Swallow class at Cowes Week 2026

 

A fabulous week with fourteen Swallows enjoying mostly benign breezes, the usual tidal current challenges, sunshine-soaked days and a full-on social programme!

The quality and competitiveness of the fleet was emphasised through seeing five different winners across the six races sailed.

Following an intensely competitive Saturday passage race, won by Skua, racing commenced on Sunday with two races started from committee boat starts in Osborne Bay. Champagne sailing conditions!... commencing with a gentle Force 2-3 Southerly, increasing to Force 4 and backing South Easterly. Spectre established a commanding lead on the final beat to take the gun in race 1, whilst a penalty turn in race 2 cost them a repeat, the win going to Svala.

Whilst Monday's single race was sadly abandoned due to confusion over the windward mark, Tuesday saw two races again in a force 4-5 West South West breeze building to 5-6. In the increasingly challenging surfing conditions and a second race (5) finish close to the Breakwater amongst many other classes, Swift took the gun for race 1 and Svala for race 2.

With Wednesday's race 6 being abandoned on the basis of forecasted 30 knot gusts, races 7 and 8 started in a shifty North Westerly which together with a strong Eastgoing tide provided challenging sailing all day. Solitude turned in a top final leg windward performance to take the first race gun whilst Osprey took the second.

Wednesday evening saw a memorable National Swallow Class dinner take place hosted by the RORC. With race 9, the final race, being lost on Friday due to the sea breeze not filling in soon enough the fleet enjoyed a sparkling broad reach home to Itchenor as it built.

Overall Results:

Pos Boat Name Team R1 R2 R4 R5 R7 R8 Total 

1 SVALA Nigel Masding & Hugo Fisher 2 1 3 1 4 4 15

2 OSPREY James Hartley 4 3 6 2 2 1 18

3 SPECTRE Jonny Puds Pudney 1 8 5 4 9 7 34

4 SKUA Harry Roome Michael & Emma Arnold 7 2 4 7 12 3 35

5 GWAIHIR Charles Hyatt & Keith Bliss. 5 9 2 DSQ 7 2 40

6 MARENGO Philip Pascall 8 10 9 5 3 5 40

7 SOLITUDE Andrew Reid Diane Sherman & Adam       Levitt 3 5 DSQ 6 1 11 41

8 SWIFT Andy Fitzgerald / Paul Ward 10 4 1 DSQ 6 6 42

9 KANSU Olly Shaw Pete McCoy and crew 6 6 11 3 8 8 42

10 MIGRANT James Leaver 11 7 10 8 5 9 50

11 SPREADEAGLE George Miller 12 12 7 10 11 10 62

12 ARCHON George Wright 9 11 8 12 13 NOD 68

13 GOOSANDER Tim Taylor 13 13 12 11 10 13 72

14 KA NYENGA Michael Robinson 14 14 13 9 14 12 76

Sailing back in time on the Norfolk Broads

 

" Escape the ‘restless tide of the world’ with this peaceful journey. "

“The klop, klop of water under the bows of a small boat will cure most troubles in this world,” wrote Arthur Ransome in his 1934 novel “Coot Club” – and, after my recent solo sailing trip in the Norfolk Broads, I have to agree with him, said James Stewart in the Financial Times.

Ransome’s book is set in this network of tidal rivers and shallow lakes, which “cumulatively snake” for 125 miles through the east of Norfolk. The lakes are medieval peat diggings that were flooded by rising seas in the 14th century, and long plied by cargo boats known as wherries.

The Victorians “reimagined” the area as a holiday destination, and operators began renting small yachts to visitors. Motorboats are now far more numerous, but sailing boats are still available to charter. Founded in 1932, Hunter’s Yard in Ludham has a fleet of yachts from “the golden age of Broads cruising”, some with cabins sleeping two to four. Renters must know how to sail, but novices can sign up for a “Learn to Sail” week.

The 90-year-old yacht I chartered, Hustler, was like “an Edwardian gentlemen’s club shrunk to a Wendy house”, with “lustrous” mahogany panelling and a Royal Doulton sink. And it had a “secret weapon”. Most motorboats won’t fit beneath the medieval bridge at Potter Heigham, and so are restricted to the southern Broads. But yachts can lower their masts to squeeze through, into a world where “the throb of boat engines” is replaced “by birdsong in sibilant reeds”.

I found the Broads “surprisingly social”. Dog walkers and fishermen waved, and a canoeist kept pace for a chat. The birds were wonderful, too, from kingfishers to marsh harriers and cranes “like dowager flamingos”. But mostly there was just me, the sound of creaking ropes, and the “low bosky horizons” stretching “beneath heroic skies”.

This was “landscape as serenity”, particularly in the dusk at Horsey Mere, reminding me “how sailing could still be” – “an interlude in which everything else can fall away, a momentary back eddy in the restless tide of the world”.

San Pedro Olympic Classes Regatta – GBR Medal in final three Olympic Class events

 

Overall across the ten Olympic Class events at the Long Beach and San Pedro OCR British Sailing Team competitors won 3 Gold, 2 Silver and 3 Bronze, another good set of results on the waters to be used for the Los Angeles Games in the summer of 2028.

Richard SCHULTHEIS and Fabian RIEGER of Germany won the 49er medal series with a 1 and 2 , ahead of James GRUMMETT and Rhos HAWES who moved into second with a 6 and 1. Hernán UMPIERRE and Fernando DIZ of Uruguay dropping to third.

In the women’s 49erFX, Sweden’s Ebba BERNTSSON and Vilma BOBECK posted a 2, 1 to take a 17 point win ahead of Spain’s Paula BARCELO and Maria CANTERO, with Saskia TIDEY and Freya BLACK third after posting an 8 and 2.

In the Nacra 17, Sweden’s Emil JÄRUDD and Hanna JONSSON maintained their lead with a 4 and 2,  holding off John GIMSON and Anna BURNET who posted a 3, 3, to take second by one point. Third were Willemijn OFFERMAN and Scipio HOUTMAN of the Netherlands.

The USA events complete the 2026 Sailing Grand Slam (SGS) circuit for the world’s top sailors in the build-up to the LA 2028 Games.

49er Medal Series Final:

1st GER Richard SCHULTHEIS / Fabian RIEGER 77pts

2nd GBR James GRUMMETT / Rhos HAWES 92pts

3rd URU Hernán UMPIERRE / Fernando DIZ 99pts

49erFX Medal Series Final:

1st SWE Ebba BERNTSSON / Vilma BOBECK 55pts

2nd ESP Paula BARCELO / Maria CANTERO 72pts

3rd GBR Saskia TIDEY / Freya BLACK 78pts

Nacra 17 Medal Series Final:

1st SWE Emil JÄRUDD / Hanna JONSSON 59pts

2nd GBR John GIMSON / Anna BURNET 60pts

3rd NED Willemijn OFFERMAN / Scipio HOUTMAN 69pts

Historic Sailing Cobles Will Take To Bridlington Bay For Two-Day Festival

Traditional wooden fishing vessels will set sail across Bridlington Bay this weekend as a free two-day maritime festival celebrates the region's rich coastal heritage.

The 2026 Bridlington Sailing Coble Festival will take place on Saturday, August 8th, and Sunday, August 9th. Organisers from the Bridlington Sailing Coble Preservation Society have confirmed a packed schedule of sailing displays, live music, and traditional crafts.

Spectators will watch cobles and historic vessels sailing in the bay between 11:00 and 14:30 on Saturday, timed around a high water of 12:52. Sunday’s sailing will take place from 12:00 to 15:30, following a high water at 14:17.

The festival will showcase prominent local vessels maintained by the registered charity, which was established to promote the history and sailing of local cobles.

Festival-goers will see the 'Three Brothers', an historic 1912 sailing coble built in Bridlington by Baker and Percy Siddall as a fishing vessel and for tourist trips. Local boat builders John Clarkson and Joe Gelsthorpe totally restored the vessel in 2013.

The prominent coble has been featured by Ade Edmondson in ‘Ade at Sea’ and received a visit from Prince Charles in the same year. It has also appeared on BBC Countryfile, BBC Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, and in a promotional video for Hitachi Energy demonstrating wind power.

'The Gratitude' will also feature in the displays. Master boatbuilder Hector Handyside launched the vessel in 1976 for David Wharton of Whitby, who received grant aid from the English Tourist Board to build a floating museum.

Alan Richmond of Scarborough later purchased and completely restored 'The Gratitude', leading to its appearance in the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Pageant. The preservation society acquired the boat in February 2015.

The charity's fleet is completed by 'Gansey Lass', which was built at Bridlington Harbour in 2014 by John Clarkson and Joe Gelsthorpe, assisted by Malcolm Smales and volunteers. The society purchased it in 2017 using a grant from the Tesco Bags of Help scheme.

Live entertainment will run throughout both days at the Clough Hole Car Park stage and the harbourside. The musical lineup includes Jim and Lynette, the Ramshackle Shantymen, The Headlanders, the Hornsea Shanty Lasses, and Colleen's Fancy.

The Flamborough Sword Dancers junior team will perform on Sunday afternoon, accompanied by Jim playing music, with a final performance scheduled on the North Pier at 15:00.

Sunday morning's schedule features a formal presentation at the stage area. Gill Emmerson and Chris Wright will present commemorative certificates to owners and skippers, alongside the 'Steve Emmerson Memorial Award for Best Turned out Coble'.

Visitors will explore a variety of displays and stalls inside the Vessel Maintenance Facility exhibition hall at Clough Hole Car Park. Attractions include demonstrations of traditional crab and lobster pot making, alongside a photographic display of old Bridlington Harbour and local boats.

Stallholders include the North Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, Friends of the Chalk Tower Flamborough, and marine paint manufacturer Teal & Mackrill Ltd. Local artisans will also showcase their work, including Deb Gillanders of Propagansey with traditional fishermen's ganseys, Sam Deville's handmade pottery, and Little Miss Looter's Seaglass Creations.

The Harbour Heritage Museum will offer free admission throughout the weekend, providing a look into the town's maritime past.

Several local organisations are supporting the 2026 festival, including The Lord's Feoffees and Assistants of the Manor of Bridlington, Bridlington Harbour Commissioners, the Dogger Bank Windfarm Operator Fund, Wold Top Brewery, and Harrison Leisure.

Elmo Trophy Returns With Wide-Open Youth Team Racing Battle

 

Twenty-eight youth team racing squads will converge on Dún Laoghaire this weekend for the 11th edition of the Elmo Trophy, with organisers predicting one of the most open contests in the event's history. With no clear favourite, the championship is expected to produce a highly competitive battle for the title.

Each team will field six sailors racing in colour-matched Firefly dinghies in the internationally recognised three-boat versus three-boat team racing format, widely regarded as the pinnacle of tactical dinghy racing.

Principal Race Officer Toby Hudson Fowler is scheduled to start racing at 10.30 am on Saturday. Racing will take place on the traditional starboard S-shaped course inside Dún Laoghaire Harbour.

Five flights of  boats will be used, allowing up to 10 teams to race simultaneously on a single course. Delivering the championship remains a major logistical exercise. More than 50 volunteers will help run up to 200 races before the Elmo Trophy winner is decided.

Race management will again use the RaceFlow scheduling and results system, developed by former Elmo competitor Russell Bolger, to keep racing moving efficiently and maintain close competition between teams.

Forecast gusty conditions on Saturday afternoon may require Firefly storm sails supplied by the National Yacht Club, Irish Sailing, and the host club, the Royal St George Yacht Club. 

The umpiring team will be led by Ailbe Millerick, a veteran of all 11 Elmo Trophy events, who will oversee on-the-water officiating and ensure fair racing.

Off the water, the traditional Saturday evening dinner will bring more than 200 competitors and volunteers together at the Royal St George Yacht Club. The popular karaoke competition also returns, with defending champions Rathmullan aiming to retain their unofficial title.

The Seychelles -- one of the world's finest sailing destinations

 

Here is a  relaxed 7-day sailing itinerary covering the beautiful Inner Islands, starting and finishing on Mahé.

Day 1 – Mahé to Praslin (26 nautical miles, 4–5 hours)

Morning -

Depart Eden Island Marina on Mahé.

Enjoy your first sail across turquoise waters to Praslin.

Afternoon -

Anchor at Baie Ste Anne or Anse Lazio.

Swim or snorkel straight from the yacht.

Onshore activities -

Visit the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai nature reserve.

See the famous Coco de Mer palms and endemic black parrots.

Enjoy dinner at a local Creole restaurant.

Day 2 – Explore Praslin

A leisurely day with minimal sailing.

Onshore activities -

Relax at Anse Lazio, regularly ranked among the world's finest beaches.

Optional visit to Anse Georgette.

Short hike through coastal trails.

Water activities -

Paddleboarding

Snorkelling

Sunset drinks aboard your yacht

Day 3 – Praslin to Curieuse Island (4 nautical miles)

Curieuse is a protected national park.

Onshore activities -

Walk among hundreds of free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises.

Follow the mangrove boardwalk.

Visit the restored Doctor's House museum.

Afternoon -

Snorkel around St Pierre Islet, famous for colourful reef fish and clear water.

Day 4 – Curieuse to La Digue (7 nautical miles)

La Digue has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

Onshore activities -

Hire bicycles (the best way to explore).

Visit the spectacular Anse Source d'Argent.

Explore traditional vanilla plantations and coconut groves.

Browse local artisan shops.

Evening -

Fresh seafood barbecue or beach restaurant.

Day 5 – La Digue and Coco Islands

A short cruise to some of the Seychelles' best reefs.

Activities -

Snorkelling with turtles.

Optional scuba diving.

Kayaking around granite boulders.

Onshore -

Visit Grand Anse or Petite Anse.

Watch the sunset from one of the island's quiet western beaches.

Day 6 – La Digue to Mahé (approximately 35 nautical miles)

A longer but rewarding sail back towards Mahé.

Afternoon

Anchor at Beau Vallon or Sainte Anne Marine National Park.

Onshore activities -

Explore Victoria, one of the world's smallest capitals.

Visit Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market.

Sample Creole cuisine and local rum.

Day 7 – Mahé

Spend your final day exploring the largest island.

Options include

Hike the Copolia Trail or Morne Blanc for panoramic island views.

Visit Takamaka Bay.

Relax at Anse Intendance or Petite Anse.

Browse local craft markets before departure.

Wildlife you may encounter -

Aldabra giant tortoises

Hawksbill and green turtles

Reef sharks 

Eagle rays

Dolphins

Flying fish

Hundreds of tropical fish species

Best time to sail -

April–May: Light winds, calm seas, excellent visibility.

October–November: Another superb period with warm weather and outstanding snorkelling.

June–September: Stronger southeast trade winds make for livelier sailing.

December–March: Hotter and more humid, with occasional tropical showers.

This itinerary strikes a good balance between sailing (generally 1–5 hours per day, except for the return to Mahé) and plenty of time ashore to enjoy the Seychelles' beaches, wildlife, hiking, and Creole culture. If you're interested in a more adventurous trip, I can also suggest a route that includes the remote islands of Cousin, Aride, and Silhouette for even better birdlife, diving, and secluded anchorages.

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Noble Marine RS200 National Championship 2026 at Royal Torbay Yacht Club - Buddy Groups

 

With the RS200 Nationals now just a few weeks away, it is time to reveal this year's fleet allocations and buddy groups. Whether you are heading to the event chasing the front of the fleet, aiming for a personal best, or simply looking forward to a brilliant week on and off the water, this is the moment to find out who you will be racing alongside - and who your buddies will be.

The fleets are split into Gold, Silver and Bronze. These allocations do not change how the racing works - everyone is still part of the same championship fleet - but they do give more boats something to aim for, with prizes available even if you are not right at the very top of the overall results.

The buddy group system is all about bringing sailors together from across the whole fleet. Each group is designed to mix boats from different fleet bands, helping helms and crews meet new people, ask questions, share tips, and learn from those with more experience in the RS200 fleet. You will also be parked alongside your buddy group, so finding them should be nice and easy. It is a great way to make a big championship feel more connected, friendly, and inclusive from the moment everyone arrives.

Each group also has a fun name inspired by the week's theme - no requirement to dress as your buddy group's superhero or villain, but it might just solve your costume crisis.

There will also be prizes throughout the week, including an award for the top buddy group, so make sure you know who is in your team and get involved with the full Nationals spirit. Some buddy groups include more than three boats, meaning there may be two boats from one fleet; in these cases, the top boat from each fleet will count towards the buddy group score.

Buddy groups are a chance to support each other, celebrate each other's results, and hopefully pick up a prize together by the end of the week.

Check the published list, find your buddies, and start the countdown — we cannot wait to see everyone at the RS200 Nationals.

See the full Buddy Group list [PDF]   BuddyGroupMaths.xlsx

MS Ireland Invites Sailors to Connemara Try Sailing Day

 

MS Ireland and Oceans of Hope are seeking participants for a “try sailing” day off South Connemara on August 21st.

As Afloat has reported, the Irish branch of Oceans of Hope was initiated by Kerryman Stephen Fitzpatrick, who has sailed in Ireland and throughout Europe with Oceans of Hope UK.

Oceans of Hope UK was established by Robert Munns and Nicola Kaufman in 2016, and over the last 10 years, they have hosted many sailing events for people with MS around the world.

The Irish branch has been hosting a number of sailing events for the MS community this season, and south Connemara’s event is in Ros-a-Mhíl on August 21st. The volunteer team, including Shirley Foley, welcomes participants at one of two sessions in Ros-a-Mhíl – 2 pm to 5 pm or 6 pm to 9 pm.

Participants need to be able to go up steps with assistance to board the boat, and the cost per person is 20 euros.

More details of the programme and a link to registration can be found here :- Sailing | MS Ireland

Belfast Lough Prepares To Welcome World Class Sailing Event

 

Hosted by the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club from Saturday 8th to Friday 14 August, the prestigious regatta will see more than 100 boats take to Belfast Lough.

Competitors will travel from Ireland, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan and France, bringing with them families, support crews and officials for a week-long championship that is expected to deliver a welcome economic boost to the local area.

Hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, cafés, pubs and shops across Holywood, Bangor and Belfast are expected to benefit as hundreds of visitors base themselves in the region, while many competitors are extending their stay to explore Northern Ireland’s world-renowned attractions.

The event further strengthens Northern Ireland’s reputation as a destination capable of hosting major international events, with the GP14 World Championships following closely behind the excitement and visitor numbers being generated by the Fleadh.

Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club has spent months preparing to host the championship, with volunteers transforming the venue to welcome the international fleet. Extensive work has included expanding boat parks, upgrading facilities and preparing the infrastructure needed for a world-class event.

Gerry Reid, Event Director said: “We’re delighted to welcome competitors from around the world to Belfast Lough. The GP14 World Championships are always fiercely competitive, and Belfast Lough offers a fantastic race course with challenging tidal conditions and varied winds that reward skill and tactical sailing. It’s a brilliant opportunity to showcase both our club and Northern Ireland on the international stage.”

This year’s championship will also feature several innovations, including GPS tracking on every competing boat and robotic marks, allowing racing to be followed live online, while footage from the race course will be streamed back to spectators at the yacht club throughout the week.

Lindsay McCarty Nolan, Commodore of Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club said: “While Belfast continues to welcome thousands of visitors for the Fleadh, we’re delighted to play our part in showcasing Northern Ireland on the international stage.

“The GP14 World Championships will bring hundreds of visitors into the local area, providing a welcome boost for hotels, restaurants, cafés and businesses across Holywood, Bangor and Belfast. It’s a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate that Northern Ireland is a world-class destination for major international sporting events, and we couldn’t be prouder to welcome the GP14 community to the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club.”

Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council, the event highlights the growing role of international sporting events in boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and showcasing the region to a worldwide audience.

As music fills the streets of Belfast during the Fleadh, the focus on Belfast Lough is turning to sails, strategy and world-class competition, with one of the most anticipated GP14 World Championships in recent years about to get underway.

Visit www.rniyc.org

Poole Week 2026 is getting closer

 

Poole Week (23rd to 28th August) is getting ever closer, and Parkstone Yacht Club is gearing up for one of its biggest events of the year.

Events on this scale demand vast amounts of organisation and endless hours of planning and preparation by volunteers. Commercial sponsorship has become ever more important, too. Poole Week is delighted to welcome Haven Knox-Johnston as headline sponsor, with day sponsors including Charles Stanley (wealth management), Preston Redman (solicitors) and Badger Beers (Hall & Woodhouse Brewery).

Prizes have long been a major part of Poole Week, where even those who don't win on the water can still be rewarded at the daily prize-giving after racing. Competitors come ashore from a great afternoon in the harbour, put their boats away, shower and change and have a beer or two (or tea and cake, included in the entry fee).

Then, to top it all, they might find they've won a fantastic prize in the daily draw even if they finished mid-fleet. Zhik is this year's headline prize sponsor, with other prizes generously provided by Sailteck, Optimum Time, Marlow Ropes and Harken.

The evening's entertainment doesn't end there, however. Social highlights of the week include live music on Wednesday and Thursday nights and a DJ for the end-of-week prize-giving on Friday.

Whatever anyone might think about the need for commercial sponsorship, there's no doubt that events like Poole Week are bigger and better for it. Whether the sponsors are local companies or names that are known across the sailing world, they're getting involved because they want to, and Poole Week is grateful for their support. That includes Bournemouth Digital, who supply the all-important website.

It's still not too late to be part of the fun. Entries are open until 17th August and day-entries can be made every day on the day.

To find out more and to enter, visit www.PooleWeek.org

Albacore Southern Championship 2026 at Lyme Regis Sailing Club

 

The Albacore Southern Area Championship got under way in spectacular fashion at Lyme Regis Sailing Club, with a stunning Friday evening Town Regatta firework display lighting up the harbour and providing the perfect welcome for competitors arriving for the weekend.

Saturday morning saw eight visitors and seven local boats launch into a gentle Force 2-3 SW breeze. As the day unfolded, the wind steadily built into a classic Lyme Regis Force 4, delivering the champagne sailing conditions everyone had hoped for. Bright sunshine and rolling waves which made for an unforgettable day's racing.

After three races, there was only a few points between the first 3 boats and hence the championship was still wide open. However, the fleet was pleased to get ashore and rest some tired bodies and enjoy the Club bar and BBQ.

The two races on Sunday were sailed in much lighter southerly F1-2 wind which reshuffled the pack, allowing some of the lighter crews (Cameron/Isla & Simon/Rhys) to come to the front of the fleet.

Lyme Bay once again provided a superb championship arena, testing every crew while rewarding consistency and boat speed. The fleet enjoyed close and competitive racing throughout, with every gust and shift demanding sharp tactical decisions and slick teamwork.

Congratulations go to Allan & Chris Tyler (Albacore 8236), who produced a consistent series to take the Southern Area Championship with 5 points. Second place went to Paul Gimson & Helen Baines (7912) on 14 points, with Charles Davenport & Mark Fowler (8264) completing the podium on 15 points after a closely fought championship.

A huge thank you goes to the race management team, safety boat crews, volunteers and everyone at Lyme Regis Sailing Club for delivering another first-class championship. This sets the benchmark for next years Albacore Internationals which are being held at Lyme Regis from July 10-17 2027.

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Crew R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 Pts

1 8236 Allan Tyler Chrissie 1 ‑4 1 1 2 5

2 7912 Paul Gimson Helen Baines 3 1 4 6 ‑10 14

3 8264 Charles Devenport Mark Fowler 2 2 6 5 (RET) 15

4 8075 Dave Stubbs Ed Stubbs 4 ‑6 3 4 5 16

5 8266 Matthew Thompson Heather Thompson ‑11 5 2 7 4 18

6 8209 Cameron Moss TBC 7 ‑10 8 3 1 19

7 8131 Simon Law 8 (BFD) 12 2 3 25

8 7987 Richard Smith Annissa Baines 9 7 5 ‑13 7 28

9 8128 Jake Stow Ian Wallace 5 ‑12 7 8 8 28

10 7989 Joss Kent 6 8 10 ‑15 13 37

11 8237 Matthew Mercalfe‑Smith Jason Upton 10 3 11 14 (DNC) 38

12 6654 Clive Gimson Tim NORMAN ‑13 9 9 9 12 39

13 8001 Andy Robinson 12 ‑14 13 11 6 42

14 8235 Stephen Swinchatt Helen MacVean ‑14 11 14 10 9 44

15 8263 Stephen Bailey Jeremy Wallace ‑15 13 15 12 11 51

Welsh sailing club to host 80th national championships starting this weekend

 

Tenby Sailing Club has revealed preparations for hosting a prestigious national championship from this weekend.

The club is set to welcome participants of the 80th Firefly National Championships.

Boasting an impressive 116 entries, the event will unfold over a week beginning Saturday, August 8, with a Commodore's welcome reception.

The club has engaged volunteers for a variety of roles, including arrivals, safety crew, race officials, beach masters, catering, and social arrangements, underscoring the importance of community support for the large-scale event.

In addition to the national championship preparations, Tenby Sailing Club has been busy with routine races.

Two races took place on August 1 in favourable conditions.

The first saw a diverse mix of adult and junior members, with Phantom 1435, helmed by Ben Dancer, taking the lead.

Other successes came from Osprey 1342, manned by Ted Lewis and Lucas Boissevain, and Optimist 9, skippered by Lottie Dashfield.

The secondary race saw a repeat of Phantom 1435 claiming first place, while Osprey 1342 reaffirmed its reliability by taking second.

RS Aero 7 from Dyfan Williams secured the third position this time.

July 31's cruiser race saw yachts from both Tenby and Saundersfoot competing.

Notably, their dinghy race event on July 28 had a turnout of eight boats, with Redwing 244, led by Robin Wood and Gary Jarvis, finishing first.

Sir Ben Ainslie to race with Athena Pathway Youth Squad at 200th Cowes Week

 

Sir Ben Ainslie is set to return to Cowes Week for its 200th edition, joining members of the Athena Pathway Youth Squad on the Solent as the team continues to support the development of Britain’s next generation of sailors.

The collaboration will see emerging talent compete alongside one of sailing’s most accomplished figures at the regatta. The four-time Olympic gold medallist will race over four days with GB1 sailor Ben Cornish and Emirates GBR SailGP Team sailor Neil Hunter aboard the Cape 31 Fargo.

Joining them will be Athena Pathway Youth Squad sailors Finn Dickinson, Kai Hockley, Katy Jenkins and Kuba Staite, all of whom are part of the programme’s high-performance development pathway.

The initiative forms part of Athena Pathway’s wider goal to accelerate the development of young British sailing talent by allowing athletes to compete alongside elite sailors in a major regatta.

Building experience through elite competition

Sir Ben Ainslie, founder of Athena Pathway, comments: “Cowes Week has always been one of the best places to learn how to race sailboats. The racing is incredibly competitive, and the conditions constantly challenge you to adapt and improve.

“Having the opportunity to race alongside these young athletes for four days allows us to pass on experience in real racing situations, helping them build the skills, confidence and decision-making that will be invaluable as they progress through the pathway towards the highest levels of our sport.”

While Athena Pathway is preparing athletes for the future of high-performance foiling, the programme says keelboat racing remains an important part of sailors’ development. Cowes Week provides an opportunity to strengthen core sailing skills, including sail trim, teamwork, tactical awareness and boat handling, which continue to underpin success across multiple disciplines.

Youth Squad continue America’s Cup development

Away from the racing, members of the Youth Squad will host daily question-and-answer sessions in the Youth Sailing Zone on The Parade, where aspiring sailors and visitors will be able to hear about their experiences in high-performance sailing and learn more about opportunities available through the Athena Pathway programme.

As the four Youth Squad sailors will race on the Solent, another five are continuing their development in Cagliari, training alongside the British Women’s America’s Cup Team on an AC40 foiling yacht as they build experience ahead of future Women’s, Youth and America’s Cup campaigns.