Snettisham Beach Sailing Club looking for volunteers

 

Snettisham Beach Sailing Club has established a programme called Sailability, offering individuals with physical, learning, and mental health issues the opportunity to experience sailing.

The club is actively looking for more volunteers to join the Sailability crew.

A variety of roles are available, such as meet and greet, catering, movement assistance, pontoon helpers, hoist operators, competent helms, and support boat drivers.

Specialist training, such as hoist operation, will also be offered.

Sailing sessions will take place from 12pm to 5pm on Friday afternoons between April and October.

A free training day is scheduled for April 11, starting at 10am, covering various activities.

More details and booking information can be obtained from Snettisham Beach Sailing Club.

For more information about the Sailability programme, contact Adrian Tebbutt at sbsc.accessible.sailing@gmail.com or call 07530 046139.

Dart 15 sailing on a Sunday morning at Shanklin Sailing Club, Isle of Wight

Poole Regatta to Host IRC European Championship 2026

 

The next International Paint Poole Regatta will take place over the late May bank holiday 2026. The enviable track record Poole has built for hosting unmissable regattas continues in 2026 with the inclusion of the prestigious IRC European Championship as an integral element of racing, alongside multiple class starts across many of the most popular yacht racing classes.

The dates to save in your calendar are as follows:

IRC European Championship - 4 days - Friday 22nd to Monday 25th May

All other classes - 3 days - Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th May

The prize-giving for all competitors will be held at The Royal Motor Yacht Club following the completion of racing on Monday 25th May.

The weekend of racing will once again be organised by the Combined Yacht Clubs of Poole, who have gained a strong reputation for the professional organisation of Poole Regatta since 2000. The long-term sponsorship of International Paint and the overwhelmingly positive competitor feedback since the first event, inaugurated to celebrate the millennium, is testament to this.

To find out more about Poole Regatta 2026 and all our other sponsors visit :-

 Pooleregatta.co.uk 

 and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram to be informed about all the latest developments.

Triggernaut sponsors Scorpion Youth Series

 

Triggernaut Sports Glasses, a leading brand in high-performance sports eyewear, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the prestigious Scorpion Sailing Youth Series. This partnership underscores Triggernaut's commitment to supporting young sailing talent and promoting excellence in the sport.

The Scorpion Sailing Youth Series is a renowned initiative that provides young sailors with the opportunity to develop their skills and compete at a high level. With its emphasis on precision, endurance, and performance, the series aligns perfectly with Triggernaut's core values.

John Tailby, Coordinator of the Silver Scorpion series, welcomed Triggernaut's involvement: "Having Triggernaut on board as a sponsor is a fantastic boost for our youth sailors. Their high-quality sports eyewear ensures our young competitors have the best possible vision on the water, which is crucial for success. We're grateful for their support and look forward to an exciting series ahead."

As part of the sponsorship, Triggernaut will provide sports eyewear vouchers for top youth sailors throughout the series. The collaboration is set to enhance the experience for participants and reinforce the commitment to safety and performance in youth sailing.

The programme is...

April:

5/6 - Staunton Harold (Sprint Champs)

19/20 - Bristol Corinthian

May:

3/4/5 - Rock

June:

14/15 - Chew Valley (Inlands)

July:

19/20 - Lymington Town Dinghy Regatta

August:

Saturday Sat 2nd - Fri 8th - Penzance SC (Nationals)

Sept:

13/14 - Bala

Oct:

11/12 - Notts (End of Season)

IRC Welsh National Championship 2025

 

Well, please remember to add to your itinerary the dates for the IRC Welsh National Championships 2025, hosted by Clwb Hwylio Pwllheli Sailing Club, Royal Dee Yacht Club, and the Welsh National Sailing Academy and Event Centre, here at Plas Heli.

2nd to 4th May 2025 - It is a Bank Holiday weekend!

Racing will be for the IRC Welsh Champion title in the two IRC classes.

We welcome the Sonata class, who will race within IRC 2, with those who hold IRC ratings competing for both the IRC title and the Sonata Welsh Championship.

The Championship will also incorporate the IRC J70 Welsh Nationals Championships. So many events in one!

IRC classes will race using our new committee boat, with both windward/leeward and fixed mark courses planned set by our Race Officer Nigel Biggs from HowthYC.

We also have a popular cruiser racer class, racing under the YTC rating system and utilising the club marks and geographical waypoints, managed from the new Pwllheli bridge start line at Gimlet organised by our very popular Race Officer,Robin Evans.

Jury and Results will be with our Event Principal Race Officer Michael Butterfield.

Enter now at  :- www.ircwelshchamps.com/index.php/notice-board/entry-form2025

There will be three days of great racing, daily prize-givings, and shore-side entertainment - we are planning on something special with our sponsor, Gimblet Rock Holiday Park.

We are also hosting a windsurfer event on the same weekend, so the venue will be rocking! There will be something for everyone!

With thanks to our generous sponsors - North Sails, Partington Marine, Rowlands Marine, Firmhelm - there will be amazing prizes.

Visiting yachts will be allocated a berth, if requested on the entry form.

For the J70 and Sonata's the craning in will be on Wednesday or Thursday and haul out on Sunday afternoon. This is by prior arrangement and for boats with centre point lift and certified strops.

The code for the bridgehead gate and the free parking areas will be set and circulated prior to the event. Please do not share this code beyond your crew. This is a strict condition of entry and is for the security of your kit.

Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to return to Oban after tourism boosting debut visit last summer

 

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will be returning to Oban to "bring global focus on the area as a great place to visit and invest" as the West Coast town is announced as a port on the event's 2025-26 edition.

The Clipper Race's eleven strong fleet will sail into Oban in summer 2026. A 200 strong crew of adventurers, including over 50 nationalities, and 150 professions, will descend on the town for its international sailing festival. This news follows the successful stop last year when Oban appeared on the same international route as major cities such as Cape Town, Washington, DC and Qingdao (China).

The fleet is expected to arrive into port in early summer 2026. The stopover will be a midway point of Leg 8: The Atlantic Homecoming, which will see Race Crew take on a furious downwind battle as they make the 3,900nm crossing from North America towards the Race Finish port of Portsmouth, UK. Along with Oban, other ports that have been announced so far for the Clipper 2025-26 Race are Portsmouth (UK - the event's Race Start and Finish location), Cape Town (South Africa), Tongyeong (Korea) and Qingdao (China). Further port announcements are due in the next month.

Stoneways VPRS Class National Championship 2025 at Royal Southern Yacht Club

 

Now in its fifth year Stoneways Marine Insurance Services are delighted to be supporting VPRS once again in 2025, following a great year in 2024 with nearly 350 boats rated and 500 certificates issued.

This year's National Championships returns to the Solent to be hosted by The Royal Southern Yacht Club, Hamble over the weekend 19th / 20th July. Having successfully hosted the X-Yachts Solent Cup in 2024, using VPRS, the Royal Southern Yacht Club is uniquely positioned to host this year's event at the height of summer.

A packed weekend is planned; for Saturday, July 19th with three races followed by a longer distance race on Sunday, July 20th. Double points for Sundays' longer race adding an exciting competitive edge. Off the water a VPRS Sailors Supper at the Royal Southern Yacht Club on Saturday evening providing opportunity for sailors to relax and socialise.

Sunday's race will be followed by the event prize-giving, courtesy of Stoneways Marine Insurance, leaving time to return to home berths.

Stoneways own Yacht Manager; George Beevor due to be competing in his own Hamble based, Sparkman & Stephens 35 "Ugly Duckling", is looking forward to competing: "Our crew are excited to be racing at the Stoneways VPRS Nationals this year, on what are our home waters coupled with legendary hospitality provided by the Royal Southern."

Visiting yachts to the Hamble are urged to book berthing as soon as possible by contacting: Haven@royal-southern.co.uk

The Stoneways VPRS Championship 2024 formed part of the International Paint Poole Regatta with 27 boats racing over two classes. With a significant local entry expected for the 2025 event, exciting racing is expected in the central Solent.

VPRS is a straightforward, cost effective and transparent rating system that enables monohull yachts to race fairly against one another. The Velocity Prediction Rating System (VPRS) has consistently proven popular, using a conventional set of measurements and personally managed to avoid anomalies. 

For more  information go to   :- www.vprs.org

Sailing World on Water Mar 28 25 Melbourne Osaka Start, Princesa Sofía, ...

Rooster Extends Partnership with J/70 UK Class for 2025

 

Following a fantastic 2024 Grand Slam Series, we are thrilled to announce that Rooster is continuing its partnership with the J/70 UK Class into 2025. With a shared passion for competitive racing and a commitment to growing the sport, Rooster remains an ideal partner as the J/70 class continues to thrive at both local and international levels.

With 42 teams competing in last year's UK Grand Slam Series, we look forward to an even stronger turnout in 2025. The strength of the UK fleet was also evident on the international stage, with impressive podium finishes at both the Open and Corinthian World Championships.

This year, the class is set to make history again - not only with the inaugural Corinthian European Championships but also with the first-ever Mixed-Plus J/70 World Championship, further highlighting the growing diversity and inclusivity within the fleet.

The UK Grand Slam Series returns this year with seven events spanning the season, kicking off in April. As part of Rooster's continued support, vouchers will be awarded per event, alongside special series prizes recognising top-performing teams in emerging categories, including Mixed-Plus, Youth, and Club Boat divisions.

Adding even more stakes to the competition, this year's Grand Slam Series results will determine the UK teams heading to the highly anticipated J/70 Worlds in Cascais 2026. With so much on the line, expect tight racing, close battles, and memorable showdowns on the water.

Luke Morrison, CEO of Rooster: "We're thrilled to continue supporting the J70 Class once again this year. It's always incredible to see the energy and passion within the class, and we wish everyone a season full of fun, excitement, and success.

Ian Poynton, Class Captain: "We are delighted to have Rooster on board for another year. Their commitment to the sport and shared values make them a perfect partner as we continue our efforts to grow participation, particularly among female and youth sailors. We're looking forward to an incredible season ahead."

The UK Grand Slam Series begins on April 26th. Entry for the first three events and Cowes Week are open.

For the full 2025 season calendar and entry links see  :-  j-70.co.uk/2025-schedule

J109s Set for Competitive Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta

 

As Afloat reported previously, entries now stand at over 120 for the July regatta across all classes, with Cruisers One (currently described as TCC > .980; LOA > 12 metres) shaping up to be a red-hot fleet, that at its last staging totalled 22 in 2023, with 14 J109s in its number.

The Johnny Murphy skippered Howth-based J109 Outrajeous that swept the boards in 2024 will be on the Dun Laoghaire line but will face strong Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland competition along with a new arrival from Murphy's home port.

Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club J109s, Robin Young's Jings, and John Stanley Whyte's Blue Jay are two early Scottish entries, along with Brian Dixon's Corby 36 Gelert from Pwllheli Sailing Club in North Wales.

The Scottish RC35 class is taking a break from its regular championship scene this season to allow members to compete elsewhere across the Irish Sea. As a result, more Scottish J109s are expected to contest VDLR, which is the Irish Sea's 'big one' in 2025.

From Northern Ireland, Michael Browne's Victoria 3 is also confirmed, and, as Afloat readers know, the custom Dubois 33 from Royal North of Ireland YC and Strangford Lough YC is having a pre-season make-over.

A new J112e, a sistership to 2024 Cork Week Champion Valentina, will also contest this class under brothers Mike and Ritchie Evans from Howth Yacht Club, who move up from the J/99 Snapshot for the July 10-13 battle.

The Staunton Harold Scorpion Sprint Championships are back for 2025

 

Come and join us on 5-6 April for another classic edition of sprint racing with as many sprint races as we can fit in within the race time. (See NOR and SIs for full details). This event promises to be the perfect way to launch this year's Silver Scorpion Craftinsure-sponsored series.

The legendary Staunton hospitality will be in play with BBQ and social planned for the Saturday night. Camping and camper vans welcome.

Lunchtime Galley will be available on both days and breakfast will be available on Sunday morning.

Timings:

Briefing is planned around 11:00 a.m on Saturday morning

The warning signals for racing will be between 12.00-14.00 & 15.00-17.00 on the 5th of April, and 10.30-13.00 on the 6th.

Please note this is subject to change, based on the wind conditions and the OOD's decision on the day.

Entry is online, please sign up ASAP (this really helps us with numbers).

On your entry form, please also book BBQ tickets as required; this really helps us with catering!.

Entry is £35 per boat for the weekend and payment is on arrival, on the Saturday. Saturday night BBQ is £12.50 per person.

Free camping for tents and campervans will be available on site on Friday and Saturday night. Alternatively please visit tripadvisor.com or booking.com etc.

For sailors arriving on Friday night, to drop boats off, or to camp, please contact us via sailing@shsc.org.uk to confirm timing, note that the boat park will be locked, so we will need to co-ordinate.

We look forward to seeing you for a great weekend of Sprint Racing!

 Go here to sign up  :- https://shsc.org.uk/event/scorpion-open-1

Jasmine Harrison continues her circumnavigation

 

A young British adventurer will start her 6,000 passage from Panama to Fiji this week.

Jasmine Harrison, double world-record holder, continues her solo sail around the world!

On Tuesday 25th March Jasmine Harrison will be setting off from La Playita Marina, Panama City on Leg 2 of her solo sail around the world in a handmade 5.8m (19 feet) yacht to sail 6000 miles across the Pacific Ocean to Fiji.

Jasmine is an entrant in the inaugural Mini Globe Race organised by McIntyre Adventure.

Since December she has completed a qualifying solo sail from Portugal to Lanzarote in her boat Numbatou. She then successfully completed a transatlantic crossing to Antigua, 2865 nautical miles in 28 days, arriving at dawn under a rainbow! On 23rd February 2025 Jasmine then sailed from Antigua to Panama. That leg of the staged race took her 11 days, 1179 nautical miles.

This race is another challenge of a lifetime for the young Yorkshire adventurer. She is sailing single- handed, racing against 14 other international sailors, and is one of only two female competitors. She is the youngest to take part at aged 25.

Learn more at  :- www.jasmine-harrison.com

Racing Championship 2025 at Oxford Sailing Club

 

A team from the Royal Thames Yacht Club has won the Prince Philip Trophy after claiming victory at the 2025 RYA/UKTRA National Team Racing Championship. Hosted for the first time in the event's history by Oxford Sailing Club, 24 teams battled it out at Farmoor Reservoir over a weekend of tricky conditions in Firefly dinghies.

The sell-out #rockupandrace championship (22-23 March 2025) was supported by the UK Team Racing Association, RYA, Oxford Sailing Club and kSail.

With a fairly light but promising forecast for the weekend, Race Officer Keith Sammons of kSail got racing under way in good time on the Saturday.

Good progress was made through the Stage 1 (HLS) round robin with 102 races completed, ready to move into Stage 2 (Leagues) the next morning.

Overnight the scoreboard was led by George Jesters in first place, followed by Royal Thames Academy White, Rutland Raiders and Cumberland Sausages.

Sunday morning, despite a forecast of 10 knots of wind, there was nothing for the 09:00 start time. At around 10:15 one race was completed but the wind then died again.

It was decided to continue with Stage 1 when the breeze made a reappearance and with 144 races completed - 12 for each team - the knockout stages commenced around 14:00.

Semi Final 1 saw Royal Thames Academy White winning 2-0 from Rutland Raiders. Semi Final 2 was likewise settled 2-0 with George Jesters seeing off Elmside Neighbours.

The Petit Final was then claimed 2-1 by Rutland Raiders from Elmside Neighbours and in what proved to be a nail-biting final, Royal Thames Academy White won 3-2 from George Jesters to seal the overall victory in a close fight to the finish

The winning team from the Royal Thames YC comprised James Hammett & Lainey Terkelsen, Tommy Darling & Zoe Nieveen, Dom Lewis & Cally Terkelsen.