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

 

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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

Final‑Race Drama Seals Medals at World Sailing Inclusion

 

In the One Person Keelboat (Hansa 303), Great Britain’s Rory McKinna held off a strong late push from Portugal’s João Pinto to win by just one point. Japan’s Takumi Niwa finished third.

The ILCA 6 event for sailors with intellectual impairment saw Great Britain’s Murray Macdonald dominate all 10 races to claim gold. The UAE’s Marwan Suloom took silver, with Hong Kong’s Man Hong Leung winning bronze and narrowly edging out a compatriot for fourth.

In the FarEast 28R Visually Impaired class, a second British crew skippered by Lucy Hodges secured gold. Spain’s Dani Pich finished second and a second British boat led by Karl Haines took third.

At the closing ceremony, Oman’s Minister of Social Development praised the event’s success. “We are deeply proud of … the remarkable performance and exemplary sportsmanship,” said Dr Laila bint Ahmed Al‑Najjar, highlighting the message that persons with disabilities can compete at the highest level.

Oman Sail CEO Dr Khamis Salim Al Jabri described the Championships as “a new chapter in the global journey of Para Inclusive Sailing,” welcoming participants from 28 nations and signalling future growth.

With 127 sailors from 28 nations competing across four classes, the first‑ever World Sailing Inclusion Championships says it has delivered an emphatic debut and laid the foundations for future events.

Two-day family dinghy cruise on the Norfolk Broads: Wroxham to Wayford B...

J Cup Europe 2026 heading to Cherbourg

 

We're crossing the Channel and turning up the volume! The J Cup Europe 2026 is heading to Cherbourg - and you're invited.

Running in partnership with Axe Sail and hosted by the Yacht Club de Cherbourg, this is your chance to join a buzzing fleet of J/Boats for two unforgettable days of racing and shoreside socials, all delivered in classic J Cup style.

What to Expect

Delivery race from Hamble to Cherbourg

2 days of racing

2 nights free berthing in Cherbourg

Welcome pack

Onshore events and socials

Entry: €300

Early bird price €250 - until 31st December 2025

Enter Here

Coming from the UK?

Make a weekend of it. Join the Cherbourg Delivery Race - a perfect warm up leg for your crew before the main event.

Get Ready for 2026

Prepare your crew, fine-tune your boat, and get set for an unforgettable chapter in the J Cup story. More event information will follow soon.

Questions?

Contact Harry Tilling +44 (0) 23 8045 5669 | harry.tilling@keyyachting.com

Cooler series 2025 at Shoreham Sailing Club

 

Shoreham SC Cooler series is run every weekend in November as an open event before the winter chills kick in. This November proved to be a blustery affair with high winds and mountainous seas greeting the hardy competitors to the south coast.

Excellent course management and easy launching into the calm waters of the harbour, meant that we were able to sail all but one of the Sundays on offer with average laps on a trapezoid course. Visitors from as far as West Oxford, Frensham Pond, Papercourt and more local clubs helped swell the local fleet and a total of 33 competitors took part in a highly competitive Cooler.

Fabulous weather greeted the sailors for the final weekend with glorious, although chilly, sunshine. A lovely force 3 NW breeze provided the fleet with champagne conditions for our final sea sail of the year. Another perfect course was set by our Race Officer, Rowan Chaplin and Chris Gould and Sophie Mackley took the two race wins, from William Warren and Andy Prince, both in Merlin Rockets. In race one the first single hander was James Gerwat in his Supernova in fourth, and in the second race it was Simon Barrington in his ILCA finishing third.

The strong local Merlin fleet dominated the series with Chris and Sophie fighting off some close competition from William and Andy (second), Caroline Gould and Livvy Bell and others (third). Paul Walker in his Hadron was the first single hander in fourth and first visitor was Richard Bentley in his Aero 7 who had travelled along the coast from Felpham.

Sea sailing starts once more at Shoreham on 22nd March 2026 and the following are open events where visitors are welcome:

Easter Cup - 5 and 6 April

Tiko trophy - 4 May (there is also racing on the Sunday)

Festival of the Sea - 20 and 21 June

If you can't make these dates visiting sailors can pay a temporary membership of £15 for a weekend of sailing, so come and join us for THE best sailing on the south coast next season. You won't be disappointed.

shorehamsailing.org

Hydons win the 2025 Lark Travellers Trophy (again!)

 

Stuart Hydon has again won the Lark Travellers' Trophy series, sponsored by Craftinsure, with son Nick and partner Ann Biglin sharing crewing duties.

Stuart wins the coveted Belle Isle Trophy - past winners of which is a roll-call of top Lark sailors - for a record 9th time (and Nick for a 6th time).

This year the Travellers series comprised 13 events ranging from Rock in Cornwall, to South Staffs SC in the Midlands and Waldringfield in Suffolk. An impressive 64 boats took part in the series. Turnouts to each event have increased year on year, providing close racing across Gold, Silver and Bronze fleets and enhancing the all-important social scene.

Team Hydon won 3 of the six events they sailed in, more than anyone else. They finished with 5pts from their best 4 races. However, they didn't have it all their way, with runners-up Ed Bradburn & Holly Evans finishing just one point behind (with two wins). Nigel Hufton and various crews (including Chris Whitehouse and Matt Wood) completed the podium, another 2pts behind (with one win).

Across all events, there were 10 winners, demonstrating the strength-in-depth in the class and varying strengths of each team.

The class hopes to see all Lark sailors when the 2026 series kicks off at Barnt Green SC on 8 Feb/1 March 2026.

Stress Free Sailing Holiday Plan around the Greek Islands

 

Here’s a lazy, relaxed 7-10 Day low-stress sailing holiday plan around the Greek Islands with gentle sailing days, beautiful anchorages, and chilled on-shore activities—perfect if you want relaxation first and adventure second.

Region: Cyclades (calmest in late spring & autumn) or Saronic Gulf (always calmer and best for lazy cruising).

Style: Short sailing legs (1–3 hours), sheltered bays, pretty coastal towns, easy swimming stops.

Super-Relaxed Saronic Gulf Route 

Start/end: Athens (Alimos or Lavrion Marina)

1. Aegina

Why: 

Close to Athens, mild sailing, green and peaceful.

Lazy activities:

Pistachio farm visits

Temple of Aphaia (gentle hike with views)

Chill at Perdika village taverna

Easy swim/snorkel coves nearby

2. Agistri

Why: 

Tiny, laid-back, pine-covered island.

Lazy activities:

Bike rentals around the island

Aponisos Beach (blue lagoon style)

Paddleboarding in quiet bays

3. Poros

Why: 

A beautiful natural harbour, great food, calm waters.

Lazy activities:

Take a slow stroll up to the clocktower

Kayaking around Love Bay

Beach tavern evenings

Optional cooking class in town

4. Hydra

Why: Car-free, artistic, incredibly charming.

Lazy activities:

Explore narrow stone alleys

Donkey rides (traditional but optional)

Sunset cocktails by the harbour

Swim off rocks at Hydronetta

5. Spetses

Why:

Chic but chilled, great for slow days.

Lazy activities:

Horse-drawn carriage tour

Easy coastal cycling route

Picnic at Zogeria Bay

Wine tasting at local boutique estates

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