Noble Marine RS300 National Championship at Brixham Yacht Club

 

The results tell a story, but most definitely not the full story! Yes, with the forecast there were two front runners and then the pack. Yes, the results made it look like Charlie South and Pete Mackin were in a class of their own, and to be honest, that was true. But, neither had it their own way all the time!

Day 1 Harken Thursday: Races 1 and 2 were held in breezy lumpy conditions. It was perfectly raceable, topping out in the high teens with occasional Danger Gusts requiring safety kicker to be applied. The lesson the fleet (and by fleet we mean mainly Tom Moore) didn't learn was that the Pin End belonged to the Big Boys. Starting slightly up line gave a great viewpoint of Power Sailing in the RS300, pull the strings tight, hike hard and drop the bow - Engage Afterburners! Watching Pete and Charlie boat-on-boat blast off became a familiar sight with little between the two. Charlie held a slight edge, tacking 1st and often ducking Pete and crossing Luke South. Luke gave Charlie and Pete a workout on the downwind, briefly taking the lead one race for half a leg with Charlie slipping as low as 4th, the lap 3 of doom hit for Luke on both races on the "not a run / not a reach"; his Achilles heel, which led to swimming practise, letting Pete and Charlie disappear. The rest of the fleet had a mixed bag, with Neal grabbing a 4th in race 2 after snapping his extension race 1, Tom doing enough to take 3rd after both races and Chairman William Powell in the Purple Beast showing signs of rapid all-round performance. Worryingly for Pete, it was looking like the pecking order was established with Charlie taking two bullets to Pete's to 2nds, and winning the Harken prize voucher and red and black 'only won, never sold' beanie.

Day 2: Races 3, 4 & 5, the wind had slightly moderated for the start of the day along with a more predictable wave pattern making the days sailing slightly less taxing with the three races scheduled, and a fourth threatened. However, by the end of race 2 the breeze was back up and thankfully no 4th race was held. The pecking order of day one was resumed with Charlie, Pete and Luke (with no swimming today) in the top three finding the fast low modes upwind. Though the positions changed around, Charlie was always a little faster and more controlled with Luke and Pete occasionally swapping positions - Pete's immaculate boat handling always giving him the edge. Highlights included Pete retrieving from the water Luke's hat on the tight reach Race 4 whilst in FULL SEND mode - Great catch Pete!, Ed Wilkinson snapping a boom pre-race 3 and returning for race 5, Ben Cutler-Sharp for demonstrating Extreme Speed coupled with Extreme Death Rolls and the RS300 fleet picking their way through upturned and diss-masted 600's splattered across the racetrack "it was like a scene from Dunkirk" and it was generally agreed that, between Race 1 and 6, at any one point at least 2 RS600's where upside down!

Day 3: Race 6, It was Abersoch Ballistic. The depleted RS100's didn't get a race in, the 600's continued down the path of self-destruction, the RS300's.... lapped it up! (see Rob's photo of the year, if not a generation! Credit: Tom Wild) Race 6 was Charlie's - He started and wasn't seen again, though apparently, he went for a swim. Sparky had audacity in a reefed rig to try (& failed) to Port tack the start, Pete and Luke nervously headed down the run level yet with separation, Gust 1 hit and they span out, a casual look back down the track and the rest of the fleet where just recovering from their spin outs... BANG Gust 2 was a take down! Last thing seen was a blur of spray and hulls zooming passed, massive shout out to Ed for staying upright and nailing the beats. Lesson for Pete: Longer arms to reach the retrieval line.

Day 4: Race 7, What a difference a day makes. Blue Sky, calm waters, and a different anxiety in the boat park. Would we get 1 race in? Or would the wind hold to get 3 in to shake the table up! With an earlier start the fleet drifted out in around 3-6knts with big holes and shifts. The wind settled a little and a committee boat bias start led to a squeeze, 7 seconds to go and a clatter at the committee boat was heard as Charlie slipped and executed the perfect trigger-pull too early propelling him out passed the fleet and the line - There was no way back from that! Mid-line, a class stalwart pulled clear and sailed a perfect race, Steve Sallis wasn't challenged, picking the shifts and finding the puffs - Well deserved and impressive race win in tricky conditions! The pack swapped and changed with the shifts, Oli Scrimshaw picking 'em right most of the time and Richard Hanby finally visiting the sharp end of the fleet. Luke, Neal and Chairman Powell all in the hunt for 3rd overall exchanged places, with Luke taking the 4th to secure 3rd overall. After half hr of "will we, won't we?", thankfully (for some) we were sent in just as the wind evaporated...

Brixham managed a brilliant event given the weather, and were excellent hosts, both on and off the water, with thanks given during the prize-giving to the host club and generous sponsors RS Sailing and Rooster.

Our little boats delivered again in challenging conditions with the least number of breakages and Rob definitely gets Photo of the Week. Most importantly, the Club Prize returns home to Emsworth with family South, after a brief stop in Wales! Next stop Dabchicks!

Overall Results:

Pos Helm Sail No Club R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 Pts

1st Charlie South 520 Emsworth SC/ RNSA 1 1 1 1 1 1 ‑13 6

2nd Peter Mackin 556 Y Felinheli 2 2 2 2 2 (DNC) 7 17

3rd Luke South 542 Emsworth SC 6 5 3 3 3 ‑10 4 24

4th Rob Baker 546 Rutland SC 3 6 5 4 6 3 ‑12 27

5th Tom Moore 560 Stokes Bay SC 5 3 ‑10 8 7 5 3 31

6th William Powell 433 Dabchicks/Stokes Bay SC 4 7 8 5 4 4 ‑9 32

7th Neal Gibson 515 Bough Beech SC (DNC) 4 4 7 5 8 6 34

8th Steve Sallis 476 Hykeham 10 9 ‑11 9 8 6 1 43

9th Edward Wilkinson 456 Warsash SC 9 10 (DNC) DNC 9 2 10 55

10th Ben Cutler‑Sharp 481 Starcross 7 8 6 (RET) RET 9 11 56

Merlin Rocket Craftinsure Silver Tiller at Trent Valley Sailing Club

 

Trent Valley Sailing Club were looking forward to hosting the Merlin Rocket Craftinsure Silver Tiller, for the first time in over 30 years alongside the Vintage, Classic and Midland HD Series as well on Sunday 20th September.

Sunday prove a challenging day with a westerly breeze to keep everyone on their toes.

Sadly, a couple of boats pulled out to leave seven boats eager to start racing.

Just as the five minute signal blew Greg Martin 3437 crewed by James Dalby suddenly found their rig fall down, due to port side deck giving way.

Once started close racing up to buoy 1 saw plenty of lead changes in tricky conditions, Samuel Bailey crewed by Mia Hateley rounded first ahead Guy Browne and Tommi Cluley, Christopher Howarth and Michael Haworth and James Clark and Nikki Elliot, half way up river Pete Male filled up and retired. Chris managed to pass Guy for 2nd place on the next lap to take 2nd overall.

Race 2 saw a change of course with buoy 2 as the first mark to round. Samuel and Mia took the lead from Guy and Tommi, James and Nikki and Christopher and Michael who were having a fight for positions. On the run back down James and Nikki filled up and Pete and Time Male filled up for the 2nd time during the day. Sam and Mia came home first from Guy and Tommi, and Christopher and Michael in 3rd.

Race 3 saw Sam and Mia go off into the distance with Christopher and Michael holding Guy and Tommi off to the end of the race.

Trent Valley Traditional Roast Dinner followed, which was thoroughly deserved after an enjoyable day of sailing.

Next up

Craftinsure Silver Tiller is at Itchenor Sailing Club on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October.

Vintage and Classic Series at Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club on Saturday 10th October.

The HD Sails Midland Circuit has now concluded for 2026.

Overall Results:

Pos Division Fleet Sail No Helm Crew Club R1 R2 R3 Points

1 Silver 3752 Samuel Bailey Mia Hateley South Staffordshire SC 1 1 1 2

2 Vintage Silver 2663 Christopher Michael Blackpool & Fleetwood SC 2 3 2 4

3 Silver 3690 Guy Browne Tommi Cluley Trent Valley SC 3 2 3 5

4 Bronze 3619 James Clark Nikki Elliot Trent Valley SC 4 4 4 8

5 Classic Silver 3547 Pete Male Tim Male RYA 8 5 5 10

6 Vintage Bronze 2805 Ian Laing Andrew Hunt 5 8 8 13

7 Classic Bronze 3437 Greg Martin James Dalby Trent Valley SC 8 8 8 16

ILCA UKLA Northern Grand Prix Series at Scammonden Water Sailing Club

 

Eight visiting boats made the journey to Scammonden Water to join 8 home boats on a bright and fairly breezy Sunday morning in early September, some travelling from as far afield as Burton SC and WLYC at Southport.

The inevitable question of what rig choice to use left some local sailors pondering for a while looking at the conditions and the waves on the lake, while the majority of the visitors opted for the 6 rig.

After a short briefing by the race officer the fleet headed off 2/3rds of the way down the dam for a water start. which happens very rarely at this club. The fleet got away clean at the 1st attempt and made their way up to the windward mark in a fresh breeze, the host club laying on a lead power boat to show the way. Scammonden had also painted numbers on the marks especially for this event after realising all but 2 marks were actually unnumbered and known by the local fleet more by their location. An early casualty forced to retire just 200 meters upward from the line with a broken traveller was local helm Ian Turrell after a promising start. Lewis Bacon (junior) of Leigh and Lowton SC took an early lead and was 1st to reach the windward mark sailing with a 7 rig, closely followed by local helm Christopher Smith in a 7 rig and Ian Jones in a 6 rig.

The fleet then headed back down the triangular shaped lake with a series of runs, reaches and broad reaches. Gordon Riddell of Delph SC stayed in contention, as did Wendy Jones both in 6 rigs. The wind direction was southerly and so didn't really give any home club benefit of local knowledge to the home based fleet as it hardly ever blows in that direction in this valley. This wind direction made for long port tacks and short starboard tacks to sail across the course. After just under the 50 min mark of close racing throughout the fleet it was Lewis Bacon that secured victory (on the standard club line) by just 18 seconds over Ian Jones on corrected times, with Gordon Riddell finishing in 3rd. Luke Revell (junior) from Delph SC had a great race and finished in an impressive 5th place in his 6 rig.

The fleet headed for shore and were served up a tasty lunch consisting of farm shop pies and also puddings for those that could fit one in. Scammonden's clubhouse is a converted vicarage for a church on the opposite side of the valley and it is a short steep walk from the lake but offers outstanding views of this stunning valley that attracts many visitors to explore the many paths built and maintained by the local water authority.

The wind had calmed down for race 2. Same course and a start that had a big port bias that not everybody realised, including many of the home boats. Once again Lewis Bacon lead the way, but in this race he didn't get a gap on the chasing pack and Ian Jones was able to win the race after another close fought 4 laps. Local helm Oliver Boocock (who is more well known for his skills in the driving seat of an Enterprise at events nationally) lead a strong challenge and finished 3rd. Poppy Bedwell (junior) from West Lancs YC sailing in a 4 rig made the most of the lighter winds and had her best race of the day finishing in an impressive 5th place.

The third race was sailed back to back and the wind increased once again. The freshening wind took its toll on a couple of boats who had early breakages leading to retirement for both, including Gordon Riddell who had been in contention for a podium finish overall. In common with the earlier races Lewis Bacon lead the fleet on the water with an impressive confidence but couldn't make the gap large enough between him and the chasing Ian Jones. Local helm Mike Goodwin in his black hulled boat stayed up near the front all race but had to be content with a 4th place finish after Wendy Jones stayed up near the standard rigs to secure a 3rd place.

Scammonden couldn't hold its planned open meeting in 2025 due to low water levels and it was pleased to welcome people back in '26 for a fun competitive day of racing on its 55 year old reservoir.

Overall Results:

1st Ian Jones (Dovestone S.C.) ILCA 6

2nd & 1st Junior, Lewis Bacon (Leigh and Lowton S.C.) ILCA 7

3rd Wendy Jones (Dovestone S.C.) ILCA 6

4th Gordon Riddell (Delph S.C.) ILCA 6

5th Oliver Boocock (Scammonden Water S.C.) ILCA 7

8th & 2nd Junior, Poppy Bedwell (West Lancs Y.C.) ILCA 4

9th & 3rd Junior, Luke Revell (Delph S.C.) ILCA 6

Sailing Clubs Urged to Review DBS Supervision Changes for England, Wales and Northern Ireland

 

Following a recent change in UK Government legislation, the rules on regulated activity changed from 1 September 2026, such that supervision no longer automatically excludes an individual from being considered to be undertaking regulated activity.

As a result, anyone who regularly teaches, trains, instructs, cares for or supervises children in England, Wales and Northern Ireland may now be classed as undertaking regulated activity, even where their work or volunteering is overseen by another adult.

This means sailing clubs should review any roles that previously required an Enhanced DBS check without a Children’s Barred List check because supervision placed them outside the scope of regulated activity.

In light of the legislative changes, clubs should consider whether these roles now meet the criteria for regulated activity and therefore require an Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check.

Eligibility for an Enhanced DBS check is not limited to regulated activity. Individuals undertaking certain roles involving the teaching, training, instruction, care or supervision of children may still be eligible for an Enhanced DBS check, even where the role is not classified as regulated activity. However, a Children’s Barred List check can only be requested where the role meets the legal definition of regulated activity.

The RYA will be launching its own club and centre specific eligibility tool this winter; in the meantime, individuals can find out what type of DBS check one can get, and clubs should:

Review roles involving contact with children

Consider whether previously supervised roles now meet the definition of regulated activity

Ensure the appropriate level of DBS check is being obtained

Update safer recruitment and safeguarding procedures where necessary

Review the official guidance from the DBS regarding what these changes mean

The annual DBS conference next month will explore the legislative changes in more details. Any questions regarding the changes should be directed to safeguarding@rya.org.uk.

Emirates GBR Remain in Grand Final Fight Despite Frustrating Geneva Performance

 

Emirates GBR endured a frustrating final day at the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix in Geneva, finishing ninth overall as the battle for a place in the winner-takes-all Season Grand Final continues.

Extremely light conditions once again dominated racing on Lake Geneva, with Dylan Fletcher's Emirates GBR beginning their opening Group B race on the back foot after straying outside the course boundary and picking up a penalty.

The British team were forced to sail a wide angle towards the opening mark to burn off their penalty. Despite the setback, Emirates GBR recovered strongly to round Mark 1 in fourth place.

Fletcher and his crew continued to build around the outside of the fleet, gaining another position to enter Gate 2 in third. The wind dropped again in the closing stages, but Emirates GBR held their position to cross the line third, behind Canada and Australia.

Under the initial Race Management plan for the day, which would have seen just one race for each fleet group before the Event Final, the result would have been enough to secure Emirates GBR a place in the Final.

However, with the conditions on Lake Geneva improving, the Race Management opted to run an additional race for each fleet group, giving Emirates GBR another fight to secure qualification.

In the decisive fifth and final Group B race, Emirates GBR entered the start line late, with only Canada behind them. On a tight course and in light winds, opportunities to overtake were limited. Fletcher's crew fought throughout to claw back positions but were unable to make the gains they needed, eventually losing out to Canada at the final mark rounding to finish sixth.

Australia's BONDS Flying Roos and home team Switzerland secured the Group B qualification places for the Event Final.

In Group A, ROCKWOOL Denmark continued their impressive form with two consecutive race victories, adding to their race win from Saturday to qualify for the Final alongside Los Gallos Spain.

Spain went on to claim victory in the Event Final ahead of Australia, Denmark and Switzerland.

Emirates GBR finished the Geneva event ninth overall, ahead of rivals the United States but behind Artemis SailGP Team, who finished seventh. Both teams are Emirates GBR's closest rivals in the increasingly tight battle for the third and final qualification spot in the winner-takes-all, top-three Season Grand Final.

The result leaves the British team fifth in the overall Championship standings six points of third, with just two events remaining in the 2026 season Dubai (21-22 Nov) and the season finale in Abu Dhabi (28-29 Nov).

Emirates GBR Wing Trimmer Stuart Bithell said: "It was a frustrating day for us in the end. The start is so important in these conditions, and we didn't deliver in that last race, especially after putting ourselves in a position to make the Event Final in the race before.

"Today was classic SailGP, anything can happen. After the first race we thought we were in the Final, but then another race was added. We needed to stay on our toes and adapt, and that's certainly something we can learn from.

"It's not been the result we wanted here, but we're still right in the mix for a Grand Final place with two events to go. As ever with this team, we won't give up. We'll keep fighting right until the end."

With the fight for a place in the Season Grand Final still open, Fletcher and his Emirates GBR crew will now turn their attention to Dubai as every Championship point becomes increasingly important in the closing stages of the season.

Black Foils second in Group B after streaky opening day in SailGP Geneva

 

New Zealand’s Black Foils are right in the mix for the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix final after a strong opening day on Lake Geneva.

In light, patchy winds, the Black Foils finished second, third and fourth in their three Group B races to sit second overnight on nine points.

Australia’s Bonds Flying Roos lead the group on ten, with Emirates Great Britain and home team Explora Journeys Swiss just behind the Black Foils on eight. The top two teams in each group advance to the four-boat final.

The Black Foils’ most dramatic moment came in the final race of the day. After rounding all four marks in sixth, they edged past Red Bull Italy and Canada’s NorthStar just before the finish to claim fourth.

“All in all, it was a really good day,” said Black Foils co-CEO and wing trimmer Blair Tuke.

“We were in the fight the whole time, with hardly any respite, just fighting for every metre. That last race was a case in point. We snuck from sixth into fourth right on the finish line for two really valuable points.

“We talk as a group about every point being valuable, whether you’re trying to move from second to first or, like we were, sitting sixth and trying to scrape a point,” Tuke said. “Getting past those two boats was really important heading into tomorrow.”

Tuke said the light winds demanded precision from the whole crew.

“In my opinion, this racing is harder than pretty much all other conditions. It takes a lot of finesse and choreography between the crew to keep the boat sailing fast while making good decisions. In this stuff, you have to live with your decisions for quite a while.

“Blending all of that together is difficult, and I think we mostly did a good job today. Of course, we left some points out there, but if you’re heading into tomorrow with a chance, you’ve done some good things.”

The overnight debrief would focus on boat handling, decision-making and starts, Tuke said, after one good start and two tougher ones left the team chasing points.

Across the two groups, five races produced five different winners. Rockwool Racing and Artemis each took a win from Group A’s two races to sit level on six points.

With just two points separating the top four teams in Group B, Tuke knows every place will count on Sunday.\“It’s really close between a number of boats, so we’re going to have to put two good races together to make the final. But we’ve given ourselves a chance, and that’s pleasing. It’s all to play for tomorrow.”

Racing is scheduled to resume at 3.30pm local time on Sunday, 1.30am Monday NZST, live in on YouTube.com

Solo, Aero and Contender open meeting at Lymington Town Sailing Club

 

On Saturday October 3rd, Lymington Town Sailing Club is hosting our final Open Meeting of the 2026 season for Solos, RS Aeros and Contenders.

LTSC has a strong fleet of Solos and Aeros and a long association with the Contender fleet so we're very much looking forward to welcoming friends, old and new, to Lymington.

Registration opens at 09:00 with a Competitor briefing scheduled for 10:00. 1st Warning signal is 11:25 with 3 back to back races planned.

Our legendary coffee and doughnuts will be available when you return to shore!

Our Notice of Race and Online entry is available at: www.ltsc.co.uk/solo-aero-contender

Aero Sailors can also find the event via their own site at: www.rsaerosailing.org/index.asp?p=event&eid=3230

Visiting sailors are very welcome to make a weekend of it and join us for Club Racing on Sunday 4th October.

Please feel free to contact the Club directly for further information: www.ltsc.co.uk/contact-us

Seldén UK Sponsor IRC Autumn Championship

 

Hamble Winter Series is delighted to announce that Seldén UK will be sponsoring the Hamble IRC Autumn Championship this year. The IRC Autumn Championship will take place on the 10th and 11th of October 2026, Race Week 2 of the 45th Hamble Winter Series.

"Seldén UK is proud to support the Hamble IRC Autumn Championship" said Richard Thouroughgood, UK Sales Manager at Seldén, "We have a long-standing relationship with the Hamble River Sailing Club that organises the event and we are looking for to supporting the club and competitors in this renowned weekend of close racing"

HRSC Commodore, Trevor Pountain was equally enthusiastic. "We look forward developing our partnership with Selden UK, for the benefit of all concerned."

Competitors taking part in the event will be able to claim a discount from Seldén, who make a complete range of deck hardware, as well their famous masts and spars.

A number of the usual suspects have already entered the weekend, including the recently crowned National IRC Champion, Elaine Again, Ed Mockridge's JPK 10.10.

Enter online at: www.hamblewinterseries.com

Emirates GBR Ready for Crucial Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix in Geneva

 

Reigning Rolex SailGP Champions Emirates GBR return to action this weekend at the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix, with the battle for a place in the Season Grand Final intensifying.

Racing takes place on Lake Geneva on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, marking the 11th event of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship and the first of the final three events of the season.

With the Championship approaching its decisive stages, Emirates GBR arrive in Geneva fifth in the overall standings on 51 points, just five points behind the United States in third and the all-important Grand Final qualification places.

Dylan Fletcher's team showed signs of improved performance at the Spain Sail Grand Prix in Valencia last time out but missed the Event Final following an incredibly tight weekend of light-air racing.

Fletcher said: "As we know in SailGP, anything can happen, and it often does. We feel like we're finding our form and we need to continue pushing for gains right up until the last race of the season.

"We left points on the table in Valencia, but there are still three events to go and a huge amount to race for. We've been in this position before and know how quickly things can change in SailGP. Our focus is on putting together a strong weekend in Geneva and continuing to close that gap to the top three."

Light winds are forecast on Lake Geneva, conditions expected to favour some of the fleet's recognised light-air performers. However, Lake Geneva is renowned for its complex and changeable breeze, which could create opportunities throughout the 13-team fleet.

Strategist Hannah Mills said: "Geneva is going to be a very different challenge. The forecast looks light and we know those conditions can quickly change the complexion of an event. Starts become even more important, and finding pressure and getting the boat flying will make a huge difference.

"There have also been some big changes across the fleet coming into this weekend. Ultimately, though, we need to concentrate on ourselves, execute our racing and put ourselves in the best possible position to fight for the Final."

Emirates GBR have been drawn into Group B for the opening fleet racing alongside Championship leaders Bonds Flying Roos, the Black Foils, NorthStar Canada, home favourites Explora Journeys Swiss and Red Bull Italy.

The United States, meanwhile, will race in Group A alongside Artemis, Los Gallos, ROCKWOOL Racing, Mubadala Brazil, Germany by Deutsche Bank and France.

With only the top two teams from each group progressing into the winner-takes-all Event Final, every point will be crucial as Emirates GBR look to close the gap in the Championship standings.

Fletcher will once again be joined onboard the Emirates GBR F50 by wing trimmer Stuart Bithell, flight controller Luke Parkinson, grinders Nick Hutton and Neil Hunter, and strategist Hannah Mills.

The Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix is SailGP's second visit to Geneva, following the Championship's Swiss debut in 2025.

Racing takes place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, with UK viewers able to watch all the action live on TNT Sports 3 on Saturday and TNT Sports 4 on Sunday from 14:30 BST.

RYA refreshed Together on Water strategy with ambitious vision to double participation

 

The RYA and British Sailing have today unveiled the refreshed Together on Water strategy, setting out an ambitious ten-year vision to connect more people than ever before with the water and the benefits it brings.

Read the strategy

Building on the foundations of the strategy first launched in 2023, the refresh outlines a clear plan of action designed to grow participation, strengthen communities and safeguard the waters that inspire millions across the UK.

At the heart of the strategy is a bold ambition to:

Double active participation in water-based activities over the next decade.

Enable 10 million people to experience a meaningful connection to blue spaces.

Create more opportunities for people from all backgrounds to get on the water and feel they belong.

"Since originally launching Together on Water, we have put our community at the heart of everything we do, and we are already seeing the impact," said Sara Sutcliffe, RYA CEO.

"We have listened and we know that being on the water can be life-changing, but too many people still feel that spending time on the water is not accessible to them, and that must change. As an island nation, being on the water should be part of our national identity".

In order to achieve these ambitions, the strategy is built around four cross-cutting priorities:

More People, More Often- Growing participation and helping people develop lifelong connections with the water.

More Backgrounds- Opening opportunities and creating a welcoming community where everyone feels they belong.

Better Blue Spaces- Protecting and enhancing the waters that connect us all.

Brilliant Basics- Providing the strong foundations, systems and support that enable everything the RYA does.

From challenging dated perceptions to enabling more young people to unlock opportunities that extend far beyond participation, Together on Water is about making time on the water something people can grow up with and return to throughout their lives.

The refreshed strategy is informed by key insights from the RYA's Reflections on Water Survey and the National Watersports Participation Survey, which highlight the significant role that water plays in people's lives.

The research shows that:

People are drawn to the water because of how it makes them feel.

Strong communities help more people thrive on and around the water.

Reducing barriers will enable more people to participate.

Future growth depends on reaching and welcoming new audiences.

People who feel connected to blue spaces are more likely to protect and care for them.

Through Together on Water, the RYA will continue to support and empower the people who make activity possible, working with the incredible network of clubs, training centres, volunteers, partners and communities.

Areas of work include creating opportunities through volunteering, leadership and careers, supporting under-represented groups and building programmes that connect people where they live.

Sir Michael Arthur, RYA Chair added: "We know this ambition is bold, but due to the invaluable support from our members, dedicated network and partners, we are not working alone.

"Together on Water has always championed the joy of sailing and boating and now the RYA enters its next chapter with a sharper focus as we turn that vision into action".

Tideway Firefly Inland Championship 2026 at Rutland Sailing Club

 

The Inland Championship is a qualifying round of the 2026 Craftinsure Vines Series, the National Firefly Class Association's open meeting championship sponsored by Craftinsure.

There's an extra reason to push for the podium this year, too: prizes from Marlow Ropes, will be up for grabs at Rutland.

Rutland is calling

The swarm heads to Rutland Water this weekend and, for once, the forecast is firmly on our side. Proper breeze is on the way for the Inland Championship, and the entry list already stands at 44 boats, a dozen of them from the home club who will be very keen indeed to defend their own water.

The racing

Saturday is all about sprints: five short, sharp races, back to back. Sunday then slows the tempo but raises the stakes, with three longer races to settle the title.

Registration opens before the briefing, which is in the wet bar at 11:00 on Saturday, with the first warning signal at 11:55. On Sunday the first warning signal is at 10:25, and no race will start after 15:30. Don't be late.

On the water we get two race officers for the price of one, with Ella Ashworth supporting her dad, Adrian Stoggall. Expect a tight ship and, quite possibly, some family debate about the line bias.

Ashore

Saturday night is shaping up to be a big one. A two-course meal for just £12 is hard to beat, and 100 people have already signed up, so book now if you haven't. A DJ has been organised to keep the party going, and members and sailors alike have pledged to keep the bar busy.

Bunk room accommodation is available on site, and there is tent space at the campsite across the road (www.rutlandwatercampsite.co.uk).

Forty-four boats, a breezy forecast, eight races, a £12 dinner and a DJ. If you're not entered yet, now is the time: rutlandsailingclub.co.uk/event/firefly-inlands

Raffle update

Every helm and every crew racing at Rutland earns a ticket towards Firefly F4444, the race-ready ex-demo built by Ovington Boats, with spars by Selden, sails and covers by Hyde, and a launch trolley by Sailboat Trailers.

The Inland Championship is the first of the final five open meetings before the deadline, so every event now counts.

Tickets are earned, not bought, and you must opt in at forms.gle/MSeCVBpEpvcyQp1v7 by 14 November 2026 to make the draw, which takes place at the 80th Anniversary Dinner at the Royal Thames Yacht Club on Saturday 21 November.

Tickets for the 80th Anniversary Dinner are available now: forms.gle/i9SfR5xKvzf7dAkU6

The 2026 Craftinsure Vines Series is proudly supported by Craftinsure. The National Firefly Class Association's named sponsor is Tideway Wealth. All results and entry information: www.fireflyclass.co.uk

Noble Marine Supernova Travellers Series at Emberton Park Sailing Club

 

Saturday 12th of September saw Emberton Park SC host the first round of the 26/27 Noble Marine Supernova Travellers series. Seven visitors joined the Emberton sailors to field a sixteen strong fleet of Supernovas - including Tim Wade, launching his new-to-him boat for the first time, welcome to the class, Tim!

With three races planned for the day bacon rolls and dinghy park chat was first order of business.

For the first race RO Rob Hemmin maximised use of our small lake using eight of the nine marks available to him. We got away first time and Will Crocker rapidly established a commanding lead, handling the challenging conditions with apparent ease - drawing on experience from his youth learning to sail at Emberton? The chasing pack included locals, Luke Fisher and Rob Bell, who would go on to take second and third places respectively whilst Will sailed a solo victory lap to finish.

Lunch was a welcome chance to reset and refuel with homemade delights from the galley.

With the gusts continuing to look angry, a reduced fleet returned to the water for the afternoon session. For race two Will, once again, established an early lead, but on the slightly reduced course, the pack behind kept it tighter with Haversham's Sean Muldoon taking second from Luke in third.

Race three started with the now familiar pattern of Will taking the lead, but a slip in his previously flawless boat handling saw him checking the daggerboard and dropping to fourth - if only for one lap! Avon's Jon Wood would go on to take second and Sean finished in third. With energy levels failing and misadventure taking its toll there would only be two further finishers - Girton's Nick Whiles and Emberton's own Karl Richardson.

Congratulations to Will Crocker on a well-deserved win and runners-up Sean Muldoon and Luke Fisher. There was hot competition for the "best capsize" award with Serena Stewardson's backflip on to her sail claiming the prize!

Huge thanks to the team at Emberton for making the event happen and to the Supernova class for coming to play!

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Club R1 R2 R3 Pts

1st 1287 Will Crocker North Lincs ‑1 1 1 2

2nd 1319 Sean Muldoon Haversham SC ‑5 2 3 5

3rd 1163 Luke Fisher EPSC 2 3 (RET) 5

4th 1137 Jon Wood Avon SC 4 ‑6 2 6

5th 1275 Rob Bell EPSC 3 4 (RET) 7

6th 1234 Nick Whiles Girton (RET) 5 4 9

7th 1090 Karl Richardson EPSC ‑12 7 5 12

8th 1083 Serena Stewardson EPSC 6 9 (RET) 15

9th 1309 Jason Thorniley EPSC 7 10 (RET) 17

10th 1179 Jeremy Renwick Bowmoor 11 8 (RET) 19

11th 516 Chris Johnson EPSC 9 11 (DNC) 20

12th 1196 Mike Griffiths EPSC 8 13 (DNS) 21

13th 1007 Stephen Ratcliffe Haversham SC 13 12 (RET) 25

14th 1350 Tim Wade 10 (DNC) DNC 27

15th 1195 lan White EPSC (RET) DNC DNC 34

15th 472 John Williams EPSC (DNS) DNC DNC 34

Flying Fifteen Classic and Silver National Championship 2026 at Llangorse Sailing Club

 

The Flying Fifteen Classic & Silver Fleets convened in the picturesque setting of Llangorse Lake in the Brecon Beacons National Park for their 2026 National Championship over the weekend of September 12th-13th. Visitors brought boats from as far as North East Scotland to take part, with one competitor even flying-in from the Caribbean!

The members of Llangorse Sailing Club had done a tremendous amount of work in preparation for the event, both for the racing itself and also the social side of the event which included catering for nearly fifty people in the clubhouse on the Saturday evening - with the meal even accompanied by a specially-created Flying Fifteen-themed quiz! Needless to say the effort was greatly appreciated by the competitors and a friendly and enjoyable time was had by all.

The first day saw three races completed in conditions which were mostly overcast but with glimpses of blue sky breaking through. Winds were variable both in strength and direction and gusty enough to provide some exciting and slightly challenging sailing at times on a course which featured a long broad-reaching leg.

David Mckee, sailing with daughter Emily in GBR759, and Brett Dingwall, sailing with son Ben in GBR397, were in a class of their own in the Classic fleet and between them filled the first two spots in every race, with David ending the day one point ahead. Behind them Jeremy Arnold & Richard Hope in GBR2646 and David Morgan & Lorina Walden in GBR2663 were having an equally-close battle for third, again ending the day separated by only a single point, followed further back by the two Scottish boats of Bobby Salmond & Paul Atwell (GBR627) and Graham & Alasdair Sharp (SCO485)

Over in the Silver fleet the local boat of Rob Dangerfield & Claire Ellis (GBR3121) were making the running with two race wins from the three races, chased by Michael & Mark Green (GBR3003) in second and Jordan Aspin & Jason Benn (GBR3286) in third.

Back on shore a very convivial evening was had by all, including amongst other things the afore-mentioned quiz and a healthy exchange of opinions regarding whether or not Loch Ness is a lake!

I'd like to say at this point that Sunday morning dawned bright and clear and with a nice steady breeze - but unfortunately it didn't and we instead had rain, mist that obscured the tops of the hills and not even enough wind to turn the impeller on the Race Officer's anemometer. It was clear that racing looked doubtful and for many crews boat launching was replaced by coffee drinking under the shelter of the clubhouse veranda.

An initial one-hour postponement was set with an further announcement promised at 11am - but at that point, and with that impeller still not turning and no wind at all forecast before 1pm, the Race Officer made the sensible decision to abandon further racing. Whilst this announcement was being made the abandonment flag chose to flutter away merrily having found a patch of contrary Welsh wind from somewhere, but none of the competitors were fooled and everyone agreed that the Race Officer had done the right thing.

So with the overnight results standing David Mckee & Emily Kippen became 2026 Flying Fifteen Classic Fleet champions (with Emily also winning the prize for First Lady), with Rob Dangerfield & Claire Ellis taking the Silver fleet title.

Many thanks to Llangorse SC for putting-on a hugely enjoyable event both on and off the water, and we look forward to returning to your green and pleasant, if sometimes rather wet, part of the world again in the future.

Classic fleet:

Pos Sail No Helm Crew Club R1 R2 R3 Pts

1st 759 David McKee Emily Kippen Dovestone SC 2 1 1 4

2nd 397 Brett Dingwall Ben Dingwall Rickmansworth 1 2 2 5

3rd 2646 Jeremy Arnold Richard Hope Draycote SC 3 3 4 10

4th 2663 David Morgan Lorina Walden LSC 4 4 3 11

5th 627 Bobby Salmond Paul Atwell Royal Northern SC 5 5 7 17

6th 485 Graham Sharp Alasdair Sharp Loch Earn 7 6 5 18

7th 2803 Glen Fullarton Craig McCracken Helensburgh SC 8 8 6 22

8th 2645 Paul Woods Nigel Annett LSC 6 9 10 25

9th 2695 J Craddock J Layton LSC 10 7 8 25

10th 419 Mick Scholes Anne Webb D{vestone SC 11 11 9 31

11th 1155 Graham Lamond Rachel Lamond Ripon SC 9 10 DNC 32

12th 762 Pete Smith Graham LSC 12 DNC DNC 38