Fireflys at the Ovington Inland Championships at Grafham Water Sailing Club

 

Firefly racing is so much more than sitting in a boat, sailing round a track for a few races and then going home. It's about a break from normality, catching up with old friends, tinkering with your boat, doing some exercise and generally having fun. For 80- years the Firefly has been the boat of choice for so many. This year we're raffling off a nearly new Ovington special.. 

The sailing this weekend was tricky, but the race officer did a great job of getting 2 races in, despite the fickle wind being from every direction.

In the first race Emily and I got off to a cracking start and managed to sneak around the windward mark just ahead of Jono Pank and Rachel Crebbin. As the wind died to nothing on the run, I was cross with myself for letting Jono get to the right, which was where I thought the wind, if it came, might come from. And so it proved, Jono ghosting past us just before the finish.

Race 2 was really tricky as the wind shifted just before the start, meaning it was a reach/run to the first mark. So many race officers would have scrapped the race much to my annoyance. Light fickle wind sailing is hard and sometimes there is an element of luck. Off the start we found ourselves covered from behind which forced a change of strategy. We decided to sail out to the left hand side of the course, taking a few transoms on the way. We then caught the zephyr we needed to bear off and cross back in front of the fleet. This was a lead that we managed to extend for the rest of the race.

Meanwhile that first leg for the other 8 Fireflys was really hard as they got swallowed up by the K1 and OK fleet. How Jono managed to get round the pile up at the first mark I will never know, but he did and held on for 2nd at the finish leaving us tied on points. With the forecasted dropping we retired to the bar and had a brilliant night of catching up!

Sunday dawned with a light breeze which sadly dissipated by the eventual start time. After a short postponement, racing was finally abandoned and we had an early prize-giving.

Massive thank you to Emily for crewing, Jason for putting me up, Sebi for driving from Plymouth finishing 3rd and making us all laugh. The race officer for making it happen, Grafham Water Sailing Club volunteers, all the competitors from all the fleets and Nathan from Ovington's for organising and bringing us all together - thank you!

The 80th anniversary raffle

To celebrate the 80th anniversary the class is holding a raffle for a nearly brand new Ovington Firefly in full race spec! To get hold of a raffle ticket you need to sail a Firefly in your club races or at a Firefly event. The more you sail, the more tickets you get... I think! 

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Crew Club R1 R2 Pts

1st 2937 Chris Kameen Emily Bretterton Imperial Poona Sailing Club 2 1 3

2nd 2025 Jono Pank Rachel Crebbin IPYC 1 2 3

3rd 4500 Sebi Schmidt Georgia Evans Saundersfoot Sailing Club 4 3 7

4th 2065 Jason Aldous Josephine Mason Papercourt 3 6 9

5th 4220 Charlie Merryweather Kelsey Leet CUCrC 6 4 10

6th 2026 Jenny Smallwood Philip Aldhous West Oxfordshire SC 5 5 10

7th 5 Ben Dickinson Lily Butler CUCrC 7 7 14

8th 4 Will Bailey Emma Claridge CUCrC 8 8 16

9th 2 Ben Coast Luke Wallis CUCrC DNC DNC 20

Lymington Town Sailing Club Open Weekend

 

On Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 April, Lymington Town SC is holding an Open Weekend. Join on the weekend and as part of our 80th Anniversary celebration year we are waiving the Joining Fee of £100 for the first 80 new memberships.

Whether you're completely new to the sport or looking to get back on the water, our Open Weekend is the perfect time to give it a go. We have a full programme of training, sailing and water sports activities planned for the 2026 season offering opportunities for all ages, from beginner to experienced racers. As an RYA Training Centre, Lymington Town Sailing Club offers recognised sailing and powerboat courses for both adults and juniors, making it an ideal place to start or develop your sailing journey.

"We're inviting everyone to come and see what Lymington Town Sailing Club has to offer. We are keen to show all the activities that we run from our historic Clubhouse. Lymington Town Sailing Club is a friendly, inclusive and family oriented Club" commented Heather Chipperfield, Commodore.

Starting at 10am on both days, there will be a whole host of activities taking place with the Clubhouse bar being open all day and a range of food choices will be available from our galley team.

Sailing can be as physical or as relaxing as you want to make it. You can sail with others and make new friends, head out on your own, race competitively or simply potter about and enjoy the gentle escape of being out on the water.

Alongside the water-based activities, the Club also offers a wide range of social activities and events from Yoga, Cycling, Walking, Book and Bridge Clubs to themed suppers, Winter Talks, Quiz Nights, Band 'n' BBQs, Black Tie Balls and Children's Parties. The Club is also available for private hire to Members for a party in a room with the best waterfront view in town.

To find out more about the Open Weekend and upcoming training and sailing opportunities, visit www.ltsc.co.uk or follow Lymington Town Sailing Club on Facebook and Instagram.

Superb summer on the water with Royal Torbay Yacht Club

 

The Torbay Dinghy Regatta will take place over the weekend of July 11 & 12, open to PY Dinghies both Asymmetric and Non-Asymmetric, and Junior Classes.

The club is especially excited that the Melges 15 class have chosen Torbay to host their first ever UK National Championships. The event is being supported by the Melges 15 class, with charter boats available and a coaching day on Friday, July 10.

Enquiries from dinghy classes seeking a venue for their regional or seasonal sessions are always welcome. Competitors, along with their friends and families, are encouraged to meet up at the club on the evening of Friday for pre-regatta drinks.

The social programme continues after racing on the Saturday 11 with a BBQ and music at the club. https://rtyc.org/event/torbay-dinghy-regatta-2026/

The Torbay Royal Regatta will be taking place at the same venue from August 21 – 24. The event is open to IRC yachts with the IRC South West Championship an integral part of the event, plus Cruisers, Sportsboats and SB20’s, and three National Championships.

The J/24 class have been regular supporters of the regatta in recent years and RTYC are delighted to welcome them back for their 2026 Nationals. The Impala class will also be heading to Torbay for their Nationals, and with the location midway between the Solent/Poole and Plymouth/Falmouth fleets, a strong entry is expected.

The RS 21 class are excited about bringing their National Championships to the English Riviera for the first time, and the club are looking forward to hosting this high profile event over four days. Charter boats are available now https://rs21ukclass.org/contact-us/

The growing local fleet of SB20’s can be assured of fast and competitive racing, and with the SB20 Worlds coming to Torbay in next year, high entries are expected as the UK fleet prepare for 2027.

The club will be hosting post-racing social events in the club with the traditional and ever-popular Commodores Welcome party on the Friday evening, music on Saturday night, entertainment Sunday, with the bar and restaurant open throughout.

For further information on both events contact Bob Penfold events@rtyc.org

British Dragons Triumph on the World Stage as Louise Racing Secures Gold Cup Glory in Puerto Portals

 

British Dragon sailors delivered a standout performance at the Yanmar Dragon Gold Cup 2026, with GBR833 Louise Racing crowned overall champions and Great Britain securing the prestigious Nations Cup in a dramatic finale in the Bay of Palma.

The six-race series brought together a world-class fleet of 65 boats from 16 nations, racing under the Gold Cup's demanding long race, no-discard format, where consistency across the week proved decisive.

The championship tested crews with predominantly light and unstable conditions, placing a premium on patience, precision, and tactical awareness. It proved to be a winning start as race one was jointly won by GBR833 and SWE800 Miss Behaviour. For the first time, the Børge Børresen Memorial Trophy was jointly won by Grant Gordon and Jan Secher on the first day of the Yanmar Dragon Gold Cup.

Race one also determined the Nations Trophy teams. A strong performance from Louise Racing, Bluebottle and Jerboa GBR831 guaranteed their places in the team.

At the half way stage the fleet were towed to the race area in near-glassy conditions before a developing sea breeze allowed racing to get under way. Gains and losses were significant across the shortened three-leg course, with the breeze fading into the finish. Day four offered no respite, with attempts to complete racing abandoned as conditions failed to stabilise.

Momentum built on Day five, with two crucial races sailed in shifting north-easterly winds. GBR833 Louise Racing capitalised on clear air and strong positioning to secure victory in Race four, extending their overall lead. Michael Zankel's POR90 took the win in race five, ahead of SUI355 and GER11, after two Dragons were black flagged at the start.

Fellow British crews also made their mark. GBR767 Firefly delivered their strongest performance of the regatta in race four. GBR192 Bluebottle remained firmly in podium contention and GBR753 FitChick impressed with a top-10 finish in Race five.

Heading into the final race, just half a point separated GBR833 and SUI355 at the top of the leaderboard, while GBR192 Bluebottle remained within striking distance of the podium, and Great Britain were leading the Nations Cup. With the breeze expected to shift and ease, the final race delivered classic Palma conditions, testing even the most experienced teams.

In a composed and controlled performance, GBR833 held their nerve, finishing inside the top five to secure the Gold Cup title. Behind them, GBR192 Bluebottle delivered a decisive performance, finishing third in the final race to climb to second overall, a result that also secured the Nations Cup for Great Britain.

Gold Cup winning helm Grant Gordon, GBR833 reflected on the achievement: "Thank you to my whole team, to everyone who has organised this event, the race officers, the shore team and everyone in Puerto Portals for making this a special event. To all of the sailors and teams we compete against, being in the Dragon class is a privilege, and it is very humbling to win this special trophy, which comes from our country, from Scotland and the River Clyde.

"Thank you to our fellow Squadron members Bluebottle and to Gavia's team for helping us to win the Nations Cup. We look forward to competing again in the Dragons."

This double success marks a significant moment for British Dragon sailing on the international stage, underlining the strength, depth, and competitiveness of the fleet.

With the 2026 season continuing, and a landmark summer ahead in Cowes as part of the British Dragon Association's 70th anniversary year, British teams have firmly set the tone for what promises to be an exceptional season.

IOCA Optimist Spring Championships at Draycote Water Sailing Club

 

The IOCA UK Optimist Spring Championships were held over the weekend of March 14th and 15th, hosted by Draycote Sailing Club with 171 Optimists travelling to compete from all over the country. The venue had light breezes and sunshine on day 1 followed by gusty conditions on day 2 keeping sailors on their toes.

A Main Fleet of 121 boats with Ian Bullock heading the race committee completed 3 races over the first day in light and shifty conditions. On Saturday the lead was with Theo Fox, but a change in conditions and a discard led to movement on the leader board as the wind with strong gusts shifted positions on day 2. After a long and challenging second day Patrick Di Salle took first place with 1, 1, 2 in the three races, Jonny Rogers 2nd, Laszlo Drummond 3rd, First girl Chloe Davis (11th), first 12yr old Theo Fox (26th), first 11 yr old James Lawrence (37th) and first 10yr old Archie Dowling (58th).

Regatta Fleet had 30 entries for the weekend, and the race committee led by George Atwell ensured 6 races were successfully completed by the fleet. Four races were held in lighter breeze on Saturday, and two more in the stronger winds on Sunday so sailors were tested across a range of conditions. Well done to Bear Grube who took 1st place, Luke Robinson 2nd, and Skye Lynch 3rd overall.

The Coached Regatta fleet included an impressive 20 sailors and combined training and racing, led by Coach Lola Andrews they completed 4 races on Saturday. Those feeling confident to brave the wind on day 2 enjoyed some fast reaching and a few capsizes! Congratulations to 1st place Fletcher Sheehy, 2nd Summer Campbell-James, and 3rd Grace Anderson.

Thank you to Draycote Sailing Club for hosting the Championships with excellent facilities, the Race Committees for their knowledge and great racing over the weekend ensuring everyone had fun and competitive racing across the range of conditions, the organising committee, parents and sailors.

SESCA 2026 Season

 

Members of the St Edmundsbury Sailing & Canoeing Association, based at Lackford Lake near Bury St Edmunds, are looking forward to the start of their 2026 sailing and paddling season, which commences on Saturday, 28th March.

A comprehensive programme of events is scheduled through until November. In addition to dinghy racing on Sundays and social sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding, which take place throughout the week, the club hosts the on the water activities of a number of group members. These include the Bury St Edmunds; Newmarket and Mildenhall Sea Cadets; Young People Afloat (a sailing youth club); Suffolk Scouts; Priory School and WASH Sailability. The latter caters for individuals with a wide variety of special needs, as well as people with physical disabilities.

The highlight of SESCA's sailing & social calendar is the club's Antigua Sailing Day Regatta, which is being held on Sunday, 28 th June. This will be the 13th running of this fun event, which celebrates Antigua Sailing week in the Caribbean. The regatta is once again being generously sponsored by the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority.

It is a great feature of the club that it owns a large fleet of sailing dinghies (eg Wanderers; Gull; Lasers/ILCAs; Picos; Toppers and Optimists), kayaks and paddleboards (SUPs), so you do not need your own equipment to be able to sail or paddle. The club also prides itself on its low membership and joining fees.

Anyone interested in joining the club is invited to look at the club's website, www.westsuffolksailing.org.uk or contact the club secretary at sesca.admin@gmail.com for further information.

Italy’s coastline is one of the most diverse in Europe

 

Here’s a well-balanced 7-day sailing itinerary around Italy with a mix of relaxed cruising, iconic coastal stops, and great onshore activities. I’ll focus on the Amalfi Coast + islands (best mix of scenery, culture, and short sailing distances), and then give you an alternative in Sardinia at the end.

🇮🇹 Option 1: Amalfi Coast & Islands (Best all-rounder)

Start/End: Naples or nearby marina

Sailing style: Short hops, scenic coastline, lively towns

Why this route? Stunning views, historic sites, food, swim spots all close together

🗓️ Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 – Naples → Procida

Sail: ~1–2 hrs

Stop at Procida (authentic, less crowded)

Onshore ideas:

Wander pastel harbour at Marina Corricella

Seafood dinner by the water

Chill start after arrival/travel day

Day 2 – Procida → Ischia

Sail: ~1–2 hrs

Anchor near Ischia

Onshore ideas:

Thermal spas (natural hot springs are a highlight)

Visit Aragonese Castle

Sunset drinks overlooking the bay

Great mix of relaxation + light exploring

Day 3 – Ischia → Capri

Sail: ~3–4 hrs

Arrive at iconic Capri

Onshore ideas:

Boat into the Blue Grotto

Walk to Monte Solaro for views

Try local dishes like Caprese salad

Day 4 – Capri → Positano

Sail: ~2–3 hrs

Moor near Positano

Onshore ideas:

Explore steep pastel streets

Beach time + boutique shopping

Optional kayak along the cliffs

Day 5 – Positano → Amalfi

Sail: short coastal hop

Stop in Amalfi

Onshore ideas:

Visit Amalfi Cathedral

Lemon grove tours + limoncello tasting

Optional trip up to Ravello for epic views

Day 6 – Amalfi → Sorrento

Sail: ~3 hrs

Dock near Sorrento

Onshore ideas:

Day trip to Pompeii

Or hike Mount Vesuvius

This is your “history day”

Day 7 – Sorrento → Naples

Sail back (~2–3 hrs)

Final lunch + disembark

⚓ What makes this route great

Minimal long passages (more time exploring)

Mix of:

culture (Pompeii, Amalfi)

nature (Capri caves, cliffs)

lifestyle (food, wine, beaches)

Very well-supported for charters (easy logistics)

🌊 Option 2: Sardinia & La Maddalena (more nature, fewer crowds)

Start: Cannigione

Vibe: Wild beaches, turquoise water, quieter anchorages

Highlights

La Maddalena Archipelago islands

Snorkelling at Cala Corsara

Visit Cala Goloritzé (often ranked among Italy’s most beautiful beaches)

Optional coastal hiking sections of Selvaggio Blu

👉 This option is:

Less cultural sightseeing

More swimming, nature, and quiet anchorages

💡 Practical tips

Best time: May–June or Sept (great weather, fewer crowds)

Experience level: Amalfi = easier navigation; Sardinia = more open sailing

Charter type:

Bareboat (if experienced)

Skippered (more relaxing + local knowledge)

Marinas fill up quickly in peak summer—book ahead

👍 My recommendation

If it’s your first sailing trip in Italy, go with the Amalfi Coast route—it delivers the best mix of  : -

scenery

culture

food

manageable sailing distances

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Open Day at Shoreham Sailing Club

 

Free Open Day at Shoreham Sailing Club - taster sails, boat displays & membership options. Real sea sailing on the Sussex coast. All abilities welcome. Sat 9 May, 15:30–18:30.

Shoreham Sailing Club Open Day — Saturday 9 May 2026, 15:30–18:30**

223 Harbour Way, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5HZ | Free entry — all welcome**

Real Sea Sailing — on your doorstep.

Shoreham Sailing Club is one of the South Coast's most distinctive sailing clubs — because we sail on the sea. Not a lake. Not a reservoir. We launch from our slipway into the sheltered waters of the River Adur and from there straight out into the English Channel and along the beautiful Sussex coastline.

We're based at Soldiers Point on Shoreham Beach, just 15 minutes west of Brighton and an hour from London by train. On Saturday 9 May we're throwing open our doors for our annual Open Day — and we'd love you to come and see what we're about.

What's on;

Whether you've never set foot on a boat or you're a seasoned sailor looking for a new home, there's something for you on the day.

🌊 Taster Sails — weather permitting, get out on the water for a short sail in the harbour. There's no better way to experience what SSC is about than feeling the sea breeze for the first time. Free, and no experience needed.

⛵ Boat Displays — a wide range of club boats on show in the dinghy park, from family dinghies to single-handers and catamarans. Owners on hand to chat about their boats.

🧭 Improvers & Youth Info. — find out how our friendly Improvers programme takes complete beginners from their first taster session to independent sailors, and learn about our brand new Youth Club for young sailors aged 10–18.

🏠 Clubhouse & Refreshments — tea, coffee and cake in our welcoming clubhouse, with a licensed bar and stunning waterfront views. Come and soak up the atmosphere.

👥 Membership Desk — ready to answer all your questions about joining, with no pressure and plenty of time to chat.

A club for everyone — you don't have to sail.

SSC isn't just for sailors. Associate (social) membership starts from just £55/year and gives you access to the clubhouse, our vibrant social calendar, and our affiliate partners:

- Nomadic Sauna — sauna sessions at SSC.

- Yoga at Shoreham SC — regular yoga classes at the club.

- Pilates at Shoreham SC — pilates in the clubhouse.

- KRPT Personal Training — personal training sessions on site.---

Membership options.

There's a membership type for everyone at SSC — from full sailing membership for individuals, couples and families, through to affordable options for young people, students and cadets. If sailing isn't for you, our Associate (social) membership lets you be part of the club community without ever setting foot on a boat. Full details and fees at shorehamsailing.org/membership/membership

SSC Youth Club — new for 2026.

Our brand new Youth Club launches this spring, with Thursday evening social sessions from April to September. Table tennis, table football, sailing activities, BBQs and more — a social home at the club for young sailors aged 10–18. Find out more on the day or at   shorehamsailing.org/ssc-youth-club

RYA Affiliated | Registered Charity | Run by members, for members.

SSC is an RYA Affiliated Club — a mark of quality, safety and structured pathways for sailors of all abilities. We're a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Charity No. 1186853), run entirely by volunteers for the benefit of our members and the wider community.

Come and find us;

📍 223 Harbour Way, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5HZ

🗓 Saturday 9 May 2026 | 15:30–18:30

🌐 shorehamsailing.org

🆓 Free entry — no booking required

We look forward to welcoming you.

Athena Pathway Advances Youth Squad Following Trialist Programme

 

After a hugely successful open trials weekend at the legacy Olympic venue in Portland, Weymouth, the Athena Pathway Program (APP) has begun selection of the first sailors to its Youth Squad. Thirteen sailors make up this first cohort, with the final selection for the AC38 Youth Team still ongoing.

Alongside the announcement of the Youth Squad, Athena Pathway are proud and delighted to reaffirm their partnership with Rolex. "Rolex's enduring commitment to precision, excellence and achievement makes it a natural partner for the programme's ambition to redefine the future of high-performance sailing," said Athena's multiple Olympic gold medal winner and Founder Ben Ainslie.

"United by shared values and a passion for performance at the highest level, the partnership will support Athena Pathway's mission to create a sustainable and inclusive pathway for youth and female athletes, while continuing to push the boundaries of innovation and competitive sport."

Athena Pathway Program's Youth Squad :-

Killian Boag 19, Cowes

Katy Jenkins 21, Malmesbury

Finley Dickinson 22, Hayling Island

Jasmin Williams 22, Falmouth

Duncan Gregor 22, Hong Kong

Amelie Hiscocks 18, Portland

Kai Hockley 20, London

Ryan Littlechild 23, Sydney

Finian Morris 19, Weybridge

Kuba Staite 20, Hayling Island

Sam Webb 21, Lymington

Leo Wilkinson 21, Maidenhead

Sam Dickinson 21, Hayling Island

APP's Team Principal, Hannah Mills commented, "We had 158 applicants, which was amazing to see. So much depth and breadth across the UK's sailing talent that's coming forward... We chose 21 to come to the trials in Weymouth and now we've got a core squad of 13 who we're looking to develop for the Youth America's Cup in 2027 and beyond. But the door is still open, if you didn't make it this time, then keep training, keep pushing, there will be more opportunities in the future."

APP have three core goals for the Youth Squad. In the short term, two Youth Squad sailors will be selected to race with Hannah Mills and a women colleague in the America's Cup Preliminary regatta in Cagliari in May. "It's a fast-track program to get a race team ready," commented Mills.

The medium-term goal will be to extend and develop the Youth Squad, to produce a crew for the Youth America's Cup next summer, in Naples, Italy. "And looking at the longer-term vision, it's really, really exciting to think about the next generation of talent being nurtured -- both male and female -- for the Youth America's Cup and the Women's AC in 2029 and beyond.

The thirteen sailors have been carefully selected to meet all three of these goals and the broader vision of the APP. The introduction of a two-year America's Cup cycle now means that some of the sailors selected for AC38 in 2027 will still be young enough to qualify as Youth for AC39. It's an exciting prospect that means that by AC40 there will be sailors available to the Senior Team who have already experienced two America's Cup cycles.

Now add in the fact that the new race format for the America's Cup Preliminary Regattas has the Senior America's Cup teams - packed with superstar sailors - competing alongside the combined Women & Youth teams. It all adds up to an unbelievable prospect for these young sailors.

Youth Squad member Sam Webb commented, "I think my first memory is watching the big cats on San Francisco harbour..." - that was AC34, an event won by Athena's Team Principal Ben Ainslie - "and as I've watched over the years," continued Webb, "I've become more interested in the technical aspects and the racing.

"I think it's a really exciting time for the Cup, especially as a young person, I'm really excited about the opportunities that are arising at the moment with the Cup happening every two years."

Veterans Sail UK With Invictus Flag On Tall Ships

 

Two tall ships crewed by wounded, injured and sick veterans have set sail on a 2,000-mile voyage around the UK.

Spirit of Falmouth and Pellew departed Falmouth on Tuesday morning as part of the Full Circle Expedition.

The 12-week journey is coordinated by Turn to Starboard in partnership with Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.

The expedition will visit 22 ports across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, including a scheduled call at Bangor on Belfast Lough.

A rotating crew of 70 veterans and serving personnel will take part across five voyage legs.

The ships are carrying the Invictus Games flag to build momentum towards the Birmingham 2027 event.

The flag was raised ahead of departure at Falmouth Coastguard Station before the vessels sailed at 10:00 am, escorted by the Turn to Starboard fleet.

Cannons were fired from Pendennis Castle as the ships crossed Falmouth Bay.

Turn to Starboard CEO Sally Terry said the voyage highlights the role of challenge and community in recovery.

“This expedition brings together two organisations committed to empowering veterans through challenge, camaraderie and community,” she said.

“More than a voyage, this is a story of courage, service and renewal.”

Army veteran and skipper Paul Miller said the journey carries strong meaning for those involved.

“Sailing the Invictus Games Flag around the UK is deeply meaningful,” he said.

“It represents courage, determination and community.”

The voyage is also raising £300,000 to fund a second tall ship for the charity.

Full Circle forms part of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 Impact Programme, aimed at supporting recovery through sport and shared experience.

The expedition is due to return to Falmouth on 11 June 2026.

Full route:

Falmouth • Departure: Tuesday 17 March

Plymouth • Arrival: Tuesday 17 March • Departure: Friday 20 March

Weymouth • Arrival: Saturday 21 March • Departure: Wednesday 25 March

Portsmouth • Arrival: Wednesday 25 March • Departure: Wednesday 1 April

Ramsgate • Arrival: Friday 3 April • Departure: Sunday 5 April

Chatham • Arrival: Sunday 5 April • Departure: Thursday 9 April

Ipswich • Arrival: Thursday 9 April • Departure: Monday 13 April

Hull • Arrival: Tuesday 14 April • Departure: Friday 17 April

Newcastle • Arrival: Saturday 18 April • Departure: Wednesday 22 April

Leith • Arrival: Thursday 23 April • Departure: Friday 1st May

Wick • Arrival: Sunday 3 May • Departure: Wednesday 6 May

Stromness • Arrival: Wednesday 6 May • Departure: Sunday 10 May

Stornoway • Arrival: Monday 11 May • Departure: Friday 15 May

Tanera • Arrival: Friday 15 May • Departure: Monday 18 May

Oban • Arrival: Monday 18 May • Departure: Thursday 21 May

Bangor • Arrival: Friday 22 May • Departure: Monday 25 May

Peel • Arrival: Tuesday 26 May • Departure: Thursday 28 May

Liverpool • Arrival: Friday 29 May • Departure: Monday 1 June

Milford Haven • Arrival: Wednesday 3 June • Departure: Friday 5 June

Isles of Scilly • Arrival: Saturday 6 June • Departure: Wednesday 10 June

Anchorage – Helford River • Arrival: Wednesday 10 June • Departure: Thursday 11 June

Falmouth (final return) • Arrival: Thursday 11 June

Broadstairs Sailing Club invites past and present members to celebrate as it marks 90th anniversary

 

Broadstairs Sailing Club is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year — a remarkable milestone that reflects decades of sailing, friendship, and community on the Kent coast.

Founded in 1936, the club has grown through the dedication and enthusiasm of generations of members who have helped shape it into the thriving sailing community it is today. Over the years, the club has welcomed sailors of all ages and abilities, creating lasting memories both on and off the water.

To mark this special anniversary, preparations are well underway for a 90th anniversary dinner and dance on 20 June, which promises to be a memorable evening of celebration, stories and shared history.

The club is keen for the event to bring together both past and present members. Many former members have moved away or lost touch over the years, and the anniversary celebrations offer a perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends and revisit the club.

Adrian Trice, Commodore during this landmark year, said he would be delighted to welcome as many former members as possible to the celebrations.

“This is a very special year for the club,” he said. “We would love to see familiar faces from across the decades join us to celebrate the club’s history, share memories, and enjoy a wonderful evening together.”

Anyone who has previously been a member of Broadstairs Sailing Club, or who knows former members, is encouraged to spread the word and help bring the sailing community back together for this unique occasion.

5 year partnership provides programme to develop sailing skills at Whitstable Yacht Club

 

Whitstable Yacht Club is delighted to continue to work with holidaycottages.co.uk as a major sponsor in 2026, our fifth year of partnership.

The sponsorship will support a range of sailing activities through the 2026 season including our premier racing event Whitstable Week, community outreach events linking with local schools and Discover Sailing, a 'have a go' day open to the town, and CadetFest a summer week-long fun event for young people. The sponsorship will also support WYC's innovative 'Transition to Racing' programme aimed at bringing more competent learners of all ages into the club's racing programme.

A key part of the programme will be provision of bursaries to promote the development of sailing skills for both adult members and for children. 2026 is the fourth year holidaycottages.co.uk have provided bursaries with previous recipients going onto become competent racers, sailing instructors and in one case having a career in the marine industry.

Serena Clarke, Regional Communities Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk commented, "We are committed to supporting causes close to the hearts of local communities where guests holiday. From sponsoring local charities and organisations to promoting environmental initiatives, leaving a positive impact through responsible tourism is one of our key values.

"We are proud to support Whitstable Yacht Club by providing bursaries for sailing courses, helping both new adult members and children discover the joy of being on the water. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire more people of all ages to take up sailing and experience the thrill of this rewarding sport.

"Whether setting sail for a weekend regatta or enjoying a coastal getaway, we have the ideal accommodation. From charming fisherman's cottages to stylish sea-view apartments, our carefully curated collection provides the perfect base for your next sailing adventure.

Whitstable Yacht Club Commodore David Figgis added, "We are thrilled to work with holidaycottages.co.uk for a fifth year. I am particularly pleased to see the legacy created by the bursaries awarded in previous years with members now actively involved in water sports at the club. The 2026 partnership builds on that success with a programme designed to promote sailing and expand membership across all ages."

First race of the season at WYC

An enthusiastic band of sailors gathered for the first race of the 2026 season on March 15th in sunny but windy conditions and a forecast of stronger gusts to come!

Two Toppers and eight Lasers made the start with Joe Barton leading mum Louise round for two laps until both retired in the building breeze. Matt Crockett in a Radial led the Lasers to the gybe mark before taking a swim, with others perishing on the run to the gybe which encouraged the more cautious/sensible to granny tack round.

The survivors set off on a second lap led by Andy Provan, Nick Stephens, and Dave Sansom - others followed but eventually the intrepid three finished in that order despite the odd capsize and more frequent challenge of getting stuck in irons.

2026 RORC Easter Challenge - Coaching, competition and the perfect start to the season

 

The RORC Easter Challenge, organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, returns to the Solent from 3 to 5 April 2026, offering one of the most effective ways for racing teams to prepare for the season ahead. Entry fees start from under £500 for a 40ft boat.

Hosted from the RORC Cowes Clubhouse, the three day regatta combines high quality racing with world class coaching, making it one of the most valuable early season events in the racing calendar. Teams compete in short Solent races during the day before reviewing their performance through detailed video analysis and coaching sessions each evening.

RORC Racing Manager Chris Jackson explains why the event has become a cornerstone of many teams' calendars:

"The Easter Challenge is about improving performance as much as competing. The combination of proper racing on the Solent and structured coaching sessions gives teams a chance to test their setups, sharpen manoeuvres and refine communication on board. It is the ideal way to start the season."

A key element of the event is the on the water coaching programme, led by Richard Moxey, former National Keelboat Development Manager at the Royal Yachting Association. Moxey and his team observe racing from RIBs, capturing video and data that is analysed during evening debriefs.

With competitive racing, expert coaching and the welcoming atmosphere of the RORC Cowes Clubhouse, the RORC Easter Challenge continues to attract a diverse fleet ranging from professional race teams to Corinthian crews preparing for the season ahead.

The event offers a rare opportunity to combine top level coaching with real race pressure, helping teams unlock performance before the major offshore and inshore events begin.

Racing takes place from Good Friday to Easter Sunday (03-05 April), with all competitors receiving a warm welcome ashore at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse. Accommodation and dining are available, but early booking is strongly recommended\

For more information about the Royal Ocean Racing Club: www.rorc.org