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.

WITH 12,000 RENTAL YACHTS ACROSS 60 COUNTRIES WHICH ONE WILL YOU CHOOSE?

#yachts2rentnow

Early Bird Tickets now on sale for Southampton International Boat Show 2026

 

SHOP

HomeEvent NewsEarly Bird Tickets now on sale for Southampton International Boat Show 2026

Early Bird Tickets now on sale for Southampton International Boat Show 2026

22 hours ago

Southampton International Boat Show is officially setting sail for 2026, returning to Mayflower Park from 18–27 September 2026 with another unforgettable 10 days on and off the water.

The UK’s biggest boating festival is gearing up for a spectacular year. This year’s show will once again bring together an incredible mix of boats, brands and on-water experiences. Firm Show favourites will be back, including the iconic Marina featuring over 250 boats, the Shipyard buzzing with live music and street food and there will be stages featuring talks, interviews and interactive sessions on everything from powerboat racing to wooden boat making.

Visitors can shop till they drop in the New Wave Hall, discover all the latest tech, apparel and so much more from the industry’s top brands. The Southampton International Boat Show has it all, from luxury superyachts and sleek motor cruisers to innovative RIBs, family-friendly day boats, eco-forward electric craft and high-performance yachts. The 2026 lineup will also include hands-on watersports activities, family entertainment and even more opportunities to try something new on the water.

Southampton International Boat Show 2026 is set to be unmissable, with new speakers, boats and experiences to be announced in the new year. Don’t miss the boat.

Early Bird Tickets are on sale now until 31 January for as little as £13 with further discounts for groups, giving visitors the chance to secure the best price for a show that promises more excitement than ever.

For further information, visit: www.southamptonboatshow.com

GBR Blind Sailing Triumphs at World Championships

 

GBR Blind Sailing has delivered an extraordinary performance at the World Sailing Inclusion Visually Impaired Championships in Oman, achieving a historic sweep across the visually impaired classes with the continued support of sponsorship from award winning creative digital out of home studio DOOH.com. 

The GBR team secured 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the B1, B2 and B3 categories, and went on to take 1st and 3rd place in the overall inclusive classes. This remarkable achievement reinforces Britains position as a global leader in inclusive sailing. 

Lucy Hodges MBE, Commodore of GBR Blind Sailing: “Competing at the Inclusion World Championships in Oman has been a proud and defining moment for our team and for the wider para and inclusive sailing community. The level of competition, the spirit on the water, and the shared determination of every athlete showed exactly why inclusion in sport matters so deeply. 

Mild and Moderate forecast for this Saturday's Polar Chase

 

Following a breeze outing last weekend at the Datchet Flyer, it's a more moderate forecast for this Saturday's Robline UK Polar Chase.

The third event in the Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series heads back to the west midlands, just north of Birmingham, for what was a really well-received event when it joined the Series for the first time last year. Visitors loved the warm welcome from the club members at Chase.

A year ago Sam Watson and Charlie Cotter sailed their GP14 to victory ahead of an 86-boat mixed handicap fleet. Simon Hawkes finished runner-up in his K1 keelboat and the sailor from Castle Cove is back this year to see if he can go one better.

This is the last event in the Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series before Christmas, and online entry closes tonight, so do it now while you remember.

Enter at enter.sailracer.org/eventsites/new.asp?eventid=227303

The following events are in the Seldén SailJuice Winter Series 2025/26 :-

Robline UK Polar Chase, Chase Sailing Club - 13 December 2025

Yorkshire Dales Brass Monkey, Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club - 27 December 2025

Grafham Grand Prix, Grafham Water Sailing Club - 4 January 2026

GJW Direct Bloody Mary, Queen Mary Sailing Club - 10 January 2026

John Merricks Tiger Trophy, Rutland Sailing Club - 31 January 2026 & 1 February 2026

Oxford Blue, Oxford Sailing Club - 14 February 2026

Prizegiving at RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, Farnborough - 21 February 2026

You can find out more about the Series here: www.SailJuiceSeries.com

Sailing Chandlery RS400 Southern Tour 2025

 

Congratulations to Chris and Rachel Eames, Royal Thames YC, winners of the Sailing Chandlery RS400 Southern Tour 2025.

Counting a win at Chew, second at Parkstone and third at Warsash, their score of 6 points put them 4 points ahead of second-placed Jon Gorringe and Toby Lewis, Parkstone YC, who were just one point ahead of Chew's Paul and Anna Smalley.

It's once again testament to the enduring popularity of the RS400 that the tour results list 51 boats from 26 clubs, with the final top ten all from different clubs and four different event winners across the series of 5 events.

The challenge this popularity poses is how to get them all in one place for competitive racing and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere that the fleet are known for. For 2026 we are planning a well-spaced calendar of four Southern Tour events, at popular clubs with good home fleets.

So far we have confirmed the Southern Championships at Warsash, 6/7 June and Parkstone 18/19 July and are hoping to add the Salcombe May regatta and a Chew date soon.

Thanks go to Sailing Chandlery for their generous sponsorship, we are delighted that they have agreed to continue for 2026, so their members' discount code, offering £10 off orders over £50 is still valid - ideal for Christmas! (email Sally if you have lost it).

Thank you also to Paul Hilliar, our Southern Tour Rep, who has produced these results and also agreed to continue for another year.

Dates for the diary, including National and Northern Tour events (both complete) are at

 www.rs400.org/index.asp?fleet=RS400&pg=eventsgrid

Overall Results: Top Twenty 

Pos Sail No Helm Crew Club BCYC Salc Parks Warsash Pts

1st 1528 Chris Eames Rachel Eames Royal Thames YC 2 3 6

2nd 1555 Jon Gorringe Toby Lewis Parkstone YC 2 5 10

3rd 1557 Paul Smalley Anna Smalley Chew Valley SC 3 ‑4 4 ‑9 11

4th 1376 Tim Le Coulliard James Le Coulliard King George SC 2 15 22

5th 1535 Tom Halhead Paul Hilliar Llandegfedd SC 1 1 57

6th 1981 Howard Farbrother Louise Hosken Lymington Town SC 5 6 66

7th 1504 San Knight Chris Bownes Lyme Regis SC 1 111

8th 411 Figs Cain Oliver Scrimshaw Starcross YC 1 111

9th 1502 Jon Heissig Nicky Griffin Llangorse SC 112

10th 1444 Robin Kirby Alex Horlock Warsash SC 2 112

11th 1469 Martin Powell Phil Jackson Parkstone YC 3 113

12th 1327 Jonathan Moss Rich Sheridan Bough Beech SC 3 113

13th 1481 Ian Walker Anna Warren Warsash SC 4 114

14th 1324 Richard Watney Grant Showbridge Hayling Island SC 4 114

15th 1210 Niall Houston George Zavos 5 115

16th 1292 Will Fennelly Rob Clarke Chew Valley SC 116

17th 1189 Steve Restall Katie Walworth Downs SC 6 116

18th 1448 Mike Baker June Baker Weybread SC 6 116

19th 1526 Ollie Groves Esther Parkhurst Beaver SC 7 117

20th 1369 Leo Dixon Mellissa Franklin Parkstone YC 7 117