Swallow National Championship 2026 at Sea View Yacht Club

 

This year's Swallow National Championship was kindly hosted by Sea View Yacht Club, in rather more benign forecast conditions than the same event last year.

A slightly reduced fleet of fourteen Swallows ventured forth from Itchenor on Friday afternoon to make the journey to the Isle of Wight and compete in the traditional passage race. This was duly won by Osprey (S95) helmed by James Hartley closely followed by Buccaneer (S66) with Charles Peacock and his crew showing an early glimpse of form that they were to carry through the weekend.

Saturday saw three races in what could only be described as champagne sailing conditions. The wind settled into a pretty steady force 3 to 4, but as a Westerly produced some significant shifts as it came over and around the Island and on to the race area West of Seaview. A slight chop and a change of tide during the day made for some demanding but interesting race conditions, over straight windward / leeward courses with a spreader at windward and a leeward gate.

The first two races demonstrated the competitiveness of the fleet with a different top two; race one saw Svala (S89) take the honours with Blue Tit (S80) and Archon (S74) in third while race two was won by Marengo (S82) just squeaking past Gwahir (S93) and Archon (S74) in the last 10 metres.

The final race on Saturday proved 'interesting.' A big shift in wind direction at the start gun unfortunately meant the windward leg became rather one-sided with limited opportunities for overtaking. However, on the final run the leading boats failed to notice (or to hear the race committee's radio announcement) that the leeward gate was now a solitary mark. Having rounded to starboard a previous leeward marks the front 7 boats did the same on this lap, not having noted the SI's instruction for it to be to port. Following extensive onshore discussions these boats retired leaving the honours to land in the grateful laps of Marengo (S82), Spreadeagle (S85) and Blue Tit (S80).

Seaview provided wonderful views, hospitality and food on Saturday night for the Championship dinner. We were fortunate indeed to have the pleasure of being amongst friends, a glass in hand, looking over the Solent on a warm summer's evening.

Sunday dawned with a good wind from the North-West but a forecast for it to swing South Westerly. Convinced that the breeze would die as it backed before filling in, the PRO held a rather frustrated bunch of sailors ashore for an hour in reasonable race conditions.

When finally launched the final two races proved rather challenging with massive wind shifts, and many holes to fall into. Getting one's head round a spinnaker run to the windward mark having set off close hauled, or to see a significant lead slowly evaporate proved taxing. The first race ultimately saw Svala (S89) take first followed by Osprey (S95) and Buccaneer (S66), while the second saw Charles and crew in Buccaneer (S66) sail gently round the outside of the entire fleet to take the honours just 2 minutes inside the allocated time limit, followed by Osprey (S95) and Solitude (S67). Needless to say, the breeze then filled in robustly from the South-West giving the fleet a great run back to Itchenor.

Local PRO knowledge ultimately proved correct - but sadly too late given the time constraints on the fleet's racing times.

Overall Results:

Winners: Marengo (S82) - Carolyn Brigg, Oliver Sloper & David Sloper

Runners up: Buccaneer (S66) - Charles Peacock, Andy Gasser and Mike Ewart-Smith

Third: Gwahir: (S89) - Mike Wigmore, Charles Hyatt and Keith Bliss

All the competitors thanks go to Sea View Yacht Club for hosting the event, but also to our esteemed and tireless class Chairman, James Hartley, and his team for all their organisation and efforts, other than on the race track, there is never any doubt on where we should be or when!

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm R1 R3 R4 R5 R2 Pts

1 S82 Carolyn Brigg ‑4 1 4 4 1 10

2 S66 Charles Peacock 6 (RET) 3 1 5 15

3 S93 Mike Wigmore 5 4 ‑6 6 2 17

4 S74 Malcom Green 3 5 8 ‑10 3 19

5 S95 James Hartley 10 (RET) 2 2 6 20

6 S89 Nigel Masding 1 (RET) 1 11 8 21

7 S80 Paul Giles 2 3 ‑12 7 10 22

8 S7 Andy Fitzgerald 7 (RET) 9 8 4 28

9 S85 George Miller ‑11 2 7 9 11 29

10 S67 Andrew Reid 8 (RET) 5 3 OCS 31

11 S94 Jeremy Thompson 9 6 10 ‑12 7 32

12 S87 Robert Holbrook 12 (RET) 11 5 9 37

13 S96 Philip Swatman 13 (RET) DNC DNC 12 55

14 S79 Mark Walker 14 (RET) DNC DNC 13 57

Loch waterfront is a Holy experience for boat enthusiasts

 

The Clyde Coast has long been celebrated as one of Britain's most rewarding cruising destinations. With its sheltered sea lochs, charming island harbours, dramatic mountain scenery and rich maritime heritage, it offers a boating experience unlike anywhere else in the UK.

At the heart of this remarkable coastline sits Holy Loch Marina, a welcoming waterfront destination that combines exceptional cruising access with the relaxed atmosphere of a thriving coastal community.

Located on the shores of Holy Loch near Dunoon, the marina enjoys a privileged position within the Firth of Clyde. Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Cowal Peninsula and protected by naturally sheltered waters, it provides the ideal launch point for everything from leisurely day sails to ambitious west coast adventures.

From the marina, some of Scotland's most treasured cruising grounds lie within easy reach. The historic waterfront of Rothesay, the peaceful beauty of Loch Riddon, the winding Kyles of Bute and the dramatic landscapes of Arran can all be explored in a weekend. Venture further and the gateway to the Inner Hebrides opens up, revealing an unforgettable cruising playground of islands, wildlife and spectacular anchorages.

Yet Holy Loch Marina offers far more than access to outstanding waters. The marina has developed into a destination in its own right, appealing to visitors both on and off the water. Alongside more than 200 fully serviced berths, boatyard services, fuel, and marine engineering support, visitors can enjoy a vibrant onsite retail outlet featuring independent local boutiques, specialist retailers and a welcoming coffee shop overlooking the marina.

For visiting boaters exploring the Clyde Coast, the marina also offers added value through its visitor berth programme, with a second consecutive night's stay available at half price - the perfect excuse to linger a little longer and experience everything the area has to offer.

For those considering a permanent berth, Holy Loch Marina offers the rare combination of outstanding cruising grounds, comprehensive facilities and a genuine sense of community.

With direct access to some of Scotland's finest sailing waters, convenient transport links and year-round support from an experienced marina team, it provides an ideal long-term base from which to enjoy the Clyde and beyond.

The surrounding area is equally rich in attractions. Dunoon's Victorian heritage, the stunning landscapes of the Cowal Peninsula and nearby walking and cycling routes offer plenty to discover ashore.

What truly sets Holy Loch Marina apart, however, is its sense of community. Generations of boat owners have returned year after year, drawn by the friendly atmosphere, trusted local knowledge and enduring connections formed along the pontoons.

For more information visit: www.tingdeneboating.com/inland-marinas-uk/holy-loch/

Sir Ben Ainslie Inspires the Next Generation aboard RS Ventures at STEM Crew Live

 

Across Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, 656 students from four schools took part in four days of hands-on STEM learning - designed to bring science, technology, engineering and maths to life through the world of sailing. More than 200 students also took to the water on RS Ventures at the Andrew Simpson Centre, discovering first-hand how the principles of STEM underpin performance in sailing.

Founded by Sir Ben Ainslie, the 1851 Trust uses the excitement of sailing to inspire young people and open doors to future careers they may never have considered. Throughout the week, students met sailors, engineers and innovators, explored the technology behind SailGP and experienced the teamwork and problem-solving that drives success in the sport.

Reflecting on his own journey, Sir Ben Ainslie explained why the Trust was created: "I didn't find STEM subjects easy at school. What I didn't realise was that every time I stepped onto a boat, I was using maths and science in everything I did. Once I saw science in action and how it worked beyond the textbook, I understood it. That's why we set up the 1851 Trust.

"Portsmouth is where our story began, and bringing young people back onto the water here is incredibly important to us. You can't become what you can't imagine, and we want every young person to have the chance to step into the world behind the sport, discover that science is already theirs and realise what they're capable of."

For many students, the experience marked their first time on the water despite living on the south coast. Sailing aboard RS Ventures transformed the Solent into an outdoor classroom where students tested ideas, solved problems and experienced the science of sailing through practical learning rather than textbooks.

Emily Johnson from St Edmund's Catholic School said: "We are an inner-city school although some children will have gone to the beach but never been on the water so important to show them what is on their doorstep.

"It shows them what is out there, it brings it to life for them making connections to taking options at GCSE and A-level and finding opportunities that are available to them. There is so much talent sat in classroom not fulfilling its full potential, and often it is because they don't realise they have these transferable skills or they haven't found their passion yet because they simply haven't been presented with an opportunity to discover it.

"Programmes like the 1851 Trust STEM Crew Live allows them to discover their 'I can' moment and meet inspiring role models like Sir Ben Ainslie that can show them what is possible to achieve".

As the 1851 Trust put it on their LinkedIn post: "You can't become what you can't imagine. That's why this week matters. We're particularly proud to be working with schools serving communities where opportunities like these aren't always a given. Because talent is everywhere. Opportunity isn't always."

RS Sailing is proud to see the RS Ventures at Andrew Simpson Centre used to make these experiences possible. A benchmark in our adventure and training range, the RS Venture is an award-winning dinghy that provides a safe, stable and accessible platform for teaching.

Our Managing Director, Alex Newton-Southon, commented on the event: "It's super inspiring to see these young people to discover the connection between sailing and future careers. Initiatives such as STEM Crew Live help build curiosity, confidence and opportunities both on and off the water."

Lord Birkett trophy 2026 Results

Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy

Ullswater Yacht Club

Results are provisional as of 18:03 on July 5, 2026

Overall

Sailed: 2, Discards: 0, To count: 2, Rating system: PY, Entries: 231, Scoring system: Appendix A

Rank Class SailNo HelmName CrewName PY R1 R2 Total Nett

1st 49er 343 LYONS Matty James Lyons 697 7.0 3.0 10.0 10.0

2nd INTERNATIONAL 14 1577 SHELLEY Jono Graham Priestly 758 1.0 10.0 11.0 11.0

3rd WAYFARER 10747 MCKEAND Louise Nigel Hall 1107 2.0 18.0 20.0 20.0

4th JAVELIN 580 REID Eddy Neil Reid 932 13.0 7.0 20.0 20.0

5th RS400 1511 GLEDHILL Hamish Ross Southwell 945 11.0 14.0 25.0 25.0

6th JAVELIN 577 SMITH Richard Kathryn Partington-Smith 932 14.0 13.0 27.0 27.0

7th 59er 111 PETERS Andrew Jonny O'Connor 905 20.0 8.0 28.0 28.0

8th HARTLEY ZENITH II 100 JONES Justin Chris Anderson 1010 4.0 25.0 29.0 29.0

9th SCORPION 2063 LENNON Michael Dave Orrell 1042 8.0 27.0 35.0 35.0

10th RS400 1401 RIMMER Alastair Ollie Brown 945 19.0 16.0 35.0 35.0

11th RS400 498 COATES Alistair Evie Coates 945 5.0 31.0 36.0 36.0

12th RS400 1515 MARSH Richard Heather Marsh 945 15.0 24.0 39.0 39.0

13th RS400 1453 REEKIE John Andrew Reekie 945 38.0 5.0 43.0 43.0

14th NATIONAL 18 - ULTRA 425 WILSON Michael Nathan Bachelor, Stu Bithell 900 31.0 15.0 

15th FlYING FIFTEEN 4109 CHANDLER David Nicola Abbatt 1028 29.0 21.0 50.0 50.0

16th RS400 1191 TYLECOTE Jamie Ben Tylecote 945 10.0 42.0 52.0 52.0

17th SOLUTION 460 HAMER Josh 1112 16.0 37.5 53.5 53.5

18th RS200 1657 PICKLES Chris Jack Pickles 1053 17.0 37.5 54.5 54.5

19th MUSTO SKIFF 653 NOBLE Dylan 830 48.0 9.0 57.0 57.0

20th MIRACLE 4040 GIBSON Neal Gemma Gibson 1196 6.0 52.5 58.5 58.5

21st VX ONE 49 NOBLE Lester Mark Simpson 860 50.0 11.0 61.0 61.0

22nd RS200 1003 SHARMAN Matthew Oliver Sharman 1053 27.0 34.0 61.0 61.0

23rd K6 216 HARVEY Richard Kate Franklin, Stuart Harvey 900 44.0 19.0 63.0 63.0

24th OSPREY 1345 CHANDLER Charlie Olly Hopkins 932 45.0 22.0 67.0 67.0

25th FlYING FIFTEEN 3927 THORNLEY John Megan Thornley 1028 35.0 33.0 68.0 68.0

26th MERLIN ROCKET 3752 BAILEY Samuel Nick Hydon 980 26.0 43.0 69.0 69.0

27th FlYING FIFTEEN 3506 BARNES Christian Denise Sykes 1028 25.0 54.0 79.0 79.0

28th VX ONE 149 LOCKEY Keith Paul Adams 860 76.0 4.0 80.0 80.0

29th RS400 1524 HALMAN Stuart Anna Walsh 945 64.0 17.0 81.0 81.0

30th ALBACORE 8261 HARRIS Barney Mark Fowler 1037 46.0 40.0 86.0 86.0

31st FlYING FIFTEEN 3517 ROBINSON Craig Hannah Robinson 1028 33.0 56.0 89.0 89.0

32nd 2000 2233 HILTON Jamie Marcia Shelley 1122 3.0 88.0 91.0 91.0

Anglesey Offshore Dinghy Race returns for 2026 with a new Four Islands course

 

The Anglesey Offshore Dinghy Race (AODR) returns on Sunday 9 August 2026, organised by Red Wharf Bay Sailing and Watersports Club at Traeth Bychan on the north-east coast of Anglesey, north Wales.

The race is open to monohull dinghies and non-foiling multihulls across a broad handicap band, from ILCA 6s and GP14s to RS200s and RS400s, Wayfarers, 505s and Dart catamarans. Entry is £30 for single-handers and £35 for double-handers, including hot food at the finish, and the fleet is capped at 50 boats.

Online entry, the Notice of Race and the course are at angleseyoffshore.co.uk

Competitor briefing is at 09:45 with the first start at 10:15; the fastest boats are expected home in three and a half to four hours, with the whole fleet finishing within six hours and prize-giving at the club as soon as practical after racing.

After a year's pause in 2025, the race returns on a redesigned course. Rather than the traditional point-to-point from Beaumaris, the 2026 fleet starts and finishes in the same place — Traeth Bychan — and sails an out-and-back Four Islands course around Puffin, Ynys Dulas, Moelfre and Anglesey, with two long arms stretching north and south.

It runs to a target time rather than a fixed distance, flexing between roughly 9.5 and 16.5 nautical miles to suit the day: a proper endurance test when the breeze is up, without trapping a mixed fleet at sea in light airs. Starting and finishing in one place also means tighter, locally based safety cover and far less shore logistics for visitors.

The aim of the club is to grow from a target 40 boats in 2026 towards 100 by the end of the decade. The minimum age is 14, with under-18s sailing under parental consent.

First sailed in the 1960s and run more than fifty times since, the AODR has long been the north Wales coast's offshore rite of passage — a long, exposed, tide-and-tactics race that rewards seamanship as much as boat speed, and has previously formed part of the Allen Endurance Series. The 2024 running drew 38 starters in champagne conditions, won overall by Jac Bailey and Ben Sinfield in a 29er from Port Dinorwic Sailing Club. Olympians and club sailors have lined up alongside one another over the years.

"The old course was brilliant, but it had become hard to justify with our volunteer base, which is why we paused rather than run it below standard," said Race Manager Paul Halliwell. "The new course holds onto everything that made the AODR worth doing — it's still long, still coastal, still a challenge — and starting and finishing in one place means more sailing and less faff for everyone, visitors especially. We want it to grow."

Full details and entry: angleseyoffshore.co.uk

RS21 Championship 2026 Applications Now Open

 

The countdown is on! Applications are open for the RYA Eric Twiname Youth & Junior Team Racing Championships 2026. Exciting, tactical, sociable! This youth sailing event is a firm favourite in the UK racing calendar.

Taking place at Oxford Sailing Club on 10-11 October 2026, the annual championship brings together youth teams from sailing clubs, schools and organisations for a weekend of fast-paced racing, teamwork and plenty of fun ashore.

Team Racing at its Best

Organised by the RYA in partnership with the Eric Twiname Trust, the championships offer competition across three age categories:

Youth (Under 19) – 3v3 team racing in Fireflies (teams of six sailors)

Junior (Under 17) – 2v2 team racing in RS Fevas (teams of four sailors)

Super Junior (Under 15) – 2v2 team racing in RS Fevas (teams of four sailors)

X-Yachts Solent Cup 2026

 

The X-Yachts Solent Cup 2026 delivered a memorable weekend of racing on the Solent. Although Saturday began with a two-hour postponement due to a lack of wind, the Race Committee successfully completed the full racing programme once the breeze arrived.

The IRC fleet, ranging from the agile X-302 to the powerful X4.6, enjoyed close and tactical racing throughout the weekend. In the Pure Cruising Class, Sunday's pursuit race provided a particular highlight, with the fleet compressing dramatically before a thrilling final reach to the finish off Hill Head.

Off the water, owners, crews, families, and supporters gathered at the Royal Southern Yacht Club for a sold-out dinner, reinforcing the strong sense of community that continues to define the Solent Cup.

The event was made possible through the support of the Royal Southern Yacht Club, Race Officer Peter Bateson and his race management team, together with long-standing event partners: North Sails, B&G, Ronstan, Dubarry and Gallagher.

Looking ahead, the X-Yachts Solent Cup will return in 2028, continuing its tradition as one of the UK's most anticipated gatherings for X-Yachts owners, combining competitive racing, excellent hospitality and a unique community atmosphere.

Ardfern Yachts and Owen Sails sponsored Round Mull Yacht Race at Oban Sailing Club

 

In its 41st year, Oban Sailing Club's much anticipated annual Ardfern Yachts and Owen Sails sponsored Round Mull Yacht Race took place over the last weekend in June.

The race is run from Friday to Sunday over three legs around the stunning island of Mull on the West Coast of Scotland, covering around 94 nautical miles, taking in overnight stops in Tobermory and Bunessan, and racing up the sound of Mull, past Staffa, through the Sound of Iona and on through the Torran rocks. A bucket list event for sure!

30 yachts arrived in Oban on Friday after a welcome seafood buffet from Oban Sailing club and the famous Green shack on the Thursday night. The fleet was split into 4 classes.

The fist gun went off at Midday and a gentle spinnaker run proceeded to the mouth of Oban Bay, as each class followed. As the fleet headed out into the firth of Lorn kites were dropped and the yachts fetched off to Lismore with few place changes. But the fleet knew what was coming with the infamous Sound of Mull always ready to shake up the pack.

Once at Lismore Espirit the Elan 410 had slightly gapped the fleet with the rest chasing hard. As the fleet entered the Sound of Mull the wind went on the nose and a beat into 8/12knots of breeze ensued. As the fleet headed North Bragar the 33.7 and Celtic Spirit X332 began to pull ahead reading the shifts well, hotly chased by Class 1. In Class 3 a battle was going on with a number of boats cross tacking from Maggie may to Misty and Storm Free. With the wind forecast to drop the race team shortened the course at the 2nd time gate at Fuinary rock bouy. With the wind dropping and Bragar now leading the fleet nicely the Sound of Mull played its hand and shut down the breeze, leaving Bragar and Roxanne becalmed on the shore just shy of the finish. Tata II the J92 and Shadowfax II First 35 spotted the shut down and headed into the middle of the sound to take advantage of what breeze was left. Tata II took the gun for Line honours and did enough to take the leg out on overall corrected time and claimed the Mishnish bucket.

Rooster Cogburn was second and Shadowfax II third. The wind completely shut down, the heavens opened and it was quite some time for the rest of the fleet to make in to the finish. Bragar took out Class 2, Misty Sadler 34 took out Class 3 and Espirit Class 4.

Saturday dawned with big breeze in the forecast and on the nose for the majority of leg 2. 22/30 knots was the chat on the Tobermory pontoon as yachts started heading out to the start line laid of the entrance to Tobermory bay. First gun off at 0900 and Murray Caldwell's Sea Pickle showed Class 3 a clean pair of heels with a swift kite hoist and cutting the corner under the cliffs. The rest of the classes followed in sequence. Early on, Alision Chadwick's Moody 336 showed its potential in the ever increasing breeze as kites were dropped under Glengorm castle and yachts hardened up onto a fetch towards Caliach point with the Moddy holding its own at the front.

It did not take much longer for Lux the Pogo 12.50 to start motoring on this point of sail and she reached Caliach first and rounded onto a solid beat to Bunessan for the next 20 miles. Shadowfax II, Wookie II the Dufor 40 and Maximoose Maxi1300 were trying to hang on as best they could. At this point the author would like to point out the two J92's who by now probably wished they were wearing wetsuits, sailing a fantastic leg, despite some pretty big offshore conditions. As the race progressed down past Staffa the breeze went up a notch with some teams reporting 30 plus knots. This was clearly suiting the slick team on Ceilidh the Westerly Regatta as they led the charge in Class 2.

As the boats crossed the finish in Bunessan the Maxi1300 Maximoose stormed home to take the Bunessan hall trophy on fasted corrected time overall with chuffed Cameron Still declaring this as the best race of his life. John Fraser's Wookie II took a well sailed second overall on corrected with Shadowfax II remaining consistent with another third Overall. Sadly the conditions on this leg took its toll on Murray Macdonald's Impala 28 Autism on the Water, having sailed a great leg doublehanded and within a mile of Bunessan the mast came down. Quick actions by the race team had the committee boat on the scene promptly and the boat was secured and made safe. We looking forward to seeing AOTW back racing soon.

Sunday dawned with more wind in the forecast, but with a hint of sunshine a classic Ross of Mull surf home was on the cards. The fleet started at 0830 with Class 3 leading the charge out of Bunessan bay under spinnaker. Another fetch quickly followed for a short spell then the boats rounded into the Jewel of the race and the Sound of Iona. The sight of 30 yachts beating in 20knots of breeze, sun out, through this narrow shallow channel is quite a sight to see. Even better if you are on one of the yachts!! As the tricky Torran rocks loomed it was decision time, short tack though the narrow gap rock dodging or take the longer safer route.

The fleet split 50/50 and rejoined on the other side of the rocks with decent swell and a decision as to when to hoist kites with the wind starting to come abeam. Nick Marshall J92 Satisfaction is no stranger to sending it down the Ross of Mull, and was first to pull the trigger closely followed by Shadowfax II. From slightly further back this forced Tata II into a decision also, as by this point there were only a few minutes separating them and Shadowfax II for the race to overall victory. At this point Lux Pogo 12.50 had taken a course offshore in search of optimum send it conditions which paid off with over 19 knots boat speed recorded at one point. As the leg went on more and more boats braved the wind and swell to pop kites and a stunning sail back to Oban ensued.

In Class 3 Hot Toddy was leading the charge, and Class 2 the ever reliable Celtic Spirit was showing the way. As the race entered the sound of Kerrera, a short run followed up the finish. Lux the Pogo had stormed the leg to finish around 40 minutes ahead of the fleet but this would not be enough to stop Satisfaction J92 from taking out the Glencoe Trophy for the overall corrected time leg win. In the battle for the overall honours Shadowfax II had put the hammer down to take second overall on the leg, but it would not be enough to stop Griogair MacFarlane's well sailed J92 Tata II from taking the overall honours by coming third on this leg and claiming the Torran rocks trophy as overall winners of the event. After 3 legs and nearly 100nm the margin would be 117 seconds.

The event does not happen without our sponsors so huge thanks to Owen Sails, Ardfern Yacht Centre, Forteith RHPS, Tobermory Distillery, The Green Shack, Certas Energy and the Majestic line for the stunning committee boat.

Looking for a bucket list race in 2027? Sound of Mull, Staffa, Iona and the Torran rocks, what are you waiting for!

A classic 7-day gulet cruise along Turkey's Turquoise Coast

 

A classic 7-day gulet cruise along Turkey's Turquoise Coast is one of the best sailing holidays in the Mediterranean.

The Fethiye–Kekova–Fethiye route offers a wonderful balance of sailing, swimming, history, and time ashore, with calm waters and spectacular scenery.

Day 1 – Fethiye to Butterfly Valley & St. Nicholas Island

Board your traditional gulet in the afternoon.

Sail to Butterfly Valley for a swim.

Continue to St. Nicholas Island.

Onshore activities

Walk to the Byzantine church ruins.

Watch the sunset from the island's hilltop.

Enjoy your first traditional Turkish dinner on board.

Day 2 – Ölüdeniz and Kaş

Sail to the famous Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon before continuing to the charming harbour town of Kaş.

Onshore activities

Wander through boutique shops and cafés.

Visit the ancient theatre overlooking the sea.

Optional scuba diving or sea kayaking.

Evening stroll along the waterfront.

Day 3 – Kekova and the Sunken City

Cruise over the waters of Sunken City of Kekova, where ancient ruins lie beneath the sea.

Onshore activities

Explore Simena Castle.

Climb for panoramic views.

Sample homemade Turkish ice cream in Kaleköy.

Swim from the gulet in secluded coves.

Day 4 – Demre and Myra

Anchor near Demre.

Onshore activities

Visit Ancient City of Myra with its impressive Lycian rock tombs.

Explore the Church of St. Nicholas, associated with the historical inspiration for Santa Claus.

Browse local markets.

Day 5 – Firnaz Bay and Hidden Coves

A more relaxed sailing day with several swimming stops.

Onshore activities

Short coastal walks.

Paddleboarding or snorkelling.

Fishing from the gulet.

Enjoy a barbecue dinner under the stars.

Day 6 – Gemiler Bay and Kayaköy

Return towards Fethiye.

Onshore activities

Visit the atmospheric Kayaköy, an abandoned Greek village.

Explore its stone houses and churches.

Stop for coffee in a traditional village café.

Day 7 – Return to Fethiye

After breakfast, sail back into Fethiye.

Before departure

Visit the lively fish market.

Explore the old town (Paspatur).

Shop for Turkish ceramics, spices, and textiles.

If time allows, visit the Lycian rock tombs overlooking the town.

Typical inclusions

Private ensuite cabin.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner freshly prepared on board.

Tea and coffee.

Professional captain and crew.

Fuel and harbour fees.

Snorkelling equipment (on many gulets).

Optional activities

Tandem paragliding over Ölüdeniz.

Scuba diving.

Sea kayaking.

Guided archaeological tours.

Turkish bath (hamam) in Fethiye or Kaş.

This itinerary combines leisurely sailing with ancient history, picturesque harbours, hidden swimming bays, and authentic Turkish villages, 

making it one of the most rewarding week-long gulet adventures on the Turquoise Coast.

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Round the Island entry deadline looms

 

The entry deadline for this year's Round the Island Race is fast approaching. While people can enter until Wednesday 8 July, from this Saturday, 4th July, the late entry fee - up to more than 50 percent more expensive - will apply.

More than 700 boats have already joined this year's fleet and it's hoped others will take advantage of the standard entry fee before the deadline.

"Given how close we are to the race, we really urge you to make sure you are part of the action," said Dave Atkinson, Race Director.

"The standard entry fee gives you the best deal right now, so if you have been thinking about taking part, we strongly encourage you not to delay.

"The forecast prediction it looking great and it's going to be a fantastic day.

"The energy is really building and we are very excited about the race. It promises to be another special occasion, so join us and be part of Round the Island Race 2026."

The annual 50-nautical-mile race, organised by the Island Sailing Club, features thousands of sailors ranging from elite professionals to families and friends.

The race will start at 7am on Saturday 11 July, with the fleet leaving Cowes and heading west to The Needles, before rounding the south of Island and back to Cowes via Bembridge.

Standard entry prices start from £155 for a hull length boat under 9m, compared to the late fee of £310.

Prices increase depending on the size of the boat.

For more information and to enter, visit roundtheisland.org.uk

Over 400 sailors already confirmed for 2026 Youth Sailing World Championships

 

With six months to go, registration for the 2026 Youth Sailing World Championships has exceeded 400 sailors across all classes.

The elite of youth sailing will be returning to Marina de Vilamoura, in Loulé, Portugal, host of the 2025 edition of the Youth Sailing World Championship, from 15-19 December 2026, where 11 events in male, female and mixed categories - following a similar format to Olympic sailing where all sailors compete on a level playing field across all events will attracts the best youth sailors from around the world.

In total, 424 sailors and 146 coaches from 65 nations have already registered with places filling up fast. The quota has been reached in Boy's/Mixed 29er and 420 categories, Boy's iQFOil and ILCA 6, and very few places available in the female events in those classes.

David Graham, World Sailing CEO, said, "The popularity of the Youth Sailing World Championship is incredibly positive for the sport. As the premier youth event in our sport, this event is a key part of the journey for young sailors, and just over two years out from the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, many competitors will be hoping to impress and earn the opportunity to represent their nation. We are delighted to continue working with Vilamoura Sailing and the city of Loulé where the excellent facilities and perfect conditions for sailing should deliver another incredible edition of the Youth Sailing World Championship after the success of last year's event."

Nuno Reis, Vilamoura Sailing and Prow Group CEO, said, "Following the success of the 2025 edition, we are proud to welcome the Youth Sailing World Championships back to Vilamoura. Hosting the championship for a second consecutive year reflects the confidence placed in our ability to provide a world-class stage for the next generation of Olympic sailors."

For more than 50 years, the Youth Sailing World Championships have been the pinnacle of youth sailing performance, providing the global stage for future sailing stars to shine and becoming a major stepping stone for many world and Olympic champions.

The 2026 Youth Sailing World Championships will be organised in partnership with Vilamoura Sailing, the Portuguese Sailing Federation, the Municipality of Loulé, the Parish Council of Quarteira with the support of the Portuguese Institute for Sport and Youth (IPDJ), Portugal Tourism, Vilamoura Marina, and Inframoura.

Sustainability will be at the forefront with a strong commitment from all partners to reducing the environmental impact of hosting the championships. The facilities at Vilamoura Sailing are fully powered by solar energy and the event will focus on eliminating single-use plastics by providing access to water stations and reusable containers.

Additionally, there will be an emphasis on digital communication to reduce paper waste, alongside encouraging eco-friendly transportation options including electric robotic marks and organisational boats. Materials produced for the event will be designed for reuse at future events, and recyclable materials will be prioritised throughout the championship.

More information about the Youth Sailing World Championships can be found on World Sailing's dedicated event website.

Top sailors set to compete in iconic Cowes to St Malo offshore race

 

A MAJOR offshore sailing contest will set sail from Cowes this coming weekend as the Royal Ocean Racing Club's iconic Cowes-Dinard-St Malo Race returns to The Solent.

The historic race, which dates back to 1906, will see a fleet of boats depart from the Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes today, before heading west through The Solent and across the English Channel on the 150-nautical-mile route, to the walled French port of St Malo.

With changing tides and Channel conditions often playing a decisive role, the race regularly produces tight finishes across the fleet — underlining its reputation as one of the stand-out events of the summer sailing season.

The first start is scheduled for 1.50pm, with spectators able to watch from Cowes Parade and the foreshore.

Among the stand-out entries is Johnny Vincent's powerful Volvo 70 Pace, a former record breaker in this race.

Racing previously as Tschuss 2, the yacht claimed line honours and overall victory under IRC in 2023, and is expected to be a leading contender again, if conditions suit.

One of the key storylines will be the double-handed fleet, which forms the opening race of the 2026 Double Handed National Championship.

Some 16 entries will compete, with just two crew on board, balancing speed, navigation and fatigue over the demanding offshore course.

Further depth comes in the IRC Two and Three classes, packed with proven offshore designs, while a notable classic entry adds a touch of heritage.

French yacht Pen Duick III, famously linked to Eric Tabarly, will be among the most recognisable boats on the water, alongside a range of other vintage contenders.

Multihulls will also add excitement, with several high-speed trimarans expected to make rapid progress if favourable winds develop.

Entries Open for 2026 RYA Eric Twiname Championships

 

Applications are now open for the 2026 RYA Eric Twiname Youth & Junior Team Racing Championships, one of the UK's leading youth team racing events. The annual championship will take place at Oxford Sailing Club on 10–11 October, bringing together teams from sailing clubs, schools and organisations for a weekend of tactical racing and shoreside activities. 

Competition will be held across three age groups. The Youth (Under 19) championship features three-versus-three racing in Fireflies, while the Junior (Under 17) and Super Junior (Under 15) events use RS Fevas in two-versus-two racing. Unlike fleet racing, team racing rewards teamwork and tactical awareness as much as boat speed.

"Success comes from combining boat handling, tactical awareness and rules knowledge to secure the best overall team result, creating exciting racing where every decision matters," said RS Sailing Training & Fleet Sales Executive Jake Elsbury.

With all  boats supplied by the organisers, competitors race on equal terms, placing the emphasis on sailing ability rather than equipment. 

Elsbury said the event is also known for its strong social atmosphere, with short races allowing sailors to spend time both competing and catching up with friends ashore. The 2025 championship attracted 62 teams and featured almost 160 races over two days, and organisers expect strong demand again this year.

The championship is organised by the RYA in partnership with the Eric Twiname Trust, which has supported junior sailing for decades through funding and development initiatives. Alongside the championships, the Trust continues to back the subsidised Eric Twiname Scheme, helping UK sailing clubs purchase RS Fevas and RS Teras for youth training and racing.

"Since the Eric Twiname Scheme began in 2011, RS Sailing has delivered more than 350 boats to sailing clubs across the UK, helping create more opportunities for young people to develop their skills, gain confidence and enjoy lifelong participation in the sport," Elsbury added.

Clubs wishing to enter the championships or apply for the subsidy scheme are encouraged to submit applications early, as funding is often oversubscribed.