707 Sprints Regatta 2026 at Port Edgar Yacht Club

 

After a two-year gap, PEYC, once again, held the 707 Sprints Regatta on the 3-4 October: the last 707 UK Event of the year. 14 yachts booked for the event held in Inverkeithing Bay, just east of the iconic three Forth Bridges.

The yachts were split into two fleets, Green and White, on the Saturday, based on their results at 707 Events throughout 2026, and split again on the Sunday seeded into two fleets, Yellow and Blue, based on their results on the Saturday.

The courses were all short windward-leeward with the two fleets starting separately on the courses, and each day's racing regarded as a separate series for each fleet.

Conditions were excellent on the Saturday with neap tides, a warm and sunny day, and a steady breeze all day from the southwest of averaging 12 knots but with gusts up to 22.

The Race Officer, Paul Deponio, had a slick team on the club committee boat, EuRoBo, organised by Margaret Tait, and an enthusiastic well organised support team of the club motor boat, Beamer, with the redoubtable Jim Scott on the ball at the windward end, and three mark-laying RIBs.

The RO and team managed to pack in ten races for each fleet on the Saturday with the yachts all well controlled and tight in the courses, and still getting back into the marina by 4:30pm, and only one protesting boat which was very quickly settled by the protest committee using the RYA Arbitration method.

Sunday had an overcast sky and threats of rain, but fortunately the rain stayed off for the day. The forecasted wind of 19-27 knots did not appear and the wind was relatively steady in speed at 18 knots, again with gusts. However, it was quite variable in direction necessitating resetting the course three times during the 6 races series. The sixth and last race of the day started at 14:00, with no protests that day.

The overall worthy winners of the Sprints Trophy, Monarch from Royal Tay YC tied on points with More T Vicar from Royal Yorkshire YC. Therefore, the RYA Series tie break rule came into play with the split only occurring at third places. Tsunami 2 from PEYC, the previous sprints winners, took third place.

In the second fleet, Jetstream were overall winner, with their discard remarkably being a first place!

All teams enjoyed the weekend's sport and there was much talk in the clubhouse about another Sprints Event in 2027.

Thanks to the Sponsors for their support - Stewart Brewing, Port Edgar Marina, Sea Cadets Port Edgar Boat Station, and Edinburgh Watersports Centre/Edinburgh Marine Academy.

Thanks too to the many club volunteers who made this event a great success.

ASTO Small Ships Challenge

 

The Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) has celebrated another successful Small Ships event which took place from 2 – 4 October in Cowes, Isle of Wight, bringing together 21 vessels, 222 young people, plus 86 volunteers and staff from across the UK for a weekend of challenge, collaboration and sail training.

Originally planned as the annual Small Ships Race, light winds across the Solent meant organisers adapted in true sailing fashion and launched the Small Ships Challenge, creating a new and engaging way for participants to test their skills on and off the water. Throughout the event, crews completed 34 tasks designed to encourage teamwork, resilience, creativity and problem solving.

Challenges ranged from identifying and photographing different vessel types and navigating to designated locations, through to practical navigation exercises flag making and creative snack platters. The revised format ensured young people experienced all the benefits of sail training while embracing the spirit of friendly competition and adventure that sits at the heart of the event.

The 2026 event saw Tectona take the Class B title, Challenger 4 win Class C1 and Bright Star take the top spot in Class C2, with crews across the fleet demonstrating outstanding determination, adaptability and teamwork throughout the weekend. A special award was also presented to the youngest crew member, 12-year-old Tilia Jackson from Tectona. Each Class winner received an Adlard Coles Reeds Nautical Almanac, kindly donated to the event. 

Kerry McMillan, CEO of ASTO, said: “The Small Ships Challenge is a brilliant example of what makes sail training so powerful. While the weather may have changed our plans, it certainly didn’t change the enthusiasm, commitment and determination shown by everyone taking part.

“The challenge encouraged young people to think creatively, work together and embrace new experiences. More importantly, it gave them the opportunity to build confidence, develop skills and create memories that will stay with them long after the event has ended. We’re incredibly proud of every young person who took part this year and grateful to the organisations, staff, volunteers and supporters who helped make such a successful weekend possible.”

First held in 2002, Small Ships Races are a longstanding fixture in ASTO’s calendar, having visited ports across the UK and Europe including Belfast, London, Dartmouth and St Peter Port with an annual event in Cowes since 2004. With at least half of crew members aged under 25, the event combines competitive sailing with the personal development opportunities at the heart of sail training.

The event also highlighted the strength of collaboration across the sail training sector, with member organisations, staff, volunteers and supporters working together to ensure participants enjoyed a safe, rewarding and memorable experience despite the change in format. 

ASTO Trustee David Snelson CB, said: “Thank you to all the crews for getting into the spirit of the event. The essence of a sail training trip is to deal with what you have in front of you, adapt your plan and make the best of it. That’s what we’ve done this weekend. It’s been great to see the energy and commitment that both trainees and boat staff have brought to the weekend and today in particular.” 

For the young people involved, the event offered an opportunity to step beyond their individual voyages and become part of a wider sail training community, connecting with other crews, learning new skills and discovering what can be achieved through teamwork, determination and adventure at sea.

As one young person sailing onboard Tall Ships Youth Trust Challenger 5 commented: “Plans can change, because today there was no wind, obviously the race was called off. And at first I was quite disappointed about that, but then I thought, well, that’s okay. I can still take out as much as I can from it. And I mean, it’s such a learning experience that things can go wrong and it’s still okay.”

12sqM Sharpie British National Championship 2026 at Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club

 

Despite some concerns scheduling the Nationals in October, the weather gods and Brancaster Staithe SC combined to provide the perfect end of season championships. Balmy conditions, sea courses with offshore breezes, and a tight four race schedule with no discards was duly delivered by PRO Bill Andrews and the BSSC team.

Saturday's first race set the tone of the meeting, with Will Gibbs & Charlie Orton in GBR12 Rock-a-bye leading from start to finish, extending their lead over Alex Scoles & Simon Turner in GBR71 Tern 1 in second, with Chris & Maddie Gibbs in GBR 125 Windspiel completing the podium. The second race of the day led to a course reset, with the wind veering a little more Northwest. Two general recalls led to the inevitable black flag start, with two teams falling victim with premature starts.

The fleet generally held an inshore course, before heading across the tide to the windward mark. GBR12 hit repeat mode and led the fleet round, with GBR125 gradually clawing their way through the fleet to finish second. BSSC members Sam Neal & Marcus Flint in GBR138 Sirius sailed a solid race to finish third.

Sunday's racing exceeded the predicted 5mph, serving up a sunny force 2-3 Southwesterly. The offshore start line led to a split in tactics, giving the option of a long port tack in more breeze (and adverse tide), or the alternative Starboard tack inshore first into less tide albeit with unpredictable lifts and headers, with reduced wind strength closer inshore.

BSSC members James Nunn & Mark Whitaker in GBR136 Racker picked their way expertly to round first, closely pursued by GBR12. The positions swapped on the second reach out to the leeward mark, remaining in that order until Gibbs senior in GBR125 picked his way through to finish second, GBR136 finished third.

The final race was sailed in the freshest breeze, with the no discard series bringing it's own increase in pressure for those in contention for the title.

GBR12 led out from the port inshore end of the line, but the fresher breeze and ability to lee bow the tide offshore shuffled the leading pack. Chris Gibbs worked the shifts up the middle of the course to round first, with the next two Sharpies steaming in from offshore. Dutch guest Job Volwater & first time crew Ellie Beachell in GBR3 Houri were second, and Overy Staithe SC members Will Worsley & Sam Worsley in their newly restored GBR31 Dita rounding third. GBR12 meanwhile had become mired in the chasing pack, with some indecision as to the best course to windward.

Dita and Houri continued to battle upwind and downwind, with Houri showing off a little too much of her bottom planking during one frantic gybe! Gibbs senior extended his lead to win,putting further pressure on son Will to dig out a result. The Worsley's posted a creditable second in their first ever Brits, with Job & Ellie scoring an excellent third place. Meanwhile GBR12 had clawed their way through to finish fourth, doing just enough to secure their first National title.

Congratulations to Will & Charlie, sailing GBR12 Rock-a-bye expertly all weekend. Please excuse any unintended bias, as your correspondent owned and sailed this Sharpie for 50 years!

Overall Results:

Pos Boat Name Sail No Helm Crew Club R1 R2 R3 R4 Pts

1st Rock‑a‑bye 12 Will Gibbs Charlie Orton Wells SC 1 1 1 4 7

2nd Windspiel 125 Chris Gibbs Maddie Gibbs Wells SC 3 2 2 1 8

3rd Rakker 136 James Nunn Mark Whitaker BSSC 5 6 3 5 19

4th Sirius 138 Sam Neal Marcus Flint BSSC 4 3 4 11 22

5th Dita 31 Will Worsley Sam Worsley Overy Staithe 10 4 9 2 25

6th Tern 1 71 Alex Scoles Simon Turner BOSC 2 10 8 6 26

7th Maid of Arnhem 77 Tim Gibbs Graham White Wells SC 7 8 12 8 35

8th Houri 3 Job Volwater Ellie Beachell 12 NSC 6 3 38

9th Madrigal 129 Tim Ashby Theo Ashby 11 5 11 13 40

10th Westwind 131 Stuart MacCullum Matilda MacCallum 9 7 13 12 41

11th Capella 128 Alex Smith Paul Beachell 8 11 10 14 43

12th Titania 16 Andrew Cracknell Mia Hall Wells SC 6 NSC 5 16 44

13th Poelsnip 135 Martin Read Sally Wynne Wells SC 13 9 17 7 46

14th Teriodin 79 Sam Moore Max Banfield/Tansy Moore 16 13 15 10 54

15th Chuckles 63 Brian Lambert Rosie Newport BSSC DNC DNC 7 9 56

16th Rose of Sharon 105 Will Ellison Tom Godwin BSSC 14 14 14 15 57

17th Luffa 123 Henry Burkitt James Herbert BSSC 15 12 16 DNF 61

Single-handed Open Race Coaching at Attenborough Sailing Club

 

Saturday's forecast at Attenborough was a pleasant 8 to 10mph, but the forecast doesn't know about the islands, the trees and the local geography, so what the sailors actually got was sometimes 8 to 10mph, sometimes 5, sometimes nothing, and it could come from any direction it liked. Not the easiest conditions, but a good test of whether the basics hold up when the wind isn't helping.

Eleven sailors took part, mainly from the home club, with a good mix of newer sailors, some old hands and a few in between. The boats were just as mixed, with a Mirror, two Comets, a Topper, an ILCA 4 and a number of ILCA 6s and 7s.

Three coaches were on the water: Dom Barnes, Colin Dengate, who has just qualified as a Level 3 Race Coach, and Emily Dengate. Emily is Colin's daughter, but don't let that fool you: she is a very good coach in her own right. Three coaches for eleven sailors meant everyone got clear feedback on their own sailing, which is a big part of the Dom Barnes Coaching approach.

The focus for the day was Quick Wins, Do the Basics Correctly. The briefing covered what the coaches would be looking for in tacks, gybes and mark roundings, and how well the sailors were using the five essentials.

The first exercise was a warm-up with no coaching, a short windward/leeward with five tacks and five gybes, just to get everyone going. That was followed by the main coached exercise, a longer windward/leeward sailed as if it was a race, with the coaches working with each sailor on their own quick wins. The wind then died to nothing at almost exactly lunchtime, so the sailors came ashore for food and a debrief.

After lunch, while the wind filled back in, the group went through the sail controls on an ILCA, what each one does, how they are linked together and how they affect the boat. The afternoon was repeated one-lap windward/leeward races with coaching, until the wind died again, as it was always going to. Once the boats were packed away, the day finished with a final debrief and a discussion about what everyone had learned and what they would take into their next race.

Dom Barnes Coaching would like to thank Attenborough SC for their fantastic support and for hosting the first of the Single-handed Open Race Training days. The next one is at Bartley Sailing Club on Sunday 25th October.

Entries open for ORC European Championship 2027 in Málaga

 

Registration is now open for the 2027 ORC European Championship, which will bring Europe's leading offshore racing fleet to Málaga from 4 to 12 June 2027.

The Notice of Race is now published, and a comprehensive event website is live with key information for competitors planning their campaigns.

Up to 80 international boats are expected to compete on the waters of Málaga and the Alborán Sea. The championship programme will combine demanding offshore racing with tactical inshore races, providing a varied test for crews in the Mediterranean conditions typical of early summer.

The championship is being organised in cooperation with the Offshore Racing Congress and the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation, with institutional support from the Regional Government of Andalusia, Málaga City Council and the Málaga Port Authority. Real Club Mediterráneo is also represented within the organising committee.

The event is open to boats holding a valid 2027 ORC International certificate and meeting the eligibility requirements set out in the Notice of Race. Racing is planned across Classes 0, A, B and C, subject to the published CDL limits and entry requirements.

The title of ORC European Champion will be awarded to the best-performing boat in each class, with prizes also presented to the top three boats in every class. Separate Corinthian and Female Division awards will recognise the leading eligible boat in each class, provided it meets the minimum entry requirements.

ompetitors may register until 4 May 2027, while the deadline for payment of the Early Bird entry fee is 4 April 2027. Entries for the Corinthian and Female divisions must be declared by 21 May 2027.

The championship in Málaga opens with registration and equipment inspection from 4 June. A practice race and opening ceremony are scheduled for 6 June, followed by six days of championship racing from 7 to 12 June. The event will conclude with the final inshore racing and closing ceremony on 12 June.

With an international airport offering extensive connections across Europe, more than 300 days of sunshine each year and a race venue only minutes from its historic centre, Málaga offers visiting teams an accessible and vibrant Mediterranean championship destination.

Competitors can now consult the Notice of Race, submit their entry and find information about the venue, programme, logistics and accommodation through the official online channels:

Event website: orcmalaga2027.com

ORC event website: orc.org/europeans2027

World Sailing Inclusion Championships 2026 in Portimão, Portugal

 

A record 222 athletes from 40 nations will take to the water in Portimão from Monday as the 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships bring together leading Para Inclusive sailors, established international competitors and a new generation of athletes from across the world.

Racing begins today Monday 5 October and runs through to Saturday 10 October, with medals to be decided across nine events over the six days of competition.

The 2026 event builds on the inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Oman in 2025, and continues the momentum created through World Sailing's wider Para Inclusive programme.

World Sailing President Quanhai Li said the growth of the Championships demonstrated the progress being made across the sport.

"This is not just a regatta; it is a defining tradition for our sport," he said at Sunday's Opening Ceremony, held at the historic riverside Antiga Lota de Portimão. "It is a powerful continuation of a movement that will shape Para and inclusive sailing for decades to come."

"The core goal of these Championships remains clear: to celebrate ability over limitation.

"We are here to provide an elite racing platform where every sailor, regardless of physical ability, competes with visibility, purpose, and equity."

That ambition is reflected in a championship bringing together athletes with a wide range of backgrounds, abilities and sailing experience.

For Thailand's Tanat Upatising, Portimão is both a competitive opportunity and a chance to take new knowledge and experience back home. Upatising began sailing in 2021 and normally races the SV14 in Thailand. Portimão is his first World Sailing Inclusion Championships and his first experience racing the RS Venture Connect (Para Inclusive Two Person Keelboat).

"It's our first time in this boat, so it's really exciting and challenging," he said.

Upatising took part in the Inclusive Development Programme (IDP) ahead of the Championships and said the experience had already proved valuable.

"We came for the three-day development programme, which was really helpful. We learned a lot and had the chance to get out on the water in the boat, which was great."

He added that one of the most striking aspects of the event had been seeing sailors with different abilities competing together.

"It's amazing to see people with so many different abilities here. It was the first time I had seen vision impaired sailors sailing a boat, and it was amazing."

There is no shortage of competitive ambition too.

"There are 28 teams, so we're hoping we can finish at least in the top five. Top three would be nice!"

"There are a lot of things I want to take back home, but we have to start somewhere. I hope we can take what we've learned here back to Thailand and keep building, so that we can grow from an emerging nation into something more."

The Championships also form an important part of World Sailing's wider campaign for sailing to return to the Paralympic programme at Brisbane 2032.

President Li said every race in Portimão would help demonstrate the strength and potential of Para Inclusive sailing.

"Every start, tactical manoeuvre and finish line crossed proves that Para Inclusive Sailing is high-performance, vibrant, and expanding across the globe," he said.

For Jamaica's Andre Daley, however, the week represents something much more immediate: the latest step in a sailing journey that began only a few months ago.

Daley started sailing in June this year after an accident while scuba diving in 2025. He arrives at his first World Sailing Inclusion Championships determined to make the most of the opportunity.

"I'm very excited. I came to give it my all and do my best," he said, with his introduction to sailing having come through World Sailing Inclusive Development Programme in Antigua.

"That was my first time sailing. I learned how to sail, learned the parts of the boat, and learned a lot. I'm still learning this week as well."

Even for a sailor still at the beginning of his journey in the sport, the impact of sailing is already clear.

"When I'm out on the water, I feel free. It's amazing. I'd love for more people to come and try."

The 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships take place in Portimão, Portugal, from 5-10 October, delivered in partnership with Vela Solidária, the Municipality of Portimão, and the Portuguese Sailing Federation, with backing from The America's Cup.

Event website: www.sailing.org/world-sailing-inclusion-championships

Instagram updates: @ParaWorldSailingOfficial

Setting a course for the 18th CIC Normandy Channel Race

 

After a record-breaking 2026 edition—marked by unprecedented intensity and speed—the event is set to launch its 18th edition on Sunday, May 30, 2027.

Following the victory of Guillaume Pirouelle and Jules Ducelier aboard SOGESTRAN / SEAFRIGO in 2026, and with the Class40 becoming an increasingly essential fixture in offshore racing alongside the renewal of the title partnership with CIC through 2028, all signs point to continued success as the event moves closer to its symbolic 20th anniversary.

The CIC Normandy Channel Race is not merely a speed race; it is a high-speed game of chess. In the English Channel and the Celtic Sea, crews must contend with currents, coastal effects, tricky passages, and weather conditions capable of completely reshuffling the deck in a matter of hours. On board, sailors must be able to accelerate when a window opens, slow down when the situation demands it, and—above all—make the right decision before their rivals do. In this race, you need to know how to attack, but also where and when to do so. The slightest poor choice can come at a heavy price. That is what makes the CIC Normandy Channel Race so thrilling and so demanding.

Class40: a key player in offshore racing

This momentum is part of a broader trend: the continued rise of Class40, which has become a central class in offshore racing, both in France and internationally. With 49 Class40 boats set to start the upcoming Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe on November 1st—making it the event's largest fleet—the class confirms its appeal and its ability to attract an increasingly competitive and international field of sailors. This sends a strong signal to the entire industry and to the future of offshore racing.

Setting sights on the 20-year milestone

With 18 editions now under its belt, the event has established a lasting legacy built over generations of sailors, technological advancements, and major shifts in the world of offshore racing. This trajectory is also bolstered by the loyalty of its partners. CIC, the title partner since 2021, is renewing its commitment through 2028, reaffirming its support for the event and its long-term development alongside the local authorities that have partnered with it since the very beginning.

Join us on Sunday, May 30, 2027, to write the next chapter of this story.

The 2027 Notice of Race is published today, and registration is now open: www.normandy-race.com - Competitor Area

Kinsale Names O’Sullivan and O’Leary for Sovereign’s Cup 2027

 Kinsale Yacht Club has confirmed the dates and senior race management team for the 2027 Sovereign’s Cup, with Michael O’Sullivan returning as Race Director and Anthony O’Leary again taking charge on the water as Principal Race Officer.

The four-day regatta will run from Wednesday, 23 June to Saturday, 26 June 2027 and will be the 17th edition of the biennial event, first sailed in 1995.

O’Sullivan returns to the Race Director role he held for the 2025 regatta, which attracted 95 boats to Kinsale.

O’Leary will also resume his 2025 role as Principal Race Officer. A multiple winner of the Sovereign’s Cup as a competitor, the Cork sailor has won the overall trophy on three occasions.

From Competitor to Race Officer

His experience on both sides of the race committee boat was evident in 2025, when the programme included the “Jeanot Petch” feature race among the courses set for the fleet.

Kinsale Yacht Club Commodore Anthony O’Neill said the club was delighted to have both men returning for 2027.

“We had 95 boats on the entry list in 2025, and we believe that all crews were very happy with what the venue delivered both in the quality of racing and from a social perspective ashore,” O’Neill said.

“The 2027 dates are set, the team is in place. Put 23rd to 26th of June in the diary, and we will welcome you to Kinsale in June 2027!”

Racing and Shoreside Programme

O’Sullivan said O’Leary’s return as PRO would give the regatta an experienced hand in developing the racing programme.

“It is fantastic to have Anthony back as PRO. He is sure to build a programme to test good sailing across all possible wind conditions and have everyone back to the marina in time for the evening entertainment,” O’Sullivan said.

The Sovereign’s Cup has been a fixture of the Irish cruiser-racing calendar since its inaugural staging in 1995, combining racing off Kinsale with a shoreside programme at the West Cork harbour venue.

2027 Dates Confirmed

With the Race Director and PRO now confirmed, the next edition is set for 23–26 June 2027, two years after the 2025 regatta drew a 95-boat entry.

Bluebottle Caps Remarkable 2026 Dragon Season with European Grade 1 Series Victory

 

Royal Racing Yacht Bluebottle (GBR 192) has brought an exceptional 2026 racing season to a fitting conclusion by winning the International Dragon Association's European Grade 1 Series and the prestigious Standfast Trophy.

Cared for by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust and raced by Graham Bailey, Julia Bailey, Will Bedford and Killian Boag, Bluebottle secured the series with a remarkably consistent performance across three of Europe's most competitive Grade 1 regattas.

The team recorded fourth place at the opening Grade 1 in San Remo, followed by another fourth at Lake Balaton, before winning the UK Grade 1 in Cowes as part of the 2026 Edinburgh Cup.

With the best three results counting towards the overall series, Bluebottle finished with just nine points to take the Standfast Trophy.

The result crowns a season in which the historic wooden Dragon has continued to compete successfully against the very best modern boats and crews on the international circuit.

Bluebottle opened her major championship campaign with second overall at the 2026 Yanmar Dragon Gold Cup in Puerto Portals, also forming part of the British team that won the Nations Cup.

Further success followed in Helsinki, where victory in the Finnish National Championship propelled team Bluebottle to the top of the International Dragon Class Ranking List during the summer.

The season reached another high point in August when Bluebottle returned to Cowes for an exceptional period of racing on the Solent.

At the Edinburgh Cup and International Dragon Association UK Grand Prix, hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron, Graham and Julia Bailey, Will Bedford and Killian Boag secured the championship with a race to spare.

It was a particularly significant victory in Bluebottle's long racing history. Although she had achieved Edinburgh Cup podium finishes during the 1950s and 1960s, 2026 marked the first time Bluebottle herself had won the famous trophy.

For Graham Bailey it was his fourth Edinburgh Cup victory, while Julia Bailey became a member of an Edinburgh Cup-winning crew for the fifth time.

Just days later Bluebottle returned to the start line to defend the Marblehead Trophy, which she had won in St Tropez in 2025 as the first British challenger ever to claim the historic inter-club competition.

The 2026 edition was held in Britain for the first time as a consequence of that victory. Bluebottle, representing the Royal Yacht Squadron, added another podium finish to her season by taking third overall, including a race victory in the closely fought six-race series.

Franck Bruyère, Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, said: "Bluebottle's achievements throughout 2026 have been remarkable and everyone at the Trust is enormously proud of what Graham, Julia, Will and Killian have achieved.

"To see a yacht with such an extraordinary history not simply taking part, but competing successfully against the very best modern Dragons in the world, demonstrates exactly why returning Bluebottle to racing was so worthwhile.

"Winning the European Grade 1 Series and the Standfast Trophy is a fitting conclusion to an outstanding season and reflects the commitment of the race team, David Heritage Racing Yachts and everyone involved in caring for Bluebottle and ensuring that this important piece of British maritime history continues to be enjoyed on the water."

Built by Camper and Nicholsons, Bluebottle was presented to Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip as a wedding gift from members of the Island Sailing Club in Cowes. In 1956 she was loaned to the British sailing team for the Melbourne Olympic Games, where Lt Cdr Graham Mann and his crew won the bronze medal, the only Olympic medal ever won by a British Dragon.

Following an extensive restoration by David Heritage Racing Yachts in Cowes, commissioned by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, Bluebottle returned to competitive sailing and has since raced extensively at national and international level.

The 2026 Grade 1 Series featured fleets of 50 boats in San Remo, 27 at Lake Balaton, 50 in Cowes and 42 at Medemblik, underlining the calibre and depth of competition across the season.

Bluebottle's victory also places Graham Bailey among the 20 helms invited to compete in the inaugural Grade 1 Finals in San Remo on 16-17 March 2027, where the Flow Trophy will be contested. The Standfast Trophy will also be presented in San Remo.

2026 season highlights include:

Second overall – Yanmar Dragon Gold Cup, Puerto Portals

Member of the winning Great Britain Nations Cup team

Fourth – European Grade 1, San Remo

Fourth – European Grade 1, Lake Balaton

Winner – Finnish National Championship

Number one in the International Dragon Class Ranking List during the season

Winner - Cowes Week 2026, Dragon Class

Winner – Edinburgh Cup and IDA UK Grand Prix, Cowes

Third – Marblehead Trophy, Cowes

Winner – 2026 European Grade 1 Series and Standfast Trophy

A Family Sailing Adventure around the Ionian Seas

 

For a family sailing adventure with plenty to do ashore, I’d look at the central Ionian — starting from Lefkada and exploring Meganisi, Kastos, Kalamos, Ithaca and Kefalonia. It gives you a lovely balance of sailing, swimming, beaches, villages, walking and a little adventure, without spending every day making long passages. Recent 2026 sailing guides also identify this area as particularly suitable for families because of the relatively short hops and sheltered anchorages

Day 1 — Lefkada → Meganisi

Sail: ~8–12 nautical miles

Start gently. Pick up the yacht in Lefkada and head across to Meganisi, perhaps anchoring in beautiful Vathy Bay.

Family adventure:

Swimming and snorkelling straight off the boat

Paddleboards/kayaks around the bay

Walk into Vathy for ice cream and dinner

Explore the little lanes and waterfront

Meganisi is particularly good for a first day because there are lots of sheltered bays and short sailing distances.

Day 2 — Meganisi → Kastos

Sail: ~15 nautical miles

This is where the holiday starts feeling like a real adventure. Kastos is tiny and wonderfully unspoilt.

Onshore:

Hire bicycles or walk around the island

Swim from the little beaches

Snorkelling expedition from the yacht

Explore the small village

Sunset dinner overlooking the harbour

I'd make this a slow day rather than trying to pack in too much.

Day 3 — Kastos → Kalamos

A short sail north brings you to Kalamos, another beautifully green island.

Family activities:

Morning swim from the yacht

Kayaking around the coastline

Walk through the pine forest

Find a traditional taverna for lunch

Evening swim and paddleboarding

The children can have a genuine feeling of exploring an island rather than simply visiting a resort.

Day 4 — Kalamos → Ithaca

Now head for Ithaca, the legendary home of Odysseus.

I'd aim for Vathy, the main harbour.

Onshore adventure:

Explore Vathy

Visit the archaeological/museum sites

Hire a car or scooters for an afternoon island exploration

Walk to one of the viewpoints

Have a proper Greek family dinner ashore

Ithaca adds something different to the trip: you're no longer just moving between beautiful swimming spots, but getting a sense of Greek mythology and island history. Discover Greece specifically highlights following in Odysseus' footsteps as an experience on Ithaca.

Day 5 — Ithaca → Kefalonia

Sail: approximately 10–15 nautical miles depending on your chosen stop.

Head across to Fiskardo, one of the prettiest harbours in the Ionian.

This is a good place for a shore-based adventure day.

You could:

Explore Fiskardo

Hire a car

Visit Melissani Cave

Visit Drogarati Cave

Go to a beach for the afternoon

Find a traditional Kefalonian restaurant

There are also established boat-excursion operators around Fiskardo if you want to add an activity without taking the sailing yacht. For example, Crystal Clear Cruising Sailing Trips operates from the harbour, while Ionian Discoveries is based in Fiskardo.

Day 6 — Kefalonia → a deserted bay

I'd deliberately make this your "no plans" day.

Find a beautiful secluded anchorage and spend the day:

🏊 swimming

🤿 snorkelling

🛶 kayaking

🏄 paddleboarding

🎣 fishing

🚤 exploring in the dinghy

📚 reading in the shade

For a family sailing holiday, these unstructured days can end up being the most memorable.

Day 7 — Kefalonia → Meganisi

Start heading back towards Lefkada, stopping somewhere such as Meganisi.

Make this your family challenge day:

Morning sailing competition

Children navigate using a chart

Anchor in a new bay

Snorkelling treasure hunt

Paddleboard race

Cook dinner together on board

Sunset swim

It turns the children from passengers into part of the crew.

Day 8 — Meganisi → Lefkada

A relaxed final sail back to Lefkada.

I'd allow plenty of time so you can stop for a final swim before returning the yacht.

🌴 The really nice thing about this route

You get five different types of holiday in one trip:

Experience Where

🏖️ Beautiful beaches Meganisi & Kefalonia

⛵ Proper sailing Between the islands

🏝️ Deserted-island adventure Kastos & Kalamos

🏛️ History & mythology Ithaca

🍋 Greek villages & tavernas Everywhere!

🤿 Snorkelling & watersports Almost every anchorage

🕳️ Caves & exploration Kefalonia

🚲 Walking/cycling Kastos, Kalamos & Meganisi

The Ionian is particularly attractive for this style of family trip because the islands are relatively close together and the sailing tends to involve manageable daytime passages rather than long open-water crossings.

🛥️ What boat would I choose?

For a family, I'd seriously consider a 4-cabin catamaran rather than a monohull.

You get:

Much more living space

Two hulls/greater privacy

Large cockpit

Easy access to the water

Plenty of room for children

More stable platform at anchor

Excellent space for paddleboards, snorkelling gear and the dinghy

If you have 6–8 people, a 4-cabin catamaran would be particularly attractive.

⭐ One variation I'd consider

If you have 10–14 days rather than just a week, I'd extend the trip substantially rather than sailing faster.

You could do:

Lefkada → Meganisi → Kastos → Kalamos → Ithaca → Kefalonia → Zakynthos → Kefalonia → Ithaca → Meganisi → Lefkada

This starts to feel like a proper family expedition through the Ionian, with sailing interspersed with beaches, caves, hiking, kayaking and Greek villages.

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Enterprise class Scottish Bluebell Series at Forfar Sailing Club

 

Sponsored by Stewart Brewing, HD Sails and Coast to Coast Rigging

The final round of the Bluebell series was sailed at Forfar SC in very varied conditions.

Saturday

Wind WSW F4 to 5. Course: club marks: beat, reach to starboard, beat, reach to port, run

Race 1: A bias towards the pin prompted Gerry Goodfellow & Mike Lewis and Euan & Morven Dunn to attempt port end flyers. Charles Morrish & Alison coming down the line on starboard put a stop to that, however Gerry & Mike recovered to be first round the first windward mark with Charles & Alison disputing second place with Oli Boocock & Luke Hartshorn.

Meanwhile Paul Young & Emma Coleman along with Nicol Halcrow & Eilidh Morton had misread the course and gone the wrong way easing congestion at the first mark which was little more than a couple of boat lengths from the shore. Gerry & Mike were never headed while Charles & Alison lost the battle for second to Oli & Luke with Mhairi Ogilvie & Duncan Willoughby coming in fourth.

Race 2: The wind eased a little but the bias was still there. Charles & Alison timed their approach to the pin, pulling away on starboard before tacking onto port and crossing the fleet. The first mark had been dragged away from the shore, they rounded ahead of the rest, planed way down the reach and built a substantial lead. Behind them Luke & Oli took second with Gerry & Mike third and Paul & Emma fourth.

Race 3: The wind strength returned to race 1 levels. Again Charles & Alison got away to lead but by lap three age was beginning to tell! Oli & Luke came through to win while Gerry & Mike pulled through to second on the final beat with Peter Middlemiss & Beccy Oosterhoorn taking fourth.

In the evening Forfar SC provided its usual wonderful hospitality. The evening's ceilidh was complemented by a great variety of delicious home-made dishes along with a very cheap bar.

Special thanks to HD Sails for providing a voucher towards the purchase of a new sail. The winner of the voucher was decided by a draw, to be eligible competitors had to sail 5 of the 6 Bluebell events, 'grandad' Charles was the lucky winner!

Sunday

Race 4: Wind: South, calm/F1; course: club marks; running/reaching with only a short beat possible.

The heralded F4 gusting F5 had not yet arrived and in its place was a light and shifty southerly, particularly shifty as it attempted to blow over and through the trees that border the south side of the loch. Only a reaching start was possible and Gerry & Mike got their timing just right to pull away from the rest of the fleet.

Behind them there was much changing of places caused by the variable breeze along with patches of weed to trap the unwary. Charles & Alison were in second for much of the race but then on the long run on lap 2 Paul & Emma rode a helpful puff along the clubhouse shore to take second while Oli & Luke pulled through to third.

Race 5: Wind SE F1/2

The shift in the breeze meant a little more beating along the course but still with a reaching start. Race 5 was all about the start. In the last few seconds boats were running gently along the line, aiming to harden up onto starboard at the gun. An extra puff of breeze had them accelerating towards the shore putting paid to all their plans!

With nowhere to go the leading four all crossed early and had to return. A boat length behind them Charles was unsure while Alison thought they were good to go. They went and lead all the way to the finish to discover that it was one of those rare occasions when Alison was mistaken! As the starting mayhem had developed Oli & Luke made the wise decision to gybe out early and come in to the line again, timing it almost perfectly.

Gerry & Mike had been one of the returners and were never able to get clear of the pack so Oli & Luke won the race and in so doing they took the event overall; behind them Paul & Emma came in second with Morven & Euan third and Nicol & Eilidh fourth.

Congratulations to Oli & Luke on winning the event, their first open win away from home! Thank you to Forfar S C for their generous prizes for the first three overall.

Congratulations also to Mhairi Ogilvie for winning the Ladies Trophy and to Morven Dunn for taking the Junior Trophy.

Special thanks to sponsors Stewart Brewing and Coast to Coast Rigging for their end of season prizes distributed around the fleet.

RS Aero Delivered to Competition Winner for Noble Marine Insurance

 

RS Aero Selected as Noble Marine 'Win a Boat' Prize

Delivery days are always special at RS Sailing, but this particular RS Aero delivery earlier this month was especially memorable.

Clare Greeno was the lucky winner of Noble Marine Insurance's 'Win A Boat' prize draw at the 2026 RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show. A leading provider of dinghy insurance, Noble Marine Insurance celebrated 30 years in the business, by entering all customers with an insurance policy in 2025-26 into the prize draw to win a dinghy of their choice.

Clare chose a RS Aero. And, after a brand new one was built to her specification at the RS Sailing factory in Cowes, our Finance Director, Martin Wadsworth, personally delivered it to Parkstone Yacht Club.

About the Prize Winner

Winning the prize draw was a fantastic surprise for Clare, who's sailed a wide range of dinghy classes over the years.

She first learnt to sail at just 5 years old on a Puffin before joining Parkstone YC at 13. Clare then started racing an Enterprise with her dad before the pair moved into an RS200 when the class arrived at the club.

"The first few times in the RS200 involved a significant amount of swimming while we got our heads around the asymmetric," Clare recalls. "But once we got going, we flew!"

She also spent several seasons racing a Topper before moving into a 420s and Laser 2s. Since then, Clare has spent years following both of her sons through the Parkstone YC youth fleet and beyond. With both boys now teenagers, "I think it is finally time for me to do some sailing of my own again and try out as many new fleets as I can."

Why the RS Aero?

On winning the Noble Marine Insurance prize draw - with an option of RS Tera, RS Feva, RS Aero, ILCA, Topper or Solo dinghies to choose from - Clare opted for an RS Aero.

"I have sailed RS boats for a number of years. This year I was lucky enough to accompany my son to the RS Feva UK Nationals. I think RS has the right balance between serious racing and enjoying the fun of recreational sailing.

Although I love being in a double-handed boat, I know life is busy and being able to go sailing without organising a crew will give me the opportunity to get out on the water regularly.

The RS Aero is a fast, modern boat. I love trying new fleets and I think the RS Aero has a bright future."

RS Sailing Managing Director, Alex Newton-Southon, was delighted to see Clare choose an RS Aero for her prize.

"Noble Marine Insurance has been a long-standing partner of RS Sailing, and we know how much our UK RS Class Associations value their generous support and sponsorship each year. Congratulations to Clare on her fantastic win, and thank you for choosing the RS Aero. We hope it brings you and your family plenty of great days on the water!"

Jo Haynes, General Manager at Noble Marine Insurance, added: "We were delighted to announce Clare as the winner of our 'Win a Boat' campaign. The initiative was launched to champion the dinghy sailing community, encouraging more people to get out on the water and embrace the sport. Noble Marine is thrilled that Clare has selected the RS Aero as her prize. The class is renowned for its blend of high performance and accessibility. As long-standing supporters of the RS Aero Class Association, we are pleased to see our partnership with the fleet continue through this prize."

A Prize for All The Family

With the boat now safely delivered to Parkstone YC, Clare is already looking forward to getting out on the water - and it seems she may have to share the new RS Aero:

"The whole family wants a go! My two teens, my dad, who is in his 70s and races dinghies regularly, and we might even take my 5-year-old niece out for a spin on a light day."

Clare is already aware of the nearby fleets and RS Aero Class where she can get involved with racing at local and national level. For now, though, she's planning to enjoy some 'me time' sailing and make the most of having a boat she can launch and sail whenever the opportunity arises.

"I will sail it recreationally to start with, but who knows? Now I am getting my own sailing time in, the sky is the limit!"

WASZP Welsh Championship at Bala Sailing Club

 

Sixteen WASZPs entered the Welsh Championship at Bala, rescheduled from August when a lack of wind stopped play. This time there was no shortage of breeze.

Six races were sailed on Saturday before Sunday proved too gnarly to race. The U19s dominated, taking the top four places, and Max Rawlinson won the title with four race wins from six, discarding a 4th to finish on 6 points.

Saturday

Day 1 delivered WASZP racing at its best. The race team set a NASCAR course with sprints across the lake and ran five races of 10-15 minutes each. The wind was never going to make it easy. Big gusts and equally big lulls rolled down the lake, and the breeze turned fickle near the shores, so no lead was safe until the finish.

Alex Jones set the pace early, winning races 1 and 3. Max answered by taking races 2, 4 and 5, and his 4th in race 3 was his only finish outside the top two. Thomas Dempsey was the most consistent of the chasers, with three top-three finishes. Behind them, Helena Mills Bowers was the top 7.5 rig claiming two 3rd place finishes, and Oscar Hoyle as the second 7.5 and top U17 taking a 2nd in race 5.

Sunday

The fleet launched on Sunday, but gusts of up to 37 knots, with big holes in between, made the conditions unraceable, and the race officer abandoned racing for the day. Some sailors stayed out to enjoy the pressure lines in the breeze with speed runs up and down the lake. Saturday's six races stood as the final results.

A big thank you to Bala Lake Sailing Club, the race officer and team, the safety boat crews and the volunteers ashore for some great hospitality and racing.

Top female and top 7.5 rig: Helena Mills Bowers

Top U17: Oscar Hoyle

Top Master: Ian Fitzgerald

Top Super Master: Colin Rawlinson

Overall Results:

Pos Sailor Sail No Division Rig R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 Pts

1 Max Rawlinson 2924 Junior (U19) 8.2 2 1 -4 1 1 6

2 Alex Jones 2175 Junior (U19) 8.2 1 2 1 2 -3 8

3 Thomas Dempsey 3648 Junior (U19) 8.2 3 -6 2 3 5 16

4 Helena Mills Bowers 3363 Junior (U19) 7.5 5 3 3 4 -6 21

5 Oscar Hoyle 3285 U17 7.5 7 4 9 7 2 29

6 George Spence 2905 Junior (U19) 8.2 6 -8 6 6 4 30

7 Ian Fitzgerald 2607 Master 8.2 4 8 8 -10 7 31

8 Peter Hoyle 3476 Master 8.2 9 10 -13 5 8 37

9 Sam Watson 3154 Master 8.2 12 7 7 8 (DSQ) 43

10 Jim Bowes 2729 Junior (U19) 8.2 10 -13 5 11 11 44

11 Colin Rawlinson 2436 Super Master (50+) 8.2 11 5 11 -12 9 46

12 Ben Knapper 2437 U17 7.5 8 11 10 9 10 48

13 Chris Keatley 2522 Master 8.2 (DNS) 12 12 13 13 63

14= Theo Smith 2702 Junior (U19) 8.2 DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 75

14= Tristan Harding 2700 Junior (U19) 7.5 DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 75

14= Finley Kirkby 2976 U17 6.9 DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 75