national champions Graham and Blue had ended up with their bow inside Jonno and Charlotte's boat. For a more accurate account I would recommend consulting those involved, but I heard that Charlotte's knee was the only thing that stopped Graham and Blue going any farther. After this, Ian and Alex managed to sail through to a comfortable second place and went on to put together a series of consistent podium finishes.

After a day that kept us on our toes, we came ashore to some of the biggest hailstones I've seen (Burghfield keeping on theme). The Camms brought delicious homemade cakes, and we sheltered in the warm clubhouse while the worst passed.

Thanks to our sponsors Blood Red Clothing, we had some great prizes for both the winners and a few well-deserved spot prizes. It was great to see everyone at Burghfield. Our next event is at Salcombe Yacht Club, 2nd-4th May, you bring your boat - we'll provide the sunshine!

Overall Results:

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

1st Tom Stewart Isobel Stewart Whitebait 3544 Waldringfield SC 1 1 1 1 ‑2 1 ‑2 1 6

2nd Ian Gore Alex Gore Mog 3525 Up River YC ‑5 2 2 2 1 ‑4 1 4 12

3rd Graham Camm Felix Camm Very Hungry Caterpillar 3530 Burghfield SC 2 3 ‑4 ‑5 3 3 3 2 16

4th Jon Ibbotson Charlotte Stewart Atomic Kitten 3540 Burghfield SC 3 ‑10 5 4 ‑6 2 4 3 21

5th Zoe Camm Blue Camm 3484 Burghfield SC 4 5 3 3 4 ‑8 ‑8 5 24

6th Tre Jacobs Jax Jacobs Fools Gold 3429 Upper Thames SC ‑9 9 (DNC) 6 5 6 5 6 37

7th Thomas Lee Trudie Fell A Wood and a Sheep 3545 Burghfield SC ‑10 4 ‑10 7 7 5 7 RET 39

8th David Harris Martin Cock Dr de Soto 3290 Whitefriars SC 8 8 8 (RET) 8 7 6 (RET) 45

9th Steven Burgoine Austin Burgoine Radical Edward 3489 Banbury SC 7 7 7 9 (DNC) RET (DNC) DNC 55

10th Nigel White Chris White Capricciosa 3445 Burghfield SC 6 6 6 8 (DNC) (DNC) DNC DNC 56

11th James Ruddiman Nicola Pepe The Woozle 3522 Spinnaker SC 11 11 9 10 (DNC) (DNC) DNC DNC 71

12th Lyla Jacobs Guy Jacobs 342x Upper Thames SC (DNC) 13 11 RET (DNC) DNC DNC DNC 82

13th Ed Willett Sarah Robinson Water Nymph 1833 Whitefriars SC 12 12 (DNC) (DNC) DNC DNC DNC DNC 84

14th Trystan Leonard Hope Halstad Up Yours 3458 Whitefriars SC (DNC) (DNC) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 90

A difficult event in Rio for Emirates GBR

The second and final day proved to be a challenging day for the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team across all three fleet races.

Day two of the Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix delivered challenging and unpredictable conditions, putting the fleet to the test on Guanabara Bay.

Racing took place in a variable breeze, averaging around 16 km/h with gusts up to 30 km/h. Teams raced powered up on the large 27.5m wing sails, but the conditions were far from straightforward.

The breeze funnelling over Sugarloaf Mountain created an unstable racecourse, with a significant wind hole forming at the top mark beneath the mountain. This compressed the fleet and added another layer of complexity. Combined with an unsettled sea state, manoeuvres became high-risk moments, placing crews under constant pressure to execute cleanly.

Hannah Mills, Strategist, Emirates GBR SailGP Team commented "It certainly wasn't our best weekend of racing and today just wasn't our day. We got ourselves into some nice positions off the start line, but rightly or wrongly we picked up penalties and made a few mistakes that dropped us to the back of the fleet. In these conditions, it's almost impossible to make gains.

It's been a tough event, but we've made a strong start to the season overall and we're still in a good position in the Championship. We'll get our heads down, regroup, dive into the data, review and reassess and come back stronger for Bermuda."

In the event final, Australia, Sweden, and Spain went head-to-head, with Australia delivering another clinical performance to seal the win. The result the Bonds Flying Roos leapfrog Emirates GBR SailGP Team in the 2026 Championship standings.

Emirates GBR drop to second overall but will have a quick opportunity to respond at the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix in four weeks' time, a chance to reset and regain their strong early-season form.