Ireland Targets More Edinburgh Cup Glory in Cowes

 

Ireland will be looking to add another chapter to its proud Edinburgh Cup record after organisers confirmed entries from 11 nations for next month's Dragon championship in Cowes. 

A total of 45 teams have already entered the 2026 Edinburgh Cup and UK Grand Prix, matching the event's highest entry for the past 20 years. Entries remain open until 31 July, with the fleet limited to 50 boats.

Irish crews will compete against teams from Austria, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey, the United States and across the UK when racing takes place at the Royal Yacht Squadron from 16 to 21 August.

Ireland has enjoyed considerable success in the historic championship. Royal St George Yacht Club's Martin Byrne won the Edinburgh Cup in 2011, while Simon Brien claimed the title on home waters at Cultra the following year, with Byrne finishing runner-up to give Ireland the top two places overall. Byrne's victory in 2011 was Ireland's 12th in the event, underlining the country's long-standing strength in the Dragon class.

The organisers' latest update does not identify the Irish entries by name, although Byrne was highlighted in an earlier announcement as leading the Irish challenge, while Nicola Halloran is among the female helms entered.

The Edinburgh Cup, first raced for in 1949, is the British Open Dragon Championship. The 2026 edition also forms part of the International Dragon Association's UK Grand Prix and coincides with the British Dragon Association's 70th anniversary.

Doublehanded pathway boost thanks to Sport Wales grant

 

Welsh Sailing has strengthened its performance pathway for young racing sailors with eight brand new double-handed dinghies thanks to a grant from Sport Wales.

A game-changing contribution of £68,284 was awarded towards the total project cost of £75,784 for two youth boats - a 29er and 420 each with a road trailer - plus six RS Feva dinghies and two triple-stacker road trailers for junior sailors.

The 420 and 29er will be available on loan to help top level Welsh sailors continue performing at the highest level, while the RS Feva fleet will support #rockupandtrain opportunities, participation in events and the introduction of team racing.

A pathway mapping exercise with Sport Wales demonstrated that sailing is similar to other sports when considering costs such as travel, accommodation, membership and entry fees. An expensive additional outlay for aspiring sailors, however, is the boat and equipment.

Sarah McGovern, Chief Operating Officer for RYA Cymru Wales, said: "We are very keen as a Governing Body to help remove the cost barrier of buying a boat to take part in sailing, and we have a good track record of sailors, who have been given boats on loan, going on to be ranked number one in the UK and selected for major international events.

"The provision of boats means our sailors are not having to limit their sailing due to finance and are able to focus their spend on training and events. Talent can often be missed because of financial barriers and so RYA Cymru Wales has always traditionally ring-fenced funding to buy performance boats and equipment to help level the playing field. A big thank you to Sport Wales for enabling us to continue to support our aspiring young sailors in this way."

The arrival of the new RS Feva dinghies coincided with the Eric Twiname Junior Championships (ETs) at Rutland and the class national championship at Plas Heli in May 2026 - enabling a number of Welsh sailors to take part who would not otherwise have had the chance.

Harry Bennell and Will Fenton were among the first to benefit from using the RS Fevas. Saying thank you for the opportunity, Harry, of Port Dinorwic SC, said: "Will and I had the best time sailing together at the ETs and RS Feva nationals. It was great being able to use a Welsh Sailing RS Feva. We couldn't have done either event without RYA Cymru Wales."

Sophie Venning, also Port Dinorwic SC, was likewise able to compete at the RS Feva Nationals and said: "I was lucky to be able to sail one of the new RS Fevas with my cousin Evie at the nationals in Pwllheli. We sailed 'Felicity' who is a brilliant boat and was great fun to sail. The nationals were such a good event but without the Welsh Sailing boats, I wouldn't have been able to take part. Thank you RYA Cymru Wales and Sport Wales for making it possible."

"Having these new boats gave me the opportunity to do my first ever RS Feva event and qualify for gold fleet," added club mate Ethan Watkin Jones sailing with Elsie Jenkinson.

Located at Welsh Sailing Pathway Clubs in the North, South and West, the RS Fevas will provide access to training and racing in the double handed junior class across the country. The fleet will also enable Welsh Sailing to diversify its offer introduce team racing to young sailors, who may then choose to enjoy this aspect of the sport rather than continuing into Olympic classes.

Providing a pathway into double-handed sailing for those who do not have their own equipment, the RS Fevas will also reduce the travel burden and associated environmental impact for those who do - a model already successful with Welsh Sailing's fleet of 18 ILCA dinghies, an initiative launched in 2024 with a Welsh Government Capital Grant backed by Sport Wales.

The provision of performance pathway boats by Welsh Sailing is in line with the RYA Cymru Wales strategy - Gyda'n Gilydd ar ein Dyfroedd: Together on our Waters - which aims to create a connected, inspired and inclusive Welsh sailing and boating community.

Read more at www.rya.org.uk/gbni/rya-cymru-wales/about-us/strategy

Cowes and Back 2026 at Lymington Town Sailing Club

 

The most popular race of the series turned out to be a two horse race with most of the fleet having other commitments that day or understandably did not fancy the return leg from Cowes with a forecast of up to 27 knots from the South West against a strong ebb tide in the afternoon.

Google-Eye (Trapper 300), acting as Duty Race Officer, welcomed her only competition, newcomer Sardonyx from Keyhaven Yacht Club, to the start line, who was using the race as a shakedown for the Round the Island Race on Saturday 11 July. She had just launched after recently being immaculately restored by Berthon in Lymington.

Sardonyx is a beautiful 40 foot 1957 Fred Parker classic design, built originally of mahogany by AH Moody & Son with a long keel. She is the sister ship of Brynhilde (a 1958 32 foot Fred Parker design), who also has been recently restored by Berthon and is now back in the shed again having her coachroof worked upon. Both boats are under the same ownership.

The race became a contest between a Classic wooden cruiser versus a "Late Classic" (the Trapper 300 design is 50 years old this year and may even be considered a "Classic" too next year under some definitions!) fibreglass cruiser racer and a long keel versus a fin keel. In those conditions Google-Eye thought both races had already been lost but the two boats actually had a good race trading places on both legs.

The two boats were late over the start line but Google-Eye raised her spinnaker quickly as Sardonyx sorted out exactly what to do. However, once her kite was up she slowly but surely caught up Google-Eye and had passed her by Needs Ore Point. Google-Eye gybed first for 3S (SCRA.org.uk) but Sardonyx had problems with the loads so much higher and pole so much larger and heavier than her crew had been used to on Brynhilde, and continued up on starboard gybe some distance beyond West Bramble before finally gybing to find the spinnaker needed to come down to get back to the mark.

Google-Eye thought that Cowes and lunch was too much of a draw for her as she had gone so far. Both boats did end up with a problem with a small freighter coming up the Thorn Channel, with Google-Eye having to continue past the mark under spinnaker and then take it down before the gybe to cross behind it and then white sail reach, rather than spinnaker, to 4M (Hill Head).

Not only did Sardonyx have a problem with the same freighter but also was caught with a bright orange gas tanker making her way down the channel from Fawley. She too white sailed to 4M (Hill Head).

After the mark it was hard on the wind to fetch the finish at 4K (Royal London), with Sardonyx again slowly catching up Google-Eye by pointing higher and sailing faster. However, Google-Eye still claimed line honours. The 2 crews then met up for a convivial lunch in the Anchor Inn in Cowes.

The return leg, as the wind had increased significantly by then, was a start off Gurnard and direct to the finish at Baverstock passing 3A (West Lepe) to port. Both boats were very shy of the start with the strong ebb at Gurnard but Sardonyx made the best start, Google-Eye having to tack back at the inshore end of the line.

Having started with one reef Google-Eye put in another soon after her first tack and was a little more comfortable, but the short Solent chop was about the worst it gets and she bounced over, dived through and fell off the waves all the way to the finish. The highest wind speed she saw was 29.4 knots apparent.

One of Google-Eye's crew was grateful that he had purchased a set of new oilskins and another regretted wearing his old salopettes, which he knew leaked!

Although Sardonyx's crew seemed to be sailing in shorts and T-Shirts, one of their crews' automatic lifejackets self-inflated so they must have got very wet.

In the meantime Sardonyx, although she had two reefs in at the start, seemed to be suffering with either too much foresail or lack of halyard tension, but was powering through the waves. Google-Eye was soon well ahead of her and although she did not sail as far as Hamstead Ledge, unlike Sardonyx, and put in an extra 2 tacks, she still finished 5 minutes ahead. By the finish Sardonyx had sorted herself out and had been slowly catching up Google-Eye again.

However, both races proved to be a very useful shake-down for Sardonyx having found the mainsail had no battens when it went up before the start (rectified in Cowes), sailing without for the first leg, discovering the gybing problems, and then sorting out upwind sailing in high winds and heavy seas.

YTC Results:

1. Google-Eye (Pat Stables)

2. Sardonyx (Tony Hockley)

LAH Results:

1. Google-Eye (Pat Stables)

2. Sardonyx (Tony Hockley)

Irish Crews Secure Top-Six Finishes at UK Flying Fifteen Nationals

 

Irish sailors John Lavery and Alan Green finished fifth overall, while Niall O'Brien and Dermot Flaherty claimed sixth at the 2026 UK Flying Fifteen National Championship after a breezier final day at Tees & Hartlepool Yacht Club.

The Irish crews maintained their positions in a competitive 30-boat fleet as stronger north-easterly winds and a moderate swell finally delivered the most demanding conditions of the championship after several days of light and variable racing.

After a short postponement ashore to await the incoming tide, racing got underway in the bay. A general recall at the first attempt prompted race officials to introduce the Black Flag for the remainder of the day's racing.

In Race Five, championship leaders Ian Cadwallader and Steve Graham strengthened their grip on the regatta with victory. Andy and Michelle Tunnicliffe were second, while Irish pairing Niall O'Brien and Dermot Flaherty took an impressive third place after mastering the testing downwind conditions.

The final race was sailed in similar conditions but produced much closer racing as the fleet had learned the favoured side of the course. Jeremy Davy and Martin Huett claimed the race win ahead of Steve Goacher and Tim Harper, with Andy and Michelle Tunnicliffe finishing third.

Consistency across the six-race series proved decisive. Cadwallader and Graham, sailing a brand-new  boat that had not been launched before the championship, secured the national title by ten points for Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club.

Steve Goacher and Tim Harper of Royal Windermere Yacht Club finished second overall on their return to Flying Fifteen competition after a two-year absence. Andy and Michelle Tunnicliffe completed the podium in third, with Michelle competing in her first major Flying Fifteen championship. 

National Yacht Club's John Lavery and Alan Green ended the championship fifth overall after opening the series with race finishes of third and first. Fellow Irish crew Niall O'Brien and Dermot Flaherty finished sixth overall, adding a race-three podium on the final day to cap a consistent championship.

Salcombe Yacht Club Summer Series 2026 - Race 4: trepidation amongst the Yawls

 

There was more than a little trepidation amongst the Yawl sailors gathered on the Yawl pontoon in anticipation of the fourth race of the Salcombe Yacht Club Summer Series, with wind speeds topping 43 mph at Prawle Point, there were discussions regarding the available stock of new masts, in between the pumping up of buoyancy bags, resulting in several arrivistes taking a look and returning to their tenders.

Anyway, Will Henderson the Race Officer had made his decision, and on an Easterly high tide, set a course beating into to Yalton twice then returning to the harbour for a couple of loops around Blackstone and Crossways.

Six Yawls started, with the heavier combos of Paul Ellis and Martin Beck and John Burn and Ross Bourne duking it out to Yalton, with some interesting avoiding manoeuvres at the gybe and bear off. Paul and Martin eventually prevailed despite some close and tactical mark roundings.

John and Zoe Meadowcroft were very much in the mix, but when the fleet returned to the protection of the main harbour the shifty beat shuffled the midfield allowing Phil King and John Sleep up to third, while David Greening and Josie Dayment edged past John and Zoe.

As is often the case, the trepidation before the race was unfounded, no new masts will be required and our buoyancy remains untested, it was worth going out just for the flat-out planing run out of Yalton, the only casualty being Paul and Martin's broken jib stick!

Looking forward to the 100th Solution class event

 

When eight Solution sailors gathered on the shore of Hunts SC for the very first Solution open meeting, none of them could have imagined what the next two decades would bring.

That modest fleet on a Cambridgeshire lake marked the start of a story that would grow far beyond those early expectations — new sailors, new venues, national champions, close battles, long drives, and a class community that has quietly but steadily built something special. Now, as we approach our 100th open meeting at the end of July, it feels like the perfect moment to look back at how far we've come and to celebrate the people who made it happen.

Over 150 sailors from almost 75 different clubs have entered Solution open meetings over the years, with more than 820 individual entries. Over 80% of entries were travellers sailing away from their home club, and nearly two thirds competed in more than one event.

The most frequent flyer in the class is Kathryn Clark with 85 events and counting. Delph SC has produced the most Solution travellers with 11 different members entering at least one event.

The class has visited 34 different venues, with more than half earning at least one repeat visit. The most visited venue has been Bala SC, where we've been 11 times, starting with the very first national championship back in 2007. 3 clubs are tied for most popular nationals venue: Felpham, Lee on Solent and Gunfleet have each hosted 3 national championships.

The most important question in all this data analysis is which Solution sailor is top of the pops? There are a few contenders depending upon how you want to define the best. There's Andy McKee, first ever national champion, who dominated the early years of the class. But looking back, he only entered 7 events and wasn't the victor in all of them.

Another option could be Christian Smart; he won 12 of the 13 events he entered, an impressive 92% conversion rate.

Then there's the current National Champion, Ian Morgan. He's won 9 of 10 events so far - only 90% conversion rate but still growing... unless Jon Steward can put another dent in that at the 100th open.

Arguably though, the Solution Class G.O.A.T. has to be Kevin Clark: with 20 first places and 38 podium finishes, it'll be a while before anyone else can touch that record.

As we celebrate everything the class has achieved — the sailors, the venues, the champions, the near misses, the long drives, the friendships, and the occasional swim — the 100th open meeting feels like the perfect moment to bring everyone together again. Whether you've raced once, raced every year, or haven't been on a Solution start line for a while, this milestone event is for you.

The 100th Solution Open Meeting will take place at Carsington Sailing Club on 25-26 July 2026, and we're aiming to make it the biggest and most enjoyable gathering the class has ever hosted. To mark the occasion, every sailor who pre-enters by 16 July will receive a free commemorative gift, our way of saying thank you for being part of the journey.

Pre-entry is now open, here's to the next hundred!

Exceptional Round the Island Race

 

This year's 'exceptional' Round the Island Race has been hailed as one of the best in years. Over 800 boats gathered at the Royal Yacht Squadron line yesterday (Saturday) for the 95th edition of the iconic race.

Dave Atkinson, Race Director, said:

"It has been an amazing day and a terrific race. We've been wishing for good weather for years, and today has really delivered for us, as we've had fantastic sunshine and a good breeze.

"The sight of all the spinnakers up for the start was one to behold, and really showed the race in all its glory."

" Pace,"  owned by Jonny Vincent, was the first boat to finish, in an elapsed time of 06:32:39.

Jonny said: "What a great day and a great race. It was hard work going down the mainland shore at the start, and there was a really funky bit around The Needles, which was a bit tricky.

"We stayed pretty close to the Island shore but so nice to head back into the sunshine."

The bulk of the fleet were continuing to cross the line after 6pm.

Prizegiving takes place at the Race Village tomorrow (Sunday), at 12pm.

Junior Camel Week 2026 at Rock Sailing and Waterski Club

 

Sponsored by John Bray Cornish Holidays

Under 18 years of age and a dinghy racer or novice racer but would like to have a go? Why not join us for Junior Camel Week from Friday 7th to Wednesday 12th August? The week is all about Junior racing, plus fun sailing races and social activities for competitors and their families. We have Race Coaches who will be on the water helping you with racing tips and advice.

Why not have a go?

The week is free for RSWSC members and £100 for non-members (but as an early bird discount, it is £90 before 10th July). This includes the use of Club facilities and entry to social events for parents and siblings.

Enter now

Full details are on the Notice of Race on the above link, but if you have questions, please contact Gilly on 07778 545414. We would love to see as many Under 18s as possible enjoying the week.

And don't forget, the Fancy Dress Party on Tuesday evening - the best dressed wins a prize!

Roger Craig Claims ILCA Masters National Championship Silver

 

Irish sailor Roger Craig delivered an impressive performance to finish second overall at the ILCA UK Masters National Championships, held at Parkstone Yacht Club as part of the EurILCA Masters Series. 

Representing Kircubbin, Craig finished runner-up among the 52-boat ILCA 7 fleet after eight races, posting a net score of 35 points. His consistent series included a race win, three second places, and a third place.

Italy's Lorenzo Cerretelli claimed the overall title with 25 net points after winning three races and discarding a 17th-place finish. Britain's Nick Harrison finished third overall, while Spain's Jose Luis Doreste, the former Olympic gold medallist, placed fourth and topped the Great Grand Master division.

Craig also secured victory in the Masters age category, finishing ahead of Spain's Leandro Rosado and Britain's Chris Whalley.

The championship featured eight races with one discard in a varied series that tested competitors across a range of conditions. The event formed part of the EurILCA Masters Series, attracting sailors from across Europe to Parkstone Yacht Club on England's south coast.

The top 4 luxury yacht charter destinations in France

 

If you’ve been dreaming of chartering a luxury yacht and enjoying an idyllic European sailing holiday this summer, then the French Riviera offers a breath-takingly beautiful and endlessly sophisticated setting in which to do it.  FreightTransport

France is one of the world’s premier yacht charter hubs, home to a myriad of opulent marinas and infrastructure that makes sailing between them easy. And although the Côte d’Azur, in the south of the country, isn’t the only place you can begin your voyage from, it boasts some of the most iconic destinations that together, make for an incredible itinerary and a yachting holiday you’ll never forget.

With a number of superyacht-friendly ports located all along the Côte d’Azur, all in some of Europe’s most elegant and extravagant destinations that are worthy of a place on every luxury traveller’s bucket list, there’s nowhere better to embark on a summer yachting adventure.

Here, we take a look at four of the most notable bases for luxury yacht charters in France where you can hop on board your luxury vessel and get going from –as well as enjoying the lavish atmospheres they have to offer while you’re there.

                                                                       CANNES

Although perhaps best-known for the iconic annual Cannes Film Festival, which attracts film stars and other celebrities from across the globe, Cannes’ golden beaches, lavish  hotels and designer boutiques make it easily one of the most upscale destinations in all of France. 

It also happens to be one of the most significant luxury yacht charter bases in the Mediterranean, enjoying a privileged central location on the French Riviera that makes it the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the coast, whichever direction you plan on heading in.

The main port of Port Canto takes yacht and superyacht activity in its stride, and throughout the summer months, you’ll often spot some of the most extravagant vessels in the world moored here. Yacht charters often set off from the port, but the nearby Vieux port is another option from which you can kick off your journey in style.

A real selling point of Cannes in terms of luxury yacht charters is the impeccable infrastructure and operational excellence it offers, ensuring that both arriving and leaving feel as seamless as they should.

                                                                   SAINT-TROPEZ

When it comes to France’s most glamorous destinations, Saint-Tropez is right up there at the top of the list. Steeped in luxury and sophistication, over recent years it has become a playground for the global elite, boasting lavish five star hotels, Michelin-starred eateries and a plethora of elevated beach clubs, making it a must-visit location along the Côte d’Azur. 

Even better, it’s an excellent starting point for embarking on your yachting escape, with lavish vessels kept moored and waiting in the marina for monied holidaymakers to climb on board. The marina is located just steps from the town centre, so when you’re not sipping Champagne on the sundeck or enjoying a gourmet meal prepared by an esteemed French chef, you can wander to one of the nearby wine bars or seafood restaurants, peruse the town’s array of luxury boutiques and soak up the chic Saint-Tropez vibe.

Although Saint-Tropez is a great place to charter a luxury yacht from, it often works best as a mid-route stopover on those that aim to take in a variety of destinations along the Côte d’Azur.

                                                                         ANTIBES

Port Vauban in Antibes is considered to be one of the most significant yacht harbours not just in Europe, but the entire world – and with good reason. The marina is extensive, and its ability to cater to some of the largest yachts in a way that other harbours cannot means that many charter companies choose to operate from here, with numerous private owners also berthing their yachts here throughout the year. Boats& Watercraft

As well as offering full-service facilities to meet the needs of yacht owners and charter companies alike, the port is located appealingly close to Antibes’ charming old town, where you can stroll through historic streets, peruse Provençal markets and dine at one of the many upscale eateries. Just like Cannes and Saint-Tropez, Antibes is a sophisticated spot where you’ll rub shoulders with the world’s wealthy, and makes an excellent stop on any yachting route, as well as the ideal place to begin or end it.

                                                                             NICE

Most visitors to the French Riviera fly into Nice – which tells you something about the kind of infrastructure it offers, and it’s something that also extends to its marinas. Port Lympia is invariably lined with luxury yachts throughout the year, and another major base for charter operators – so if you’re looking for somewhere convenient to set sail from to explore the region’s coastline, then this is it. 

But Nice isn’t just a top player when it comes to logistics, and is a highly desirable destination in itself, so you won’t want to miss out on spending some time here before or after your yachting adventure ends. Its old town, all winding streets and traditional architecture, is packed with excellent restaurants and stylish shops, and its pretty pebbled beaches are lined with glamorous beach clubs serving up fresh seafood and Champagne.

From Nice, destinations like Monaco and Villefranche-sur-Mer are in particularly easy reach, but other destinations along the coast are just as accessible.

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Stride Forward charity to compete for first time in Round the Island Race

 

The Round the Island Race is the fourth largest mass participation event in the UK, after the London Marathon, Great North and Great South runs. Taking place over the weekend of 10-12th July, the event starts from the Royal Yacht Squadron on Cowes, at 07.00am on Saturday with hundreds of boats racing around the Isle of Wight.

Amongst the many yachts competing this year, one will stand out.

Stride Forward is a national charity that offers mentoring programmes and support for people who have suffered serious physical trauma leading to disability. This year, for the first time, Stride Forward is competing in the Round the Island Race. The crew of sailors, many of whom have severe physical impairments, will race together with a goal to promote the charity that has helped them overcome life-changing injuries through vocational mentoring.

Organised by the Charity's founder Holly King, the team is being led by record-breaking skipper Brian Thompson, the first Briton to break the speed record twice for sailing around the world, and the first to sail non-stop around the world four times.

The Round the Island Race promotes itself as #raceforall and in its Farr 65 yacht called Whirlwind, the Stride Forward team reflect that desire, with the crew comprising men and women who have overcome physical injuries, many of whom have never sailed before.

Meet the crew

Simon was in a road traffic collision while cycling. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and lost right elbow and hand, partial hand on left, and below knee amputation. Simon is new to sailing and lives in Colchester.

Jim comes from Manchester, and was in a road traffic collision while cycling. He is a below knee amputee. Jim sailed with Stride Forward during Cowes Week 2025.

Mat has 60% burns from fuel while working as an engineer. Mat is new to sailing and lives in Northamptonshire.

Naill comes from Durham and has Autism and learning difficulties. Nail has previously sailed with Sailability, another sailing charity.

Ben was part of a rugby tackle that went wrong and is below knee amputee. Ben, who lives in London, sailed in Cowes Week 2025 and as part of mentorship has been Holly King's first mate during the sail training.

Laura from Hampshire was electrocuted when she landed on a power cable after sky diving. Laura is registered blind and suffered severe burns. Laura is new to sailing.

Annie has a traumatic brain injury that has led to epilepsy and lower limb burns. Annie, who lives in London, is new to sailing.

This team will race together with Skipper Brian Thompson, who lives in Devon; founder Holly King from East Devon, Stride Forward Trustee Adam Marchant-Wincott from Northampton, and London-based Photographer and Stride Forward Mentor Matt Dickens.

About the charity

Stride Forward was set up by Holly King, a physiotherapist by profession and also a keen sailor, to help individuals adjust after life-changing injuries. Holly explains: "The rates of survival from major trauma have dramatically improved. 20,000 people a year have a life-changing injury, with average age of 36. But surviving is only the beginning and individuals constantly cite loss of purpose and identity as the number one impact."

Stride Forward's mission - Giving the Gift of the Ordinary - supports mentees to reclaim their confidence, identity, and purpose in a way that feels accessible, individual and empowering. Through a structured 1:1 mentoring programme, Stride Forward offers a sense of agency, opportunity and encouragement, to achieve individual's vocational goals in employment, business, social enterprise, or sport.

Volunteer mentors are recruited for vocational expertise, not lived experience of disability. A photographer paired with a photography-loving mentee, a motorsport engineer with a mechanic. Through the relationship, professionals gain first-hand insight into the barriers people of disability face and return to their workplaces as inclusion advocates.

Holly says: "One mentoring relationship ripples across an entire industry. For example, seeing the relationship that has developed from our photographer Matt Dickens, who first came just to do a photo shoot for us, and is now a mentor assisting one of our mentees Sean to get a foothold into the photographic world, is fantastic."

strideforward.org.uk

61st Folkboat Week at the Royal Solent Yacht Club

 

The Royal Solent Yacht Club is proud to once again host Folkboat Week 2026, sponsored by Lymington Yacht Haven, from 22 – 28 August.

Now in its 61st year, Folkboat Week is an established highlight of the sailing calendar for the Folkboat fleet, bringing together both British Classic Folkboats and the Nordic Folkboat One Design class for a week of competitive racing and shoreside camaraderie.

Established in August 1966, Folkboat Week has grown into a cherished event that celebrates friendly competition, nautical heritage, and the distinctive atmosphere of the sailing community.

Racing will be based from Yarmouth, with courses set in the Western Solent and Christchurch Bay. The Royal Solent Yacht Club will deliver eight races across the week, complemented by a packed programme of shore-based entertainment for competitors, crews, cruising Folkboats, families and supporters. There is something for everyone – including the challenge of fast-paced Windward/leeward racing or tactical longer races. The competition does not end on the water – the ever-popular Thursday night quiz is always a coveted victory for the winning team. Whether the favourite social activity is a BBQ, a good old-fashioned sing song, a cocktail party in the sunshine or the finale of the Prizegiving Dinner, participants will not be disappointed.

The event attracts competitors from across the UK along with international visitors -combining a week of racing, friendly competition, and social events. Supported by event sponsor Lymington Yacht Haven, Folkboat Week continues to be as much about shoreside socialising and shared tradition as it is about racing on the water.

The RSYC’s Commodore, John Poyner, commented: “The Royal Solent Yacht Club looks forward to welcoming the Folkboat fleet back to Yarmouth in August for another memorable week of racing, friendship and celebration of this much-loved class.”

Online entry is now open through the RSYC’s website: https://www.royalsolent.org/folkboat-week/folkboat-week-2026/

Solo class Nigel Pusinelli Trophy and Southern Championship 2026 at Felpham Sailing Club

 

The Nigel Pusinelli Trophy, incorporating the Southern Championship, sponsored by P&B

This weekend is shaping up to be an epic encounter for those Solo sailors who venture to Felpham to contest the Nigel Pusinelli Trophy, the two day event coincides with another climate change/El Niño induced heatwave and North Easterly winds forecast to provide ideal hiking conditions.

Class President Guy Mayger comments: "Looking ahead to the Nigel Pusinelli and Southern Area champs at Felpham this weekend, it certainly looks like it's going to be a hot one!

"Firstly, apologies for the clash with the Goodwood Festival of Speed. If you still considering coming, do give me a shout and I'll see if we can find you some local accommodation.

"Entry is still open up until Saturday morning and I've been informed there will be homemade cakes on offer as an extra tempter!

"Per the NOR and SIs, as well as the championship races we will also be running a one-off 70th anniversary race for 10 competitors with the opportunity to win £70. You need to be here for a chance to win!

"The race, subject to conditions, will consist of a two lap windward/leeward course with sailors starting at timed intervals at the discretion of your class president. First sailor to grab the cash after the two laps wins. Felpham also hosted a Champions race for the 50th Anniversary so it has a special relationship with the Solos.

"For Saturday evening we have a meal and band scheduled, plus the first half of the football. We may need to head down to the Fox Inn (200m away) to catch the second half due to the licence laws. Either way, it should be a great evening!

"Unusually, for the south coast, it looks like we will have the breeze out of the East, North East over the course of the weekend. This should make for some very interesting and challenging racing with shifts coming off the land, particularly on Sunday.

"Being a relatively shallow race area, the tide should be pretty even over the course but do note that the direction will start to change approximately an hour ahead of the posted times.

"With the gradient breeze looking pretty solid at 10-15 knots (plus gusts) over the two days, there is unlikely to be any sea breeze effect other than the North Easterly possibly being dragged round a little towards the East.

"With the breeze across or slightly offshore, launching will be easy for those not used to the lumpy stuff.

"All in all, it looks like a top weekends racing ahead!"

This is the tester event for the 2027 National Championship, Felpham having hosted it six times spanning as many decades so it must have some magic. Unfortunately, as mentioned, the local car show is on but more importantly, Salcombe Merlin Week and the 505 Worlds at Hayling Island have drastically reduced entry but those who do go will enjoy some great on and off water action, whether it is the sailing or the football.

We have decided to reduce WhatsApp commentary to off water interviews so we can focus on obtaining higher resolution video and stills which will provide better overall event reports. To be honest I resembled a juggler spinning plates and would have eventually dropped either the drone, the camera, my phone or myself overboard!