First-ever Team Scotland yacht earns podium place at Clipper Round the World Race

 

As the Clipper 2025-26 Round the World Yacht Race makes its final crossing into the Northern Hemisphere, the first-ever Team Scotland yacht to take part has taken a podium place in the seventh stage of the race.

On Tuesday, it was confirmed that the adventure yacht, sponsored by Oban’s host port partners, Brand Scotland, Diageo, Argyll and Bute The Place to 2Be and Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMs), crossed the line of Stage 7: Sailing City - Qingao Cup in third place.

The result places the team high up in the leaderboard overall in one of the world’s toughest and most rewarding endurance challenges.

Set to make its penultimate stopover in Oban from July 10, the Clipper Race is already bringing global attention to Argyll and the Isles ahead of a bumper summer of sport.

10 international teams are expected to sail into Oban aboard 70ft ocean racing yachts between July 10 and 13, marking only the second time in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race’s 30-year history that the fleet has stopped in the country. The race’s first visit to the town during the 2023-24 edition delivered an estimated economic boost of £2 million.

10 international teams are expected to sail into Oban aboard 70ft ocean racing yachts between July 10 and 13 (Image: Ruairidh Galbraith)

Team Scotland has been formed to further boost economic growth, trade promotion and inward investment in the 2025-26 edition, while showcasing Oban Single Malt Scotch Whisky and its Distillery Visitor Experience to a global audience.

Speaking about the race experience, Skipper for Team Scotland, Heather Thomas said: “After starting our journey from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth in August 2025, we have now sailed more than halfway around the world. This journey has had many highs and lows, but throughout it all the team has laughed together and supported one-another. A group of people who this time last year were complete strangers have been transformed into a tight-knit crew that no matter what the ocean and weather throws at them, face everything with tenacity, positivity and a generous pour of humour.

“Team Scotland has been well and truly flying the flag for Scotland throughout our stops around the world, including hosting a charity ceilidh in Airlie Beach, Australia to both raise money for UNICEF and give the rest of the fleet a taste of what is in store when we arrive in Oban.

“There is already a buzz of excitement amongst the team to bring our Team Scotland boat to its home in Oban. From meeting proud Scots around the world, the crew has already had a taste of the friendliness and enthusiasm of the people and cannot wait for a true Scottish welcome in Oban.”

Entries open for UK Women's Keelboat Team Racing Championship

 

Entries are live for the UK Women's Keelboat Team Racing Championship. The event, hosted by the Royal Thames Yacht Club at London's Queen Mary Reservoir, will be run over the weekend of 25th & 26th April.

Bringing together the best of British Women's Team Racing, the Lochan Cup is a unique opportunity to combine strong team racing skills with the complexity of a four person team and spinnaker handling, guaranteeing a great challenge.

Racing in the Royal Thames YC's fleet of Sonar keelboats, teams will comprise two boats, each with a crew of four identifying as female.

Building on the success of previous Lochan and Carmela Cup's as well as the Mixed+ Random Pairs, the event is expected to sell out this year. Entries are first come, first served, with entry fees billed just before the event to make signing up easy and not having to dig in to precious savings ahead of time.

Jamie Webb, captain of Team Racing, commented: "Keelboat Team Racing at the Royal Thames is going from strength to strength with new sailors joining in most events. We have a lot of talented women in that pool of sailors and the Lochan Cup promises to be a great showcase of Women's Team Racing.

Entry is £800 per team with online sign up open until 23:59 Sunday 30th March with full details on the KSail Website.

Enter now or contact the Sailing Development Manager at the Royal Thames Yacht Club, for further information.

Noble Marine Solo class Winter Championship 2026 at Northampton Sailing Club

 

Northampton Sailing Club are gearing up to welcome the Solo fleet to Pitsford Reservoir for the North Sails season curtain raiser on Saturday March 7 and with a balmy 12 degrees and winds from the South at 8 knots, we hope to see a healthy attendance.

Northampton Sailing Club provides long beats but the local topography, like Uri Geller with a spoon, contorts the wind direction to its own command. Therefore be prepared to take the rough with the smooth, keep calm and keep your eyes on the prize. Bleating about your bad luck is counter-constructive. The club is warm, the food and tea are comforting and Anglia Water are a great company, I hope they give me permission to fly the NSCA drone.

Kick start your season and enter the Noble Marine Winter Championship now.

The media team will be providing WhatsApp coverage but even better if you attend the event!

WhatsApp Solo Reporting Link: chat.whatsapp.com/lqJuGftYnxtAT4GYhmH0UW

The two standout events in the year are the Noble Marine Nation's Cup in Quiberon and the P&B National Championship in Royal Torbay, my mouth is already watering.

Organised by the Saint-Pierre Quiberon Regatta Society (SRSP), the Noble Marine Nation's Cup takes place from June 4-7 and entry is now open so please visit the site for all the info you need here: stpierre.axyomes.com

I understand accommodation is going fast now entry is live.

The P&B National Championship should be a thumper August 5-9 at Royal Torbay, plenty of accommodation but get in quick as this event should hit the nineties. Anything over 100 and you will know about it.

NOR, SIs and Entry details at rtyc.org/event/solo-nationals

The NSCA have a number of Demo Solos to try and we run training days throughout the year.

It promises to be another exciting season of Solo action and drama, there are plenty of secondhand Solos available so buy (or order a new one), join the NSCA and enter.

See you on the water.

HISC Magic Marine Optimist Open Meeting

 

After last year's fantastic turnout, Hayling Island Sailing Club and Magic Marine are teaming up once again in 2026 to deliver their annual Optimist Open Meeting.

This year's event will be taking place on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May and is open to Optimist sailors up and down the country.

Racing will be available across three fleets, catering for a range of experience levels within the Optimist class:

Main Fleet - 80 spaces available

Racing Regatta Fleet - 60 spaces available

Coached Regatta Fleet - 24 spaces available

Entries will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Entry to the Coached Regatta Fleet will be exclusively available to HISC members until 1st April 2026.

Not only will there be great activity on the water, but off the water as well - included in the entry fee for the event is a Saturday BBQ for our competitors, offering the perfect opportunity to relax after racing. Additional BBQ tickets can also be purchased.

Theo Galyer, Sailing Supervisor at HISC said, "This event never fails to deliver thrills, excellent quality racing and a great off-water atmosphere - we are looking forward to welcoming the Optimists to HISC in May!"

This event wouldn't be possible without the support of our sponsors for the event; our title sponsor, Magic Marine, as well as T2 Architects, Wickham Orthodontics and Xtremity.

Entries can be made via the HISC website from 1st March and early entry prices will end on 31st March 2026.

Emirates GBR continues podium streak at Sydney Sail Grand Prix with second-place finish

 

Following seven fleet races with 11 SailGP Teams, Emirates GBR secured a place in the top three and battled USA and Spain in the winner-takes-all $400,000 event final. Despite a strong start, Emirates GBR was unable to catch the Americans in conditions which made it almost impossible for the 50ft catamarans to foil and fly above the water at speed.

The result marks Emirates GBR's fifth consecutive podium, which started with a win in Cadiz, Spain, in October 2025, followed by the 2025 Season Championship win in Abu Dhabi in November, a win at the 2026 Season Opener in Perth in January and a second-place finish in Auckland two weeks ago. Emirates GBR's performance so far this year means the team sits at the top of the 2026 Season Leaderboard with 28 points, followed by Australia's BONDS Flying Roos in second with 25 points and USA in third with 20 points.

Emirates GBR Driver Dylan Fletcher said: "I'm very proud of the team, we fought hard today in very difficult conditions and we had a few things go against us, but hats off to the Americans for the win."

On Race Day 1 on Saturday, Emirates GBR placed 3rd, 7th, 5th and 6th in the four fleet races after patchy conditions caused havoc on the harbour. The Brits managed to get off the start line well, but found themselves in light air which led to them falling off the foils and struggling to make gains. Emirates GBR entered Race Day Two in fourth place on the leaderboard, with the team prepared to give it their all to make it into the top three final race.

The second day's racing saw Emirates GBR start off with a win in Race 5, before finishing 7th and 5th in the final two fleet races, just banking enough points to enter the final. The three teams in the final faced light conditions, with each team struggling to foil, but Emirates GBR persevered in the race to fend off Spain, but they were unable to catch the Americans. For Emirates GBR, Sydney was the first time the crew faced light conditions with Wing Trimmer Stuart Bithell MBE, who joined the team from the Germany SailGP Team at the start of the 2026 Season.

Emirates GBR CEO Sir Ben Ainslie said: "It was very, very challenging conditions with unusually light winds on Sydney Harbour. I think the team did a fantastic job, they sailed really well both days and did a great job to get themselves in that final race. They took every chance they got in that race but the Americans just managed to get on the foils a tiny bit earlier, but looking at the whole season and the bigger picture, it's a fantastic result to come away with second. It's also the first time Stu Bithell has sailed in those conditions, with less people on-board when the communication really comes to the core. I know the team would have really wanted to win but second is a really strong result and there's plenty to take forward to the rest of the season."

Downs Sailing Club to host P&B NSSA National Schools Regatta 2026

 

Downs Sailing Club, in association with the Kent Schools Sailing Association (KSSA), is delighted to announce that it will host the NSSA National Schools Regatta 2026, supported by headline sponsor Pinnell & Bax.

The regatta will take place over a full week from 20th July to 24th July and is expected to welcome youth teams from across the UK. Racing will be delivered across four separate courses, supported by highly experienced race management and safety teams, with a dedicated results team in place throughout the event.

The race programme will run across four days, with fleets for Toppers, ILCA/Laser, Handicap, and a Regatta fleet specifically aimed at young sailors competing away from their home waters for the first time. This structure reflects the NSSA's continued focus on accessibility, progression and positive first experiences of multi-day regattas. There will also be a midweek special programme which will include racing for the prestigious Mount Haes Trophy in Melges 15 provided by Melges UK, the single-handed race sailed in Toppers and an Allcomers Pursuit race.

A dedicated programme will provide additional racing and participation opportunities, alongside a varied schedule designed to support both competitive sailors and those newer to national-level events.

Downs Sailing Club is an experienced host venue, having previously delivered national youth events, including regular KSSA training days, regattas and the NSSA National Schools Regatta most recently in 2014. The club operates from a challenging and rewarding stretch of open water off Deal in Kent, offering fair racing conditions and excellent spectator visibility from shore.

Shore-side facilities will include a marquee at the club to act as a central hub for teams, volunteers and organisers. Camping for teams will be available within a short walk of the club, with meal packages offered to support schools and teams travelling to the event. A full programme of evening activities is planned, including team games and a visit to the local RNLI boathouse.

The event will be supported by a strong volunteer base, reflecting Downs Sailing Club's long-standing ethos of community involvement and event delivery. A dedicated event website and supporting social media channels will provide up-to-date information, race communications and event coverage in the lead-up and during the regatta.

Downs Sailing Club

"Hosting the National Schools Regatta is something we're very proud of. It reflects our long history in Deal, our volunteers and our commitment to youth sailing. We're looking forward to welcoming visiting teams and sharing the experience with the wider community." - Phil Halldron - Commodore

As headline sponsor, P&B continues its commitment to developing the next generation of competitive sailors. Rhys Rollitt, Managing Director at P&B, said: "Youth regattas are where a sailor's lifelong passion for the sport is cemented. We've always believed in supporting sailors at every stage - from their first event to world championships. Backing the NSSA National Youth Regatta lets us invest in the future of our sport and give young sailors the opportunity to connect with the wider sailing community and develop skills that will stay with them for life."

World Sailing supports the next generation of elite female coaches

 

World Sailing is excited to announce that applications are now open for the Women in Sport High Performance Pathway (WISH) Programme, a unique initiative designed to increase female representation in elite sport coaching at Olympic, World Championship and other major event level.

First organised as a pilot in 2019, the WISH Programme has been developed in cooperation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and supported by Olympic Solidarity, WISH helps equip women coaches with the skills, confidence and leadership competencies needed to thrive at the highest levels of performance.

The WISH Programme has been designed for female coaches who are already a part of, or have the potential to be a part of, a national delegation to the Regional and/or Continental Games, World Championships, Youth Olympic Games or Olympic Games in a sport on the Summer or Winter Olympic Games Sport Programme.

Since its inception, WISH has tackled the persistent gender gap in high performance coaching. While gender participation among athletes at the Olympic Games now sits at parity, the representation of female coaches has lagged behind in most sports - at just 13%.

To date, more than 125 women from 22 sports and 60 countries have participated in WISH, gaining access to leadership development, sport-specific mentoring and international networks that supercharge their coaching careers. World Sailing has proudly supported five coaches in previous cohorts.

The 2026 WISH Programme continues this legacy. In collaboration with National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and International Federations (IFs), nominations are now open for eligible women coaches who are already part of or poised to be part of national teams for regional, continental, youth or elite competitions.

The 21-month pathway includes residential leadership sessions, online development modules, sport-specific mentoring and experiential learning designed to refine coaching expertise and broaden strategic impact. The course helps coaches to develop their values, plan for success and deliver their message dynamically and bravely. Feedback from the group provides constructive and empowering learning points and helps to push the boundaries of each coach.

Fiona Kidd, World Sailing's Head of International Development, said, "This year's opportunity is more than training, it's a chance for the next generation of women leaders in sport that need access, opportunity and support. WISH provides exactly that. The programme seeks to address the disparity in female coaches at the highest level by building a pipeline of talented women ready to lead, develop and empower athletes on the global stage. MNA's and aspiring coaches are encouraged to explore the programme and consider nominations and applying today."

For more information about the WISH Programme, go to the link here.

How to apply

To apply for the WISH Programme, please send your coaching and sailing CV along with a one-page cover letter outlining:

Why you want to apply for the WISH Programme,

What the WISH Programme can do for you,

What you want to get out of the WISH Programme.

Send your CV and cover letter to training@sailing.org by Thursday 12 March.

Cork Week Expands Coastal Fleet Eligibility

 The Royal Cork Yacht Club has expanded eligibility for the Coastal Fleet at Cork Week 2026.

The regatta runs from 6th–10th July in Cork Harbour.

In response to competitor feedback, the Coastal Fleet is now open to all boats 30ft and longer. Organisers say the move is aimed at owners who want to race with spinnakers on longer, offshore-style courses rather than shorter, multi-mark formats.

The club confirmed that dedicated Corinthian prizes will be awarded within the fleet. Depending on final numbers, the class may also be split to create courses suited to differing performance profiles.

Entries are already building. Organisers report 58 boats entered across the regatta to date.

Three boats are confirmed so far in the IRC/ECHO Coastal class. Defending champion John Treanor returns with his new NMD 43 Cristina, formerly the French Admiral’s Cup yacht Albator. Treanor previously won at Cork Week 2024 with the J/112e Valentina.

Also entered are Joyride (FRA78), a J/111 representing Royal Cork YC for Tim and Wan McCarthy & Waterman, and Lady Bee (FRA53499), a Pogo 36 from Club de la Vallée des Fous, Port-La-Forêt, skippered by Brian Buggy.

Greek Island Hopping Adventures

 

Family-friendly 7-day island-hopping sailing holiday suggestion that blends relaxed cruising with onshore activities (culture, beaches, hikes, swimming, eating ashore, etc.). 

🌊 Option A — Ionian Islands, Greece (From Lefkas / Lefkada)

This is one of the most popular and gentle sailing areas in the Mediterranean — sheltered waters, short hops between islands, lovely beaches, and lots of onshore exploration.

Day 1 — Lefkada to Meganisi

• Embark at Lefkada marina; sail to Meganisi.

• Explore hidden coves, swim stops, and relax.

• Dinner in Vathy or Spartochori.

Day 2 — Meganisi to Kalamos

• Short sail to Kalamos for sandy beaches & snorkelling.

• Beach games, paddleboarding, kayaking.

• Walk to Kalamos village in evening.

Day 3 — Kalamos to Ithaca (Kioni / Vathy)

• Sail to Ithaca — rich mythology (Odysseus!).

• Optional hike to Niforeika or visit small beaches.

• Explore harbour town tavernas.

Day 4 — Ithaca to Atokos / Arkoudi Bay

• Swim and snorkel in crystal coves.

• Beach BBQ or picnic ashore.

• Quiet anchorage for star-gazing.

Day 5 — Atokos to Kefalonia (Assos / Fiskardo)

• Explore Assos village or pretty Fiskardo.

• Onshore village walk, ice cream, small museum visits.

Day 6 — Kefalonia to Sivota / Meganisi

• Back towards Sivota for shallow bays, paddle sports & cliffs.

• Optional cycling or local fishing village visit.

Day 7 — Return to Lefkada

• Calm final sail, brunch ashore and disembark.

• Spend afternoon in Lefkada town or nearby beaches.

Why this is great for families:

✅ Long calm waters mean shorter crossings and less seasickness.

✅ Plenty of swimming, snorkelling, kayaking & simple hikes.

✅ International flights into Preveza, and regular transfers to Lefkada marinas.

🚤 Option B — Dalmatian Coast, Croatia (From Split or Dubrovnik)

Croatia’s Adriatic is ideal for a family with kids who love beaches, swimming in crystal-clear water, and exploring medieval towns and islands.

Suggested 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Split (Marina / Old Town)

• Settle on board; explore Split’s Diocletian Palace and promenade.

Day 2 — Split → Šolta (Nečujam / Maslinica)

• Short sail to Šolta; easy snorkelling & kayaking.

• Dinner ashore in a quiet village.

Day 3 — Šolta → Brač (Bol & Golden Horn Beach)

• Visit famous Zlatni Rat beach — great for older kids to learn windsurfing/kiteboarding (optional).

• Explore Bol village.

Day 4 — Brač → Hvar Town

• Onshore exploration of historical Hvar — fortress climb & waterfront lunch.

Day 5 — Hvar → Vis (Stiniva / Komiža)

• Visit Vis Island; hike to Blue Cave or simply relax at secluded beaches.

• Town visit in Komiža.

Day 6 — Vis → Pakleni Islands

• Anchor off these small islets — ideal swimming & snorkelling day.

• Optional paddleboarding/kayaking session.

Day 7 — Back to Split (via Milna)

• Final sail back to Split; cultural stroll & farewell dinner.

Why this is great for families:

✅ Very short hops between islands, lots of swim-days.

✅ Mix of culture (old towns), nature (caves & beaches), and water sports.

✅ Croatia is known for being peaceful, clean, and good with kids.

🏝️ Family Activity Ideas to Include

🚤 Snorkelling & Swimming – Anchor in calm bays on multiple islands.

🍷 Tavern & Local Food Stops – Try local cuisine ashore (Greek tavernas or Croatian konobas).

🚶‍♂️ Short Island Hikes – Easy trails to viewpoints or ancient ruins.

🚣‍♀️ Kayaking / Paddleboarding – Many yachts include SUPs/kayaks.

📜 Village & Historical Walks – Explore fortresses, old harbours, and museums.

🛟 Tips for a Great Family Trip

• Skippered Charter: Highly recommended — you get a professional who knows routes & safe anchorages.

• Best Months: May–September (sunny, predictable winds; slightly quieter in June/September).

• Safety: Calm sailing areas like Ionian & Dalmatian coasts are best for children and first-timers.

• Flexible Planning: Weather may shift some stops — let your skipper help tailor each day.

 Would you like help planning your next trip?

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SailGP returns with third event of – KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix

 The Rolex SailGP Championship returns this weekend with the KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix on Sydney Harbour, the third event of the 2026 SailGP Season.

The BONDS Flying Roos return to Australia for the KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix – 28 Feb – 1 Mar – in pole position, following a victory in Auckland and a second at the season opener in Perth.

The Aussies are tied on points with Emirates GBR who match them with a 1, 2 scoreline after winning the opening Perth Grand Prix and a second place in Auckland.

In third place are DS Automobiles Team France, who will miss the Sydney event following the destruction of their F50 in the collision with New Zealand Black Foils at the Auckland GP.

Both the France and New Zealand teams are ruled out of the SailGP circuit for this event while their hulls are repaired/rebuilt, reducing the field to eleven teams for Sydney. It is not yet confirmed when they will return to the fray.

As part of the effort to return them to the circuit a composite F50 is being constructed at Southern Spars in New Zealand with the starboard hull of the French F50, along with both crossbeams, connected to the port hull of the Black Foils F50. A complete second F50 will also need to be constructed before they can return to racing.

Race Day 1 Saturday 28 Feb 06:30 am UK time

Race Day 2 Sunday 1 Mar 06:30 am UK time

Howth Yacht Club Dinghy Frostbites Spring Series - Races 11 & 12

 

Yet another windy weekend greeted sailors in the HYC Dinghy Frostbite series, but their resilience shone through as two races were completed in a challenging set of conditions.

A building westerly breeze blowing off the shore, combined with a flooding tide, made for changeable racing with plenty of shifts, gusts and lulls to keep everyone on their toes. The race management team once again delivered two excellent races, sending sailors around Olympic courses in both, with the second race shortened slightly at the final gybe mark.

With just one week (two races) remaining, the leaderboards are tight, and it remains to be seen how they will look before the prize-giving after the annual Round the Island Race on Saturday 7th March.

In the ILCA 7 fleet, Conor Murphy continued his winning streak with two more race victories, neither easily earned. In Race 1, Murphy, Dave Kirwan and Dan O'Connell traded places around the course before finishing in that order. A similarly close three-way battle developed for 4th place, with Max Tipp-McKnight, Davie Carr and Andrejs Samoilovs exchanging positions throughout the race.

In Race 2, Andrejs Samoilovs made a strong start and led the first lap, while Tom Fox surged up the second beat to take a healthy lead into lap two. Murphy and Fox engaged in several tacking duels up the third beat while Dan O'Connell pushed his way back into 3rd after recovering from an earlier incident.

Overall, Dave Kirwan retains the series lead on 19 points, followed by Tom Fox on 23 and Conor Murphy on 24. With two races to go and no discards remaining, an intriguing final weekend lies ahead for the ILCA 7 fleet.

In the ILCA 6 fleet, a photo finish saw Peter Hassett and Harry Dunne share 1st place in Race 1, with Dylan Cassidy taking 3rd. Determined to leave no doubt the second time around, Hassett pushed hard in Race 2 to take a clear win ahead of Cassidy and Dunne.

Hassett extends his series lead and now heads Peelo by 3.5 points, with Cassidy a further 13 points behind in 3rd place.

Another weekend of breezy triangular courses suited the RS Aeros and Melges 15s. Daragh Sheridan's RS Aero delivered a double win on corrected time, followed by the Farrellys in their Melges 15 with two consistent 2nd-place finishes. John Phelan's RS Aero took 3rd in Race 1, while the Quinns' Melges 15 secured 3rd in Race 2. Richard Tate showed impressive consistency in the demanding conditions to finish 4th in both races.

Overall, Sheridan's series lead looks untouchable with an 18-point margin over his nearest competitor. The remaining podium places, however, are tightly contested, with Cormac Farrelly and Justin Cullen's Melges holding just a two-point advantage over Alan Carr and Orlaith Connolly's IDRA 14.

Preparations continue for the annual Round the Island Race on Saturday 7th March, followed by the series prize-giving and lunch. All are welcome to join — come racing and celebrate a great winter of sailing at HYC!

Bassenthwaite Sailing Club 2026 season

 

The 2026 season is just a few weeks away, and we're gearing up for one of our most exciting years yet. With a full calendar of open meetings, family weekends, and major championships, there's something for every sailor.

Mirror Spring Championship - Easter Bank Holiday. We're delighted to host the inaugural Mirror Spring Championship, sponsored by Ginger Boats. Held over the first club camping weekend during the Easter bank holiday, this promises to be a fun, family-friendly start to the season. Once again, the inflatable Catapults will be joining us on the the early May Bank Holiday weekend.

North West Junior Traveller Series. June 13-14, brings two days of junior racing as we welcome back the ever-popular RYA North West Junior Traveller Series, a highlight for young sailors across the region.

FF15 & GP14 Combined Open Meeting. July 18-19, two of our strongest club fleets, the Flying Fifteen and GP14, team up for a combined open meeting, once again sponsored by Impact Marine, sail makers and manufacturers of marine products.

Navigators & General Bass Week - Starts 1 August. Our famous Bass Week returns with a new sponsor, Navigators & General Insurance. This nine-day family regatta is a must-do event, offering racing for all ages and legendary socials. Entry opens on 1 April, and campervan/motorhome spaces usually sell out quickly.

Feva, Tera & Optimist Open Meeting - September 5-6. Just before the school term begins, we launch a brand-new combined open meeting for Fevas, Teras, and Optimists, a great way to round off the summer.

Great North Asymmetric Challenge - Season Finale. We close the year in style with the Great North Asymmetric Challenge on September 19-20, a staple of the northern sailing calendar and proudly sponsored once again by Trident UK chandlers.

All events are camping weekends, giving visitors the chance to stay on site and enjoy stunning views of Skiddaw, hopefully with a bit of Lake District sunshine and favourable winds.

For online entry, visit webcollect.org.uk/bass-sc or check the club website for full details.

Young people invited to apply to take part in ‘life changing’ Tall Ships Races

APPLICATIONS are being invited from young people aged 15 to 25 to take part in the Tall Ships Races 2026 this summer and enjoy a “life changing” experience.

Young people from anywhere in Shetland can apply, with a series of free taster day sails available on the local tall ship Swan to whet the appetite.

Stage one of the selection process will take place in April, with trainees learning the ropes aboard the Swan.

Sail Training Shetland said these taster days, sailing the waters around Shetland, “give a glimpse into life at sea and an understanding of what to expect from a longer sail training experience”.

Sixteen of these young Shetlanders will then go onto stage two, participating in an “inspiring, action-packed voyage” as they take part in race three of the Tall Ship Races 2026.

Sailing between Stavanger in Norway and Aalborg in Denmark these longer trips offer the opportunity for international travel, friendships and festivals in host ports.

Sail Training Shetland chair Melanie Henderson said: “Our taster days sails aboard Swan are very popular, and provide a great training experience for up to 40 young people.

“We will then select 16 of these trainees to take part in Race 3 of the Tall Ships Races 2026, with six young people being placed aboard the Norwegian tall ship SØrlandet and 10 aboard Shetland’s tall ship Swan.”

No sailing experience is needed to take part in either the day sails or the Tall Ships Races – “just a keen sense of adventure and a willingness to try something new”.

Trainees work under the guidance of the ship’s crew to learn a wide range of hands-on skills, such as watch-keeping, setting sails and other on-board domestic duties.

Those taking part in the Tall Ships Races will leave Shetland on 23 July to travel out to Norway and join their ships.

Trainees aboard the Sørlandet will have an 11-night experience, including travelling back to Shetland from Denmark. Those aboard Swan will sail back to Shetland with the ship, enjoying a slightly longer 14-night experience.

Sail Training Shetland said people taking part in the Tall Ships Races will meet young people from all over the world, and take part in a range of sailing and in port activities which promote Sail Training International’s values of international friendship and understanding.

Freyja Tait, who was placed aboard Sørlandet in 2025, said she would encourage anyone thinking about applying to do it.

“It is such an amazing experience, you make so many new friends and the experiences and memories will last a lifetime,” she said.

“I gained lots more confidence, independence and a new found sense of adventure. The entire voyage was life changing in so many ways. I would encourage everyone to apply, you won’t regret it.”

Sail Training Shetland has supported nearly 600 trainees to date, offering day sails free of charge and heavily subsidised Tall Ships Races experiences.

Experiences are delivered by a small volunteer committee and rely on strong local and industry backing to promote, manage and fund the programme.

This year’s supporters include Shetland Islands Council, Lerwick Port Authority, Sail Yell and main sponsor Arven Offshore Wind Farm.

More information is available online . Applications close at 5pm on Friday 27 March.