The Aeolian Islands are superb for a Sailing Adventure

 

The Aeolian Islands are superb for a sailing adventure because you can combine short, enjoyable sailing legs with volcanoes, swimming, snorkelling, villages, food and plenty of time ashore. A week gives you a lovely balance without spending all day at sea.

⛵ My suggested 7-day Aeolian adventure

I'd recommend starting and finishing at Lipari or nearby Milazzo/Portorosa, depending on the yacht charter. The route below concentrates on the islands that offer the best combination of sailing and activities. Most passages are only around 2–4 hours, leaving plenty of time for exploring.

Day 1 – Lipari → Vulcano

Sail: ~3–5 nautical miles

Start gently with a short sail across to Vulcano.

Onshore adventure:

Climb Gran Cratere for spectacular views across the archipelago.

Explore the volcanic landscape.

Relax on the black-sand beach.

Try Vulcano's famous thermal mud baths and hot-water area.

Dinner ashore overlooking the harbour.

The crater walk is particularly worthwhile early or late in the day when temperatures are lower.

Overnight: Vulcano.

Day 2 – Vulcano → Lipari → Salina

Sail: ~15–18 nautical miles in total

Head north to Lipari for a morning stop.

Lipari activities:

Walk through the old town.

Visit the castle and archaeological museum.

Browse the little shops and cafés.

Stock up on local food and provisions.

Then sail on to Salina, the greenest and arguably most beautiful of the Aeolian Islands.

Evening: Wander around Santa Marina Salina and enjoy a relaxed Sicilian dinner.

Salina is particularly good for families because it feels less developed and hectic than some of the other islands.

Day 3 – Salina: island exploration day

Sailing: short coastal sailing/swimming stops

I'd deliberately make this a slower day.

Sail around the island and stop at Pollara, the spectacular collapsed volcanic crater made famous by Il Postino.

Onshore activities:

Walk through the old village.

Explore the volcanic coastline.

Visit vineyards.

Taste local Malvasia wine and island produce.

Have a long lunch overlooking the sea.

Swim and snorkel from the yacht.

For a family trip, I'd make this one of the more relaxed days rather than trying to tick off another island.

Day 4 – Salina → Panarea

Sail: ~11–14 nautical miles

Panarea is completely different: tiny, beautiful and rather glamorous.

Anchor around Cala Junco or another suitable bay depending on the weather.

Afternoon adventure:

Dinghy exploration around the little islands of Basiluzzo, Lisca Bianca and Dattilo.

Snorkelling in crystal-clear water.

Swim from the yacht.

Walk the narrow lanes of Panarea.

Ice cream and cafés in the village.

Evening: Dinner ashore and watch the sunset.

Day 5 – Panarea → Stromboli

Sail: ~12–13 nautical miles

This is your big adventure day.

As you sail towards Stromboli, the volcano dominates the horizon.

Spend the afternoon swimming and exploring the village before preparing for the highlight of the trip.

🌋 Stromboli after dark

Head offshore in the evening and watch the volcano's activity from the sea, particularly around the Sciara del Fuoco.

The glowing eruptions against the night sky are one of the great Mediterranean sailing experiences.

If conditions and current volcanic restrictions permit, you could also arrange a guided volcanic excursion ashore. I would treat this as optional rather than building the whole itinerary around it because access and restrictions can change.

Overnight: Stromboli or, if conditions dictate, return to Panarea.

Day 6 – Stromboli → Filicudi

Sail: ~20–25 nautical miles

This is your proper sailing-adventure day.

Filicudi is much wilder and quieter than Panarea.

Activities:

Snorkel around the volcanic coastline.

Take the dinghy to Grotta del Bue Marino.

Visit the prehistoric settlement at Capo Graziano.

Walk up into the hills for panoramic views.

Have dinner at the tiny harbour village of Pecorini a Mare.

This would probably be my choice for the quietest and most adventurous evening of the week.

Day 7 – Filicudi → Lipari

Sail: ~20–25 nautical miles

Enjoy a final morning sail back towards Lipari.

I'd stop for a final swim and snorkel along Lipari's spectacular western coast before returning to the harbour.

Final afternoon:

Explore Lipari's old town.

Visit the castle.

Enjoy a long Italian lunch.

Buy local food/wine for the journey home.

Finish with a sunset dinner overlooking the harbour.

🌋 The week at a glance

Day Island Main adventure

1 Vulcano 🌋 Volcano + thermal baths

2 Lipari → Salina 🏛️ History + island life

3 Salina 🍇 Villages, vineyards + swimming

4 Panarea 🤿 Snorkelling + hidden coves

5 Stromboli 🌋 Night-time volcano spectacle

6 Filicudi 🧭 Wild island + caves

7 Lipari ⛵ Final sail + Italian evening

⭐ Why I particularly like this itinerary

It gives you three different types of adventure:

Active: crater walks, island walks, snorkelling, caves and dinghy exploration.

Sailing: enough genuine passages to make it feel like a sailing holiday rather than a boat-based island tour, but without exhausting everyone.

Family time: plenty of afternoons where you can simply swim, paddleboard, snorkel, eat ice cream or explore a village.

One important point: the Aeolians are more weather-sensitive than somewhere like the Ionian Islands. There are relatively few all-weather harbours and many anchorages are exposed to particular wind directions, so I'd use this as a framework rather than a rigid itinerary. Local skippers routinely alter the order according to wind and swell.

For a family holiday, I would also strongly favour a skippered yacht or catamaran unless you're already very comfortable with Mediterranean island sailing. Italy's tourism guidance specifically recommends professional local skippers for a relaxed and safe Aeolian itinerary.

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Ancasta broker takes on marathon challenge for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust

 

Ancasta broker James Douch is taking on the London Marathon in April 2027, adding a very personal contribution to Ancasta Group's ongoing support of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.

As Beneteau Sail Brand Manager at Ancasta, the UK's leading Beneteau dealer, James has played an integral role in the specification, commissioning and adaptation of the latest yacht to join the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust fleet - the Beneteau Oceanis 47, Peter PAN.

"It's less about the marathon itself and more about the Trust and the amazing work it does to help young people rebuild their confidence, independence and optimism after cancer treatment," says James.

"Having worked closely with the Trust to adapt Peter PAN and make it more accessible to the young people who sail on her, I wanted to do something more to support the charity. I'd heard that if you're ever going to run a marathon, London is the one to do - and, rather coincidentally, the Trust approached me about running for them after I'd already submitted my application."

James has set himself a fundraising target of £2,250, with the next seven months dedicated to training and, ultimately, making it to the finish line.

"I don't consider myself a runner in the slightest, and at 5'4" I'm convinced this is more of an ultramarathon for me, as I'll have to take far more steps than everyone else!" he jokes. "Training is going well so far, and I'm learning that it's okay to be uncomfortable. There's still a long way to go, but knowing what the fundraising is supporting gives me plenty of motivation."

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust inspires young people aged 8-24 to believe in a brighter future after the trauma of cancer treatment. For many, returning to the life they had before their diagnosis simply isn't possible. The Trust's work begins when treatment ends, using sailing and outdoor adventure to help young people rebuild their confidence and look ahead with renewed optimism.

Frank Fletcher, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust CEO, says: "We cannot thank James enough for taking on this incredible challenge for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. All the money he raises will make a tangible difference in improving the mental wellbeing of young people who are living through and beyond cancer across the UK. It was a pleasure getting to know James through the development and delivery of Peter PAN, and his latest commitment is testament to the strength and value of our relationship with Ancasta over many years. We wish James all the best and say 'thanks' again."

As the UK's leading Beneteau dealer, Ancasta Group is proud to support the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, and has helped the charity secure and commission the high-quality sailing yachts at the heart of its life-changing programmes.

Working closely with the Trust, Ancasta's expert team has managed the specification and commissioning of the four Beneteau yachts in its fleet, while Ancasta Yacht Services has undertaken specialist adaptations and accessibility modifications to ensure each yacht meets the needs of the young people who sail onboard.

"James' marathon challenge is another example of how Ancasta's support for the Trust extends far beyond the supply of yachts themselves," says Matthew Shave, Ancasta Group CEO.

"Across the Group, we're committed to raising awareness of the Trust's mission and using our platforms, events and industry network to help amplify the charity's message and the profound impact its work has on young people rebuilding their confidence and independence after cancer."

To support James in his marathon challenge and help raise vital funds for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, donate here:     2027tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/james-douch

Award nomination 'phenomenal', says veteran amputee

A British Army veteran who made history as the first triple amputee to sail solo, non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific Ocean has been nominated for a prestigious disability award.

Craig Wood lost both legs and his left hand in a blast from an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan aged 18. After discovering sailing during his rehabilitation, he made history after completing the voyage from Mexico to Japan in 90 days.

He is nominated for the inspiration award at the Variety Disability Sports Awards.

"I'm a guy from Doncaster, I never thought I'd be put on this road of my life earning awards," he said. "It's not something that I thought I'd be part of, so it's just phenomenal."

The awards were launched by the Variety children's charity in 2023 to celebrate the achievements, dedication, and impact of individuals and groups across the disability sports community.

Other 2026 nominees include double Paralympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead MBE, who is nominated in both the inspiration award and outstanding individual achievement award.

Other nominees for awards include Loughborough University, Boccia England and England women's blind football team.

Now 33, he was three months into his first tour when he was injured in Sangin, southern Afghanistan, in 2009.

Wood, who took up sailing to help rebuild his confidence, described completing the 7,506-nautical-mile journey in 2025 as both "incredibly amazing" and "overwhelming".

The father-of-four now works with veterans, teaching them to sail and helping others affected by trauma.

He hopes to train as a counsellor and use his boat as a space to support fellow veterans.

"Sailing has become this thing which I'm really good at and it's sort of the thing that makes me feel best about myself," he said.

"I feel like I can give to the community that I'm in with it."

The awards ceremony, raising money for specialist equipment, accessible transport and practical support for disabled and disadvantaged young people, will take place in London on Monday.

Waltzing off down under - The UK's Contender fleet is now loaded for Australia

 

2027 will see the 60th Anniversary of the birth of the International Contender, so it is only fitting that the class will be heading back to its roots by holding their next World Championship at the famed Brighton & Seacliff Yacht Club, just south of beautiful Adelaide in South Australia.

For the UK sailors, packing their boats up at the end of the domestic sailing season (and then hoping that they will have returned before events kick off at home in 2027) is a well-worn pastime, with ten of the World Championships to date being sailed in Australian waters, though this will be the first time the fleet have been to South Australia.

The visit to Adelaide is shaping up to be a real delight for the Contender sailors from around the world, as it is a delightful place to visit, relaxed, friendly, with great beaches and truly superb sailing in the St Vincent Gulf. The 5o5s were just a few miles north of the city just two years ago and enjoyed wonderful sailing in a breeze that built steadily through the day but never really hit any worrying extremes.

BUT - all the signs are that the super El Nino that has been forecast may have a part to play come race day. With the latest forecasts suggesting that the UK might have to suffer a hard, cold and stormy winter, those who fly out to the event could be met with some soaring temperatures with the risk that this might give the breeze an added spice. However, as the saying at championships everywhere goes, "it's never like this normally."

For those that are escaping the cold here at home, to date everything may seem to have been in the abstract, except for those struggling through the layers of bureaucracy to deal with the task of planning the transport of boats and themselves, then dealing with the ever difficult Australian Customs and bio-security. That all changed today as ten boats arrived at the Peters & May facility in Eastleigh for the fun task of loading boats, rigs, gear and launching trollies into the container - but absolutely nothing else, as everything had to be sanitised before loading.

Under the watchful  gaze of Garry Langdown the interior framework was constructed allowing the boats to be shoehorned in and the final bags of gear added.

Peters & May confirmed that the container will next head straight down to the nearby Southampton Container Port, where it will be loaded onto a ship early next week. The Suez Canal/Red Sea route is considered too dangerous so the route will take the vessel around the Cape of Good Hope and on to Singapore for transhipment to Adelaide, where it should be received and (hopefully) cleared through Customs sometime around Christmas/the New Year.

With the boats of Netley Sailing Club's Graeme Willcox and Simon Mussell, who have both won the World Championship title now loaded, the UK is sending a very good team out to Australia, and we wish them all well. Let's hope they come back with more than just a South Australian tan, because the next Worlds will be at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy in the July of 2028, the first time the event has been held in our home waters for 17 years.

2026 Squib Inland Championship at Rutland Sailing Club

 

Last year's howling winds were this weekend replaced by a forecast of extremely low wind and as other clubs and fleets took the decision to cancel early, the PRO, Don Munro, welcomed the fleet of 20 to this year's Squib Inland Championship at Rutland with a promise that he would do his best to get the fleet racing.

As Saturday dawned, the wind was there but very light and with an expectation that it would drop by the afternoon the fleet got out onto the water with fingers crossed that it wasn't to be a wasted journey. A 2 lap windward leeward course was set (avoiding the many fishing boats) and amazingly the fleet set off first go. Lady Penelope looked to have made a good start on port from the pin however a slight error in crossing the fleet required a penalty turn and pushed them down the fleet. Meanwhile What's the Story, Discord and Wildfire took the right hand side of the course. Up the middle of the course, and with a lovely lift on port tack, were Guy Fawkes and Spoof. By the first mark it was What's the Story (WTS) followed by Spoof. Downwind was painful as the rest of the fleet gathered speed and converged at the leeward mark. Whilst WTS rounded first they had a difficult decision as to who to cover - Spoof who had headed left after the mark or Croc who were looking favourable on the right. Ultimately it was the left hand side that paid and Spoof were able to reach the mark first and hold the lead to the finish. WTS held off a late challenge from Lady Penelope to take second. For the remainder of the fleet the wind slowly fizzled out and the PRO took the decision to whisky the final few to avoid being timed out.

Unfortunately the wind switched off after this first race and it was back to the club and all important awarding of the DOTD jacket (freshly recovered after a years rest in Lowestoft...) After being awarded it the Friday evening, Nick Milton took the opportunity to award it to Chris Jordan who had wrongly thought the leeward mark was the pin end of the line.

Sunday and, after a short postponement, a different location for racing as we headed left away from the moorings. The first race was tricky with the wind shifting to the left shortly after the start, however the decision was made to continue the race and get a regatta in. It was Chequemate who managed to get ahead and round the first mark but with the wind shifting they found the perfect hole just by the spreader mark and six boats were able to overtake. Spoof wiggled free and appeared to have a convincing lead heading to the final mark but typically found a similar lovely hole just before the mark to wait and hear everyone else catching up! Thankfully the wind reached them just in time to avoid being overtaken and they were able to take the win ahead of SQUIB and Croc.

After some deliberation and discussion, it was decided that with the wind flicking back to its original bearing there was sufficient breeze and time for a decent third race. The fleet got away cleanly once again (no general recalls at all!) and there was no one clear path to take resulting in boats arriving at the mark from various directions. Coming in from the right was Willpower whilst from the left came Chequemate, however it was Spoof once again getting round and popping their kite first. As the race progressed it was WTS who took second place ahead of Willpower and Chequemate.

And with the completion of the third race, the decision was made to head to the pontoon for recovery. With three bullets it was clearly Spoof (Micky Wright & Alex Porteous at the top of the table (for the first time at a Squib Inlands) however the rest of the podium positions were taken by What's The Story (Nic Tolhurst & Ross Corbett) and Chequemate (Ray Apthorp & Ian Simons) giving the Royal Corinthian fleet a full sweep. The prize-giving was held as boats were recovered and thanks given to the PRO, his team of volunteers and Rutland Sailing Club for their hard work over the weekend.

This concludes the UK travelling events for 2026 and with that the Travellers' Trophy was awarded to Guy Fawkes (Phil Aspinall & Dave Shepherd) for the sheer amount of travelling they have done this year (including a trip to Edinburgh for the northerns just a few weeks earlier). Next year we have a jam packed schedule with the Nationals at the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club in June and the new build squib to be unveiled at the RYA Dinghy Show in March. Lots to get involved in but now boats go back to continue their club racing and make their preparations for the year ahead.

Overall Results:

Pos Helm Crew Sail No Club R1 R2 R3 Pts

1 Micky Wright Alex Porteous 811 RCYC 1 1 1 3

2 Nic Tolhurst Ross Corbett 779 RCYC 2 5 2 9

3 Raymond Apthorp Ian Simons 157 Royal Corinthian YC 5 4 4 13

4 Malcolm Hutchings Andy carley 819 Burnham sc and rcyc 3 6 8 17

5 Chris Jordan Gillian Jordan 855 WOBYC 9 3 6 18

6 Phillip Aspinall Dave Sheppard 72 Royal Corinthian YC 6 9 5 20

7 Will Davies Kevan Gibb 832 Royal Forth Yacht Club 7 12 3 22

8 David Pinner Jono Baker 91 HPYC / FFSC 4 8 12 24

9 Chris Hill James Pritchard 104 Royal Dart YC 12 7 10 29

10 DICK BATT PETE RICHARDS 11 RVYC 11 2 DNC 34

11 Michael Airey K Noon 889 RSC 8 16 14 38

12 Andrew Moore Peter Hallinan 881 Felix Stowe Ferry 19 13 7 39

13 Derek Gibb Alistair Reid 888 Royal Forth Yacht Club 13 17 9 39

14 Gerard Dyson Richard Delves 800 RYYC/SYC/SCYC 17 11 11 39

15 Brad Hilton Guy Hilton 817 Rutland Sailing Club 15 10 15 40

16 Tudor Roberts Ieuan Williams 878 Holyhead sailing club 18 15 13 46

17 Christopher Wright Peter Ashworth 192 RSC 16 14 16 46

18 Gavin Kemp Nick Milton 815 RCYC 10 DNC DNC 52

19 Mike Hughes Garry Caterall 444 WKSC 14 DNC DNC 56

20 Richard Lindly Steve Rice 220 RSC 20 DNF 17 58

North-South Races Proposed in ISORA Programme Shake-Up

 

A proposal to broaden ISORA’s offshore programme with more north-south racing along the Irish coast is among the ideas being put forward for discussion at the association’s 2026 AGM.

Barry O’Connor’s proposal suggests looking beyond ISORA’s predominantly east-west Irish Sea programme by introducing courses to destinations including Carlingford and Kilmore Quay, as well as other ports suggested by members.

The north-south concept would not be entirely new territory for ISORA. In 2023, the association switched tack for a Northern Ireland weekend, partnering with Royal Ulster Yacht Club for a Holyhead to Strangford Lough offshore race followed by a second race from Strangford to a mid-Irish Sea finish.

The proposal has already prompted ISORA chairman Peter Ryan to identify a potential Bangor to Dún Laoghaire race ahead of Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta as one option for strengthening the north-south element of the programme.

New Destinations for ISORA

O’Connor’s proposal is intended for discussion rather than a formal decision at the AGM, with members being asked to consider possible destinations and whether new courses should replace existing races or be added to the calendar.

As Afloat previously reported, ISORA’s 2027 race programme and race-management arrangements are among the principal items for discussion at the November AGM.

The proposal says greater variety could provide fresh challenges for regular competitors, involve new host ports and clubs and potentially make ISORA racing more attractive to new boats and younger crews.

Practical considerations identified include tides, harbour access and depth, fleet berthing and the delivery distances involved in getting boats home after races.

A Bangor–Dún Laoghaire race immediately before the regatta would also continue an established link between ISORA offshore racing and Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta.

Ryan said the existing UK and Irish communication groups had been designed partly around coastal racing, while an offshore group encompassing the entire fleet could provide a common forum.

Crew Manager Changes Proposed

A second proposal would make the skipper’s post-race completion declaration on ISORA’s Crew Manager app mandatory.

Under the proposal, a boat whose skipper does not complete the declaration would not receive a result for that race. The measure is intended in particular to ensure accurate crew records for the Under-25 Sailor Prize, introduced by ISORA for the 2026 season to encourage younger sailors into offshore racing, after incomplete declarations affected the ability to credit eligible young sailors this season.

Ryan strongly supported greater compliance with Crew Manager, describing it as an important safety tool, while acknowledging that monitoring compliance had slipped because of the small number of people involved in organising races.

John Malone has also suggested extending the pre-race declaration to allow competitors to declare an updated IRC certificate or TCC, or switch between primary and secondary certificates. He proposed that boats should also be able to declare whether they are racing double-handed or fully crewed.

O’Connor suggested any certificate change should have to be declared seven days before the race.

One ISORA WhatsApp Group

The third proposal would consolidate ISORA’s three non-committee WhatsApp groups into one members’ group, while leaving the committee group unchanged.

The case for consolidation is that notices, race information and safety messages currently have to be posted across several groups, potentially splitting conversations and duplicating information.

Ryan has backed consolidation for offshore communications while suggesting the UK and Irish groups continue to have a role for coastal matters.

The AGM is scheduled for Saturday, 14 November at 3pm at the National Yacht Club in Dún Laoghaire, followed by the ISORA dinner that evening.

707 Sprints Regatta 2026 at Port Edgar Yacht Club

 

After a two-year gap, PEYC, once again, held the 707 Sprints Regatta on the 3-4 October: the last 707 UK Event of the year. 14 yachts booked for the event held in Inverkeithing Bay, just east of the iconic three Forth Bridges.

The yachts were split into two fleets, Green and White, on the Saturday, based on their results at 707 Events throughout 2026, and split again on the Sunday seeded into two fleets, Yellow and Blue, based on their results on the Saturday.

The courses were all short windward-leeward with the two fleets starting separately on the courses, and each day's racing regarded as a separate series for each fleet.

Conditions were excellent on the Saturday with neap tides, a warm and sunny day, and a steady breeze all day from the southwest of averaging 12 knots but with gusts up to 22.

The Race Officer, Paul Deponio, had a slick team on the club committee boat, EuRoBo, organised by Margaret Tait, and an enthusiastic well organised support team of the club motor boat, Beamer, with the redoubtable Jim Scott on the ball at the windward end, and three mark-laying RIBs.

The RO and team managed to pack in ten races for each fleet on the Saturday with the yachts all well controlled and tight in the courses, and still getting back into the marina by 4:30pm, and only one protesting boat which was very quickly settled by the protest committee using the RYA Arbitration method.

Sunday had an overcast sky and threats of rain, but fortunately the rain stayed off for the day. The forecasted wind of 19-27 knots did not appear and the wind was relatively steady in speed at 18 knots, again with gusts. However, it was quite variable in direction necessitating resetting the course three times during the 6 races series. The sixth and last race of the day started at 14:00, with no protests that day.

The overall worthy winners of the Sprints Trophy, Monarch from Royal Tay YC tied on points with More T Vicar from Royal Yorkshire YC. Therefore, the RYA Series tie break rule came into play with the split only occurring at third places. Tsunami 2 from PEYC, the previous sprints winners, took third place.

In the second fleet, Jetstream were overall winner, with their discard remarkably being a first place!

All teams enjoyed the weekend's sport and there was much talk in the clubhouse about another Sprints Event in 2027.

Thanks to the Sponsors for their support - Stewart Brewing, Port Edgar Marina, Sea Cadets Port Edgar Boat Station, and Edinburgh Watersports Centre/Edinburgh Marine Academy.

Thanks too to the many club volunteers who made this event a great success.

ASTO Small Ships Challenge

 

The Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) has celebrated another successful Small Ships event which took place from 2 – 4 October in Cowes, Isle of Wight, bringing together 21 vessels, 222 young people, plus 86 volunteers and staff from across the UK for a weekend of challenge, collaboration and sail training.

Originally planned as the annual Small Ships Race, light winds across the Solent meant organisers adapted in true sailing fashion and launched the Small Ships Challenge, creating a new and engaging way for participants to test their skills on and off the water. Throughout the event, crews completed 34 tasks designed to encourage teamwork, resilience, creativity and problem solving.

Challenges ranged from identifying and photographing different vessel types and navigating to designated locations, through to practical navigation exercises flag making and creative snack platters. The revised format ensured young people experienced all the benefits of sail training while embracing the spirit of friendly competition and adventure that sits at the heart of the event.

The 2026 event saw Tectona take the Class B title, Challenger 4 win Class C1 and Bright Star take the top spot in Class C2, with crews across the fleet demonstrating outstanding determination, adaptability and teamwork throughout the weekend. A special award was also presented to the youngest crew member, 12-year-old Tilia Jackson from Tectona. Each Class winner received an Adlard Coles Reeds Nautical Almanac, kindly donated to the event. 

Kerry McMillan, CEO of ASTO, said: “The Small Ships Challenge is a brilliant example of what makes sail training so powerful. While the weather may have changed our plans, it certainly didn’t change the enthusiasm, commitment and determination shown by everyone taking part.

“The challenge encouraged young people to think creatively, work together and embrace new experiences. More importantly, it gave them the opportunity to build confidence, develop skills and create memories that will stay with them long after the event has ended. We’re incredibly proud of every young person who took part this year and grateful to the organisations, staff, volunteers and supporters who helped make such a successful weekend possible.”

First held in 2002, Small Ships Races are a longstanding fixture in ASTO’s calendar, having visited ports across the UK and Europe including Belfast, London, Dartmouth and St Peter Port with an annual event in Cowes since 2004. With at least half of crew members aged under 25, the event combines competitive sailing with the personal development opportunities at the heart of sail training.

The event also highlighted the strength of collaboration across the sail training sector, with member organisations, staff, volunteers and supporters working together to ensure participants enjoyed a safe, rewarding and memorable experience despite the change in format. 

ASTO Trustee David Snelson CB, said: “Thank you to all the crews for getting into the spirit of the event. The essence of a sail training trip is to deal with what you have in front of you, adapt your plan and make the best of it. That’s what we’ve done this weekend. It’s been great to see the energy and commitment that both trainees and boat staff have brought to the weekend and today in particular.” 

For the young people involved, the event offered an opportunity to step beyond their individual voyages and become part of a wider sail training community, connecting with other crews, learning new skills and discovering what can be achieved through teamwork, determination and adventure at sea.

As one young person sailing onboard Tall Ships Youth Trust Challenger 5 commented: “Plans can change, because today there was no wind, obviously the race was called off. And at first I was quite disappointed about that, but then I thought, well, that’s okay. I can still take out as much as I can from it. And I mean, it’s such a learning experience that things can go wrong and it’s still okay.”

12sqM Sharpie British National Championship 2026 at Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club

 

Despite some concerns scheduling the Nationals in October, the weather gods and Brancaster Staithe SC combined to provide the perfect end of season championships. Balmy conditions, sea courses with offshore breezes, and a tight four race schedule with no discards was duly delivered by PRO Bill Andrews and the BSSC team.

Saturday's first race set the tone of the meeting, with Will Gibbs & Charlie Orton in GBR12 Rock-a-bye leading from start to finish, extending their lead over Alex Scoles & Simon Turner in GBR71 Tern 1 in second, with Chris & Maddie Gibbs in GBR 125 Windspiel completing the podium. The second race of the day led to a course reset, with the wind veering a little more Northwest. Two general recalls led to the inevitable black flag start, with two teams falling victim with premature starts.

The fleet generally held an inshore course, before heading across the tide to the windward mark. GBR12 hit repeat mode and led the fleet round, with GBR125 gradually clawing their way through the fleet to finish second. BSSC members Sam Neal & Marcus Flint in GBR138 Sirius sailed a solid race to finish third.

Sunday's racing exceeded the predicted 5mph, serving up a sunny force 2-3 Southwesterly. The offshore start line led to a split in tactics, giving the option of a long port tack in more breeze (and adverse tide), or the alternative Starboard tack inshore first into less tide albeit with unpredictable lifts and headers, with reduced wind strength closer inshore.

BSSC members James Nunn & Mark Whitaker in GBR136 Racker picked their way expertly to round first, closely pursued by GBR12. The positions swapped on the second reach out to the leeward mark, remaining in that order until Gibbs senior in GBR125 picked his way through to finish second, GBR136 finished third.

The final race was sailed in the freshest breeze, with the no discard series bringing it's own increase in pressure for those in contention for the title.

GBR12 led out from the port inshore end of the line, but the fresher breeze and ability to lee bow the tide offshore shuffled the leading pack. Chris Gibbs worked the shifts up the middle of the course to round first, with the next two Sharpies steaming in from offshore. Dutch guest Job Volwater & first time crew Ellie Beachell in GBR3 Houri were second, and Overy Staithe SC members Will Worsley & Sam Worsley in their newly restored GBR31 Dita rounding third. GBR12 meanwhile had become mired in the chasing pack, with some indecision as to the best course to windward.

Dita and Houri continued to battle upwind and downwind, with Houri showing off a little too much of her bottom planking during one frantic gybe! Gibbs senior extended his lead to win,putting further pressure on son Will to dig out a result. The Worsley's posted a creditable second in their first ever Brits, with Job & Ellie scoring an excellent third place. Meanwhile GBR12 had clawed their way through to finish fourth, doing just enough to secure their first National title.

Congratulations to Will & Charlie, sailing GBR12 Rock-a-bye expertly all weekend. Please excuse any unintended bias, as your correspondent owned and sailed this Sharpie for 50 years!

Overall Results:

Pos Boat Name Sail No Helm Crew Club R1 R2 R3 R4 Pts

1st Rock‑a‑bye 12 Will Gibbs Charlie Orton Wells SC 1 1 1 4 7

2nd Windspiel 125 Chris Gibbs Maddie Gibbs Wells SC 3 2 2 1 8

3rd Rakker 136 James Nunn Mark Whitaker BSSC 5 6 3 5 19

4th Sirius 138 Sam Neal Marcus Flint BSSC 4 3 4 11 22

5th Dita 31 Will Worsley Sam Worsley Overy Staithe 10 4 9 2 25

6th Tern 1 71 Alex Scoles Simon Turner BOSC 2 10 8 6 26

7th Maid of Arnhem 77 Tim Gibbs Graham White Wells SC 7 8 12 8 35

8th Houri 3 Job Volwater Ellie Beachell 12 NSC 6 3 38

9th Madrigal 129 Tim Ashby Theo Ashby 11 5 11 13 40

10th Westwind 131 Stuart MacCullum Matilda MacCallum 9 7 13 12 41

11th Capella 128 Alex Smith Paul Beachell 8 11 10 14 43

12th Titania 16 Andrew Cracknell Mia Hall Wells SC 6 NSC 5 16 44

13th Poelsnip 135 Martin Read Sally Wynne Wells SC 13 9 17 7 46

14th Teriodin 79 Sam Moore Max Banfield/Tansy Moore 16 13 15 10 54

15th Chuckles 63 Brian Lambert Rosie Newport BSSC DNC DNC 7 9 56

16th Rose of Sharon 105 Will Ellison Tom Godwin BSSC 14 14 14 15 57

17th Luffa 123 Henry Burkitt James Herbert BSSC 15 12 16 DNF 61

Single-handed Open Race Coaching at Attenborough Sailing Club

 

Saturday's forecast at Attenborough was a pleasant 8 to 10mph, but the forecast doesn't know about the islands, the trees and the local geography, so what the sailors actually got was sometimes 8 to 10mph, sometimes 5, sometimes nothing, and it could come from any direction it liked. Not the easiest conditions, but a good test of whether the basics hold up when the wind isn't helping.

Eleven sailors took part, mainly from the home club, with a good mix of newer sailors, some old hands and a few in between. The boats were just as mixed, with a Mirror, two Comets, a Topper, an ILCA 4 and a number of ILCA 6s and 7s.

Three coaches were on the water: Dom Barnes, Colin Dengate, who has just qualified as a Level 3 Race Coach, and Emily Dengate. Emily is Colin's daughter, but don't let that fool you: she is a very good coach in her own right. Three coaches for eleven sailors meant everyone got clear feedback on their own sailing, which is a big part of the Dom Barnes Coaching approach.

The focus for the day was Quick Wins, Do the Basics Correctly. The briefing covered what the coaches would be looking for in tacks, gybes and mark roundings, and how well the sailors were using the five essentials.

The first exercise was a warm-up with no coaching, a short windward/leeward with five tacks and five gybes, just to get everyone going. That was followed by the main coached exercise, a longer windward/leeward sailed as if it was a race, with the coaches working with each sailor on their own quick wins. The wind then died to nothing at almost exactly lunchtime, so the sailors came ashore for food and a debrief.

After lunch, while the wind filled back in, the group went through the sail controls on an ILCA, what each one does, how they are linked together and how they affect the boat. The afternoon was repeated one-lap windward/leeward races with coaching, until the wind died again, as it was always going to. Once the boats were packed away, the day finished with a final debrief and a discussion about what everyone had learned and what they would take into their next race.

Dom Barnes Coaching would like to thank Attenborough SC for their fantastic support and for hosting the first of the Single-handed Open Race Training days. The next one is at Bartley Sailing Club on Sunday 25th October.

Entries open for ORC European Championship 2027 in Málaga

 

Registration is now open for the 2027 ORC European Championship, which will bring Europe's leading offshore racing fleet to Málaga from 4 to 12 June 2027.

The Notice of Race is now published, and a comprehensive event website is live with key information for competitors planning their campaigns.

Up to 80 international boats are expected to compete on the waters of Málaga and the Alborán Sea. The championship programme will combine demanding offshore racing with tactical inshore races, providing a varied test for crews in the Mediterranean conditions typical of early summer.

The championship is being organised in cooperation with the Offshore Racing Congress and the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation, with institutional support from the Regional Government of Andalusia, Málaga City Council and the Málaga Port Authority. Real Club Mediterráneo is also represented within the organising committee.

The event is open to boats holding a valid 2027 ORC International certificate and meeting the eligibility requirements set out in the Notice of Race. Racing is planned across Classes 0, A, B and C, subject to the published CDL limits and entry requirements.

The title of ORC European Champion will be awarded to the best-performing boat in each class, with prizes also presented to the top three boats in every class. Separate Corinthian and Female Division awards will recognise the leading eligible boat in each class, provided it meets the minimum entry requirements.

ompetitors may register until 4 May 2027, while the deadline for payment of the Early Bird entry fee is 4 April 2027. Entries for the Corinthian and Female divisions must be declared by 21 May 2027.

The championship in Málaga opens with registration and equipment inspection from 4 June. A practice race and opening ceremony are scheduled for 6 June, followed by six days of championship racing from 7 to 12 June. The event will conclude with the final inshore racing and closing ceremony on 12 June.

With an international airport offering extensive connections across Europe, more than 300 days of sunshine each year and a race venue only minutes from its historic centre, Málaga offers visiting teams an accessible and vibrant Mediterranean championship destination.

Competitors can now consult the Notice of Race, submit their entry and find information about the venue, programme, logistics and accommodation through the official online channels:

Event website: orcmalaga2027.com

ORC event website: orc.org/europeans2027

World Sailing Inclusion Championships 2026 in Portimão, Portugal

 

A record 222 athletes from 40 nations will take to the water in Portimão from Monday as the 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships bring together leading Para Inclusive sailors, established international competitors and a new generation of athletes from across the world.

Racing begins today Monday 5 October and runs through to Saturday 10 October, with medals to be decided across nine events over the six days of competition.

The 2026 event builds on the inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Oman in 2025, and continues the momentum created through World Sailing's wider Para Inclusive programme.

World Sailing President Quanhai Li said the growth of the Championships demonstrated the progress being made across the sport.

"This is not just a regatta; it is a defining tradition for our sport," he said at Sunday's Opening Ceremony, held at the historic riverside Antiga Lota de Portimão. "It is a powerful continuation of a movement that will shape Para and inclusive sailing for decades to come."

"The core goal of these Championships remains clear: to celebrate ability over limitation.

"We are here to provide an elite racing platform where every sailor, regardless of physical ability, competes with visibility, purpose, and equity."

That ambition is reflected in a championship bringing together athletes with a wide range of backgrounds, abilities and sailing experience.

For Thailand's Tanat Upatising, Portimão is both a competitive opportunity and a chance to take new knowledge and experience back home. Upatising began sailing in 2021 and normally races the SV14 in Thailand. Portimão is his first World Sailing Inclusion Championships and his first experience racing the RS Venture Connect (Para Inclusive Two Person Keelboat).

"It's our first time in this boat, so it's really exciting and challenging," he said.

Upatising took part in the Inclusive Development Programme (IDP) ahead of the Championships and said the experience had already proved valuable.

"We came for the three-day development programme, which was really helpful. We learned a lot and had the chance to get out on the water in the boat, which was great."

He added that one of the most striking aspects of the event had been seeing sailors with different abilities competing together.

"It's amazing to see people with so many different abilities here. It was the first time I had seen vision impaired sailors sailing a boat, and it was amazing."

There is no shortage of competitive ambition too.

"There are 28 teams, so we're hoping we can finish at least in the top five. Top three would be nice!"

"There are a lot of things I want to take back home, but we have to start somewhere. I hope we can take what we've learned here back to Thailand and keep building, so that we can grow from an emerging nation into something more."

The Championships also form an important part of World Sailing's wider campaign for sailing to return to the Paralympic programme at Brisbane 2032.

President Li said every race in Portimão would help demonstrate the strength and potential of Para Inclusive sailing.

"Every start, tactical manoeuvre and finish line crossed proves that Para Inclusive Sailing is high-performance, vibrant, and expanding across the globe," he said.

For Jamaica's Andre Daley, however, the week represents something much more immediate: the latest step in a sailing journey that began only a few months ago.

Daley started sailing in June this year after an accident while scuba diving in 2025. He arrives at his first World Sailing Inclusion Championships determined to make the most of the opportunity.

"I'm very excited. I came to give it my all and do my best," he said, with his introduction to sailing having come through World Sailing Inclusive Development Programme in Antigua.

"That was my first time sailing. I learned how to sail, learned the parts of the boat, and learned a lot. I'm still learning this week as well."

Even for a sailor still at the beginning of his journey in the sport, the impact of sailing is already clear.

"When I'm out on the water, I feel free. It's amazing. I'd love for more people to come and try."

The 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships take place in Portimão, Portugal, from 5-10 October, delivered in partnership with Vela Solidária, the Municipality of Portimão, and the Portuguese Sailing Federation, with backing from The America's Cup.

Event website: www.sailing.org/world-sailing-inclusion-championships

Instagram updates: @ParaWorldSailingOfficial

Setting a course for the 18th CIC Normandy Channel Race

 

After a record-breaking 2026 edition—marked by unprecedented intensity and speed—the event is set to launch its 18th edition on Sunday, May 30, 2027.

Following the victory of Guillaume Pirouelle and Jules Ducelier aboard SOGESTRAN / SEAFRIGO in 2026, and with the Class40 becoming an increasingly essential fixture in offshore racing alongside the renewal of the title partnership with CIC through 2028, all signs point to continued success as the event moves closer to its symbolic 20th anniversary.

The CIC Normandy Channel Race is not merely a speed race; it is a high-speed game of chess. In the English Channel and the Celtic Sea, crews must contend with currents, coastal effects, tricky passages, and weather conditions capable of completely reshuffling the deck in a matter of hours. On board, sailors must be able to accelerate when a window opens, slow down when the situation demands it, and—above all—make the right decision before their rivals do. In this race, you need to know how to attack, but also where and when to do so. The slightest poor choice can come at a heavy price. That is what makes the CIC Normandy Channel Race so thrilling and so demanding.

Class40: a key player in offshore racing

This momentum is part of a broader trend: the continued rise of Class40, which has become a central class in offshore racing, both in France and internationally. With 49 Class40 boats set to start the upcoming Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe on November 1st—making it the event's largest fleet—the class confirms its appeal and its ability to attract an increasingly competitive and international field of sailors. This sends a strong signal to the entire industry and to the future of offshore racing.

Setting sights on the 20-year milestone

With 18 editions now under its belt, the event has established a lasting legacy built over generations of sailors, technological advancements, and major shifts in the world of offshore racing. This trajectory is also bolstered by the loyalty of its partners. CIC, the title partner since 2021, is renewing its commitment through 2028, reaffirming its support for the event and its long-term development alongside the local authorities that have partnered with it since the very beginning.

Join us on Sunday, May 30, 2027, to write the next chapter of this story.

The 2027 Notice of Race is published today, and registration is now open: www.normandy-race.com - Competitor Area