RS Aero European Championship 2027 set for Dun Laoghaire, Ireland

 

The International RS Aero Class is delighted to announce the 2027 RS Aero European Championship will take place at The National Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland, from 27-30 August 2027.

Set against the spectacular backdrop of Dublin Bay, the championship promises four days of high-quality racing, a world-class sailing venue and a warm Irish welcome to sailors from across Europe and beyond.

Charter boats will be available from RS Sailing, making the European championship more accessible to international competitors and those who would prefer to travel without their own boat. Further information on charter availability and bookings opening will be announced in due course.

Alex Newton-Southon, Managing Director of RS Sailing, said: "The RS Aero European Championship at Dun Laoghaire is already shaping up to be one of the highlights of our 2027 calendar. After kicking off the year with the World Championship in Australia in January 2027, it's fantastic to have such an exciting European championship to look forward to later in the summer.

"The RS Aero fleet continues to grow internationally, and events like this bring together everything we love about the class: close, competitive racing, a welcoming global community and fantastic venues. With charter boats available, we hope to see sailors from across the world joining the fleet in Ireland. We can't wait to see everyone on the start line!"

Save the date

2027 RS Aero European Championship

Dates: 27-30 August 2027

Location: The National Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland

Charter boats: Will be available from RS Sailing Club

Notice of Race and entries: Expected to open in January 2027 Sailors are encouraged to save the date and stay tuned to RS Aero and RS Sailing social media for further announcements covering entry details, charter boats, ferry discounts, accommodation, sponsors and the shoreside social programme.

The Scaramouche Sailing Trust Launches Search for First Director

 

The Scaramouche Sailing Trust is seeking their first Director to lead the charity through its next evolutionary chapter.

The new Director will be a visible advocate for the Trust, a champion for inclusion in sailing and an inspirational leader for the team. The mission is clear: to create life changing opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds through the power of sailing.

The Director will provide executive leadership across all areas of their work. They will sustain the remarkable Greig City Academy (GCA) sailing programme and use it to inspire others, collaborating with partners in the sailing world to scale up impact and developing the organisation.

Alex Jacobs, Chair of the Board of Trustees, says: "We are excited for the future and are ready to recruit our first Director. We have come a long way from when we set the charity up in 2019 to support GCA's trailblazing sailing programme. We have been on an incredible journey with the generosity of donors who make everything possible. We are extremely grateful and take our responsibility very seriously to make the best use of every pound that is donated. We now need to invest in our lean organisation as a regulated charity and look forward to working with partners to support more young people to get on the water."

To find out more about this new leadership opportunity, the Scaramouche Sailing Trust encourages you to visit their website and download the Job Description for details of the role and how to apply.

Key dates:

Application Deadline: 30th November 2026

Interviews in London Friday 8th January 2027

Contact Lucy Markby, the Scaramouche Sailing Trust's Development Manager if you have any questions: lucy@scaramouchesailing.org.uk

A fantastic and busy summer for GP Watercraft

 

It's been a fantastic summer for GP Watercraft, with a busy calendar of international championships, junior and youth coaching, and plenty happening behind the scenes as our retail business continues to grow. From coaching sailors at major international events to supporting the next generation of young racers, we've enjoyed being part of some brilliant sailing moments over the past few months.

Our international coaching programme took us to Los Angeles for the ILCA North American Championships, where we worked with Bermuda's Adriana Penruddocke and German Olympian Julia Büsselberg. Both sailors put in strong performances to qualify for Gold fleet against a competitive international field. July brought more great news, with Adriana securing Bermuda's qualification for the Pan American Games at the Olympic Classes Regatta. She followed this up with a fantastic result in August, taking gold in the ILCA 6 at the Central American and Caribbean Games.

August also saw us working with Matteo Bertacchi at the ILCA 7 World Championships. After a tough qualifying series, Matteo bounced back brilliantly to win Silver fleet, finishing 48th overall out of 141 competitors. The international racing continued into September at the ILCA 6 Women's World Championships, where Adriana once again delivered a strong performance. Competing in Gold fleet against some of the best sailors in the world, she finished an impressive 40th overall from 109 competitors. It's been great to see the hard work these sailors put into their training translate into results on the international stage, and we're proud to have played a part in their journeys.

While international racing has kept us busy, supporting junior and youth sailors remains a huge part of what we love doing at GP Watercraft. Our summer coaching calendar included Kiel Week in Germany, followed by the Topper World and National Championships.

We had the pleasure of coaching and supporting six sailors at the Topper Worlds and ten at the Topper Nationals, with some brilliant performances and plenty of valuable racing experience gained along the way. Closer to home, we were involved in ILCA UK Skills Week at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), helping sailors build their confidence, improve their boat handling and sharpen their racing skills.

We also headed north to Largs for the Scottish ILCA Skills Week, organised by RYA Scotland. It was great to be involved in an initiative aimed at making performance coaching more accessible to sailors across Scotland, giving more people the opportunity to develop their skills and enjoy competitive racing. One of the most rewarding parts of coaching is seeing sailors grow in confidence and ability, whether they're preparing for their first major championship or working towards competing at the highest level. Being able to support sailors at so many different stages of their development is something we're particularly proud of.

It's not just been a busy summer on the water! Behind the scenes, our retail business has continued to grow, helping sailors get their hands on the clothing and equipment they need to make the most of their time racing. Our relationship with Zhik continues to grow stronger and we've been expanding our range of technical sailing clothing and accessories. Whether you're training through the winter or preparing for a major championship, having the right kit can make all the difference.

We've also seen plenty of demand for ILCA sails, masts and spares, particularly in the build-up to the ILCA UK National Championships, as sailors got their boats ready for racing. What we really enjoy about combining coaching with retail is being able to bring our experience from the racecourse into the advice we give our customers. We're out on the water working with sailors throughout the season, so we understand how important it is to have equipment you can rely on.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your sailing kit, replace a few essential ILCA parts or get ready for your next championship, we're always happy to help.

You can explore our growing range of Zhik clothing, ILCA sails, masts and spares at www.gpwatercraft.co.uk, or get in touch with the team for advice.

As the summer season draws to a close, we're already looking forward to what promises to be an exciting winter at GP Watercraft. With more coaching opportunities ahead, plenty of sailing to look forward to and continued plans to develop our retail range, we're excited to keep building on what has been a fantastic few months. A big thank you to all the sailors, families, clubs and partners who have supported us throughout the summer. It's been a pleasure working with so many of you, and we're looking forward to seeing what the winter season brings!

RS Sailing Secures Long-Term Investment for next stage of global expansion

 

RS Sailing has secured a significant long-term investment from two marine-industry heavyweights, providing funds for the next stage of their global expansion, with the same team, boats and UK production retained.

Swedish marine investor Fredriksborgs Förvaltnings AB and the owners of Rototek Ltd have joined forces to back the UK sailboat manufacturer, Fredriksborgs is an investment company with a portfolio of established marine businesses. The owners of Rototek Ltd are also well-known to the industry, having manufactured RS hulls for more than 25 years.

The backing follows RS’s move to formalize the RS Marine Group in January 2026, bringing together RS Sailing, RS Electric Boats, Cheetah Marine and Ocean Play under shared business functions. The funding round Investment Terms were not disclosed.

Alex Newton-Southon, RS Sailing Managing Director, acknowledged that it had been a challenging period, and thanked their suppliers for their support and understanding.

“This is strong, long-term backing from people who understand our industry and our heritage. Rototek have built our boats for a quarter of a century and Fredriksborgs brings deep marine experience and a genuine love of sailing.”

RS Sailing designs racing, training and adventure dinghies for every stage of the sailing journey, with more than 40,000 boats on the water and 15 active racing classes worldwide.

Entries open for Royal Escape Race's 50th Anniversary celebration

 

Sussex Yacht Club has officially opened entries for the 2027 Royal Escape Race, inviting sailors to be part of a landmark year as the historic Brighton-to-Normandy offshore race celebrates its 50th anniversary.

One of the South Coast's most distinctive and long-running sailing events, the Royal Escape Race has challenged and inspired generations of sailors with its unique cross-Channel passage.

The 2027 race will be a particularly special occasion, marking 50 years since the event was first established in 1977. Sussex Yacht Club is inviting entries from across the UK and beyond to be part of this milestone anniversary edition, with ambitions to make it one of the biggest and most memorable races in its history.

Organised by Sussex Yacht Club in partnership with Société des Régates de Fécamp in France, the Royal Escape Race sees a fleet of yachts set off from Brighton's Palace Pier to tackle the historic cross-Channel passage from Brighton to the Normandy port of Fécamp.

The race combines competitive offshore sailing with a fascinating connection to British history. It commemorates the dramatic escape of King Charles II in 1651, following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester. Having made his way to Shoreham-by-Sea, the future king crossed the Channel aboard the coal brig 'Surprise', eventually reaching safety in Fécamp. Following the restoration, Chales II renamed the vessel 'HMY Royal Escape', giving the race its name.

First established to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee, the race has developed into an established fixture on the offshore sailing calendar, bringing together generations of competitors and fostering a lasting relationship between the sailing communities of Sussex and Normandy.

The 2027 anniversary year will provide an opportunity to celebrate the memorable moments that have shaped the event over five decades and Sussex Yacht Club is encouraging past competitors, new entrants and the wider sailing community to be part of the anniversary celebrations.

Robin Stevenson, Commodore of Sussex Yacht Club, said: "Fifty years is an extraordinary achievement for any sailing event, and we're incredibly proud of the Royal Escape Race and everyone who has helped make it what it is today.

"What began in 1977 as a celebration of a remarkable piece of British history has grown into an established fixture on the offshore sailing calendar, bringing together sailors from across the UK and France.

"We want 2027 to be a very special year. It's an opportunity to celebrate the race's history, recognise the people who have supported it over the years and encourage a new generation of sailors to experience the challenge and camaraderie of racing across the Channel. We'd love to see a strong fleet on the start line as we mark this milestone."

As preparations for 2027 get under way, Sussex Yacht Club hopes the anniversary year will bring together past and present competitors, celebrate the race's long-standing links between Sussex and Normandy, and inspire more sailors to take on the challenge in the years ahead.

To mark its 50th anniversary, Sussex Yacht Club is offering a special commemorative entry ticket priced at £110, which is available until 31 December 2026.

To get your entry or for further information and updates, visit: sussexyachtclub.org.uk/royal-escape-race

Further details of the 2027 programme, including special anniversary activities and entry arrangements, will be announced in due course.

Sicily Sailing Adventure

 

Sicily is a fantastic destination for a seven-day sailing adventure. You have spectacular coastline, beautiful islands, ancient Greek and Roman history, traditional fishing villages, excellent food and wine, and some wonderful places to explore ashore.

My recommendation would be a seven-day sailing adventure along Sicily's northern coastline. This gives you a lovely mixture of sailing, swimming, picturesque harbours, volcanoes, walking, sightseeing and Italian cuisine.

I would suggest a relaxed itinerary rather than trying to circumnavigate the entire island in just seven  days, which would iinvovle quite long sailing days and leave less time to explore.

Starting and finishing at Portorosa Marina, on Sicily's north-eastern coast.

Day 1 – Portorosa to Vulcano

About 19 nautical miles

- Collect the yacht, provision and set sail.

- Anchor or moor at Porto di Levante.

- Visit the volcanic mud baths and black-sand beaches.

- Enjoy dinner ashore overlooking the harbour.

Day 2 – Vulcano to Lipari

About 3 nautical miles

- A leisurely morning swim and breakfast aboard.

- Sail across to Lipari.

- Explore the old town, castle and archaeological museum.

- Enjoy an evening in Marina Corta, with its lovely restaurants and waterfront bars.

Day 3 – Lipari to Salina

About 10–14 nautical miles

- Sail to the green and fertile island of Salina.

- Visit the village of Santa Marina.

- Hire scooters or take a walk through the countryside and vineyards.

- Enjoy a wine tasting featuring the famous local Malvasia wine.

- Swim in the beautiful bay of Pollara.

Day 4 – Salina to Panarea

About 11 nautical miles

- Sail to the beautiful little island of Panarea.

- Explore Cala Junco, one of the prettiest swimming bays.

- Take a walk through the whitewashed village.

- Enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant.

- Spend the evening enjoying the island's lively atmosphere.

Day 5 – Panarea to Stromboli

About 13 nautical miles

- Sail towards the spectacular island of Stromboli.

- Visit the village of San Vincenzo.

- Take an organised guided volcano walk, subject to current access restrictions and volcanic activity.

- Alternatively, enjoy a boat excursion to view the volcano from the sea.

- Watch the dramatic volcanic glow after sunset from a permitted safe distance.

Day 6 – Stromboli to Salina, then Vulcano

Allow a longer sailing day

- Sail back towards Salina, enjoying the scenery and a swimming stop.

- Have lunch ashore or aboard.

- Continue towards Vulcano, depending on conditions and the skipper's judgement.

- Enjoy a final evening in the islands.

Day 7 – Vulcano to Portorosa

About 19 nautical miles

- Enjoy a final morning swim.

- Sail back to Sicily.

- Return the yacht to Portorosa.

- Celebrate a wonderful week with a farewell Sicilian dinner.

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Cadet Open 2026 at Waldringfield Sailing Club

 

Nineteen boats gathered at Waldringfield for the Cadet Open on Sunday 1 November, with six races completed in challenging but enjoyable light winds.

It was particularly encouraging to see such a young fleet, with seven Under-13 helms making this one of the youngest cohorts in the fleet for several years. A good contingent of travellers from Welsh Harp, Frensham Pond and Fishers Green was warmly welcomed.

A light northerly breeze greeted the fleet. There was just enough wind to make progress against the tide, allowing the first three races to get away in the river in front of the club.

As the tide came in, the course was moved upriver, beyond the island, where the water was slacker and conditions a little more favourable. This provided the setting for the final three races.

Efficient turnarounds between races meant that size races were completed without keeping the sailors out on the water for unnecessarily long period.

The battle for the overall title couldn't have been closer. Samuel English and Sam Flood started with 2 first places. Emily Krailing and Evie Winchester hit back with 3 straight wins, before Samuel and Sam won the final race. So Samuel and Sam finished level on points with Emily and Evie, with Samuel and Sam taking the Harris Salver thanks to their better result in the final race. Behind them, Lewis Walker and Issy Stock were remarkably consistent with 3rd in every race, including a capsize after an over zealous roll tack.

In the Silver fleet, Jasper Bush and Henry Lowe started well with a 2nd. Zoe Thomas and Lisa Gass found their form after the course moved upriver, but it was not enough to beat Jasper and Henry. Ella Edwards and Edith Pynn finished strongly with a 2nd in the final race.

Clementine Denny-Pickess & Rose Lowe excelled in the regatta fleet ahead of Camille Ballam and Isla Robson with Vivienne Letts and Evie Owers in 3rd. The new helms have clearly been making big improvements from the Autumn training programme.

Gold Fleet

1st overall - Harris Salver and Most Improved: Samuel English & Sam Flood

2nd overall, Best Under-15 Helm and 1st Female: Emily Krailing & Evie Winchester

3rd overall: Lewis Walker & Issy Stock

Silver Fleet

1st Silver and Under-14 Helm: Jasper Bush & Henry Lowe

2nd Silver: Zoe Thomas & Lisa Gass

3rd Silver: Ella Edwards & Edith Pynn

Other Awards

1st WSC Non-Travelling: Rosemary Fish

Under-13: Ollie Walker

Regatta Fleet

1st: Clementine Denny-Pickess & Rose Lowe

2nd: Camille Ballam & Isla Robson

3rd: Vivienne Letts & Evie Owers

One thing particularly noticed by the Race Officer was the excellent manners of the competitors. The sailors made a point of thanking the committee boat at the finish of every race - a small gesture, but one that was greatly appreciated and reflects very well on the fleet.

Halloween Spooks the Young Guns at Chipstead Sailing Club

 

At the end of every season we run the Young Guns event at Chipstead SC, giving all the Chipmates the opportunity to put everything they have learnt during the season into practice in a two-race series. This year's event took place on 31st October, which meant that quite a few sailors turned up in fancy dress!

When the duty crew arrived at 0830, a very spooky fog was hanging over the lake. In fact, we couldn't even see the nearest mark! The fog gradually cleared and by the 0930 briefing we could just about make out most of the marks and even see the other side of the lake. The wind, however, was still non-existent. The race officer crossed his fingers and went ahead, setting a short course based on the forecast wind direction.

The sailors were split into two fleets; the main comprised our more experienced sailors, while the all-girl rookie fleet was made up of five who had only started sailing this year. The main fleet started first on a larger course, with the rookies setting off five minutes later on a slightly shorter course.

As the 33 boats launched, the faintest zephyr of wind arrived and gradually began to build, thankfully from the forecast direction. The 28-boat main fleet was first away, with Tom's ILCA 6 taking an early lead, closely followed by Sam in his ILCA 7. As the wind strengthened, the leading boats managed four laps, but the faster boats couldn't pull far enough ahead of Adam and Joshua Gillow's Mirror. After handicaps were applied, the Gillow brothers took the win, followed by the Toppers of Alexander and Will S, Mim just behind in her ILCA 4. Meanwhile, the rookie fleet was enjoying its own race on the smaller course. Aisling sailed her Topper brilliantly to take the win, ahead of the Optimists sailed by Astrid and India Rose.

After a brief break ashore, the race committee decided that the wind had built sufficiently to change the course for race two, making use of the full length of the lake - something that isn't possible during Junior Saturday morning sailing.

In the main fleet, Mim took an early lead, with the Feva of Aidan and Honor (aka Mr and Mrs Incredible) and Will WO's ILCA 4 also clearly enjoying the larger course. The faster boats managed two laps, while Adam and Joshua's Mirror found it harder to pull away from George in his Topper. However, they eventually built enough of a gap to take the win on handicap, with George finishing second and Mim third. In the rookie fleet, Aisling once again showed her class in the Topper, pulling sufficiently far ahead of the other sailors to secure another win, ahead of India Rose and Astrid.

Final results saw Adam and Joshua taking home the Young Guns trophy as well as the Brian Osgood trophy for the first double-hander, with Aisling crowned rookie fleet winner.

Prizewinners:

1st overall (and 1st double-hander) - Adam & Joshua

2nd overall - Mim

3rd overall - Alexander

2nd girl - Beatrice

3rd boy - Will WO

3rd girl - Amy

Highest placed in fancy dress - Aidan & Honor

1st Club Oppie - Monty

1st club Topper - Izzy

1st rookie - Aisling

2nd rookie - India Rose

3rd rookie - Astrid

Tickets on sale now for the 2027 RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show

 

The UK's biggest celebration of small-boat sailing and watersports is back at Farnborough International on 20-21 February 2027, bringing together thousands of sailors, windsurfers, foilers, wingers, paddleboarders and watersports enthusiasts for an unmissable weekend.

Whether you're passionate about getting out on the water, keen to discover the latest innovations, looking for inspiration or eager to pick up expert tips and advice, there's something to get everyone excited.

What's new for 2027

The 2027 show will introduce some exciting new features, designed to help visitors get even more from their day.

Making its debut for 2027, the Wind & Foil Stage will become the home of all things windsurfing, winging and foiling. Visitors can enjoy a packed programme of talks, interviews and coaching sessions, hearing from leading riders, coaches and personalities from across these rapidly growing disciplines. Whether you're completely new to windsurfing and winging or looking to progress into wing racing, there's something for everyone.

Get close to the action with insights and knowledge from SailGP and the America's Cup. Discover what it really takes to compete at the very highest level of the sport.

Also new for 2027, is the Boat Park which can be found next to the Rockley clubhouse creating a dedicated hub for youth and junior classes. Explore an exciting line-up of boats all in one place, meet the class experts and pick up top tips straight from the coaches. With a series of bite-sized practical technical talks, young sailors can get hands-on inspiration, build their skills and confidence, and discover how to take their sailing to the next level.

Come along, ask questions and get inspired to get on the water.

Alongside these new additions, there will be the show’s returning highlights such as the Knowledge Stage, NextGen Zone, Sustainability Hub, Tech Hub and Interactive Zone. Visitors can enjoy a packed programme of stage presentations, coaching sessions, interactive features and exhibitor displays designed to help them get the most from their time on the water in 2027 and beyond.

A show for everyone who loves life on the water

"What makes the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show unique is that it brings the watersports community together under one roof at the perfect time of year to really kick start the season" said Show Manager Celia Edgington.

"Whether you're completely new to sailing and watersports, returning after time away, or looking to take your skills to the next level, the show is designed to help you discover new opportunities, gain inspiration from some of the sport's most knowledgeable voices and make real progress towards your goals on the water.

We are incredibly grateful to our event partners MG, Sunsail, Musto and Rockley Watersports, and our media partners YachtsandYachting.com, Windsurf, Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting and SUPBoarder for helping us create another fantastic event.

"We can't wait to welcome visitors from across the UK as we kick-start the 2027 season together."

Get your tickets today

Tickets are on sale now, with RYA members able to claim a free two-day ticket worth £23. Non-member ticket prices start from just £15.50, while children aged 15 and under can enter free with a ticketed adult.

Book now at www.dinghyshow.org.uk and be part of the UK's biggest dinghy sailing and watersports gathering.

Follow the show's social media channels (Instagram & Facebook) for the latest exhibitor announcements, speaker reveals and event updates as excitement builds towards the 2027 RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show.

2027 Fireball Nationals to be held at Saundersfoot

 

After a hugely successful Nationals and Worlds this summer at Torquay, the Fireballs are heading to the popular seaside resort of Saundersfoot in South Wales for their 2027 National Championship.

Racing will take place across four days: from Friday 18th to Monday 21st June.

It's the first time that the Fireballs have been to Saundersfoot, but it is a club that is used to running big events including the annual Coppet Week.

UKFA Chairman, Richard Botting, commented: "We are really lucky to have secured Saundersfoot SC as our 2027 host. It's a cracking venue and offers something for everyone, both on and off the water."

More details will be released in due course.

Further details on the Fireball in the UK can be found at UK Fireball Class Association and for Fireball International at Fireball International.

Women and Girls ILCA training at Grafham funded by RYA Evolution and Sport England

 

It was another windy weekend at Grafham Water Sailing Club on Saturday, 10th October, for the latest Women and Girls ILCA training session. With Grafham set to host the upcoming Inland Championships, it was the perfect opportunity for sailors to get out on the water and familiarise themselves with the venue.

A large group gathered for the event, featuring a great mix of women and girls across both the ILCA 4 and ILCA 6 fleets. The day was led by Head Coach Charlotte Fensom, supported by Senior Coach Jack Graham-Troll.

The session kicked off with a quick round of introductions before diving into boat setups and sail controls. Afterwards, the fleet headed back into the warm clubhouse to go over the planned on-water exercises.

Once out on the water, the wind began to build. The sailors started with a "follow-the-leader" upwind drill before moving on to a windward-leeward course. As several squalls blew through, conditions grew challenging, leading to quite a few capsizes and making it tricky to maintain speed and direction. Although several of the sailors did an amazing job managing the heavy breeze.

Returning to shore for a well-deserved lunch, the Grafham club members were exceptionally welcoming and helped pull boats up the slipway. Following lunch, the group held a debrief and paired up to set their individual focus areas for the afternoon session. However, shortly after relaunching, the wind built so much that Grafham closed the water, forcing an early retreat to shore.

With the boats packed away, the group took advantage of the extra time ashore for a comprehensive debrief. It proved to be a fantastic opportunity to deepen their knowledge on a wide range of topics, with everything from tell-tales to body position in the boat.

A massive thank you goes to coaches Charlotte and Jack, Grafham Water Sailing Club, and the ILCA UK class association, without whom the event wouldn't have been possible. Special thanks also to the RYA Evolution Fund and Sport England for financially supporting this initiative.

Upcoming Events & Host Opportunities:

Next Session: Delph Sailing Club - 12th December

Booking: Visit ILCA UK Events to secure your spot

Future Dates: Look out for upcoming sessions at Parkstone (February) and Royal Harwich

Interested in hosting a session at your club? Please reach out to the team at training@ilca.uk or women@ilca.uk

Salcombe Yacht Club Winter Series 2026 - Race 1

 

Saturday 31st October saw ten Solo sailors come to the Salcombe Yacht Club starting line for the opening race of the Winter Series, in a variable force 3 westerly breeze on an ebb tide.

Race Officer Dan Bridger and his able assistant Gail, set a course to Yalton, back to Blackstone followed by Crossways returning to Blackstone.

At the start the fleet split with Chris Cleaves and James Greenhill starting from the East Portlemouth shore, pushing across the building ebb tide, and leading into the harbour moorings, with Tim Fells leading the contingent starting off the Salcombe shore.

There followed a chase to the entrance of Yalton Creek, with Cleaves, Greenhill, Fells and Dobson emerging as the leading group following a shifty beat.

Following the run back to Blackstone, whilst the leaders headed toward Biddle Head, Fells tacked at the mark to progress into the lead, however a capsize off the Ferry saw Cleaves, Dobson and Greenhill march on.

The crossing from Snapes to Crossways saw Cleaves consolidate his lead from Dobson and Greenhill. But as they approached Blackstone the wind died and with the tide ebbing fast, the fleet compressed.

Cleaves was the first to round the leeward mark and managed to get a tack in and clear the mark, however the following group were less fortunate, washed down tide before being able to clear the mark, which allowed Mark Waterhouse and Tim Fells to grab the opportunity to round second and third. This order was maintained to the finish.

Forestay versus Backstay - The Key to Upwind Performance

 

When it comes to upwind performance, getting your rig setup right is fundamental to achieving optimal sail shape.

Two of the most important loads to understand are forestay and backstay.

Forestay tension: 

As four-time Volvo Ocean Race winner Stu Bannatyne puts it: "Matching forestay tension to the wind and sails is the key to upwind performance."

If you're only monitoring one load onboard your yacht, it's likely to be forestay tension. Having an idea of your forestay tension can reveal a picture of the overall dynamic balance of loading throughout the rig and you can make significant gains by optimising it.

In lighter conditions, lower forestay tension generally allows more sag, creating a fuller headsail and generating more power. As the breeze builds, increasing forestay tension reduces sag, flattening the headsail and helping manage excess power and drag.

The objective is to achieve the right amount of sag for the conditions. Measuring forestay load provides a precise, repeatable reference, especially when paired with a polar chart of optimal loads for a range of conditions.

With a smarttune installed on the forestay, the trimmer can see live loads via onboard displays, helping them perfect sail shape on the fly.

Backstay tension: 

On many racing yachts, backstay tension is a primary control for both forestay sag and mast bend, influencing the shape of the headsail and mainsail simultaneously.

Low loading on the backstay maintains a straight mast and a deep mainsail, ideal when searching for power.

Higher load on the backstay increases forestay tension, reducing sag and inducing mast bend. This flattens the mainsail, ideal for when the yacht is overpowered.

But its significance depends on the rig. On a masthead rig, increasing backstay tension generally translates relatively directly into greater forestay tension. On a fractional rig, increasing backstay tension often produces more significant mast bend, while the resulting change in forestay tension depends on the rig's geometry and supporting rigging. This means two boats with the same backstay load won't necessarily have the same forestay tension or sail shape.

Understanding the balance: Why measure both?

Measuring both forestay and backstay load helps the crew understand how adjustments to one influence the other. Rather than relying on backstay settings alone to estimate forestay tension, trimmers can see the actual loads and establish repeatable targets for different conditions.

Other controls, including shroud tension, mainsheet and traveller settings, also influence sail shape and power. But understanding forestay and backstay loads provides a valuable foundation for more precise upwind rig tuning.

By monitoring forestay and backstay loads alongside wind conditions, sail selection and boat speed, crews can identify the combinations that deliver their fastest upwind performance. Those settings become repeatable targets, helping trimmers respond quickly as conditions change and making it easier to communicate optimal settings across the crew.

Explore further

For downwind sailing, code zero luff tension, mainsheet and halyard loads all become important performance indicators, with Cyclops sensors providing solutions for different measurement points.

If you have a question about this article, or about critical loads for performance, talk to a Cyclops expert.

Or find the right Cyclops sensor for your boat.