Flying Fifteen Open at Burton Sailing Club

 

What a fantastic weekend we have enjoyed for the 2026 Flying Fifteen Open here at Foremark Reservoir. The wind arrived as forecast, with a challenging 15 knots, with gusts of 28+ knots arriving, as the fleet set about the first beat.

The course was set with a long beat, and equally long run, extending over a good portion of the reservoir.

Blackpool and Fleetwood's Rob Mountain with crew Chris Clancy, comfortably took the lead in Rob's Dads boat 'Maverick' The chasing fleet enjoyed some healthy competition as they tried to work out the best way up the beat. Burton's Tim Bird, with crew, Martin Nelson, managed to get the better of Scotlands, Plockton Small boat SC's pairing of Graham and Alasdair Sharp, in their stunning wooden Classic.

Rob and Chris continued their dominance in the second race, with Graham and Alasdair, getting the better of Tim and Martin on handicap to seal second place.

The third and final race of the day, saw a change of course to a windward leeward, as the wind eased to a more gentle breeze.

Graham and Alasdair, mastered the lighter air, and after handicap correction, took the top spot ahead of Tim and Martin, with Rob and Chris having to settle for third place.

After a fabulous evening of fun, food, entertainment and the odd tipple or two, it was back to business for the final two races of the weekend.

A long course was set, with challenging beats and screaming two and three sail reaches to really test the fleet.

Rob and Chris excelled in another morning of unpredictable shifts and varying gusts.

Michael Harris, sailing with crew, Jess Robert's, enjoyed a fantastic race in race four of the weekend, only to be pipped for second place after handicap correction, by Graham and Alasdair. Michael and Jess, having to settle for third.

Rob and Chris comfortably took the win in the final race, and although Tim and Martin put up a good fight to secure second on the water, it was not enough to seal the position after correction, from Graham and Alasdair.

The rest of the fleet, despite not making podium positions, enjoyed some exciting competition throughout, I'm sure some great rivalries were made, as capabilities were challenged, and positions were swapped throughout the weekend.

This Flying Fifteen Open is fast becoming one of the highlights of the sailing season here at Foremark Reservoir.

We very much look forward to welcoming you all again next year.

Massive thanks as always, to the army of volunteers, both on and off the water, that help to ensure that these events are a great success.

Overall Results:

Pos Fleet PY Sail No Helm Crew Club R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 Pts

1st 1028 3906 Robert Mountain Chris Clancy Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht Club and B 1 1 3 1 1 4

2nd Classic 1079 485 Graham Sharp Alasdair Sharp Plockton Small Boat Sailing Club 3 2 1 2 2 7

3rd 1028 3519 Tim Bird Martin Nelson Burton SC 2 3 2 6 3 10

4th 1028 3733 Michael Harris Jess Roberts Blackpool and Fleetwood 5 4 6 3 5 17

5th 1028 3914 Bob Johnston Alan Freeman Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht Club 7 5 4 4 8 20

6th 1028 3911 Peter Andrew Hogg Alan Hogg Scsc 4 6 8 5 7 22

7th Silver 1051 3351 Pete Needham Brian West Burton Sailing Club 6 8 7 7 4 24

8th 1028 3977 Grant Pollard Jessica Leek Burton Sailing Club 8 7 5 8 6 26

9th Silver 1051 3375 John Payne Simon Conway Neyland Yacht Club 9 9 9 9 9 36

10th Silver 1051 3379 David Bentley Andy Summers Burton 11 10 11 10 10 41

11th 1028 3474 Steve Lockie Rob Stevenson Burton Sailing Club 10 11 10 RET DNC 45

12th Classic 1079 617 Graham Lamond Ripon SC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 56

12th Silver 1051 2864 Mark Meadows Chris Parkin Burton SC DNC DNC DNC RET DNC 56

Columbus's Stunning Replica Santa María to Visit West Cork With Public Tours

 

The ports and harbours of the Cork coastline have always enjoyed a varied set of visiting vessels, ranging from those massive cruise ships to the exclusive superyachts dropping anchor.

However, the scene down in West Cork is where locals and flocking tourists alike will soon be able to board (10-14 June) a truly unique replica tallship ahead of this summer’s Baltimore Pirate Festival (19-21 June).

The 200-ton vessel is that of Nao Santa María, a modern-day recreation, which is in every detail of La Santa María de la Inmaculada Concepción. This vessel formed the largest of the trio of sailing ships used by Christopher Columbus on his first expedition across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492.

La Santa María is among the most famous in history, and given how authentic the replica is, it has proved a hit with visiting families during its call to Leeside last week.

It may only be 28 m in length, but it has proved impressive to thousands of those who have trodden its decks since its construction in 2018. On this forthcoming occasion, a ceremonial flotilla of local boats and the crew of the Baltimore RNLI Lifeboat are to greet the arrival into the harbour before berthing at the North Pier.

The replica Nao Santa María was built in 2018 as a floating museum and educational project dedicated to the maritime heritage of Christopher Columbus's first Atlantic voyage.

Measuring 28 metres in length and displacing 200 tonnes, the vessel is a faithful reconstruction of Columbus's flagship, which sailed alongside Niña and Pinta on the 1492 expedition.

During its stay in Baltimore, visitors will be able to tour the ship's decks and accommodation spaces, offering a glimpse into life aboard a late 15th-century ocean-going vessel.

The ship's arrival is expected to be marked by a ceremonial escort from local boats and the crew of the Baltimore RNLI lifeboat before berthing at the North Pier.

The visit comes ahead of the Baltimore Pirate Festival, which returns from 19 to 21 June with a programme of maritime-themed events and entertainment.

CorkBeo has more on the replica, including a special onboard event held on 11 June, and also details of the festival.

Dame Ellen MacArthur's cancer charity launches 2026-2029 Ambitions

Twelve young people are diagnosed with cancer every day, and they are at the heart of the new Ambitious launched by Dame Ellen MacArthur's cancer charity.

Titled 'Connection, Belonging and Brighter Futures - our Ambitions for 2026-2029', the plans detail how the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust will work to ensure every young person diagnosed with cancer under 25 can get the vital support they need after their treatment ends.

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust takes young people aged 8-24 on sailing and outdoor adventures to inspire them to believe in a brighter future living through and beyond cancer.

Prior to the charity's last set of Ambitions lasting 2023-2025, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust had no online mental wellbeing support, carbon measurement, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Plan, and its impact dashboard and new volunteer strategy were just getting started.

Now, these are established parts of the charity's day-to-day, at the same time as the amount of young people accessing its support has returned to and exceeded pre-Covid levels.

These new Ambitions for 2026-2029 focus on increasing the number of young people the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust supports each year, growing income by at least 15% by the end of 2029, and continuing to put belonging and lived experience at the heart of decision making so they are built-in by design.

In particular, the Ambitions for young people and siblings focus on ensuring they can access the right support, and experience the greatest possible impact, at the time they need it most.

Since 2003, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust has inspired more than 3,700 young people from across the UK to believe in a brighter future living through and beyond cancer. More than 700 young people are invited to join transformational trips this summer alone, some for the first time and some returning for further support.

For more information about the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, including 'Connection, Belonging and Brighter Futures - our Ambitions for 2026-2029' to download in full, visit www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org

 

Rooster Elite One Design UK National Championship at Hayling Island Sailing Club

 

The Elite One Design Class has had a rebrand in 2026 and the UK National Championship looks set to be a tight contest out in Hayling Bay. Again we are pleased to have Rooster supporting the event.

Hayling Island Sailing Club has a large competitive fleet of Elites but are pleased to welcome visitors from Burnham plus a sailors returning to the class after a 'break' from Elite racing.

Previous winners back to contest the title include; Russell Peters, Ossie Stewart, Tom Hewitson and Mike McIntyre. They will be battling it out with multi fleet champions Eddie Warden-Owen and Martin Jones; whilst heavy wind specialists Matt Abbiss and Joe Llewellyn could be hoping for big breezes during the regatta.

HISC also have some local speed merchants to add to the mix so don't rule out an upset on the podium by the end of the regatta.

The event starts on Wednesday June 10th and finishes on Saturday the 13th.

New Website Launches Alfred Mylne Yacht Design Archive

 

A new website dedicated to celebrated Scottish yacht designer Alfred Mylne has been launched, bringing more than a century of yacht design history together in one online archive. The new platform, Mylne.com, provides access to a growing collection of yacht records, original drawings and historical material linked to one of the most influential names in yacht design.

For more than 130 years, the Mylne name has been associated with elegant and seaworthy yachts, many of which continue to sail, race, cruise, and undergo restoration projects around the world.

At the heart of the new website is the Mylne Archive, which contains details of 795 yacht designs alongside thousands of original drawings and a developing register of surviving vessels. The archive aims to provide a single online resource documenting Alfred Mylne's design legacy and the continuing story of the yachts that bear his name.

Visitors can explore information on surviving Mylne yachts, browse archival material, and discover restoration projects and historical records from around the world. The website also brings together stories, plans and original documentation from one of the world's most significant collections of classic yacht design material.

Project organisers say the archive is intended as a living record rather than a static historical collection, reflecting the fact that many Mylne-designed yachts remain active today. "The story of Alfred Mylne is still being written," the project team says. "We invite you to explore it."

The new website is now live and available to yacht owners, historians, restorers and enthusiasts interested in the enduring legacy of Scotland's renowned yacht designer.

New accessible boat launched at Derwent Reservoir Open Day

 

Saturday (May 30), visitors enjoyed swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and sailing.

Situated near Blanchland and about a 15-minute drive from Consett, the club holds RYA Sailability status, a programme that enables people with disabilities to participate in sailing.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the RS Venture Connect, an adapted boat designed to provide sailing opportunities for people with diverse needs and abilities.

During the event, the boat, named 'New Adventures', was christened by club member Susan Goodchild and ceremoniously launched by international champion Adam Bilaney.

Members of Consett Rotary, a colleague from Northumbrian Water, and Derwent Sailing Club members were all in attendance for this significant milestone.

The Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club has also taken further measures to boost accessibility.

A stairlift is now in place and a wetroom is under development.

The club expressed gratitude to every individual and organisation that supported its inclusion journey up to this point.

The club has constantly produced international competitors at top-level competitions including the Parasailing European Championships, the European Inclusion Games, and the Blind World Inclusion Championships.

Notable members include Shaun Billany, Toby Waggett, Graeme Vials, Seb Vials, and Colin Murphy.

The club continues its mission to make water sports more accessible to the public.

Prospective members can enjoy formal RYA Accredited Courses or participate in various water activities at their leisure.

Club sailing times are usually on Wednesday afternoons, Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays, where safety crew are present.

The club welcomes visitors with different membership packages and day membership offers available.

People are encouraged to reach out to the club management.

1939 vintage yacht crowned overall winner of Cowes Spring Classics

 

A classic yacht built in 1939 has been crowned overall winner of the Cowes Spring Classics.

Whooper, a one-off design by Laurent Giles and helmed by Giovanni Belgrano, took the top title after a strong and consistent performance over the weekend-long regatta, which celebrates vintage yachts and traditional sailing on the Solent.

The event, hosted in Cowes by Mary Scott-Jackson of MSJ Events and Martin Nott, featured a full programme of racing organised by the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club.

The organising team said: "Cowes Spring Classics continues to showcase the very best of classic yacht racing – combining beautiful boats, competitive sailing and a fantastic social atmosphere both on and off the water."

Whooper (leading) has been crowned overall winner of the Cowes Spring Classics. (Image: Chris Brown Photography)

Whooper also won Class 1 and took home the award for Highest Placed BCYC Member.

Second place in Class 1 went to Scherzo of Cowes, a 1968 Sparkman and Stephens Swan 36 sailed by Peter Morton, while Jason Fry’s Njord, a 1918 8 Metre First Rule yacht, placed third.

Class 2 was won by Suvretta, a 1924 West Solent One Design skippered by Will Van Dyke.

Organisers have announced that the 2027 Cowes Spring Classics will take place from May 21 to 23 and will mark the regatta’s tenth anniversary.

2028 Finn Gold Cup awarded to Weymouth and Portland

 WEYMOUTH and Portland has been awarded the 2028 Finn Gold Cup - returning after 28 years.

Finn class sailing will once again take centre stage at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) after The British Finn Association announced the venue for the 2028 world championships.

It means a return for the sport which captured the imagination of thousands during the 2012 Olympics as Weymouth and Portland hosted the Olympic regatta and witnessed one of the all-time epic battles between Sir Ben Ainslie and Denmark’s Jonas Høgh-Christensen.

The last time the Gold Cup was held in Weymouth in 2000, it was attended by numerous legends of the Finn fleet, including Mateusz Kusznierewicz, Iain Percy, Freddy Loof, Sebastien Godefroid, amongst others.

Weymouth & Portland was also the training hub for the incredibly strong British Finn squad in the lead-up to the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and remains the UK base of the British Sailing Team.

The event will be held from September 8 to September 15 2028.

Finn sailing in Weymouth Bay (Image: WPNSA)

The British National Championship will form the warm-up event and be staged the weekend before the Gold Cup.

In a joint announcement, the British Finn Association and the WPNSA said: "It is with much excitement that we are delighted to announce that the 2028 Finn Gold Cup has been awarded to WPNSA."

"The facilities at WPNSA are legendary, and the venue has hosted numerous championship events."

The British Finn fleet will be holding a qualification series for the 2028 Gold Cup during 2027, and there will be an automatic place for the winner of the 2027 British Nationals, plus discretionary places for U29 sailors.

The Gold Cup fleet will be populated with many sailing superstars from around the globe and should include world champions and Olympians

From the British fleet, former world and multiple European champion Ed Wright brings vast big‑fleet experience, while rising talent Cameron Tweedle has already proved himself at national and international level.

Masters standouts John Greenwood and Nick Craig, both regulars at the sharp end of World Masters results.

Aerial view of Portland Harbour and Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (Image: WPNSA)

The current Finn Gold Cup title holder is Italy’s Alessandro Marega, who won the 2026 world championship at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Brisbane.

Before him, the 2025 Finn Gold Cup in Cascais was won by Estonia’s Deniss Karpak, with Italy’s Arkadii Kistanov taking silver and Finland’s Oskari Muhonen bronze. Other major names currently active at the top end of the class include Brendan Casey, 2026 Finn World Masters champion, Rafael Trujillo, Karl Purdie, Anders Pedersen, Valérian Lebrun and Anthony Nossiter.

The 2027 regatta is being held in La Rochelle, France.

80 Entries and Counting as Fireball World Championship Momentum Builds in Torquay

 

The UK Fireball Association is delighted to announce that 80 entries have already been secured for the 2026 Fireball World Championship, set to take place at the Royal Torbay Yacht Club from 22nd July 2026.

With just 47 days to go, excitement is rapidly building for what promises to be one of the most memorable Fireball events in recent history.

Hosted on the stunning waters of Torbay, the regatta will bring together crews from across the globe to compete in one of sailing's most enduring and competitive two-person dinghy classes. The Fireball, first designed in 1962, continues to thrive internationally, combining high performance, accessibility, and a strong sense of community.

The 2026 event is set to be a true celebration of the class, combining the Fireball World Championship with the UK National Championship, creating a packed on-the-water schedule and a festival atmosphere ashore. The combined format reflects the strength of the UK fleet and the growing international interest in this "home worlds" year.

A Championship On and Off the Water

While the racing will be fiercely contested, the social programme promises to be equally compelling. A full calendar of evening events will run throughout the championship, bringing together sailors past and present in true Fireball style.

At the heart of this will be a special "Fireball Legends Night", celebrating the rich heritage of the class. The evening will feature interviews, stories, and images spanning the decades since the Fireball's original design, offering a unique opportunity to relive the moments, personalities, and innovations that have shaped the class worldwide.

This blend of elite racing and vibrant social activity reflects what makes Fireball sailing unique—competitive on the water, but deeply connected and welcoming ashore.

A World-Class Venue

The Royal Torbay Yacht Club provides an outstanding setting for the championship, with Torbay widely recognised as one of the UK's premier sailing venues. The bay has a long history of hosting major international regattas and offers reliable racing conditions alongside a spectacular coastline backdrop.

Entries Still Open

With momentum building and entries continuing to rise beyond the current 80 boats, organisers expect a strong international fleet by the time the regatta begins.

Competitors are encouraged to secure their place and be part of what promises to be a landmark event for the Fireball class.

Entry can be made via the event site, 2026.fireballworlds.com.

Turkey Sailing Adventure

 

This 7-day sailing trip on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is to start and finish in Göcek or Fethiye. The waters are sheltered, sailing distances are manageable, and you can combine swimming, ancient ruins, hiking, and lively waterfront towns.

Day 1 – Göcek to Bedri Rahmi Bay

Sailing: 1–2 hours

Onshore activities:

Explore the famous rock painting left by Turkish artist and writer Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu.

Short coastal walks through pine forests.

Swim and paddleboard in calm coves.

Evening: Anchor in a quiet bay and enjoy a waterfront dinner.

Day 2 – Tersane Island and Cleopatra's Bay

Sailing: Short island-hopping day

Onshore activities:

Walk among Byzantine and Ottoman-era ruins on Tersane Island.

Snorkel above submerged archaeological remains in Cleopatra's Bay.

Easy hiking trails with panoramic views over the Gulf of Fethiye.

Day 3 – Ölüdeniz and Butterfly Valley

Sailing: 2–3 hours

Onshore activities:

Visit Butterfly Valley and hike into the canyon.

Relax at the Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz.

Try tandem paragliding from Babadağ, one of Europe's best launch sites.

Day 4 – Gemiler Island to Kalkan

Sailing: 4–5 hours

Onshore activities:

Explore Byzantine churches and ruins on Gemiler Island.

Wander the whitewashed streets of Kalkan.

Sunset drinks overlooking the harbour.

Day 5 – Kaş

Sailing: 1–2 hours

Onshore activities:

Explore the old town of Kaş.

Visit Lycian rock tombs and the ancient theatre.

Optional sea-kayaking or diving excursions.

Browse local artisan shops and cafés.

Day 6 – Kekova and Üçağız

Sailing: 2–3 hours

Onshore activities:

Cruise above the famous Sunken City of Kekova.

Walk through the village of Üçağız.

Hike up to Simena Castle for spectacular views.

Try homemade ice cream in Kaleköy.

Day 7 – Return toward Göcek/Fethiye

Sailing: Longer passage back

Onshore activities before departure:

Explore the marina and old town of Fethiye.

Visit the Tomb of Amyntas.

Browse the fish market and local bazaars.

Enjoy a final Turkish breakfast before disembarking.

Why this route works

Mixes relaxed sailing with substantial shore exploration.

Includes ancient Lycian history, hiking, village life, and beaches.

Features the coast's highlights: Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, Kaş, and Kekova.

Suitable for both bareboat charters and skippered yachts, with mostly protected waters and manageable daily distances.

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Rooster Hayling Island Sailing Club Open Youth Race Week Returns For 2026

 

Hayling Island Sailing Club's Youth Race Week returns in 2026, proudly supported by Rooster as title sponsor.

One of the highlights of the HISC youth sailing calendar, Youth Race Week will take place from Monday 3 August to Friday 7 August 2026. The event combines a week of exciting racing and a packed social programme at one of the country's premier sailing venues, bringing sailors from across all fleets together for a fantastic week both on and off the water.

The fleets supported by HISC Youth Race Week include Optimists, RS Tera Sport and Pro, RS Fevas, ILCA 4 and ILCA 6, RS200s, as well as a handicap fleet. Racing is designed to cater for a wide range of abilities, from Bronze Fleet racing in Chichester Harbour through to competitive racing in Hayling Bay for more experienced sailors.

A total of 15 races are scheduled for all fleets throughout the week.

The popularity of Youth Race Week extends well beyond the racing. A packed social calendar includes Chocolate Bingo, splicing workshops, a photo booth, beach BBQ and surf simulator.

The social highlight of the week will be Thursday evening's Black-Tie Ball, featuring a three- course meal, fun casino and live music from DJ Freddie Covell.

The organising team is hugely grateful to all of this year's sponsors. In addition to title sponsor Rooster, support has been provided by Allen Brothers, The Hayling Yacht Company, DMH Stallard Solicitors, Apex Sailing, Marlow and The Summer Berry Company. Rooster will also be on site throughout the week.

Entries are now open to sailors aged under 21. The current entry fee is available until 30 June, after which prices will increase. Entries can be made via the HISC website.

Stewart Brewing Enterprise Scottish Bluebell Series at East Lothian Yacht Club

 

Following on from a highly successful National Championships, the Bluebell fleet now turns its attention to the next event in the Traveller Series as sailors make their way East to East Lothian Yacht Club in North Berwick for the Area Championships.

The East Lothian Yacht Club Regatta forms part of the Bluebell Traveller Series and promises another fantastic weekend of competitive racing, close fleet action, and plenty of opportunities for sailors and families to come together both on and off the water.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Scotland's east coast, North Berwick provides a superb sailing venue and the fleet is looking forward to testing itself in what is expected to be a strong and competitive championship.

Alongside the racing, the event offers a great chance for the Bluebell community to catch up, share stories from the Nationals, and enjoy the renowned hospitality of East Lothian Yacht Club.

With fingers firmly crossed for favourable Scottish weather, the fleet is eagerly anticipating another memorable weekend on the Traveller Series calendar on 6-7th June 2026.

For more information about the regatta and to enter the event, see: elyc.org.uk/regatta26/13614946

We look forward to seeing a strong Bluebell turnout in North Berwick!

Grounding Ends Tom Dolan's Bid For Second Figaro Victory

 

Irish offshore sailor Tom Dolan's challenge for a second Solitaire du Figaro title ended dramatically overnight after he ran aground while leading the fleet off the Brittany coast.

Dolan, racing aboard Kingspan, was at the front of the fleet alongside Loïs Berrehar (Banque Populaire) when he struck the Chaussée de Sein at 00:16 local time, just a few cable lengths from Beg ar C'hale near the Île de Sein.

According to race organisers, the Irish skipper initially attempted to free the boat himself. However, with the tide falling, his efforts proved unsuccessful.

Assisted by the local SNSM lifeboat crew from Île de Sein, Dolan deployed both anchors in an attempt to stabilise the yacht and manoeuvre clear on the rising tide.

Despite five hours of effort, the boat could not be freed.

As conditions deteriorated and the situation became increasingly hazardous, a French Navy helicopter evacuated Dolan at 05:40 local time.

Race organisers confirmed that the Irish sailor was safely transferred ashore.

The retirement brings a cruel end to an otherwise impressive campaign for the County Meath-born skipper, who had been in contention for overall honours and was leading the fleet during the final stage of the race.

Dolan's exit leaves the Solitaire du Figaro without one of its strongest performers and ends hopes of a second victory in the renowned solo offshore contest.

While the race continues for the remaining competitors, attention will now turn to the condition and recovery of the Kingspan yacht off the coast of Brittany.