Setting a course for the 18th CIC Normandy Channel Race

 

After a record-breaking 2026 edition—marked by unprecedented intensity and speed—the event is set to launch its 18th edition on Sunday, May 30, 2027.

Following the victory of Guillaume Pirouelle and Jules Ducelier aboard SOGESTRAN / SEAFRIGO in 2026, and with the Class40 becoming an increasingly essential fixture in offshore racing alongside the renewal of the title partnership with CIC through 2028, all signs point to continued success as the event moves closer to its symbolic 20th anniversary.

The CIC Normandy Channel Race is not merely a speed race; it is a high-speed game of chess. In the English Channel and the Celtic Sea, crews must contend with currents, coastal effects, tricky passages, and weather conditions capable of completely reshuffling the deck in a matter of hours. On board, sailors must be able to accelerate when a window opens, slow down when the situation demands it, and—above all—make the right decision before their rivals do. In this race, you need to know how to attack, but also where and when to do so. The slightest poor choice can come at a heavy price. That is what makes the CIC Normandy Channel Race so thrilling and so demanding.

Class40: a key player in offshore racing

This momentum is part of a broader trend: the continued rise of Class40, which has become a central class in offshore racing, both in France and internationally. With 49 Class40 boats set to start the upcoming Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe on November 1st—making it the event's largest fleet—the class confirms its appeal and its ability to attract an increasingly competitive and international field of sailors. This sends a strong signal to the entire industry and to the future of offshore racing.

Setting sights on the 20-year milestone

With 18 editions now under its belt, the event has established a lasting legacy built over generations of sailors, technological advancements, and major shifts in the world of offshore racing. This trajectory is also bolstered by the loyalty of its partners. CIC, the title partner since 2021, is renewing its commitment through 2028, reaffirming its support for the event and its long-term development alongside the local authorities that have partnered with it since the very beginning.

Join us on Sunday, May 30, 2027, to write the next chapter of this story.

The 2027 Notice of Race is published today, and registration is now open: www.normandy-race.com - Competitor Area

Kinsale Names O’Sullivan and O’Leary for Sovereign’s Cup 2027

 Kinsale Yacht Club has confirmed the dates and senior race management team for the 2027 Sovereign’s Cup, with Michael O’Sullivan returning as Race Director and Anthony O’Leary again taking charge on the water as Principal Race Officer.

The four-day regatta will run from Wednesday, 23 June to Saturday, 26 June 2027 and will be the 17th edition of the biennial event, first sailed in 1995.

O’Sullivan returns to the Race Director role he held for the 2025 regatta, which attracted 95 boats to Kinsale.

O’Leary will also resume his 2025 role as Principal Race Officer. A multiple winner of the Sovereign’s Cup as a competitor, the Cork sailor has won the overall trophy on three occasions.

From Competitor to Race Officer

His experience on both sides of the race committee boat was evident in 2025, when the programme included the “Jeanot Petch” feature race among the courses set for the fleet.

Kinsale Yacht Club Commodore Anthony O’Neill said the club was delighted to have both men returning for 2027.

“We had 95 boats on the entry list in 2025, and we believe that all crews were very happy with what the venue delivered both in the quality of racing and from a social perspective ashore,” O’Neill said.

“The 2027 dates are set, the team is in place. Put 23rd to 26th of June in the diary, and we will welcome you to Kinsale in June 2027!”

Racing and Shoreside Programme

O’Sullivan said O’Leary’s return as PRO would give the regatta an experienced hand in developing the racing programme.

“It is fantastic to have Anthony back as PRO. He is sure to build a programme to test good sailing across all possible wind conditions and have everyone back to the marina in time for the evening entertainment,” O’Sullivan said.

The Sovereign’s Cup has been a fixture of the Irish cruiser-racing calendar since its inaugural staging in 1995, combining racing off Kinsale with a shoreside programme at the West Cork harbour venue.

2027 Dates Confirmed

With the Race Director and PRO now confirmed, the next edition is set for 23–26 June 2027, two years after the 2025 regatta drew a 95-boat entry.

Bluebottle Caps Remarkable 2026 Dragon Season with European Grade 1 Series Victory

 

Royal Racing Yacht Bluebottle (GBR 192) has brought an exceptional 2026 racing season to a fitting conclusion by winning the International Dragon Association's European Grade 1 Series and the prestigious Standfast Trophy.

Cared for by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust and raced by Graham Bailey, Julia Bailey, Will Bedford and Killian Boag, Bluebottle secured the series with a remarkably consistent performance across three of Europe's most competitive Grade 1 regattas.

The team recorded fourth place at the opening Grade 1 in San Remo, followed by another fourth at Lake Balaton, before winning the UK Grade 1 in Cowes as part of the 2026 Edinburgh Cup.

With the best three results counting towards the overall series, Bluebottle finished with just nine points to take the Standfast Trophy.

The result crowns a season in which the historic wooden Dragon has continued to compete successfully against the very best modern boats and crews on the international circuit.

Bluebottle opened her major championship campaign with second overall at the 2026 Yanmar Dragon Gold Cup in Puerto Portals, also forming part of the British team that won the Nations Cup.

Further success followed in Helsinki, where victory in the Finnish National Championship propelled team Bluebottle to the top of the International Dragon Class Ranking List during the summer.

The season reached another high point in August when Bluebottle returned to Cowes for an exceptional period of racing on the Solent.

At the Edinburgh Cup and International Dragon Association UK Grand Prix, hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron, Graham and Julia Bailey, Will Bedford and Killian Boag secured the championship with a race to spare.

It was a particularly significant victory in Bluebottle's long racing history. Although she had achieved Edinburgh Cup podium finishes during the 1950s and 1960s, 2026 marked the first time Bluebottle herself had won the famous trophy.

For Graham Bailey it was his fourth Edinburgh Cup victory, while Julia Bailey became a member of an Edinburgh Cup-winning crew for the fifth time.

Just days later Bluebottle returned to the start line to defend the Marblehead Trophy, which she had won in St Tropez in 2025 as the first British challenger ever to claim the historic inter-club competition.

The 2026 edition was held in Britain for the first time as a consequence of that victory. Bluebottle, representing the Royal Yacht Squadron, added another podium finish to her season by taking third overall, including a race victory in the closely fought six-race series.

Franck Bruyère, Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, said: "Bluebottle's achievements throughout 2026 have been remarkable and everyone at the Trust is enormously proud of what Graham, Julia, Will and Killian have achieved.

"To see a yacht with such an extraordinary history not simply taking part, but competing successfully against the very best modern Dragons in the world, demonstrates exactly why returning Bluebottle to racing was so worthwhile.

"Winning the European Grade 1 Series and the Standfast Trophy is a fitting conclusion to an outstanding season and reflects the commitment of the race team, David Heritage Racing Yachts and everyone involved in caring for Bluebottle and ensuring that this important piece of British maritime history continues to be enjoyed on the water."

Built by Camper and Nicholsons, Bluebottle was presented to Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip as a wedding gift from members of the Island Sailing Club in Cowes. In 1956 she was loaned to the British sailing team for the Melbourne Olympic Games, where Lt Cdr Graham Mann and his crew won the bronze medal, the only Olympic medal ever won by a British Dragon.

Following an extensive restoration by David Heritage Racing Yachts in Cowes, commissioned by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, Bluebottle returned to competitive sailing and has since raced extensively at national and international level.

The 2026 Grade 1 Series featured fleets of 50 boats in San Remo, 27 at Lake Balaton, 50 in Cowes and 42 at Medemblik, underlining the calibre and depth of competition across the season.

Bluebottle's victory also places Graham Bailey among the 20 helms invited to compete in the inaugural Grade 1 Finals in San Remo on 16-17 March 2027, where the Flow Trophy will be contested. The Standfast Trophy will also be presented in San Remo.

2026 season highlights include:

Second overall – Yanmar Dragon Gold Cup, Puerto Portals

Member of the winning Great Britain Nations Cup team

Fourth – European Grade 1, San Remo

Fourth – European Grade 1, Lake Balaton

Winner – Finnish National Championship

Number one in the International Dragon Class Ranking List during the season

Winner - Cowes Week 2026, Dragon Class

Winner – Edinburgh Cup and IDA UK Grand Prix, Cowes

Third – Marblehead Trophy, Cowes

Winner – 2026 European Grade 1 Series and Standfast Trophy

A Family Sailing Adventure around the Ionian Seas

 

For a family sailing adventure with plenty to do ashore, I’d look at the central Ionian — starting from Lefkada and exploring Meganisi, Kastos, Kalamos, Ithaca and Kefalonia. It gives you a lovely balance of sailing, swimming, beaches, villages, walking and a little adventure, without spending every day making long passages. Recent 2026 sailing guides also identify this area as particularly suitable for families because of the relatively short hops and sheltered anchorages

Day 1 — Lefkada → Meganisi

Sail: ~8–12 nautical miles

Start gently. Pick up the yacht in Lefkada and head across to Meganisi, perhaps anchoring in beautiful Vathy Bay.

Family adventure:

Swimming and snorkelling straight off the boat

Paddleboards/kayaks around the bay

Walk into Vathy for ice cream and dinner

Explore the little lanes and waterfront

Meganisi is particularly good for a first day because there are lots of sheltered bays and short sailing distances.

Day 2 — Meganisi → Kastos

Sail: ~15 nautical miles

This is where the holiday starts feeling like a real adventure. Kastos is tiny and wonderfully unspoilt.

Onshore:

Hire bicycles or walk around the island

Swim from the little beaches

Snorkelling expedition from the yacht

Explore the small village

Sunset dinner overlooking the harbour

I'd make this a slow day rather than trying to pack in too much.

Day 3 — Kastos → Kalamos

A short sail north brings you to Kalamos, another beautifully green island.

Family activities:

Morning swim from the yacht

Kayaking around the coastline

Walk through the pine forest

Find a traditional taverna for lunch

Evening swim and paddleboarding

The children can have a genuine feeling of exploring an island rather than simply visiting a resort.

Day 4 — Kalamos → Ithaca

Now head for Ithaca, the legendary home of Odysseus.

I'd aim for Vathy, the main harbour.

Onshore adventure:

Explore Vathy

Visit the archaeological/museum sites

Hire a car or scooters for an afternoon island exploration

Walk to one of the viewpoints

Have a proper Greek family dinner ashore

Ithaca adds something different to the trip: you're no longer just moving between beautiful swimming spots, but getting a sense of Greek mythology and island history. Discover Greece specifically highlights following in Odysseus' footsteps as an experience on Ithaca.

Day 5 — Ithaca → Kefalonia

Sail: approximately 10–15 nautical miles depending on your chosen stop.

Head across to Fiskardo, one of the prettiest harbours in the Ionian.

This is a good place for a shore-based adventure day.

You could:

Explore Fiskardo

Hire a car

Visit Melissani Cave

Visit Drogarati Cave

Go to a beach for the afternoon

Find a traditional Kefalonian restaurant

There are also established boat-excursion operators around Fiskardo if you want to add an activity without taking the sailing yacht. For example, Crystal Clear Cruising Sailing Trips operates from the harbour, while Ionian Discoveries is based in Fiskardo.

Day 6 — Kefalonia → a deserted bay

I'd deliberately make this your "no plans" day.

Find a beautiful secluded anchorage and spend the day:

🏊 swimming

🤿 snorkelling

🛶 kayaking

🏄 paddleboarding

🎣 fishing

🚤 exploring in the dinghy

📚 reading in the shade

For a family sailing holiday, these unstructured days can end up being the most memorable.

Day 7 — Kefalonia → Meganisi

Start heading back towards Lefkada, stopping somewhere such as Meganisi.

Make this your family challenge day:

Morning sailing competition

Children navigate using a chart

Anchor in a new bay

Snorkelling treasure hunt

Paddleboard race

Cook dinner together on board

Sunset swim

It turns the children from passengers into part of the crew.

Day 8 — Meganisi → Lefkada

A relaxed final sail back to Lefkada.

I'd allow plenty of time so you can stop for a final swim before returning the yacht.

🌴 The really nice thing about this route

You get five different types of holiday in one trip:

Experience Where

🏖️ Beautiful beaches Meganisi & Kefalonia

⛵ Proper sailing Between the islands

🏝️ Deserted-island adventure Kastos & Kalamos

🏛️ History & mythology Ithaca

🍋 Greek villages & tavernas Everywhere!

🤿 Snorkelling & watersports Almost every anchorage

🕳️ Caves & exploration Kefalonia

🚲 Walking/cycling Kastos, Kalamos & Meganisi

The Ionian is particularly attractive for this style of family trip because the islands are relatively close together and the sailing tends to involve manageable daytime passages rather than long open-water crossings.

🛥️ What boat would I choose?

For a family, I'd seriously consider a 4-cabin catamaran rather than a monohull.

You get:

Much more living space

Two hulls/greater privacy

Large cockpit

Easy access to the water

Plenty of room for children

More stable platform at anchor

Excellent space for paddleboards, snorkelling gear and the dinghy

If you have 6–8 people, a 4-cabin catamaran would be particularly attractive.

⭐ One variation I'd consider

If you have 10–14 days rather than just a week, I'd extend the trip substantially rather than sailing faster.

You could do:

Lefkada → Meganisi → Kastos → Kalamos → Ithaca → Kefalonia → Zakynthos → Kefalonia → Ithaca → Meganisi → Lefkada

This starts to feel like a proper family expedition through the Ionian, with sailing interspersed with beaches, caves, hiking, kayaking and Greek villages.

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Enterprise class Scottish Bluebell Series at Forfar Sailing Club

 

Sponsored by Stewart Brewing, HD Sails and Coast to Coast Rigging

The final round of the Bluebell series was sailed at Forfar SC in very varied conditions.

Saturday

Wind WSW F4 to 5. Course: club marks: beat, reach to starboard, beat, reach to port, run

Race 1: A bias towards the pin prompted Gerry Goodfellow & Mike Lewis and Euan & Morven Dunn to attempt port end flyers. Charles Morrish & Alison coming down the line on starboard put a stop to that, however Gerry & Mike recovered to be first round the first windward mark with Charles & Alison disputing second place with Oli Boocock & Luke Hartshorn.

Meanwhile Paul Young & Emma Coleman along with Nicol Halcrow & Eilidh Morton had misread the course and gone the wrong way easing congestion at the first mark which was little more than a couple of boat lengths from the shore. Gerry & Mike were never headed while Charles & Alison lost the battle for second to Oli & Luke with Mhairi Ogilvie & Duncan Willoughby coming in fourth.

Race 2: The wind eased a little but the bias was still there. Charles & Alison timed their approach to the pin, pulling away on starboard before tacking onto port and crossing the fleet. The first mark had been dragged away from the shore, they rounded ahead of the rest, planed way down the reach and built a substantial lead. Behind them Luke & Oli took second with Gerry & Mike third and Paul & Emma fourth.

Race 3: The wind strength returned to race 1 levels. Again Charles & Alison got away to lead but by lap three age was beginning to tell! Oli & Luke came through to win while Gerry & Mike pulled through to second on the final beat with Peter Middlemiss & Beccy Oosterhoorn taking fourth.

In the evening Forfar SC provided its usual wonderful hospitality. The evening's ceilidh was complemented by a great variety of delicious home-made dishes along with a very cheap bar.

Special thanks to HD Sails for providing a voucher towards the purchase of a new sail. The winner of the voucher was decided by a draw, to be eligible competitors had to sail 5 of the 6 Bluebell events, 'grandad' Charles was the lucky winner!

Sunday

Race 4: Wind: South, calm/F1; course: club marks; running/reaching with only a short beat possible.

The heralded F4 gusting F5 had not yet arrived and in its place was a light and shifty southerly, particularly shifty as it attempted to blow over and through the trees that border the south side of the loch. Only a reaching start was possible and Gerry & Mike got their timing just right to pull away from the rest of the fleet.

Behind them there was much changing of places caused by the variable breeze along with patches of weed to trap the unwary. Charles & Alison were in second for much of the race but then on the long run on lap 2 Paul & Emma rode a helpful puff along the clubhouse shore to take second while Oli & Luke pulled through to third.

Race 5: Wind SE F1/2

The shift in the breeze meant a little more beating along the course but still with a reaching start. Race 5 was all about the start. In the last few seconds boats were running gently along the line, aiming to harden up onto starboard at the gun. An extra puff of breeze had them accelerating towards the shore putting paid to all their plans!

With nowhere to go the leading four all crossed early and had to return. A boat length behind them Charles was unsure while Alison thought they were good to go. They went and lead all the way to the finish to discover that it was one of those rare occasions when Alison was mistaken! As the starting mayhem had developed Oli & Luke made the wise decision to gybe out early and come in to the line again, timing it almost perfectly.

Gerry & Mike had been one of the returners and were never able to get clear of the pack so Oli & Luke won the race and in so doing they took the event overall; behind them Paul & Emma came in second with Morven & Euan third and Nicol & Eilidh fourth.

Congratulations to Oli & Luke on winning the event, their first open win away from home! Thank you to Forfar S C for their generous prizes for the first three overall.

Congratulations also to Mhairi Ogilvie for winning the Ladies Trophy and to Morven Dunn for taking the Junior Trophy.

Special thanks to sponsors Stewart Brewing and Coast to Coast Rigging for their end of season prizes distributed around the fleet.

RS Aero Delivered to Competition Winner for Noble Marine Insurance

 

RS Aero Selected as Noble Marine 'Win a Boat' Prize

Delivery days are always special at RS Sailing, but this particular RS Aero delivery earlier this month was especially memorable.

Clare Greeno was the lucky winner of Noble Marine Insurance's 'Win A Boat' prize draw at the 2026 RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show. A leading provider of dinghy insurance, Noble Marine Insurance celebrated 30 years in the business, by entering all customers with an insurance policy in 2025-26 into the prize draw to win a dinghy of their choice.

Clare chose a RS Aero. And, after a brand new one was built to her specification at the RS Sailing factory in Cowes, our Finance Director, Martin Wadsworth, personally delivered it to Parkstone Yacht Club.

About the Prize Winner

Winning the prize draw was a fantastic surprise for Clare, who's sailed a wide range of dinghy classes over the years.

She first learnt to sail at just 5 years old on a Puffin before joining Parkstone YC at 13. Clare then started racing an Enterprise with her dad before the pair moved into an RS200 when the class arrived at the club.

"The first few times in the RS200 involved a significant amount of swimming while we got our heads around the asymmetric," Clare recalls. "But once we got going, we flew!"

She also spent several seasons racing a Topper before moving into a 420s and Laser 2s. Since then, Clare has spent years following both of her sons through the Parkstone YC youth fleet and beyond. With both boys now teenagers, "I think it is finally time for me to do some sailing of my own again and try out as many new fleets as I can."

Why the RS Aero?

On winning the Noble Marine Insurance prize draw - with an option of RS Tera, RS Feva, RS Aero, ILCA, Topper or Solo dinghies to choose from - Clare opted for an RS Aero.

"I have sailed RS boats for a number of years. This year I was lucky enough to accompany my son to the RS Feva UK Nationals. I think RS has the right balance between serious racing and enjoying the fun of recreational sailing.

Although I love being in a double-handed boat, I know life is busy and being able to go sailing without organising a crew will give me the opportunity to get out on the water regularly.

The RS Aero is a fast, modern boat. I love trying new fleets and I think the RS Aero has a bright future."

RS Sailing Managing Director, Alex Newton-Southon, was delighted to see Clare choose an RS Aero for her prize.

"Noble Marine Insurance has been a long-standing partner of RS Sailing, and we know how much our UK RS Class Associations value their generous support and sponsorship each year. Congratulations to Clare on her fantastic win, and thank you for choosing the RS Aero. We hope it brings you and your family plenty of great days on the water!"

Jo Haynes, General Manager at Noble Marine Insurance, added: "We were delighted to announce Clare as the winner of our 'Win a Boat' campaign. The initiative was launched to champion the dinghy sailing community, encouraging more people to get out on the water and embrace the sport. Noble Marine is thrilled that Clare has selected the RS Aero as her prize. The class is renowned for its blend of high performance and accessibility. As long-standing supporters of the RS Aero Class Association, we are pleased to see our partnership with the fleet continue through this prize."

A Prize for All The Family

With the boat now safely delivered to Parkstone YC, Clare is already looking forward to getting out on the water - and it seems she may have to share the new RS Aero:

"The whole family wants a go! My two teens, my dad, who is in his 70s and races dinghies regularly, and we might even take my 5-year-old niece out for a spin on a light day."

Clare is already aware of the nearby fleets and RS Aero Class where she can get involved with racing at local and national level. For now, though, she's planning to enjoy some 'me time' sailing and make the most of having a boat she can launch and sail whenever the opportunity arises.

"I will sail it recreationally to start with, but who knows? Now I am getting my own sailing time in, the sky is the limit!"

WASZP Welsh Championship at Bala Sailing Club

 

Sixteen WASZPs entered the Welsh Championship at Bala, rescheduled from August when a lack of wind stopped play. This time there was no shortage of breeze.

Six races were sailed on Saturday before Sunday proved too gnarly to race. The U19s dominated, taking the top four places, and Max Rawlinson won the title with four race wins from six, discarding a 4th to finish on 6 points.

Saturday

Day 1 delivered WASZP racing at its best. The race team set a NASCAR course with sprints across the lake and ran five races of 10-15 minutes each. The wind was never going to make it easy. Big gusts and equally big lulls rolled down the lake, and the breeze turned fickle near the shores, so no lead was safe until the finish.

Alex Jones set the pace early, winning races 1 and 3. Max answered by taking races 2, 4 and 5, and his 4th in race 3 was his only finish outside the top two. Thomas Dempsey was the most consistent of the chasers, with three top-three finishes. Behind them, Helena Mills Bowers was the top 7.5 rig claiming two 3rd place finishes, and Oscar Hoyle as the second 7.5 and top U17 taking a 2nd in race 5.

Sunday

The fleet launched on Sunday, but gusts of up to 37 knots, with big holes in between, made the conditions unraceable, and the race officer abandoned racing for the day. Some sailors stayed out to enjoy the pressure lines in the breeze with speed runs up and down the lake. Saturday's six races stood as the final results.

A big thank you to Bala Lake Sailing Club, the race officer and team, the safety boat crews and the volunteers ashore for some great hospitality and racing.

Top female and top 7.5 rig: Helena Mills Bowers

Top U17: Oscar Hoyle

Top Master: Ian Fitzgerald

Top Super Master: Colin Rawlinson

Overall Results:

Pos Sailor Sail No Division Rig R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 Pts

1 Max Rawlinson 2924 Junior (U19) 8.2 2 1 -4 1 1 6

2 Alex Jones 2175 Junior (U19) 8.2 1 2 1 2 -3 8

3 Thomas Dempsey 3648 Junior (U19) 8.2 3 -6 2 3 5 16

4 Helena Mills Bowers 3363 Junior (U19) 7.5 5 3 3 4 -6 21

5 Oscar Hoyle 3285 U17 7.5 7 4 9 7 2 29

6 George Spence 2905 Junior (U19) 8.2 6 -8 6 6 4 30

7 Ian Fitzgerald 2607 Master 8.2 4 8 8 -10 7 31

8 Peter Hoyle 3476 Master 8.2 9 10 -13 5 8 37

9 Sam Watson 3154 Master 8.2 12 7 7 8 (DSQ) 43

10 Jim Bowes 2729 Junior (U19) 8.2 10 -13 5 11 11 44

11 Colin Rawlinson 2436 Super Master (50+) 8.2 11 5 11 -12 9 46

12 Ben Knapper 2437 U17 7.5 8 11 10 9 10 48

13 Chris Keatley 2522 Master 8.2 (DNS) 12 12 13 13 63

14= Theo Smith 2702 Junior (U19) 8.2 DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 75

14= Tristan Harding 2700 Junior (U19) 7.5 DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 75

14= Finley Kirkby 2976 U17 6.9 DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 75

RS500 Rooster National Tour set for thrilling finale at Grafham Water Sailing Club

 

The 2026 RS500 Rooster National Tour heads to Grafham Water Sailing Club for its eagerly anticipated finale, with the Inland Championships set to decide the season's honours.

After four varied and competitive events at Rutland, Dabchicks, Gurnard and Torbay, just one point separates the leading two teams. Tim Wilkins and Heather Wilkins top the standings on two points following victories at Rutland and Gurnard, while Mike Saul and Oli Kent are close behind on three points after winning at Dabchicks and taking second at Rutland.

With both leading helms entered for Grafham, everything is set for an exciting final showdown. Tim Wilkins will be joined at the Inland Championships by Fresh Abendstern, while Mike Saul and Ollie Kent return in boat 1689 looking to turn their consistent season into the overall tour title.

Currently third in the tour are Emma McEwen and Luke McEwen of Royal Lymington Yacht Club. Their campaign gathered real momentum with second place at the Torbay National Championships, adding to their sixth at Gurnard and putting them on eight points ahead of the final event. They arrive at Grafham with a clear opportunity to consolidate a tour podium and apply pressure to the two teams ahead.

Nigel Davis and Aaron Davis are another team to watch. Currently fifth on 11 points, they opened their season with third at Rutland and are one of the highest-placed established partnerships attending Grafham. A strong Inland Championships result could move them firmly up the final leaderboard.

John Reynolds and Fran Howell will also be back in action after finishing second at Dabchicks. Local knowledge could come into play for the Grafham Water pairing, who will be joined by fellow home sailor Peter Curtis, racing at the finale with Martyn Denchfield.

Completing the current entry list are Robin Leather and Emily Leather from Gurnard Sailing Club, bringing the fleet to seven boats and adding another fresh combination to the final event of the season.

The Inland Championships promise to provide a fitting conclusion to a season that has produced different event winners, close racing and rapidly changing fortunes across a wide range of conditions.

Can Tim Wilkins complete a hat-trick of tour-event victories? Will Mike Saul and Oli Kent overturn the one-point deficit? Can Emma McEwen and Luke McEwen carry their Nationals form into the finale, or will one of the chasing teams make a late charge up the standings?

With the tour title, podium positions and Inland Championship honours all on the line, Grafham Water Sailing Club is ready to host a fantastic final chapter to the 2026 RS500 Rooster National Tour.

Experience meets a new generation at the World Sailing Inclusion Championships 2026

 

The 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships will bring together around 230 sailors from 40 countries in Portimão next week, with Paralympic champions, established international competitors and a new generation of sailors preparing to take to the start line.

Racing is scheduled to take place from 5-10 October, and some of the most compelling stories are not only who might win across the fleets. Athletes returning to international competition, new nations emerging through World Sailing's Inclusive Development Programme (IDP), and entirely new disciplines joining the programme all add to the excitement at the second edition of this unique event.

In the Para Inclusive One-Person Keelboat World Championship, the Hansa 303 fleet brings together some familiar names. Piotr Cichocki (POL), Jens Kroker (GER), Gauthier Bril (FRA) and Rory McKinna (GBR) will be among an experienced group to watch.

But the fleet also demonstrates the growing reach of the sport. Zaida Perez Bugueño (CHI) has progressed through the development pathway since participating in the programme around The Hague in 2023, while Daniel McCollin (BAR) makes the step from the Antigua IDP earlier this year to the World Championships.

India and Korea will also return with multiple Hansa 303 entries following previous IDP activity, demonstrating how investment in development is translating into sustained participation at international level.

There is another great development story in the Inclusive Two-Person Keelboat, where Xervier Doney (NZL) will compete alongside his father, Paul. Xervier, as an Intellectual Impairment sailor, who participated in the Australia IDP in 2025 and now progresses to international competition in Portimão.

The Para Inclusive Two-Person Keelboat World Championship will feature plenty of established talent in the RS Venture Connect, with strong teams from Great Britain, France and host nation Portugal.

One of the biggest names returning to the two-person fleet is Maureen McKinnon (USA). A Paralympic gold medallist in the SKUD18, McKinnon returns to international two-person competition alongside Shan McAdoo.

Alongside that experience will be some exciting new international representation. Thailand's Tanat Upatising and Tammachat Sriopas progress to the Championships following the IDP held in India in August, while Jamaica joins the fleet following the Antigua IDP earlier in 2026. Ukraine will also be represented following work with the Superhumans Center.

The Championships will also see the Challenger make its debut in the Para Inclusive One-Person Multihull World Championship.

Among those returning to international competition is Russell Vollmer (RSA), who previously competed during the Paralympic era in the 2.4mR. Trinidad & Tobago, India and Vietnam are also represented in the new fleet, creating another pathway for sailors from developing Para programmes to compete internationally.

There will be plenty of experience in the Para Inclusive One-Person Technical Championship too. The 2.4mR fleet includes Niko Salomaa (FIN) and John Seepe (USA) among an international line-up spanning Europe, Asia and North America.

In the Vision Impaired Keelboat World Championship, Dani Anglada Pich (ESP) and Lucy Hodges (GBR) are two experienced names to follow. Both have also contributed to the wider development of VI sailing, helping create opportunities and share knowledge with sailors and nations entering the discipline. Racing in the RS21 will add another new dimension to the VI competition in Portimão.

From Paralympic champions returning to the water to sailors reaching their first World Championships through the IDP pathway, the 2026 field reflects both the history and the changing face of Para Inclusive Sailing.

And with new nations, new equipment and new disciplines joining established World Championship fleets, Portimão will offer an early glimpse of where the sport could go next.

The 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships is delivered in partnership with Vela Solidária, the Municipality of Portimão, and the Portuguese Sailing Federation, with backing from The America's Cup.

Racing runs from Monday 5 October-Saturday 10 October. Visit the event website for more information or @ParaWorldSailingOfficial on Instagram for event updates.

Autumn Regatta 2026 at Hickling Broad Sailing Club

 

Hickling broad sailing club Autumn open regatta had a different format this year. Instead of racing around the broad as usual, we decided that we would have a passage race; a race from the clubhouse at the bottom of Hickling broad, across the length of the broad, down Candle dyke, past Heigham Sounds, along the Thurne to Potter Heigham bridge and back, non-stop.

The day greeted us with a blustery fresh southerly wind which meant that after being gratefully fortified by bacon rolls provided by the team in the galley, the fleet set off on a beat across the broad and tacked all the way up Candle dyke. The broad is currently weed free, which means that long tacks using the whole of the width of the broad were possible and fully taken advantage of.

We had a good selection of boats; everything from half a dozen Norfolk punts of different ages and designs, to an Ilca 4.7, a beautiful half decker, several Wayfarers, an RS200, a sprinkling of single handers, some visitors and some intrepid juniors. The punts, as expected, were well clear of the rest of the fleet by the top of the broad, and there was some close tacking between them as they fought for places up Candle dyke.

Simon and Rachel Clayton in their beautiful 90 year old traditional punt managed to hang on to their second position throughout the race, despite being chased by newer and faster punts. At the end of Candle dyke the fleet turned right towards Potter Heigham, reaching to the gybe mark before reaching back. The wind was now gusting around 20kts which meant that every blast between the bungalows ensured the boats were struggling not to blow over to leeward, and every bungalow ensured that crews were struggling to avoid a capsize to windward.

Those that were trapezing got a good T-bagging!

Returning down Candle dyke the fleet were now on a dead run most of the time, with many enforced gybes which ensured that those with spinnakers had plenty to do. The final run across the broad home saw many boats flying, with even the slowest of boats returning in not much more than 2 hours.

Final honours went to Charlie Stewart and Seth Footer in their hardchine punt, who just beat Simon and Rachel Clayton on handicap in their traditional punt. Third place and first single hander went to Mike Gower in his Solution, and Ed James took the half decker cup, sailing with Jane Monteith and Julian Jefferies. First junior was Lucy Pitcher in her ILCA 6.

All involved felt that the day was a great success, and we will definitely schedule it again next year.

Overall Results:

Pos Class Sail no Helm Crew PY Minutes Seconds Corrected

1 PUNT HC 96 Charlie Stewart Seth 884 81 34 5536.2

2 PUNT 40 Simon Clayton Rachel Clayton 926 86 11 5584.2

3 SOLUTION 392 Mike Gower 1112 105 2 5667.3

4 LASER STD 164754 Adam Osborn‑Jones 1103 105 20 5729.8

5 PUNT HC 103 Jane Pye Megan Pye 884 88 31 6007.9

6 PUNT HC 52 James Clarke T Evans 884 89 8 6049.8

7 SOLO 4250+ 5148 Martin Smith 1139 116 55 6158.9

8 PUNT M 86 Noel Bradshaw Emily Vaughan 875 91 56 6304

9 Wayfarer 4842 M Filipiak P Fisher 1107 116 48 6330.6

10 LASER RADIAL 137012 Lucy Pitcher 1156 122 45 6371.1

11 RS 200 1290 Willow Osborne Emily Pike 1053 113 31 6468.2

12 PUNT M 88 B Sawyer R Sawyer 875 96 25 6611.4

13 Laser 4.7 7397 Sam Howell 1218 138 28 6821

14 SOLO 4250+ 4251 Susie D 1139 131 11 6910.4

15 Half Decker J Hareith 1160 133 49 6921.6

16 WAYFARER 9507 Bryan Morum Clive 1107 129 13 7003.6

17 Wayfarer 7415 John Perrem Jane Reeds 1107 134 16 7277.3

Aquavista expands into Scotland with Clyde Marina acquisition

 

Aquavista has announced the acquisition of Clyde Marina in Ardrossan, Scotland, expanding its marina portfolio and marking the UK operator’s entry into the Scottish market.

Located on the North Ayrshire coast, around 48 kilometres from Glasgow, Clyde Marina can accommodate yachts measuring up to 30-metres in length and forms part of Scotland’s west coast cruising network. It now joins Aquavista’s portfolio of 34 inland and coastal marinas across the UK.

The acquisition also incorporates Sunbird International Yacht Sales, which is headquartered at the marina, into the Aquavista Group, further expanding its presence in the coastal marine tourism sector.  

According to Aquavista, Clyde Marina features large boatyard facilities and provides access to Scotland’s west coast cruising grounds and islands. Moreover, the marina joins its coastal network alongside Glasson, Hull, Birdham Pool and Royal Clarence, which collectively extend across the north, east, south and west of Britain.

The acquisition will also give Clyde Marina customers access to Aquavista’s wider network of marinas, alongside benefits including Explore 100 and Marina Swap, allowing boaters to use facilities across the group.

Commenting on the acquisition, Aquavista CEO Steve de Polo said: “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Clyde Marina with its large boatyards, ideally positioned for Scotland’s world-renowned west coast cruising grounds and islands. It is a respected name within the Scottish marine industry, and we can’t wait to welcome its customers and crew into the Aquavista family.

“We pride ourselves on investing in our marinas and waterside teams, ensuring that our customers’ lives by the water are made easy and enjoyable. I look forward to working with the team and their broad client base at Clyde Marina and Sunbird International Yacht Sales to further improve their marina experience.”

Contessa 32 National Championship at the Royal Lymington Yacht Club

 

September sees the end of the Contessa 32 inshore racing programme, this year warmly hosted by the Royal Lymington Yacht Club. Located in the town that is the birthplace of the class, there was a very special sense of homecoming as the fleet gathered on Thursday 17 September with frontal storm clouds gathering for a windy weekend of racing.

The programme followed the usual format of a seven race series with five windward leeward courses and two round the cans. Day one of racing on the Friday saw a building westerly airstream which provided an exciting first race with three laps to the windward marks near the river entrance and testing spinnaker runs. Race one saw Nick Bradley's Merak II take the lead opting for the right hand leeward mark in more tide but with clear air to the windward mark allowing her to take the race from Drumbeat by 40 seconds with Andaxi about a minute behind in third.

The second race over the same course saw much more wind across the Western Solent race area with some boats opting for less sail although only one went down to the Heavy Weather Jib. Spinnaker work was not for everyone in this race as some boats chose to exercise caution in the conditions. The race was taken by Drumbeat with Merak II less than 50 seconds behind and nationals newcomer Gigi under new ownership this season taking third place foreshadowing more success to come.

Saturday turned into a lay day as all racing was sensibly cancelled with 30 knot winds being forecast to combine with strong tides to make racing too dangerous. Crews were able to explore the Lymington area finding a range of distractions from saunas to shopping, the Lymington Art Gallery, Hurst Castle and of course a number of local pubs. The crews enjoyed a memorable dinner hosted at the Royal Lymington Yacht Club with guests including Fiona, Simon, Kit and Jessie Rogers ever supportive of the class.

By Sunday morning more normal western Solent weather conditions were restored allowing race officer Roger Wilson to set three more races to complete the series. In Race three, the first of two windward leewards, sailed in a shifting north-westerly breeze, Jemima took the win beating Drumbeat by just under a minute very closely followed by Concerto.

Race four on Sunday was Eddie Steel's day as Gigi found good lifting breeze heading out on starboard tack enabling her to take a commanding lead over the fleet in very challenging conditions to win the race beating Concerto by over a minute with Merak II in third.

Going into the last race, the only round the cans of the shortened series, the fleet was again met with shifty wind conditions still from the north-west and very hard to read. This time it was Concerto's turn to head the podium with Andaxi taking second some 40 seconds later and Jemima by some 15 seconds in third.

The series was won by Drumbeat with Merak II in second place and Concerto taking third. With only 6 points separating the top six, this was another classic Contessa 32 nationals showing why the class continues to provide the best cruiser racing one design racing in the country. The 5 race series saw 5 different boats take line honours, surely a clear indicator of a great competition with two new boats joining this season.

The competitors summed up the series in their own words. Eddie Steel, owner of Gigi commented: "My first Nationals on Gigi served to further reinforce why I chose to join the Contessa fleet in the first place: competitive on the water, great fun and super friendly community off the water - we even managed to win a race, which was a real cherry on the cake!"

The winning skipper, Mark Hinsworth of Drumbeat observed that from Drumbeat's perspective, "the Nationals were immaculately-run and warmly-hosted. Against most of the fleet on number 1s, we flew our number 2 in 14 or 15 or so knots off the first start and never felt underpowered. Merak took the right gate mark on round 2 of race 1 and steamed into a commanding lead in clear air in the first race, with Drumbeat second, those positions reversing in the second race with Drumbeat enduring some serious rolling downwind."

Second placed Merak II's Nick Bradley noted "Boat handling management on a windy Friday. Hangovers, OCS and snakes and ladders in very shifty winds on Sunday."

And third placed Mark Dence of Concerto: "Tough day Friday and poor sail plan decision making was important learning! Don't expect crew to tack efficiently in 30 knots for 3 hours! Great day for us on Sunday. Good team communication and reading the shifts paid off. Fabulous racing conditions."

The Contessa 32 fleet would like to thank Sally Kalis, Commodore of the Royal Lymington YC and Roger Wilson the Race Officer and their teams for hosting a memorable, highly competitive series in difficult conditions.

The Contessa 32 class welcomed a good number of younger and mostly female sailors to the championship this year, in particular Andaxi and English Rose both with teenage crew reducing the average age; the latter with two Scaramouche Sailing Trust/Greig City Academy sailors in her crew building on their Cowes Week one design racing experience. Thanks are due to Jessie and Simon Rogers for giving the English Rose team at short notice an early morning tour of the yard with the latest Contessa 32 newbuild in progress and much else besides.

As Sally Kalis reminded the fleet in her welcoming remarks, the Macnamara Bowl was first sailed in 1978 in Contessa 32's and it is striking to note that this important event for women's sailing was only revived this year having been dormant since 1995. The Contessa 32 class is always open to young crew looking for exciting racing: just get in touch via the website.

Lest it be thought that Contessa 32's are only involved in inshore racing, this year has seen Contessa 32 members competing in RORC, JOG races and the biennial Channel Classic Regatta. 2027 promises to be another great year for the fleet.

Overall Results:

Pos Boat Name Sail No Club Entered By R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 Pts

1st Drumbeat 651 Bar Yacht Club Mark Himsworth 2 1 2 4 ‑7 9

2nd Merak II 401 RSYC Nick Bradley 1 2 ‑8 3 4 10

3rd Concerto 640 CO32 Association Mark Dence ‑7 6 3 2 1 12

4th Gigi 7718 YYC Eddie Steel ‑5 3 4 1 5 13

5th Jemima 2751 RORC Gareth Penn (RET) 4 1 6 3 14

6th Andaxi 701 RAFYC Donna Rouse‑Collen 3 ‑5 5 5 2 15

7th English Rose 926 RORC Peter Binning 4 7 6 ‑9 6 23

8th Cu na Mara 908 Stokes Bay SC Paul Gardner 6 10 ‑11 10 8 34

9th Coric 222 RNSA John McNaughton ‑10 8 10 8 9 35

10th Carolina 3274 RLYC Nick Cameron (RET) RET 7 7 10 40

11th Starstreak 753 CO32 Class Roger Shinton 8 9 ‑13 12 11 40

12th Carinosa 718 RTYC/RSYC Jo Sammons 9 (DNS) 9 11 DNC 45

13th Connie 6541 RAFYC Mel McQueen 11 (DNS) 12 RET DNC 55

TYHA Marina of the Year Awards 2026

 

Marina teams from across the UK and around the world had plenty to celebrate at the Southampton International Boat Show (23 September, 2026), as The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) revealed the winners of its 2026 Marina Awards, anchored by Haven Knox-Johnston.

Presented on the Boating Stage, the eight awards put the spotlight on the marinas boaters value most and the people who make them special. From coastal and inland favourites to international and superyacht destinations, the ceremony recognised outstanding service, dedicated teams and practical work to make marinas more sustainable.

The 2026 results

Coastal Marina of the Year, under 250 berths: Poole Quay Boat Haven.

Runner-up: Emsworth Yacht Harbour. Third place: IGY ST Kats.

Coastal Marina of the Year, over 250 berths: Cowes Yacht Haven.

Runner-up: Mayflower Marina. Third place: Jersey Marina.

Inland Marina of the Year: York Marina.

Runner-up: Shepperton Marina. Third place: Overwater Marina.

International Marina of the Year: Ayla Marina.

Runner-up: Marina De Vilamoura - Nova Marina. Third place: Setur Antalya.

Superyacht Marina of the Year: Marina De Vilamoura.

Runner-up: Yalikavak Marina. Third place: YAS Marina.

Marina Employee of the Year: Harry Durrah, Emsworth Yacht Harbour.

Sustainable Marina of the Year: Parkstone Bay Marina.

Highly commended: Emsworth Yacht Harbour

Marina Team of the Year: Shepperton Marina.

Special recognition: Dubai Harbour Marina.