South Staffordshire Sailing Club Welcomes the Public for Free Open Day on Monday 4 May

 

South Staffordshire Sailing Club is throwing open its doors this Bank Holiday Monday, 4 May, inviting the public to enjoy a free day of sailing, family activities, and waterside fun at its annual Open Day.

The award-winning club, based at Gailey near Stafford, is offering visitors the chance to get out on the water with fully supervised taster sessions for adults and children, including complete beginners. Experienced instructors and volunteers will be on hand throughout the day to introduce newcomers to the sport and showcase how accessible sailing can be for all ages.

The Open Day forms part of a national initiative to encourage more people into outdoor activity and grassroots sport. South Staffs, one of the Midlands' most successful and welcoming sailing clubs, has a long history of producing national-level sailors while maintaining a strong family-friendly community at its heart.

Visitors will be able to try sailing for FREE, tour the club's facilities, learn about training opportunities, and speak to members about how to get involved. Off the water, there will be refreshments, children's activities, and opportunities to watch club sailors in action.

Club representatives say the event is designed to break down the perception that sailing is difficult or exclusive. With all equipment provided and no experience needed, the day offers a rare chance for local families to try something new in a safe, supportive environment.

The Open Day runs from 10am to 4pm, with free entry and no booking required. The club draws members from across Staffordshire, Wolverhampton, Walsall, and the wider West Midlands, and is expecting strong interest from the local community.

For anyone looking to discover a new hobby, enjoy time outdoors, or simply experience something different this Bank Holiday, South Staffordshire Sailing Club promises a warm welcome and a memorable day on the water.

For more information visit www.southstaffssailingclub.co.uk//event/1300133

2026 Jura Scottish Series taking shape and on target

 

Entries for the four day event, which runs over the long, holiday weekend 22nd to 25th May, are following a very similar pattern to last year's regatta which attracted 90 boats to Tarbert, Loch Fyne.

Organisers, the Clyde Cruising Club, are confident of being able to deliver high quality, well managed racing for a diverse range of craft, from One Design keelboats and family cruisers to performance race boats and racer-cruisers.

Loch Fyne will again see two main race areas operated each day. With both Principal Race Officers who managed the 2025 regatta on the water returning again, continuity is ensured. And the use of robot positioned buoys should again facilitate efficient, true course management and swift turnrounds between races, ensuring the maximum number of races can be achieved over the four days. The CYCA cruiser classes are promised a varied diet of different course types and distances.

"We fully appreciate the support the Jura 2026 Scottish Series is achieving from so many areas and we are working hard to put on a really great regatta. We have again responded to the feedback we gathered last year and have done all we can to maintain a relaxed, authentic atmosphere ashore whilst maintaining the highest quality of race management on the water." Enthuses the Clyde Cruising Club Commodore Des Balmforth who leads the regatta organising team. "We are content to see a steady stream of entries coming in on cue and it looks like we will have good racing for the IRC Classes and the One Design fleets are getting stronger by the day. We are seeing something of a resurgence of entries from Ireland which is pleasing."

Racing starts on Friday 22nd May and concludes with the prize-giving after racing Monday 25th May.

Further details: www.scottishseries.co.uk

Enter here: clydecruisingclub.org/event/scottish-series-2026

Chichester Harbour Race Week 2026

 The hugely popular family-friendly Chichester Harbour Race Week (aka "Fed Week") has now been running successfully for over 60 years.

With the website now open for entries, you can now reserve your place in this year's 'must attend' event. Starting on Monday 10th August, the five days of racing are hosted by Hayling Island Sailing Club, the UK's premier championship venue.

This prestigious five-day event is hugely popular amongst racers across Chichester Harbour and attracts sailors from over 50 clubs across the UK and beyond and often exceeds 500 competitors in 350 boats.

Separate events will be provided for the eighteen fleets, run by four separate race teams. The event includes many parent-child teams and former World and Olympic champions, offering something for all.

After racing there are other events throughout the week to keep families entertained such as the afternoon steel band and bbq, the famous Mengeham Rythe Sailing Club quiz night, gig rowing trials and of course the HISC disco and live band plus hosted evenings at other harbour clubs.

Take advantage of the 'Early Bird' entry (enter by 30th June) which means the five days entry for a two-person youth boat is only £62 and for two adults only £83.

Keeping the event affordable and value for money is key to Race Week's success". Enter now for this fantastic summer regatta:- chichesterharbourraceweek.sailevent.net

The Algarve is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant culture, and year-round pleasant weather

 

Here is a  7-day sailing holiday itinerary along the Algarve which is a brilliant idea because the coastline is compact, varied, and full of sheltered anchorages—so you can combine relaxed cruising with genuinely interesting shore days. The best itineraries typically move west ↔ east along the coast, mixing dramatic cliffs, historic towns, and nature reserves.

Day 1 – Lagos (embarkation & coastal warm-up)

Sail: Short afternoon cruise along the coast

Highlights:

Ponta da Piedade cliffs (iconic rock formations)

Anchor near Praia do Camilo

Onshore ideas:

Explore Lagos old town (fort walls, cafés)

Sunset drinks overlooking the cliffs

👉 This area is one of the Algarve’s most dramatic coastal landscapes and a common sailing starting point.

Day 2 – Lagos → Sagres (wild west coast)

Sail: 2–3 hrs west

Highlights: Rugged Atlantic coastline

Onshore ideas:

Visit Cabo de São Vicente (south-west tip of Europe)

Explore Sagres fortress

Optional: surf lesson (great beginner waves)

👉 The west coast is quieter, more rugged, and less developed—perfect contrast to the central Algarve.

Day 3 – Sagres → Portimão

Sail: Back east along cliffs

Highlights: Dolphin spotting possible

Onshore ideas:

Marina stroll in Portimão

Beach time at Praia da Rocha

Optional: dolphin-watching or cave boat tour

👉 Boat trips to caves and dolphins are a major highlight in this stretch.

Day 4 – Portimão → Benagil / Carvoeiro

Sail: Short scenic hop

Highlights:

Benagil Cave (must-see sea cave)

Golden limestone cliffs

Onshore ideas:

Kayak or paddleboard into Benagil cave

Walk part of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

Dinner in Carvoeiro village

👉 This is one of the Algarve’s most famous coastal sections.

Day 5 – Carvoeiro → Albufeira / Vilamoura

Sail: 2–3 hrs east

Highlights: Long sandy beaches replacing cliffs

Onshore ideas:

Old town of Albufeira (lively atmosphere)

Vilamoura marina (restaurants, nightlife)

Optional: jet ski / parasailing

👉 This central Algarve zone is more vibrant and social.

Day 6 – Vilamoura → Faro / Ria Formosa

Sail: Into sheltered lagoon waters

Highlights: Barrier islands & calm sailing

Onshore ideas:

Explore Faro old town

Boat or bike around Ria Formosa Natural Park

Visit Ilha Deserta for a quiet beach day

👉 Ria Formosa offers a totally different landscape—lagoons, wildlife, and peaceful islands.

Day 7 – Tavira & return

Sail: Short cruise east (or transfer back depending on charter)

Onshore ideas:

Visit Tavira (one of Algarve’s prettiest towns)

Roman bridge & castle views

Relax on Tavira Island

👉 Tavira gives a more traditional, less touristy feel to end the trip.

🌊 Optional Add-Ons (swap into any day)

Wine tasting at a vineyard inland

Jeep safari in Monchique mountains

Cooking class (cataplana seafood dish)

Coastal hiking or cycling

👉 These activities highlight that the Algarve isn’t just beaches—it also offers inland culture, food, and nature.

⚓ Practical Tips

Best bases: Lagos (west) or Vilamoura (central)

Best time: May–June or Sept–Oct (good weather, fewer crowds)

Sailing style:

Bareboat (if experienced)

Skippered yacht (most popular)

Distances: Short—rarely more than 2–4 hours sailing per day

👍 Why this itinerary works

Mixes dramatic cliffs + sandy beaches + lagoons

Alternates active days (kayak, hike) with relaxed sailing

Keeps sailing legs short so you actually enjoy each stop

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Shoreham Sailing Club to host the 2026 Hornet UK National Championship

 

Entries are now rolling in for the Hornet Championship to be held from 29th August to 1st September. This popular south coast club is probably better known for its Merlin infestation, but Shoreham has a long history in Hornet racing, the boat almost being designed for open sea racing and lovely waves.

Several boats have come out of the woodwork for the championship, and many have undergone renovation and conversion to the new layout. FRP, epoxy and wooden boats compete on an even keel and many past champions are expected to attend, such as Michael Macnamara, Dick Garry, Terry Curtis, Chris Bines and even Strangler with his aptly named epoxy machine "Dog's Pollocks" (you have to see the colour scheme to understand!). Current champion Nathan Batchelor is also slated to defend his title.

A full programme of events is planned, including a black tie dinner at Sussex YC - I may have fibbed a bit about the black, and almost certainly about the tie, but a bigly event is planned. After all, Sussex YC was the venue where Terry Wade's Hornet was put on top of a wooden pile in the harbour and was subsequently found six metres above the mud at low tide.

Sheltered launching is from the new slipway in the harbour at any state of the tide, and on turning right, you'll find some of the best sea sailing in the country. The tides are nice and simple. The water goes one way, and, er, then goes the other way, and spring tides have been organised for the weekend. This also means that the tide is in for the families to enjoy the lovely beach at the club and enjoy a bit of paddleboarding and general splashing about. You can even partake of a sauna which is now in the club grounds.

Free camping on site is available - subject to availability, so get your entry in sooner rather than later, and we'll be sharing the venue with the National 12s with their very short and bonkers boats, ensuring a great vibe. Of course, being close to Brighton, a veritable plethora of accommodation, available through the normal online sites along with entertainment options for the yoofs.

Entry is open at members.shorehamsailing.org/event/1349765 so don't delay. Take advantage of the early entry reduction and bagsie your camping now!

The championships will be generously sponsored by Exe Sails & Covers.

Visit Hayling Island Sailing Club for their Bank Holiday Open Day on Monday 4 May

 

This free-to-attend event is open to all ages and abilities and will offer visitors the chance to try sailing and discover water sports, in a welcoming, safe and family-friendly environment.

Visitors will have the opportunity to chat to club members, explore the clubhouse facilities and get out on the water with our taster sailing or RIB sessions to get a real flavour of life at the club.

Visiting sailors are also welcome to join in our Open Charity Pursuit Race in aid of WAVE, a charity that supports young people on Hayling Island.

Juniors can look forward to seeing all of the fun activities HISC has on offer, and open day visitors are also invited to round off the day with complimentary tea and cake, while enjoying the stunning sea views from the clubhouse balcony. The club bar will also be open for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for visitors to enjoy.

Chris Rainbow, General Manager of Hayling Island Sailing Club said: "Our Open Day is a great opportunity for people to see what getting on the water at HISC is really like. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and friendly club, and we're looking forward to welcoming new faces and sharing our passion for watersports."

New for this year's open event, for those with an interest in windsurfing or winging, there will be live demonstrations, along with the chance to launch your own kit from the club and connect with other enthusiasts.

Hayling Island Sailing Club has a long-standing reputation for providing accessible sailing opportunities in one of the UK's premier sailing locations. The free Open Day aims to encourage the local community to experience life on the water and see what they are missing.

For more information about the Open Day, please visit www.hisc.co.uk or find out more on our social media accounts.

Black Foils to miss two more regattas - return targeted for June

 

New Zealand's Black Foils won't be on the startline at either of May's Rolex SailGP Championship events.

After the May events in Bermuda and New York the league's next stop is a return to Halifax (21 - 22 June) before moving across the Atlantic to Portsmouth (26-27 July) for the start of the European leg of the season.

A final return date for the Black Foils is still being worked on by the team in conjunction with SailGP but the Halifax event remains a clear target for everyone involved.

Black Foils Co-CEO and Driver Peter Burling said the team continued to take a long term view on the time off the water.

"We would like to be back racing as soon as possible but also understand there is an existing boat building programme and logistics timeline the league needs to work with. Based on where things are currently at we are hopeful we can make that happen for Halifax. Huge strides have been made by the league in building resilience in the fleet with SailGP Technologies and we know they are working hard on getting us back out there. It's been great having a member of our Shore Crew also working alongside the team in Southampton on the return."

Black Foils Strategist Liv Mackay raced on loan with DS Automobiles Team France in Rio and will once again be part of the French crew in Bermuda.

Streaker North Sails Northern Paddle Series at Hornsea Sailing Club

 

Saturday 25th April saw the return of the Streaker fleet to Hornsea Mere for the opening event of the 2026 North Sails Northern Paddle Series. With the forecast showing around 7mph building to 15mph and sun throughout the day, it was expected to be a great day for the gathered fleet. However, it proved to be somewhat more challenging!

On arrival, it was obvious that there had been some sort of time shift with the breeze already around the 15mph mark and dark water showing the gusts spreading out across the mere! Restricted by the NE wind direction, the race team set a tight course of "old school" triangles and sausages. With the windward mark falling under the influence of the island, the approach to it was always going to be subject to changes in both wind direction and speed.

The first race set the trend for the day with Giles Therkelson-Smith (Beaver SC) and Pete Gray (Staunton Harold SC) out front, followed by the rest of the Beaver SC contingent and Ian Priest (Ripon SC) also in the mix. The gusty conditions made for some big distance gains and losses as the fleet reached away from the shelter of the island, ready to catch out the unwary at the turning marks.

After a break for lunch, sitting out in the warm spring sun while sheltering from the chilly breeze coming straight off the North Sea, the fleet ventured out for back-to-back races two and three.

Giles and Pete again showed the fleet the way around the course with both Steve Hanby (Beaver SC) and Dave Borrett (Beaver SC) pushing them, ready to capitalise on any error. Further back in the fleet the racing was close with places changing nearly as frequently as the gusts fanning out across the mere.

A wind shift at the start of race three allowed Dave and Pete to break away from the fleet. On the second beat, Giles showed impressive upwind speed to close down the leaders, only to fall foul of an unforgiving wind shift at the windward mark that allowed him to wash his sail before deciding to retire! Pete took the win followed by Dave, Steve and the closing fleet.

Thank you to all the volunteers at Hornsea SC. Everyone agreed that it was a great day, with close racing throughout the fleet in conditions that were testing. The results prove testament to this with ties and close scores down the table. Giles Therkelsen-Smith took the overall win ahead of Pete Gray in second. Dave Borrett pipped Steve Hanby to take third on a tie break.

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Club R1 R2 R3 Pts

1st 1982 Giles Therkelson‑Smith Beaver SC 1 1 (RET) 2

2nd 2202 Pete Gray Staunton Harold SC ‑2 2 1 3

3rd 1864 Dave Borrett Beaver SC ‑4 4 2 6

4th 2162 Steve Hanby Beaver SC ‑3 3 3 6

5th 2240 Nigel Robinson Beaver SC ‑9 6 4 10

6th 2106 Ian Priest Ripon SC ‑6 5 5 10

7th 2115 Jon Aldhous Beaver SC 5 ‑9 6 11

8th 2194 Stuard Burnett Beaver SC ‑8 7 7 14

9th 2220 Peter Cogill Beaver SC/ Rotherham SC 7 ‑8 8 15

10th 1310 Steve West Hornsea SC 11 (DNF) 9 20

11th 1644 Mike Knight Hornsea SC 10 (DNF) DNF 23

12th 1995 Brian Kelly Beaver SC (DNS) DNC DNC 26

Next up for Streaker travellers this May:

Hunts Open 9 May - Midland Series / East Anglian Series - NEW

Margate Open 9-10 May - South East Series - NEW

Ripon Open 9 May - North Sails Northern Paddle Series

Oulton Broad Open 16 May - HD Sails Southern Paddle Series

St Mary's Loch Open 16 May - HD Sails Scottish Series

Jersey Electricity Gorey Regatta

 The Jersey Electricity Gorey Regatta – the oldest sailing event in the Channel Islands – will take place over the weekend of 20-21 June this year.

The Gorey Regatta Association are delighted that JE have decided to continue their title sponsorship of the event – established 169 years ago.

“Jersey Electricity’s continued support is greatly appreciated and allows us to once again offer a full programme of sailing and social events,” said GRA Captain Justin Horton.

The 2026 regatta will feature two days of races for dinghies, cruising and racing yachts, sports catamarans and dayboats, culminating in a prizegiving dinner at the Pembroke Hotel. A popular event on the island’s sailing calendar, it attracts entries from St Catherine’s Sailing Club, St Helier Yacht Club and the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club as well as the host port.

“Gorey Regatta is a vital component of Jersey’s rich maritime heritage,” said Adam Caerlewy-Smith, JE’s Head of Marketing and Communications, “and our support for the event reflects our commitment to celebrating our Island’s unique cultural legacy and fostering a strong sense of community. We are delighted to confirm our support not only for this year’s regatta but also for the 170th anniversary event taking place next year.”

The racing programme and entry details can be found by logging on to www.goreyregatta.org. The closing date for entries is Tuesday 16 June.

Cove Sailing Club's first outing of the season is a success

 

The first sail of the season for the club, based on the shore of Loch Long, had a gentle breeze to play with on Saturday, April 25, as eight vessels made it to the start line.

With the wind flicking between the south and east, there were some tricky shifts to contend with and there were plenty of banana skins to tread on in the shape of holes in the wind.

At the start, Electra and Dolphin seemed to get away nicely with Sula tucked in just behind. By the windward mark, Electra had the lead just ahead of Sula and Dolphin, whilst Ornsay was going well in fourth.

Spinnakers were deployed and the run down to Cove was quite brisk to begin with. On the final approach, the wind suddenly died, then quickly filled from the east. This was an opportunity for some, and Dolphin managed to get back past Sula at the mark with Ornsay now hot on their heels.

Sonara was not far away, just ahead of Allegro and Viva, whilst the Legend was going well under her big red spinnaker.

Spinnakers were raised again for leg two and it was the same drill down to Cove.

There was a repeat of round one, with a sticky patch on the approach to the mark. This time, Electra got stuck in the parking lot and Sula was the one to benefit, moving briskly from third at the previous mark to take the lead.

At the finish, Sula took the win from Electra whilst Ornsay did a great job to bag third.

Sonara had a late comeback to squeeze out Dolphin at the finish for fourth. Allegro just finished ahead of the Legend and Viva rounded out the finishers.

The club said on social media: "It was a beautiful afternoon and there were plenty of refreshments available onshore along with some great live music.

"A great start to the season."

Final Preparations underway for 2026 Royal Escape Race

 With just under one month to go, final preparations are under way for the 2026 Royal Escape Race, with entries building and the organisers confirming key updates to this year's event.

Taking place from Thursday 21 to Saturday 23 May, the 46th edition of the race will once again see a competitive fleet take on the cross-Channel passage to Fécamp, France. Widely regarded as one of the South Coast's most established offshore races, the Royal Escape continues to attract a strong mix of experienced crews and first-time Channel racers.

For 2026, Sussex Yacht Club will act as the operational centre of the race, hosting the official race briefing, competitor registration and pre-race activity, while reinforcing Shoreham's role as both the historical and organisational heart of the event.

Competitors will gather at the Club on Thursday (21 May) evening for the official briefing, race pack collection and tracker distribution, ahead of race day on Friday.

The race itself will start off Brighton, just to the west of Brighton Palace Pier, with the first warning signal scheduled for 08:00 BST on Friday 22 May. The 2026 schedule sets the scene for a full programme on water and ashore:

Thursday 21 May: Race communications go live, followed by the official race briefing at Sussex Yacht Club

Friday 22 May: Morning hospitality at SYC, followed by the race start and Channel crossing to Fécamp

Saturday 23 May: Finishes, inspections, results and prize-giving at Société des Régates de Fécamp

Competitors will be able to track the fleet in real time via YellowBrick, with live tracking available throughout the race.

The 2026 Royal Escape Race is proudly supported by headline sponsor Bishop Skinner Marine, alongside official clothing partner Musto and a growing portfolio of event partners and sponsors. Their support helps ensure the continued delivery and development of a race that blends offshore competition with a strong sense of heritage and community.

Founded in 1977, the Royal Escape Race commemorates the escape of Charles II of England, who fled from Shoreham to Fécamp in 1651 after the Battle of Worcester. Today's competitors retrace that historic route, transforming it into a modern offshore challenge.

With the countdown now on, Sussex Yacht Club is encouraging final entries from crews looking to take part in this well-established early-season Channel race. Robin Stevenson, Commodore of Sussex Yacht Club, said: "With just a month to go, preparations are well under way and we're looking forward to welcoming competitors to Shoreham. The Royal Escape Race remains a unique fixture in the offshore calendar, combining a challenging cross-Channel passage with a strong sense of history and community."

Entries for the 2026 race remain open, with further details, Notice of Race and tracking information available at: www.sussexyachtclub.org.uk/royal-escape-race

Try Sailing at Horning Sailing Club as part of the Horning Boat Show 2026

 

Horning Sailing Club, based in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, will be holding a Try Sailing Day as part of the Horning Boat Show on Saturday, 2nd May from 10am-4pm. It is a brilliant opportunity to try sailing on the beautiful Norfolk Broads and to enjoy the thrill of being on the water.

The Club is situated on the bend of the River Bure opposite the Swan Inn and the Club will be providing taster sessions in a variety of boats, suitable for all the family from 10am-4pm. No sailing experience is required, and tasters will be available for all (under-14s must be accompanied) for a minimum donation of £5 per person.

Buoyancy aids are provided, so please wear suitable clothing (layers, along with non-slip footwear - not flip-flops, high heels or wellington boots - and come and get on the water with one of our experienced volunteer sailors.

BBQ and refreshments will be available for sale and you are also very welcome to come to the Island and see the Club's facilities.

HSC is a family friendly club which runs a variety of events during the year, from racing on Sundays (from March through to October) to the nationally famous Three Rivers Race. It is also an RYA Recognised Training Centre, running sail training for children and adults on Thursday evenings from May to September and powerboat training.

Feedback from the last event in 2024 included: "What a fantastic opportunity - the children were very nervous but they were soon put at ease. It was a fabulous experience and they were so excited. Brilliant crew. Thank you", whilst another family added, "Such a friendly club! We lived our Swallows and Amazons dreams. We'll be back!"

Come and see for yourself this Saturday, 2nd May.

For more information about Horning Sailing Club visit www.horning-sailing.club and the Discover Sailing Day at www.horningboatshow.com

2026 Cowes Offshore Series: Seven RORC Offshore Classics from the Solent

 

The RORC Cowes Offshore Series brings together a season of accessible, high quality RORC racing from the Solent, giving crews the chance to build experience, test themselves offshore and take on some of the most rewarding races in the RORC calendar.

The seven race series of races all start from Cowes with the best five to count. All competitors have access to the superb facilities at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse including accommodation, the Fastnet Bar and RORC Clubhouse Restaurant. There is a crew supper planned before every race, all competitors plus friends and family are welcome.

The Myth of Malham, Cowes Dinard St Malo Race and Channel Race carry deep historic weight within the RORC programme. The Myth of Malham mirrors the opening stages of the Rolex Fastnet Race, sending the fleet west from Cowes towards the Eddystone Lighthouse before returning to the Solent. The Cowes Dinard St Malo Race is one of the great cross Channel classics, with the overall winner under IRC receiving the King Edward VII Challenge Cup, originally donated by His Majesty in 1906. The Channel Race, first run in 1928, was established as a shorter alternative to the Fastnet and became the shorter offshore race to The Admiral’s Cup. Together, they connect today’s crews with more than a century of offshore racing heritage.

From Corinthian teams to seasoned campaigners, this is a series designed for sailors who want proper offshore racing, competitive fleets and the unique atmosphere of the RORC Cowes Clubhouse.

For more information about the Royal Ocean Racing Club: www.rorc.org