SailGP is heading to Portsmouth this summer

 

A fierce, fast, and maybe a little furious, racing event will be carving up a storm in the waters of the Solent next month. The Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix is the seventh event in the 2025 season of the Rolex SailGP Championship and will take place on July 19 and 20 in Portsmouth.

You can cheer on the GBR team – driven by Olympic gold medallist Dylan Fletcher with double Olympic gold medallist Hannah Mills in the strategist seat – just meters from the shoreside as twelve F50 catamarans speed towards the finish line, before enjoying live music from the likes of Tom Grennan and DJ Pete Tong. It promises to be one hull of a race.

Are you an F1 fan looking for another adrenaline-fuelled fix or maybe you just love the edge-of-your-seat thrill of a good chase? Well, you can find tense, heart-pounding racing on the water this summer. SailGP is high-speed sail racing, where national teams battle through choppy waves, wild winds and scorching rays of sun to claim victory and win the total prize pot of $12 million across the season.

These speedy showdowns take place at numerous iconic venues around the world and this July it will be coming to Portsmouth, a city drenched in a rich maritime and naval history, for a weekend of world class racing.

Even better, if you can’t get enough of the action, you’ll be pleased to know that SailGP will be racing back to the UK in 2026, promising another summer of sailing spectacle.

505 UK Nationals at WPNSA starts next weekend

 

Once again, Hayling Island, one of the near spiritual homes of the class will be welcoming boats next June from across the world to compete for what has to be one of the great titles to win, the 5o5 World Championship.

Like the 14s and their PoW Trophy, the list of names on the 5o5 silverware is an amazing record of top sailing royalty; far bigger though is the list of top helms from around the world who have set themselves the challenge of winning it but come up short. Sailors with a chest full of winners medals from the Olympics and other World Championships have given the FiveO challenge their best, only to finish a few steps off the top spot.

This talk of silverware is an important part of the latest 5o5 story, as the UK fleet has been busy tracking down the trophies that are awarded at the UK Championships: these have been located, cleaned and brought back up to spec with any missing names added in, so now there really is something to race for.

As a result, the FiveOs are aiming for something of a bumper fleet for this year's event, which is being hosted by the WPNSA. They could well be in luck, as already there has been a run of purchases that has seen a number of the available competitive boats being snapped up by top quality teams.

Now it is the turn of the UK Class Association to be doing everything right: they have the boat, the event, the people and now a surge of new interest which is putting the 5o5 right back to it's rightful position as one of the pinnacles of dinghy sailing that anyone can aspire to - and it all starts in Weymouth, Thursday 26th June for four days, though there's a welcome reduced entry 'deal' for those who can only make days 3 and 4 at the weekend.

Weymouth is always wonderful: why not be there next weekend?

Island Hopping Along the Turkey Coast is an Adventure of a Lifetime

 

 This 14-day Island-hopping itinerary along the Turkish Riviera offers a perfect blend of turquoise waters, ancient ruins, charming coastal villages, and delicious cuisine. Here's a suggested route with daily stops and activity highlights.

Day 1: Bodrum (Arrival & Embarkation)

Activities: Explore Bodrum Castle, visit the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, and stroll the marina.

Evening: Dine aboard or in a harbor-front restaurant.

Day 2: Bodrum → Knidos

Sailing Time: ~4 hours

Activities: Explore the ruins of ancient Knidos (amphitheater, temples, agora). Swim/snorkel in clear waters.

Evening: Anchor in the bay; stargazing and dinner aboard.

Day 3: Knidos → Datça

Sailing Time: ~2.5 hours

Activities: Visit the charming town, olive oil tasting, local markets, and relax on Kumluk Beach.

Optional: Short hike or bike rental.

Day 4: Datça → Bozukkale

Sailing Time: ~3 hours

Activities: Explore the ancient citadel of Loryma, snorkeling, or kayaking in crystal waters.

Day 5: Bozukkale → Bozburun

Sailing Time: ~2.5 hours

Activities: Visit local gulet shipyards, taste honey, wander the peaceful village.

Evening: Seafood dinner onshore.

Day 6: Bozburun → Selimiye

Sailing Time: ~1.5 hours

Activities: Relaxed swimming day, paddleboarding, visit artisan shops, sunset cocktails.

Day 7: Selimiye → Orhaniye (Kızkumu Beach)

Sailing Time: ~1.5 hours

Activities: Walk on the natural sandbar (Kızkumu), jeep safari (optional), or hike to ruins.

Day 8: Orhaniye → Dirsekbükü

Sailing Time: ~2 hours

Activities: Off-grid paradise. Swim, snorkel, and read a book in peace. Great starry skies at night.

Day 9: Dirsekbükü → Bencik Bay → Çiftlik

Sailing Time: ~4 hours (with a stop)

Activities: Hike to panoramic views in Bencik, then chill in Çiftlik’s pristine beach.

Evening: Dine in a family-run beachside restaurant.

Day 10: Çiftlik → Marmaris

Sailing Time: ~2.5 hours

Activities: Shopping, nightlife, spa (Turkish hammam), and old town bazaar.

Day 11: Marmaris → Ekincik

Sailing Time: ~3 hours

Activities: Take a small riverboat tour to Dalyan, visit the Lycian tombs and Iztuzu (Turtle) Beach.

Day 12: Ekincik → Göcek Bays (Sarsala or Bedri Rahmi Bay)

Sailing Time: ~4 hours

Activities: Kayak, hike to rock tombs, swim in turquoise coves.

Evening: Sunset on deck in a peaceful anchorage.

Day 13: Göcek Bays → Fethiye

Sailing Time: ~2.5 hours

Activities: Paragliding (optional, world-famous from Babadağ), explore the old town and fish market.

Day 14: Fethiye 

Activities: Final breakfast on board. Optional day tour to Ölüdeniz or Kayaköy Ghost Village.

Would you like help planning your next trip?

Please let us know about your sailing experience 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 PRIVATE RENTAL YACHTS / CHARTER YACHTS ACROSS 60 COUNTRIES 

WHICH ONE WILL YOU CHOOSE ?

#yachts2rentnow

Rolex TP52 World Championship 2025 – Preview

Enterprise Thames Valley trophy series event at Frensham Pond Sailing Club

 

The Enterprise Open meeting on 15th June, an event of the Thames Valley trophy, saw a fleet of seven consisting of two visitors and five home boats sharing the water with the GP14 Open.

The day held to the promise of being sunny but with sufficient cloud to help stir the air up and make sailing interesting.

Conditions picked up very much to those predicted with a usable wind of up to 14, gusting 19, knots reported as a constant westerly but local conditions gave a different story with extremely variable shifts adding spice to the sailing tactics.

The race officer, Bruce Hill, changed from the scheduled 3 races to fit 2 races back-to-back in both the morning and afternoon, all following the same course.

In the first race both Ann Jackson with Alan Skeens and Katrina Gilbert with Jenny Rust got off to a good start and pulled away from the bulk of the fleet, Katrina soon taking the lead which they commanded to the end despite others' best efforts.

Race 2 was very much a repeat of Race 1 for the leaders but this time visitors Hilgard and Hanelle Muller got the measure of the pond and led the followers to a third place.

Home helm Ted Bonner and his crew Harrison Parsons, with an amazing age difference of nearly 75 years, came in 6th but felt that this second race was enough for the day.

In Race 3, Once again Katrina Gilbert showed her superiority to take the lead ahead of Ann Jackson with Nick Carr getting back in third position.

Neither Katrina Gilbert nor Ann Jackson could stay for the last race but even with a discard the order was secured leaving the three boats of the middle fleet to have an enjoyable evenly matched tussle to round off the day.

Katrina Gilbert and Jenny Rust's three first places won them the Frensham Packard Cup.

After the racing many were happy to chat and soak up the warm sunshine with an enjoyable tea, this year provided by the galley, and the prize-giving.

Overall Results: -

Pos Sail No Helm Crew Club R1 R2 R3 R4 Pts

1st 21836 Katrina Gilbert Jenny Rust FPSC 1 1 1 (DNC) 3

2nd 23170 Ann Jackson Alan Skeens Burghfield Sailing Club 2 2 2 (DNC) 6

3rd 22870 Nicholas Carr Kaz Kawamura FPSC 3 ‑4 3 1 7

4th 23094 Hilgard Muller Hanelle Muller Broadwater Sailing Club ‑5 3 4 3 10

5th 22656 Roger Carter Dr Keith Mundy FPSC 4 ‑5 5 2 11

6th 22703 Ted Bonner Harrison Parsons FPSC 6 6 (DNC) DNC 20

7th 23055 Trevor Hallifax Alastair McEwan FPSC 7 7 6 (DNC) 20

Astral Azure are sponsors for the 2000 class Nationals at Hayling Island Sailing Club

 

The 2000 Class Association is delighted to announce that old friends Astral Azure have agreed to be title headline sponsors for the 2025 2000 Nationals to be held at Hayling Island SC from Aug 17th-22nd. This will be the fourth occasion that Astral Azure have been the title sponsor for the 2000 Nationals.

Pete Vincent Sailing Secretary of the 2000 Class Association commented, "Delighted to have Astral Azure as title headline sponsors! Their support makes a real difference to the extra value we can add to the Nationals to make it an even better experience for competitors making the entry extremely good value.

Mike McEwing, founder of Astral Azure, was equally pleased to be again sponsoring the 2000 Nationals: "We are an Aerospace Consultancy and we believe in supporting sport as part of our wider contribution to society. 2000 class sailors are such an inclusive and welcoming group of people who bring the Fast, Family, Fun ethos to life," he commented.

With 35 boats already entered entries are expected to pass 50 by the time the Nationals start. If you would like to enter the 2025 Astral Azure 2000 Nationals go to :-

 sailevent.net/noticeboard/17p

Olympic Sailing as a Couple - British Sailing Team's Hannah Bristow & Ja...

South Cerney Sailing Club Juniors Set To Compete on World Stage

 

South Cerney Sailing Club are delighted to announce that eight of our junior sailors have been selected to be part of Team GB competing at the Cadet World Championships at Cerna Yacht Club in Czechia from August 1st to 8th 2025.

This is an historic achievement for South Cerney Sailing Club. This is the first time we have had so many juniors selected for Team GBR since the club was formed in 1955.

The successful sailors are:

Monty Hampton

Henry Yates

Jemima McMorris

Islay Bromhead

Will Hancock

Noah Sauven

Polly Kornicki

Alex Nailer

Additionally at the selection event earlier this year South Cerney Sailors also took first, second and third in the Silver Fleet. The successful sailors are:

Will Hancock

Sam Beaudro

Noah Sauven

Polly Kornicki

Kyla Brezan

Alex Nailer

From beginner to aspiring Olympian, the Cadet is the worlds' most successful two person training dinghy, specifically tailored towards children and young people. Originally designed by Jack Holt in 1947, there are now more than 10,000 Cadets sailed in over 40 countries around the world.

South Cerney Sailing Club is based in the idyllic Cotswold Water Park and provides sailing for all ages and capabilities. As an RYA accredited training centre we are able to offer sail training to both adults and juniors. The club provides an exciting and varied sailing calendar with racing every week plus cruising, paddle boarding, and many social activities throughout the year. We welcome new members.

For further information about South Cerney Sailing Club visit :-

 www.southcerneysailingclub.org.uk

Magic Marine BSDRA Schools Week 2025 at Itchenor Sailing Club

 

With a bumper entry of 160+ boats, next week's Schools Week Sponsored by Magic Marine promises thrilling racing and, with luck, some favourable June weather. This year's Championships are expected to draw around 300 students, highlighting the continued growth and importance of youth sailing in the UK.

Racing Schedule:

RS Feva class: Sunday 22nd - Tuesday 24th June 2025

Firefly class: Wednesday 25th - Friday 27th June 2025

George Kingsnorth, Director of TGKA Brands, UK distributor of Magic Marine and Triggernaut Sports Glasses, said: "We're proud to support the National School Sailing Championships, an event that truly showcases the passion, talent and sportsmanship of young sailors. It's inspiring to see so many schools and students taking part — the future of British sailing is clearly in great hands."

British Schools Dinghy Racing Association (BSDRA) 

Websites :- google.com/site/bsdraonline

See Entry List: -

www.magicmarine.uk/collections/schools-championships

Falmouth Classics 2025

 

An eclectic fleet of classic vessels gathered on Thursday 12th June in Falmouth Harbour for the 2025 Falmouth Classics Regatta. Vessels ranged from the 48m Dutch Brig Morgenster to Teuk a 3.8m West Mersea oyster smack's tender. This year a high proportion of the 159 boats were built before 1950 with the oldest entry, Emma, a Leigh Bawley, built in 1845.

A great start to the event was provided by Dynamite Brewery's reception on Falmouth Haven with shanty singing from local group Rum and Shrub. The event got seriously under way on Friday when, undaunted by the rain, 90 left their moorings and berths to race in the Carrick Roads and Falmouth Bay. Despite getting a soaking, crews enjoyed the courses set by the new Chief Race officer Nigel Sharp. The fickle wind in the afternoon saw boats in some classes struggle to achieve the time limit.

The evening Polgoon Vineyard and Gweek Classic Boatyard reception in the Falmouth Art Gallery and Council Chamber saw crew enjoying some warmth and dryness.

The strong westerly breeze on Saturday provided great sailing and the fleet increased to well over 100 with the addition of Falmouth Working Boats and some additional local G Class gaffers. The Carrick Roads was filled with lug, gaff and Bermudan sails and the large boat classes raced out into Falmouth Bay. A number of the fifteen classes raced around a mark in St Mawes Harbour.

The weather on Sunday proved ideal for the Parade of Sail and Power. Three Royal Navy Archer P2000 patrol vessels led the parade in an arrow formation (not the Red Arrows but the Grey Arrows!) followed by the current Falmouth lifeboats and two vintage life boats.

The sailing fleet was led by Morgenster with some of her square sails set, a sight providing a reminder of a long-gone era in Falmouth, she was followed by the sailing fleet and gigs. Several boats had dressed according to the underwater fancy dress theme. There were mermaids, octopuses, crabs and an abundance of seaweed to be seen.

The event culminated in a prize-giving at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall where prizes of Tregothnan tea, Polgoon wine, Musto clothing, chandlery vouchers provided by Heather and Lay, trophies and glassware were presented to class winners. Prize-giving ended in time for skippers and crews to watch the final shanty festival performance.

The event was run by 50 volunteers including the 15 members of the organising team. The organisers would like to thank the sponsors and advertisers for the wonderful support given to this year's event.

The next Falmouth Classics Regatta will be held from 12th - 14th June 2026.

Event website: -  www.falmouthclassics.org.uk

2025 South Coast Dragon Championship at the Royal Thames Yacht Club

 

Set against the dramatic and ever-challenging Solent, seven windward-leeward races tested crews in a wide range of conditions—from warm, light airs to lively Solent chop, stiff south-westerlies, and glorious champagne sailing.

The fleet featured an impressive turnout of both Classic and newer Dragons, racing together in a celebration of tradition and competition. The camaraderie onshore was matched by fierce rivalries on the water, with every race keenly contested.

Day one saw Owen Pay's Furious GBR777 set the tone with a commanding win in the opening race, taking full advantage of the lighter breeze to make a strong early statement. Bluebottle, Sanka, Jerboa and Fit Chick made use of the shore and tide benefits to finish in the top five.

Off the water, the fleet enjoyed a Dragon get-together, daily prize-giving and BBQ hosted by the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club.

On day two, a strengthening south-westerly breeze brought fun but testing racing conditions. The legendary royal Dragon, Bluebottle GBR192, helmed by Graham Bailey, secured its second win of the regatta. But it was Fit Chick GBR753 who stole the show, claiming back-to-back victories in races four and five to finish the day just one point behind Bluebottle in the standings.

With the stage set for a thrilling finale, Sunday delivered perfect champagne sailing conditions. Classic Dragons Polly GBR11 and La-Ju K74 came out to play in the sunshine, enjoying more favourable racing conditions.

Rising to the challenge, Graham, Julia, Will, and Killian aboard Bluebottle found another gear, delivering a flawless performance to win both of the day's races and seal overall victory.

Reflecting on the regatta, Graham Bailey remarked: "It was a good battle with Fit Chick." The close competition added a real sense of drama and excitement that made for a memorable weekend.

Solent Dragon fleet captain Chris Grosscurth praised the event: "It was an excellently run regatta both on the water and ashore. I was thrilled to see so many boats on the water racing; this was a good warmup for Cowes Week. A big thank you to the Royal Thames team for their organisation."

As the sun set over Cowes, the Dragon class once again proved its timeless appeal—blending history, performance, and sportsmanship in a regatta to remember.

Trophy Winners : -

Brigadier Henson Trophy, 1st overall - GBR192 Bluebottle

The Ratsey and Lapthorn Trophy, 2nd overall - GBR753 Fit Chick

Clare Lallow Trophy, 1st Solent Boat - GBR192 Bluebottle

Oscar Cup, 1st Corinthian - GBR753 Fit Chick

Silver Dragon Trophy, 1st Classic - GBR192 Bluebottle

Stoneways Marine open their annual Amateur Boating Photographer of the Year Competition

 

Stoneways Marine Insurance are excited to open their annual photography competition with this year's theme being 'Joy on the water'. The judges would like to see what brings you happiness on the water, whether that's enjoying your passion with friends, the adrenalin rush of racing or beautiful scenery; it's a free pass to let your creativity run wild.

The competition is now open until 12th September this year, giving entrants the summer to get our there with their cameras. The best images will be included in the Stoneways Marine 2026 Calendar and the top three entrants will receive chandlery vouchers, branded merchandise, copies of the calendar and more.

"We are pleased to once again open the competition and we can't wait to see the images sent in, being on the water means so much to so many people and we are really looking forward to seeing it from other people's perspective. It's also nice to do something a bit different within the world of insurance and make it a bit more interesting for fellow boating enthusiasts" said Keith Lovett, Stoneways Managing Director.

For more information on how to enter or to read the terms and conditions go to :-

 bit.ly/4l6mtsg

For further enquiries please contact info@stoneways.co.uk

Kestrel Scottish Championship 2025 at Royal Tay Yacht Club

 

The Tay dished up two days of contrasting conditions for this year's event. Saturday dawned with a yellow weather warning for the east of Scotland threatening torrential rain, thunder and lightning all day.

Undaunted by the rain or the forecast, a course was set and the fleet launched and racing got under way. 

After two races there was a standing ovation for the Race Officer when, after further thunder and lightning, all further sailing was cancelled and hot showers were the order of the day. In the evening there was a 'bring and share' meal in the Royal Tay Yacht Club with partners and former Kestrelers joining.

Sunday provided sparkling conditions. Sunshine and a freshening south westerly all day. The two races held before lunch were typical Tay Kestrel races.  After lunch two further races were achieved.

At close of play, Stewart and Ken had won back the trophy from, last years victors. Overall, the racing was highly competitive. Each boat led a race at some point, and each boat podiumed on at least one race. All the races had frequent place changes, close contact sailing and close finishes throughout the fleet. Just to emphasise the access to competitive racing that the class offers, Bronze place went to the oldest boat with the newest helm and crew.

Despite the horrendous weather on Saturday, the incidents afloat, the capsizes and the swings and roundabouts the event was judged a great success.

Those who had enjoyed the catering ashore and who had spent the day in the lee of the beach clubhouse, sitting in the sun, were certainly well entertained!

Overall Results:

Pos Boat Sail No Helm Crew R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 Points

1st Pure Dead Seathing 1648 Stewart Murdoch Ken Scott‑Brown 1 1 1 1 4 1 5

2nd 1638 Malcolm Worsley Dannielle Worsley 3 RET 2 2 2 2 11

3rd Gaa Sands 1579 Antony Gifford James Gifford 5 3 4 5 3 3 18

4th On the Fiddle 1644 Ian R Hunter Sceighlan Tilson 6 4 3 3 5 4 19

5th Soggy Boots 1636 Steven Worf Dave Hearsum 4 RET 5 4 1 RET 21

6th The boat with no name 1632 Alexander Bremner Ailsa Anderson 2 2 6 6 RET RET 23