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.

All set for the 64th Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy

 

More than 200 boats, over 40 classes and competitors from across Britain will descend on Ullswater this weekend for one of the UK's most iconic sailing events.

The countdown is almost over.

This weekend, Ullswater Yacht Club will welcome a capacity fleet for the 64th Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy, with more than 200 boats representing over 40 classes travelling from clubs across England, Scotland and the Isle of Man to compete in Britain's most celebrated inland all class handicap race.

From International 14s, 49ers and Musto Skiffs to Flying Fifteens, Enterprises, GP14s, Tempests, VX Ones, SB20s, RS400s, Fireballs and cruising keelboats, few events anywhere in the UK bring together such a diverse mix of boats on one start line. It is that unique blend of elite performance sailing, club racing and enduring camaraderie that has helped establish the Birkett as the "Holy Grail" of inland sailing and, for many competitors, the "Glastonbury of Sailing".

First raced in 1963, the event was created in memory of Lord Norman Birkett, whose famous speech in the House of Lords helped save Ullswater from becoming a reservoir in the early 1960s. His efforts preserved the natural beauty of the lake for future generations and secured his place in both the history of Ullswater and the yacht club that proudly bears his legacy.

The sold-out race is another milestone for the volunteer-led event, becoming the earliest sell-out in the history of the Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy, which won the RYA Event of the Year in 2025 for Ullswater Yacht Club.

This year's race demonstrates the national appeal of the event, with competitors travelling from sailing clubs stretching from Hayling Island on the south coast to Largs in western Scotland, alongside strong contingents from Yorkshire, the Midlands, North Wales, Cumbria and the North East. Whether racing a modern skiff, classic dinghy, sportsboat or cruising keelboat, every competitor will share the same spectacular long distance race around one of Britain's most picturesque inland waters.

Away from the racing, competitors and supporters can look forward to a full weekend programme centred around the famous Birkett atmosphere. The clubhouse and on-site catering will be available throughout the weekend, while the ever-popular marquee will once again host live music on both Friday and Saturday evenings, providing the social occasion that has become synonymous with the Birkett experience.

This year's event will also celebrate an important piece of Birkett history with the official opening of the newly named Norman Birkett Bar. Victoria Cliff Hodges, granddaughter of Lord Norman Birkett, will attend as guest of honour, joining members and competitors for the ceremony following Saturday's racing.

The redesigned bar now features heritage displays, historical photography and a new Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy Roll of Honour, celebrating every overall winner from the inaugural event in 1963 through to 2025.

Together they recognise the sailors, classes and clubs that have helped shape one of Britain's most prestigious sailing events over more than six decades.

Jack Allan, General Manager at Ullswater Yacht Club, said:

"We are incredibly excited to welcome competitors and volunteers to Ullswater for the 64th Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy. The Birkett is unlike any other regatta on the sailing calendar. You have Olympic-inspired skiffs launching alongside classic dinghies, family crews, keelboats and national champions, all sharing the same race.

The fact that this year's regatta sold out earlier than ever before is a tremendous endorsement of the volunteers, members, sponsors and sailors who continue to make it so special. We can't wait to see the fleet back on Ullswater for what promises to be another memorable weekend of outstanding racing and first-class camaraderie."

John Robinson, President of Ullswater Yacht Club, said:

"The Birkett has a magic unlike anything else. Every sailor who has raced here understands why people keep coming back. The fact this year's event sold out earlier than ever before demonstrates just how special the Birkett has become and is a wonderful reflection of everyone who has helped build its reputation over so many years."

As the fleet prepares to launch onto Ullswater once again, another chapter is about to be written in the history of an event that continues to attract the very best of British inland sailing. For the hundreds of competitors making the journey this weekend, simply taking to the start line means becoming part of a story spanning more than six decades, made possible by generations of volunteers whose commitment continues to make one of Britain's greatest sailing events possible.

Looking ahead, the 65th Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy will take place on 3-4 July 2027. Keep an eye out for further information as preparations begin for another memorable weekend of racing on Ullswater.

New Forest students complete five-day sailing trip

 

A group of students have completed a confidence-building sailing voyage on the open sea.

The five-day expedition on the Rona II yacht saw Year 10 students from Lift New Forest travel along the south coast as part of the Rona Sailing Project.

Funded by the Olivia Inspires charity, the trip aimed to develop teamwork and life skills through hands-on experience at sea.

Students took part in sailing duties, navigation support, cooking, cleaning, and night watches.

One student said: "It's moments like this when everyone is eating together that I feel so grateful that I've been able to experience this. It's nice to see everyone's enjoying it."

Charlotte Warren, director of sport and PE at Lift New Forest, said: "We are hugely grateful to Olivia Inspires for funding this trip, which opened up a truly transformative experience for our pupils.

"The Rona Sailing Project team were outstanding throughout, and I couldn't be prouder of our students for how they embraced every challenge."

Hayling Island Sailing Club will host the 505 World Championship, opening the regatta with a UK Nationals/Pre Worlds event this Friday 3 July.

 

The 2026 World Championship will start Monday 6 July with over 90 crews entered from nine countries.

The last time the Championship was held at HISC was in 2006 when home club members Mark Upton-Brown and Ian Mitchell won the title.

Mitchell will be sailing with Roger Gilbert this time, and will be looking to add the Worlds to their recent European title.  Last British winners were Ian Pinnell and Carl Gibbon in 2008 in Palermo. Pinnell is sailing with Robert Woelfel this year.

Other home favourites include Paul Brotherton and James Fawcett, winners of the recent Euro Cup event at Lake Garda, and current UK Champions Mike Sims and Carl Gibbon.

And returning to the class is four times World Champion Peter Colclough, more than thirty years after his last World Championship win.

The front of the fleet is set to be ultra-competitive with top Australian team Peter Nicholas and Luke Payne looking to regain the title they last won in Sweden two years ago.

Up against them will be the best German team Jan-Philipp Hofmann and Felix Björn Brockerhoff who have come so close to winning their first World Championship and have been the form team across Europe for the past few years.

Multiple World Champions Mike Holt and Carl Smit, along with the legendary Howie Hamlin and Andy Zinn will be leading the challenge from the USA.