Dartmouth Sailing Week launches first ever Youth Sailors Class in partnership with OneSails GBR

 

The 'OneSails Next Generation Class' aims to celebrate and grow youth participation at one of the UK's most prestigious regattas.

Dartmouth Sailing Week (22-30 August 2026) is proud to announce the inaugural OneSails Next Generation Class — a brand-new dedicated competition class designed to recognise, reward and inspire sailors aged 18 to 29*. Created in partnership with OneSails GBR, this initiative marks a landmark moment for one of the UK's most storied sailing regattas and reflects a wider commitment across the marine industry to tackle the decline in youth participation in sailing.

How It Works

Any boat entered into Dartmouth Sailing Week 2026 that has at least one crew member aged between 18 and 29 years old will be automatically entered into the OneSails Next Generation Class, in addition to their existing racing division (such as IRC2 or IRC3).

Throughout the regatta, OneSails will award a daily prize to the class winner, culminating in an overall prize presented at the end of the regatta to the outstanding youth entry across the full week of racing.

Additional Benefits for Youth Participants

As part of the partnership, OneSails GBR will offer an exclusive sail repair masterclass for all youth participants, providing hands-on, practical knowledge from experienced sailmakers that competitors can carry throughout their sailing careers. Further details on this and other benefits will be announced in due course.

Why This Matters

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has formally acknowledged a concerning decline in youth participation in sailing. Without a new generation of sailors actively engaged in the sport, the long-term future of competitive sailing, and the regattas that define it, is at risk.

The OneSails Next Generation Class has been established in direct response to this challenge. The regatta's ambition is to build on this class year on year, growing its reach, its prizes, and its impact, establishing Dartmouth Sailing Week as a flagship event for young competitive sailors across the UK.

"2026 is the 181st Dartmouth Royal Regatta. Our aim as a committee is to ensure it lasts for at least another hundred years, and part of that is to support and help young sailors thrive in this competitive, family-orientated, popular regatta."

— Peter Boote, Joint Regatta Sailing Committee Chair, Dartmouth Sailing Week

"It should be every marine industry company's responsibility to support the next generation of sailors coming through. We need to collectively find ways to break down the barriers that discourage youth participation. Partnership with this new class is one way we hope to add to this movement."

— Nathan Steffenoni, Director & Loft Manager, OneSails GBR South

*Participants must not be older than 29 years old throughout the duration of the regatta.

Dartmouth Sailing Week is one of the UK's longest-running sailing regattas, held annually in the waters around the historic port of Dartmouth, Devon. The 2026 edition runs from 22 to 30 August and includes the GBR IRC Nationals and J109 Nationals. For more information, visit www.dartmouthsailingweek.com

Strong Winds Test Crews At RORC Easter Challenge Opener

 

Cowes, Isle of Wight — The RORC Easter Challenge opened in brisk south-westerly winds on Friday, delivering testing conditions for more than 200 sailors. Winds of 15 knots, gusting to 30, created a demanding Solent racecourse for the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s early-season regatta, supported by North Sails.

Principal Race Officer Stuart Childerley and the race team ran practice starts before a windward-leeward race and a Solent marks course for all classes. After racing, crews gathered at the Cowes clubhouse for a structured video debrief led by coaching coordinator Richard Moxey, Olympian Vita Heathcote, North Sails’ Ronan Grealish and coach Phil Deveraux.

Sessions focused on boat handling, sail trim and performance in gusty conditions. “The key is not just the hoist itself, it is the communication that comes before it,” said Deveraux. “Everyone on board has to be seeing the same picture… A good hoist is rarely about one perfect action; it is about the crew working together.”

In IRC 2, David Franks’ J/112 Leon delivered two race wins to lead the class after day one. Leon secured victory in the opening race by 3 minutes 51 seconds on corrected time, ahead of the Army Sailing Association’s Fujitsu British Soldier, with Elysium IV third. The second race followed a similar pattern, with Leon extending its lead and maintaining a consistent margin over its rivals.

In IRC 3, John Smart’s J/109 Jukebox, with Cork Olympic helmsman Mark Mansfield onboard, also posted two wins from two starts. Jukebox won the first race by 1 minute 59 seconds from Frank 4, with Winsome third, before increasing its advantage in race two.

Elsewhere, Chris Shipman’s J/109 Rioja used the regatta as a development platform ahead of a mixed inshore-and-offshore campaign. North Sails’ Ruaridh Wright joined the team for the opening day. “Rioja is relatively new… the whole focus was on keeping things simple,” Wright said. “It was about getting round the course in a tidy fashion and making sure everyone settled into their roles.”

Wright noted steady progress during the day, with improved coordination and solid early results despite a newly formed crew. “The next step is to build on it, improve communication and keep repeating the good habits,” he added.

Racing continues over the weekend with further training and competition scheduled.

Morecambe Bay prawner Spray sails again after major restoration

 

An HISTORIC fishing boat has returned to sail at sea for the first time under the care of the Morecambe Bay Prawner Trust. 

‘Spray’ was built in 1896 by Crossfields of Arnside and is one of only a few surviving “Prawners” from the hundreds that once fished in Morecambe Bay.

The boat left Glasson Dock and made her way down the River Lune before hoisting her sails and heading into open water.

Spray spent much of her working life fishing out of Morecambe, but she also fished out of Barrow, Silloth, Maryport and the Wirrall.

In 2024 she passed into the stewardship of the Morecambe Bay Prawner Trust whose volunteers spent much of the following year doing the inevitable maintenance an elderly wooden boat requires and bringing her back into full commission.

Engine trials took place within Glasson Dock in autumn 2025, but it wasn’t until a recent combination of fine weather and recent Spring Tides that she was able to pass out of the dock basin, and into the Lune to raise her sails and head down to the Point of Lune and the Irish Sea beyond.

Skipper Tim Chittenden took Spray to sea for her latest voyage.

He said: “She’s very well-mannered and an absolute delight to sail. It says much about the skills of the old boat builders who combined to build such a seaworthy and powerful craft.

The fishing grounds for the Prawners were typically within three miles of the shore – a particularly challenging place to sail.

They evolved to deal with this and are particularly seaworthy – even in the notorious short sharp seas of the Irish Sea.

Their powerful gaff rigs enabled them to both haul nets and to put on a good turn of speed to stand a decent chance of being the first to land their catch and gain a premium price for the much sought after shrimps.

They were also designed to ‘take the ground’ and settle on the sand as the tide went out; an important consideration given that Morecambe Bay and wider eastern coast of the Irish Sea has very few easily accessible ports.

Alasdair Simpson, Chair of the Morecambe Bay Prawner Trust, called it “a very significant day and a huge achievement.”

He added: “All wooden boats require a lot of work – not least when they’re 130 years old – but she is looking magnificent.

“As our plans unfold, we aim go further afield around Morecambe Bay, not least to return to her old moorings off Morecambe’s Stone Jetty, but also to Piel Island and Fleetwood to highlight just what a remarkable maritime heritage the coastal waters of North West England have.”

Malta has rich history, stunning coastlines, vibrant culture, and Mediterranean charm

 

Here’s a family-friendly 7-day sailing itinerary around Malta, Gozo, and Comino designed specifically for short sailing legs, relaxed pace, and plenty of onshore activities (no heavy sailing focus, lots to do ashore).

This route works well because distances are short (often 5–25 nautical miles), meaning more time exploring towns, beaches, and attractions rather than long passages .

⚓ 7-Day Family Sailing Holiday – Malta (with onshore activities)

Day 1 – Arrival & Valletta / Three Cities

Board yacht (usually around Valletta or Msida Marina)

Easy sail or stay docked

Onshore activities:

Explore Valletta (UNESCO city)

Visit St John’s Co-Cathedral

Walk Upper Barrakka Gardens (great harbour views)

Evening meal in the historic Three Cities

👉 Great first day to settle kids in and avoid rushing

Day 2 – Valletta → Marsaxlokk (South Coast)

Short sail along dramatic coastline

Onshore activities:

Wander Marsaxlokk fishing village (colourful boats)

Sunday fish market (if timing fits)

Swim at St Peter’s Pool (natural rock swimming spot)

👉 Very relaxed day with authentic Maltese feel

Day 3 – Marsaxlokk → Blue Grotto / Dingli → Anchor North

Coastal sailing with swim stops

Onshore activities:

Boat trip into Blue Grotto caves

Short walk along Dingli Cliffs (highest point in Malta)

Optional countryside picnic

👉 Mix of nature + light exploration

Day 4 – Malta → Gozo (Mgarr Harbour)

Sail to quieter island of Gozo

Onshore activities:

Visit Victoria (Citadel fortress)

Explore local cafés and small shops

Optional jeep tour or taxi island tour

👉 Gozo is more rural and relaxed—ideal for families

Day 5 – Explore Gozo (short sailing hops)

Move around Gozo coastline

Stops & onshore options:

Ramla Bay (sandy beach – rare in Malta)

Xlendi Bay (lunch stop)

Dwejra Bay (Inland Sea & Blue Hole)

👉 This is a highlight day for variety and scenery

Day 6 – Gozo → Comino (Blue Lagoon & Crystal Lagoon)

Very short sail

Onshore activities:

Swim in Blue Lagoon (early morning best)

Walk around Comino island (easy hikes)

Explore caves and quieter Crystal Lagoon

👉 One of the most famous spots in Malta, best enjoyed early or late

Day 7 – Comino → Mellieha / Valletta

Return towards main island

Onshore activities:

Mellieha Bay (family-friendly sandy beach)

Popeye Village (great for younger kids)

Final evening in Valletta or St Julian’s

👉 Gentle finish before departure

👍 Why this works well for families

Short sailing distances → less tiring for children

Frequent swim stops & beaches

Mix of culture + nature + fun stops

Flexible itinerary (can adjust for weather easily)

⚠️ Practical tips

Best time: May–June or Sept–Oct (less crowded, good weather)

Consider a skippered charter if you want a stress-free trip

Start early for places like Comino (gets busy later)

Gozo deserves at least a full day—don’t rush it

WE HAVE MORE THAN 12,000 PRIVATE YACHT CHARTER BOATS IN 60 COUNTRIES

WAITING READY FOR YOU - JUST SELECT - COMPARE - BOOK IN MINUTES ONLINE

UP  TO  50% OFF ON  EARLY  BOOKING  DEALS 👍

UNBEATABLE  PRICES  FOR  YOUR  COMPLETE  PEACE  OF  MIND  ON THE  WATER

#yachts2rentnow

Four Class40 Entries Boost Round Ireland 2026 Fleet

 

Four Class40 yachts are now entered in the 2026 Round Ireland Yacht Race, lifting the overall fleet to 37 boats.

The latest entries add to the race’s international profile, with teams from France, Italy and the UK now confirmed in the high-performance offshore class.

Italy’s Luca Rosetti will race Maccaferri Futura, a 12.19m Class40 representing Club Nautico Rimini. Rosetti brings established offshore experience to the Wicklow start line.

France’s Djemila Tassin has entered Magenta, also a 12.19m Class40, continuing the growing French interest in the race.

British offshore sailor Greg Leonard will campaign Swift under the Royal Ocean Racing Club burgee, adding further depth to the Class40 line-up.

From Lorient, Pep Costa has entered VSF Sports, another 12.19m Class40, strengthening links with one of Europe’s key offshore racing hubs.

Wicklow Sailing Club is inviting Class40 teams back to Irish waters for the race start on Saturday, 20 June.

Organisers are targeting a strong turnout from the class, which has previously made a significant impression on the 704-nautical-mile course.

In 2018, the French Class40 Corum drew attention with a powerful start from Wicklow, helping establish the class’s reputation in Irish waters.

By 2022, the race secured a place on the official Class40 calendar, attracting increased international participation.

Race director Kyran O’Grady has continued to promote the event across European offshore networks.

“The Round Ireland is an iconic challenge that suits the Class40 ethos,” O’Grady previously told Afloat.ie.

The Notice of Race confirms a dedicated Class40 division for 2026, subject to a minimum of four entries and compliance with current class rules.

Entries remain open until 31 May.

Keyhaven Yacht Club Open Morning on 18th April

 

Keyhaven Yacht Club is a little club with a big personality. Nestled behind Hurst Castle, our friendly sailing club enjoys the sheltered bay and calmer sea created by the historic castle.

Join us for our Open Morning on Saturday 18th April, 10am-2pm, and discover everything we offer - from dinghy racing, yacht cruising and Women on Water to Junior/Youth sailing, kayaking and confidence-building sailing groups.

We are also an RYA Training Centre, delivering courses from Powerboat and Dinghy Sailing to First Aid and VHF Radio. With a lively social calendar too, there's something for everyone. Bar and kitchen open from midday - come and say hello!

Find out more at www.keyhavenyc.co.uk

Call for young people to become 2026 Tall Ships sail trainees

 

Young people across Aberdeen are being encouraged to have the adventure of a lifetime and apply to become sail trainees during this years’ Tall Ships Races. 

As part of the legacy from The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025, this year’s sail trainee programme is recruiting 12 fully funded and four self-funded sail trainees to take part in this year’s Tall Ships Races, sailing aboard the historic vessel Swan.

Julie Wood, Aberdeen City Council’s Chief Officer for City Development and Regeneration, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get involved and embark on an exciting and unique adventure. 

“Our sail trainees last year showed a great deal of enthusiasm and commitment, and I encourage anyone who wants to learn new skills and make lasting friendships to get involved.”

Blair MacAskill, who participated in the 2025 Races, said: "The Tall Ships Races pushed me out of my comfort zone and opened doors I didn’t know existed. It’s an incredible experience for any young person seeking a once in a lifetime adventure where you will learn new skills, make lasting friendships, and be part of one of the most welcoming communities."

Bob Sanguinetti DL, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: "One of the highlights of hosting The Tall Ships Races was seeing so many local young people stepping aboard these historic ships and joining the crews for incredible journeys. Port of Aberdeen is proud to support this next group of sail trainees and I would encourage any young person who's even slightly curious to put their name forward - this really could be a life-changing experience."

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “One of the most tangible legacies of the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen is the impact being a sail trainee had on the young people who joined the crew of these beautiful ships, sailing to or from their home port of Aberdeen. So many have spoken about it being a truly life-changing experience.

“I am delighted this opportunity is being extended to young people in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire again for 2026. This is a call to adventure that I hope many of our next generation will answer.”

Young people aged 15 to 25 who live within an AB postcode are eligible to apply, and no previous sailing experience is required. 

Last year, 244 young people from across the north east joined the Tall Ships Races as sail trainees, marking the highest number of trainees from a host port. 

Successful applicants will become part of the Swan’s crew and take part in a leg of the 2026 Tall Ships Races, gaining handson sailing experience and developing confidence, teamwork and life skills.

Trainees will either set sail from Aberdeen to join the Cruise in Company leg in Harlingen, sailing onward to Antwerp, or join Race 2 from Antwerp to Stavanger. 

The Swan was built and launched in Shetland in 1900 and has since been restored to its former glory by a dedicated team of volunteers, previously visiting Aberdeen during the 2025 Tall Ships Races. 

The 2026 Tall Ships Races will depart from Aarhus (Denmark), before racing to Harlingen (Netherlands), Antwerp (Belgium), Stavanger (Norway) and finishing in Aalborg (Denmark). 

Applications are open until Thursday 16 April. Applicants must be available to take part from 29 June to 13 July. 

Anyone interested in applying should email TravelTrade@aberdeencity.gov.uk.  

Falmouth Classics Regatta 2026

 

Happening at the same time as the Falmouth International Shanty Festival will be the Falmouth Classics Sailing Regatta.

The event is the largest in the UK for ‘classic’ vessels, (that have been designed or built before 1976). Typically they are of wooden construction with a traditional layout of sails although modern vessels that replicate an older design also participate.

Before and after the racing you will be able to see them tied up alongside the marina off North Quay (part of Customs House Quay) and around 10:00am on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday they will be leaving their berths to assemble in Carrick Roads, (just off the main Falmouth Docks), to commence racing on Thursday and Friday. See the Programme of Events and details on entering to race, for those wishing to compete.

On Sunday morning, however, there is the Classic Parade of Sail when participating boats and many visitors from around Falmouth, all join together to ‘parade’. Their course will take them from the Docks towards Pendennis Castle, across to St Mawes Castle then back towards Mylor. This year’s theme will be ‘above the water’ and you will see that many of the crews will be in fancy dress, reflecting this theme.

There will also be a small boat parade which will take place on the water by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club and Greenbank Hotel when the racing has finished on Saturday, and a ‘all-comers’ rowing and sculling event will also be held.

You can get up close to the fleet as the pontoons are open to the public on North Quay between 2.30pm and 5.00pm on Saturday, and you can watch the on-water action from various locations including Pendennis Point, Trefusis Point, (Flushing) or St.Mawes Castle. The Small boat Parade and Rowing and sculling are best viewed from the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club. Also on Customs House Quay will be the Maritime Village where many organisations try to entice you towards maritime themed produce and activities.

More information can be found at www.falmouthclassics.org.uk

Wellerd takes P1 in wet and windy Crawford Pursuit at Plym Yacht Club

 

Another windy, stormy and cold Sunday, another Crawford Pursuit. 19 boats entered to kick off the season, with 16 boats making it onto the water. 2 races were planned, with the start times of the second race determined by performance in the first.

Wind slightly west of the forecast allowed the RO David Rollinson to set a windward/leeward course stretching across the front of Plymouth Hoe down the Cattewater to Drakes Island.

The ILCA 6's started first, and held the lead for a good period of the race. Several of the yachts struggled against the tide upwind in the at times squally conditions, meaning some of the slower dinghies held the advantage for a lot of the race. By 20 minutes in, the Nacra 15 and Flying Dutchman had been let out of the blocks, spending little time dispatching the tail-enders, and went chasing after the leaders, now the RS200's and ILCA of Mark Stacey, who were both led by reigning Phantom National Champion Jon Rickard. Rickard ultimately went on to take the win in race 1, followed by the FD with the 3rd taken by the Nacra 15 of George Stacey and Finn Caddy. It was great for the fleet and assembled audience to see a Nacra really moving in Plymouth Sound ahead of their World Championship in July, where we are expecting over 60 more!

While the fleet waited for the calculations for race 2, a lot of the boats had decided that it wasn't quite warm enough to be on the water for too long yet, and started withdrawing for coffee and warmth ashore. 7 boats went on to take part in the second race, where the RO had shortened the beat, making it somewhat more intense with more of a focus on manoeuvring. Gusts of 26 knots were seen over the deck, and the boats that survived were rewarded with some spicy downwind sailing, but the win ultimately went to the Aero 7 of Ben Dodwell, a return to racing in Plymouth that was pleasing to see! The whole fleet finished within about a minute. An added 10 minute delay to the start time of the Flying Dutchman of Joe Wellerd meant they were only able to take out one boat, but that was enough to take the overall win for the day by 2 points, from Cameron Gee's RS200 and the ILCA 6 of Mark Stacey. The top yacht was Claire Gribbin's Aegir. Crews headed ashore to warm up and patch of injuries, but all enjoyed the day. Thanks to all involved, especially the race management team and safety boats.

Scorpion Open at Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club

 

15 Scorpions descended on Chew Valley Lake SC for the first Silver Scorpion event of 2026. Bright sunshine made rigging up a pleasant experience and looking out across the water it was clear there was wind aplenty. Suncream was applied and the fleet set off dressed mainly for spring.

Saturday's racing was particularly notable for the number of people seen exiting their upright boats, one well known midlands based boat painter saw fit to do it twice. Not sure what the excuse was, this year there was no weed!

Sunday dawned a different day, different wind direction, same aches and pains! We got away on time after a general recall in slightly less wind which bought other members of the fleet into play in a much more stable south-westerly.

Thanks to the team at CVLSC for an excellent weekend's racing in testing conditions.

Overall Results:

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

1st 2022 Stevie Hall Stevie Graham Staunton Harold SC 1 1 ‑3 2 3 2 1 10

2nd 2026 Chris Martin John Tailby Bartley sc 2 2 2 3 4 ‑5 2 15

3rd 2058 Darren Roach Rach Gray Staunton harold 7 3 1 1 1 (DNC) 3 16

4th 2061 Imogen Wade Dave Wade Draycote Water Sailing Club 4 5 4 (DNC) 2 1 6 22

5th 2018 Nigel Potter Notts county 3 4 5 (DNF) 5 6 4 27

6th 2037 Richard Hanby Amy Clay ‑ 6 6 (DNC) DNC 7 4 10 49

7th 1997 Sammy Mason Will Mawbygroom Notts county sailing club 12 (DNF) 6 4 10 11 8 51

8th 2017 Lawrence Creaser Ellie Devereux Draycote Water Sailing Club 8 DNF (DNC) DNC 6 3 5 52

9th 1984 Steven McCarthy Delyth Hopkins The Chase Sailing Club 9 7 (DNC) DNC 8 9 9 58

10th 2045 Steve Hanby David Nicklin Beaver SC 5 8 (DNC) DNC 9 8 DNC 62

11th 1925 Martyn Denchfield Claire Allen grafham water sailing club 10 9 DNF (DNC) 13 10 DNF 63

12th 2025 Adam Broughton Marisa Broughton CVLSC 13 10 (DNC) DNC 11 7 7 64

13th 1919 Richard Gatehouse Lauren Wills Sidmouth 14 11 7 (DNC) 12 12 DNC 72

14th 2010 Nicola Barrett Charles Barrett SCSC 11 (DNC) DNC DNC 14 DNC DNC 89

DNQ 2065 Mark whiteman Deirdre Isted Rye harbour sailing club (DNC) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 96

International Moth Open at Rutland Sailing Club

 Ten International Moths, a Switch and a menacing forecast turned up to a spectacular weekend of racing at Rutland Sailing Club.

Friday saw a small group of three sailors take to the water for training in sunshine and a shifty 10-16 knots, setting the stage for what was to come.

Saturday’s forecast looked big, and after the committee’s on water wind reading showing averages up to 29 knots gusting 35, the decision was made to call off racing. Despite this, the fleet made the most of the conditions: some took to the water on wings and windsurfers, while others opted for a more relaxed walk around the reservoir’s nature reserve.

With a building breeze forecast on Sunday, the sailors were up for an early start. By 9:30AM the Class flag was out and the wind was a chilly (2°c) 12-15 knots. As sailors settled into the first upwind, Kyle Stoneham quickly established control and led from the outset. Behind him, Alex, Simon, and Callum battled closely, eventually consolidating into that order.

Race two began shortly after, with a slightly reduced breeze and an efficient turnaround by the race committee. By now, sailors had identified key patterns on the course: a preference for the left side off the start, followed by tactical positioning around the windward mark beneath Hambleton Peninsula. This area proved particularly demanding, with boats converging on port and shifts, gusts, and lulls disrupting approaches. On the second beat, the right side of the course became favoured, offering both pressure and a cleaner approach to the mark. Kyle once again navigated the conditions best, holding off Simon in the Switch to take another win.

The breeze built to 16–22 knots for race three, bringing more intensity. Kyle, starting late, relinquished his early dominance, opening the door for Simon to capitalise and take the win in the Switch. Alex followed closely, his steel foils showing strong pace, particularly downwind, while Callum’s port-tack start left him playing catch-up. Despite this, he showed impressive consistency and boat handling to close the gap over the two-lap race.

In the fourth and final race, with conditions easing slightly to 12–20 knots, Kyle returned to form. A strong start combined with superior boat speed in his V3 Bieker allowed him to control the race from the front, securing the event with three race wins. Behind him, Simon and Alex continued their close contest for second, with Alex narrowly coming out ahead. Callum added late drama at the finish, recovering from an overstayed line to fend off a charging Alex H with well-timed gybes in building chop.

After a shifty sail back ashore, the fleet regrouped in the clubhouse for food and a warm prize-giving, rounding off a memorable weekend of racing.

A busy few weeks await the Moth fleet with the Inland Championships hosted by Graham Water Sailing club at the end of the month. Preceded by pop up events and in the very near future entry open for the National Championship. Watch out for details on the class social media channels.

Overall Results:

Pos Helm Boat Name Sail No R1 R2 R3 R4 Pts

1 Kyle Stoneham V3 5247 1 1 ‑5 1 3

2 Simon Hiscock Switch 1126 ‑3 2 1 3 6

3 Alex Adams X / GBR 490 2 ‑3 2 2 6

4 Callum Wyper Exocet 48 4 ‑5 3 4 11

5 Alex Hughes Moth / GBR 0 ‑6 4 4 5 13

6 Joe Adams Greased Lightning 5011 5 6 7 (DNC) 18

7 Andrew Jarvis Exploder 5012 7 7 6 (DNC) 20

8 Andrew Friend Cinderella 5035 9 8 ‑10 6 23

9 Thomas Garner Voodoo 4505 8 ‑9 9 7 24

10 John Evans Exocet 4762 (DNC) 10 8 DNC 30

11 James Sainsbury P1 4906 (DNF) DNC DNC DNC 36

Scoping out next season's Sailjuice Winter Series

 

The Sailjuice Winter Series is going strong after 17 seasons, and last week the organisers invited a small group of sailors and stakeholders to join a roundtable discussion to scope out the future...

Last week the organisers of the Seldén SailJuice Winter Series, Simon Lovesey and Andy Rice, held a meeting with members of participating sailing clubs and classes, as well as some of the competitors. They discussed the future of the handicap racing series and the broader state of dinghy racing in the UK.

The Participation Mission

The meeting, chaired by Andy Rice and Simon Lovesey, focused on the primary goal of the SailJuice Winter Series: increasing participation. Andy noted that while the series has been running for 17 years, the post-Covid landscape has proven challenging. Events that once "maxed out" at 150 entries, such as the Oxford Blue, are now finding it harder to reach those numbers. Despite this, series is still general decline in UK open meeting participation.

Part of the success is attributed to the "Great Lakes" handicap system. By moving away from the "bandit" classes of the past through rigorous data analysis, the series has created a more level playing field where 15 or 16 different boat types can realistically compete for top spots. However, with 94 different classes taking part in last season's Series, they still had concerns about the fragmentation of the sport and the 'bottlenecks' preventing growth, such as entry fees, weather-dependent late entries, and volunteer fatigue.

One-Design or Handicap Racing or Both

A recurring theme was the tension between One-Design classes and handicap racing. Some one-design classes persist in holding summer open meetings where there are times when more people are involved in organising an event than there are competitors on the start line.

One representative from Oxford SC argued that one-design racing remains popular in the summer due to its social nature - the "same group of people meeting every month". However, he conceded that as numbers dwindle, classes must team up to make events viable. The consensus was that while handicap racing is often viewed as a compromise, for many clubs and classes it is increasingly the only sustainable model to achieve the necessary economies of scale.

The "Scottish Model" and Hybrid Regattas

Another attendee proposed adopting a 'Scottish Regatta' model to solve the participation problem. In this system, clubs run large-scale annual regattas with eight to ten different starts. Any class that brings six to eight boats receives its own start and prizes, while smaller groups are folded into fast or slow handicap fleets. This hybrid approach possibly the best of both worlds: it provides the social and competitive pull of class racing while ensuring the club has enough total participants to justify the resources.

Another participant supported this, suggesting that the focus should shift from participation to quality. By offering a better racing experience and a "blank sheet of paper" approach to handicapping, moving away from 75-year-old analogue systems into the digital and AI age, participation would naturally follow.

Social Dynamics and Modern Challenges

The "off-the-water" experience was identified as a critical factor in an event's success. A number of participants agreed that since Covid, sailors are more "time-poor" and selective. To add value, participants suggested incorporating modern technology and better hospitality. Simon Horsfield's on-and-off-the-water coaching and online briefings was mentioned as a good example of ways that the Winter Series is adding a layer of value to the amateur circuit, giving "weekend warriors" access to the kind of elite tips usually reserved for Olympic and RYA youth squads.

Where next?

The focus for the 18th edition of the SailJuice Winter Series will be building on the success of the boat type extracted rankings (fast and slow asymmetric, fast and slow symmetric) and performance comparisons of similar boat types. More broadly, small boat racing lacks a clear representative body to champion the sector - like RORC for offshore or UKWA for boards. While the RYA plays an important role, it is understandably broad in scope. SailJuice has partly filled this gap (with 94 classes represented last winter), but there's clearly more to be done. The longer-term vision is to establish a UK Small Boat Racing Association, and we'll be arranging a follow-up meeting to gauge interest and momentum.

Calling all challengers – Royal Racing Yacht Bluebottle brings Marblehead Trophy to the UK for the first time

 

The Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes is calling for Dragon class challengers for The Marblehead Trophy 2026. The event will be held in Cowes, Isle of Wight at the Royal Yacht Squadron. The Royal Racing Yacht Bluebottle (GBR 192) won the 2025 event in St. Tropez, marking the first-ever British victory and bringing the trophy to the UK for the first time.

The regatta will follow the Edinburgh Cup (18–21 August), and a bumper month of sailing, as well as marking the 75th year of the trophy being vested in the International Dragon Class. The Marblehead Trophy is the Dragon class’s premier inter-club competition, and Bluebottle’s defence of the 2026 edition is being organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron and supported by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust.

Commissioned in 1948 and built by renowned British shipbuilders Camper & Nicholsons, Bluebottle was originally presented as a wedding gift to Princess Elizabeth (as she then was) and Prince Philip. She is the only British Dragon to have won an Olympic medal, achieving bronze at the 1956 Melbourne Games, a testament to her timeless design and competitive pedigree.

Now meticulously restored and maintained by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, Bluebottle remains an active competitor on the international regatta circuit. Far from a museum piece, she embodies the living legacy of classic yacht design and continues to inspire sailors of all ages.

Skippered by Graham Bailey, with Bluebottle crew Julia Bailey, Will Bedford and Killian Boag, after five close races the team delivered a superb performance in 2025 and against a top international fleet securing the Marblehead Trophy, one of the most coveted trophies in sailing.

The Marblehead Trophy is a prestigious international sailing prize linked to the Dragon class. Established in 1929 by the residents of Marblehead in Massachusetts, it commemorated the town’s 300th anniversary and celebrated its heritage as a renowned centre of sailing.

Franck Bruyere, Chief Executive of The Royal Yacht Britannia and Fingal Hotel said: “We are delighted that Bluebottle now joins the very select circle of winners of this prestigious trophy, and we hope that this marks the beginning of a new ‘British era’ of champions. It is with great pride that we bring the trophy to Cowes and look forward to the 2026 challenger event”

Commodore Bertie Bicket of The Royal Yacht Squadron commented: “We are very proud to welcome challengers of the Marblehead Trophy to Cowes and to host this prestigious event in this very important year for Cowes as it is the 200th anniversary of Cowes Week.”