Scottish Sailing Team Announced for 2025-26 Season

 

RYA Scotland is proud to announce the sailors selected for the 2025-26 Scottish Sailing Team, the governing body's top-level programme within the Scottish Performance Pathway for talented sailors competing across recognised Youth racing classes.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for these athletes, reflecting their dedication, skill, and commitment to the sport. Each sailor has demonstrated impressive ability in their chosen class each earning their place through a focussed selection process overseen by the RYA Scotland Selection Panel and supported by the RYA Scotland Performance Committee.

This year, 11 sailors have been named in the Squad, across two classes. Read on for a full list of selected sailors:

ILCA 6:

Emily Shearer

Gareth Davies

Cameron McDaid

Harry Rooksby

Kate Shelley

Tristan Somerville

iQFOiL:

Darcey MacArthur

Robin Maspero

Bende Szincsak

Anna Phillips

Marcus McAra

Jamie Rogers, RYA Scotland Pathway Manager, shared his excitement for the season ahead:

"Selection onto the Scottish Sailing Team is something to be celebrated. Scotland has an incredibly talented pool of up and coming sailors who continue to impress on the national stage. Bringing them together creates an environment where they can push each other to become the best sailors they can be.

"As we continue our winter training block, it's rewarding to see the growing impact of high level coaching and wider athlete support in helping unlock potential."

Scottish Sailing Team athletes regularly compete at major regattas, backed by an intensive training schedule that combines on water practice, tactical development, and fitness training. This holistic approach ensures they take to the water with the best preparation possible, ready to unlock potential and chase ambitious goals.

The Scottish Sailing Team sits within RYA Scotland's Performance Pathway Programme, which delivers top quality coaching and development opportunities to sailors. In addition to the team outlined above, the Performance Pathway also facilitates a Scottish Sailing Development Squad, and Scottish Sailing Junior Squad onto each of which selection is a key milestone to be celebrated.

RYA Scotland's Performance Pathway offers dedicated athletes the opportunity to refine their skills and maintain momentum during the colder months, rewarding their commitment to countless hours of hard work with tailored support and guidance.

Guernsey Yacht Club (GYC) on way to becoming a ‘centre of excellence’

 

They have been recognised as a British Sailing Pathway club, a testament to their commitment to supporting young sailors and racing endeavours.

Created by UK governing body the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), the British Youth and Junior Sailing Pathway has long been a foundation for success for aspiring sailors.

The club programme underpins the pathway’s ‘Racing for Life’ initiative, aiming to make competition fun, develop strong sailing fundamentals, and foster a lifelong love of the sport.

It is a nationwide initiative aimed at identifying and developing clubs across the UK to become centres of excellence for junior racing, offering affordable, high-quality sailing and coaching close to home for junior racers.

By becoming a British Sailing Pathway club, the GYC joins a network committed to creating fun and accessible racing communities where young sailors can develop fundamental skills and feel part of a team.

RYA pathway club manager Hannah Wilcox was ‘thrilled’ to welcome the GYC into the network.

‘Their commitment to fostering young talent and promoting accessible, high-quality racing and race training aligns perfectly with the goals of the programme,’ she said.

‘We look forward to supporting their efforts in inspiring the next generation of sailors.’

Round the Island Race date announced for 2026

 

One of the world’s most famous yacht races will return in 2026.

The Island Sailing Club has announced that the 2026 Round the Island Race will take place on Saturday, July 11.

Based in Cowes, the race is one of the largest in the world and is expected to draw thousands of sailors and huge crowds to the Isle of Wight and the Solent.

Race director Dave Atkinson said: "It’s hard to believe that in just five weeks' time, we’ll be opening registrations for the 2026 Round the Island Race. Time is flying by, and next year’s race will be here before we know it.

"The last few months have given myself and the race team lots of time to reflect on what was a really special day in June.

"The weather was far more favourable than we expected, and although the forecast put a few off from taking part, it was a fantastic race and certainly a big improvement on 2024.

"Every year, the sight of all the boats lining up at the Royal Yacht Squadron, watched by crowds of people along the seafront, is really special.

"I never tire of the buzz race day brings - Cowes comes alive, from the Race Village on Cowes Parade to the Island Sailing Club itself, where we manage the race and welcome sailors across the entire weekend.

Round Britain & Ireland Race 2026 Marks 50-Year Milestone

 The Round Britain & Ireland Race will return in August 2026, marking 50 years since the Royal Ocean Racing Club first staged the event.

The 1,800-nautical-mile non-stop race starts and finishes in Cowes and is held once every four years.

The 2026 edition will be open to monohulls and multihulls under IRC and MOCRA, as well as IMOCA and Class40 entries.

The race starts on Sunday, 9 August 2026.

First run in 1976, the Round Britain & Ireland Race is widely regarded as one of offshore sailing’s toughest examinations.

For sure , its importance is simple. “If you love offshore sailing, you have to be on the start line.”

Gental Capsize & Smooth Recovery!

The 2000 UK Nationals 2025 - Fast, Family Fun!

Nominate your Yachtsman and Young Sailor of the Year in under a minute!

 

Any member of the public can submit their nominations for the Yachting Journalists' Association's (YJA) Yachtsman of the Year and Young Sailor of the Year Awards.

Nominations need to recognise outstanding individuals who have significantly contributed to British yachting either through exceptional achievements in performance, seamanship, sportsmanship, or youth talent across the sailing and watersports sectors.

The nomination period closes at 23:59 on 31st December 2025 and nominations can be submitted here: yja.world/2025-yja-yoty-and-young-sailor-nominations

The Yachtsman of the Year Award was first established in 1955, and previous winners include Pete Goss, Sir Francis Chichester, Samantha Davies, Ian Walker and Nikki Henderson.

Introduced in 1993, the Young Sailor of the Year celebrates rising stars under the age of 19 (as of 31st December 2025) who demonstrate outstanding skill and commitment and has been awarded to the likes of Dame Ellen MacArthur, Hannah Stodel, Nick Thompson and Sir Ben Ainslie.

Following the nomination period, the YJA Committee will shortlist three finalists in each category, with the winners determined by YJA members.

The winners will be announced at the 2026 RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show on 21 February 2026.

Ulley Sailing Club receives another Grant

 

Ulley Sailing Club is using its grant to expand its dinghy fleet to give more local young people the chance to give sailing a try and to give it the capacity to deliver a greater number of Royal Yachting Association-accredited training courses.

It has purchased four Topper class sailing dinghies, which are specifically designed for youth racing and will give an increasing number of young people attending the Club's Youth Squad the chance to take part in casual and competitive sailing sessions.

Based within Ulley Country Park, the Sailing Club is a volunteer-run organisation which offers affordable sailing opportunities to people of all ages and abilities.

It has also previously received support from the Penny Hill Wind Farm fund, with grants helping cover the cost of refurbishing its race tower, upgrading its main jetty and providing dedicated access to the lake for people with disabilities.

2025 Youth Sailing World Championships in Portugal

 

World Sailing selected the Portuguese venue of Vilamoura Sailing to host the 2025 Youth Sailing World Championships, which takes  place from 12-20 December.

For more than half a century, the Youth Sailing World Championships have been the pinnacle of youth sailing performance, providing the global stage for future sailing stars to shine and becoming a major stepping stone for many world and Olympic champions.

The Youth Sailing World Championships attracts the best youth sailors from around the world and follows a similar format to Olympic sailing where all sailors compete on a level playing field across all events. In total, 11 events will be sailed in male, female and mixed categories, with the events open to sailors aged above the age of 12 years and under the age of 19 years on 31 December 2025.

Quanhai Li, World Sailing President, said, "The Youth Sailing World Championships have long-been one of the most important events in the World Sailing calendar and an important showcase for emerging talent and future legends of the sport. We are delighted to award the 54th edition of the championships to such an impressive host venue and ambitious Organising Committee which will further World Sailing's commitment to inclusion, equality and sustainability and lead to a truly memorable championship."

David Graham, World Sailing CEO, added, "The Youth Sailing World Championship represents the future of our sport, and to be able to witness such high levels of performance year after year is a privilege. We have seen the event grow from 16 nations at the very first edition in 1971 to what it has become today where this year over 400 sailors from 70 countries took part, and we look forward to another incredible championship in Portugal in 2025."

DSC Christmas Plate 2025

Round The Island Race 2026 – “One Race, One Thousand Stories”

 

The Island Sailing Club, Cowes is thrilled to confirm that the 2026 Round the Island Race—one of the world's largest and most iconic yacht races—will take place on Saturday, 11th July 2026. Anticipation is already building, with race registrations opening on 23rd January, including a limited-time early-bird entry offer available until 13th February.

The event returns following a spectacular 2025 race that exceeded expectations, delivering fast sailing, huge crowds, and an unforgettable atmosphere across Cowes and the Solent.

Participants are encouraged to save the date for 23rd January, when entries officially open. The early-bird rate, offering a significant saving, will be available until 13th February. Sailors are advised to register early to secure their place in what is expected to be another fantastic race.

The Round the Island Race remains one of the most exhilarating mass-participation sporting events in the UK, drawing thousands of sailors—from first-timers to elite offshore racers—to take on the unforgettable 50-nautical-mile challenge around the Isle of Wight.

Sailors can register their interest now to receive updates and reminders ahead of opening day by visiting roundtheisland.org.uk and follow Round The Island on Facebook and Instagram.

The P&B Steve Nicholson Memorial Open is back in 2026

 

The annual Steve Nicholson Memorial Open is back in 2026, providing the perfect opportunity to work off the Christmas excesses and enjoy some great racing. It will take place on Saturday 24th January at Northampton Sailing Club, supported by headline sponsor Pinnell & Bax.

This popular winter regatta is a handicap event for single and double handers with a reputation of providing great racing. It is raced in two separate fleets with an overall winner of the title. It is held in aid of the Asthma & Lung UK charity in memory of Steve Nicholson, who was a popular, well-respected sailor and member at Northampton Sailing Club.

The event, which has been held on an annual basis since 2002 attracts sailors from all over the country as Northampton's central location is easily accessible.

Entry fees are £30 for double-handers and £25 for single-handers.

Briefing for both fleets will take place at 10:30am. Printed sailing instructions will be available on the day and on the Northampton Sailing Club website in due course

You can register to enter now at www.northamptonsailingclub.org

For more information contact: RCsailing@northamptonsailingclub.org

Christmas Sunshine Sailing Destinations

Here are five top Christmas sunshine sailing destinations, all are ideal for warm weather, beautiful waters, and great cruising during the holiday season :-

🌴 1. The Caribbean (e.g., Antigua, St Martin, Grenada)

Why go: Classic tropical sailing at Christmas — warm air (22–28°C), clear blue seas and steady trade winds make this one of the most popular winter sailing regions in the world. 

Highlights: Visit multiple islands in one trip, enjoy sheltered anchorages and idyllic bays, plus festive island celebrations. 

Best for: A mix of lively ports, calm sailing, and classic Caribbean island hopping.

🏝️ 2. Seychelles

Why go: A true tropical paradise with warm weather around Christmas (≈24–30°C) and stunning waterspreads perfect for sailing between islands. 

Highlights: Anchor among Mahé, Praslin, La Digue; snorkel with turtles, explore coral reefs, relax on pristine beaches. 

Best for: Reefs, wildlife, and remote island charm.

🇮🇳 3. Thailand (e.g., Phuket and surrounding islands)

Why go: December is dry season — sunny, warm, and excellent for cruising tropical waters dotted with limestone karsts and hidden bays. 

Highlights: Sail around Phuket to Phang Nga Bay, visit silent coves or lively beach towns. 

Best for: Tropical scenery, culture, and a different vibe from Caribbean/Indian Ocean sails.

🏖️ 4. Tenerife & Canary Islands

Why go: One of Europe’s warmest winter destinations, with sunshine and mild sailing weather even in December. 

Highlights: Hop between Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and more — good for both relaxed coastal cruising and more adventurous passages. 

Best for: Closer-to-Europe option with volcanic landscapes and cultural touches alongside sunshine.

🌊 5. Maldives

Why go: Classic tropical warmth and crystal-clear waters make it superb for bareboat or skippered sailing in December. 

Highlights: Navigate atolls, snorkel vibrant reefs, and enjoy that dreamy over-water-villa scenery from your boat. 

Best for: Romantic, idyllic sailing where the water is warm and calm.

🌞 Quick tips for planning:

Book early: Christmas is peak season in many of these regions.

Winds vary: The Caribbean and Seychelles offer consistent trade winds, while Maldives and Canary Islands are calmer, pick your destination based on how much sailing vs anchoring you want.

Festive events: Many locations have special Christmas services, seafood feasts, and local holiday traditions to enjoy ashore.

Would you like help planning your next trip?

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

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