World Sailing supports the next generation of elite female coaches

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to apply

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

Why you want to apply for the WISH Programme,

What the WISH Programme can do for you,

What you want to get out of the WISH Programme.

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

Cork Week Expands Coastal Fleet Eligibility

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Greek Island Hopping Adventures

 

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

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

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

Day 1 — Lefkada to Meganisi

• Embark at Lefkada marina; sail to Meganisi.

• Explore hidden coves, swim stops, and relax.

• Dinner in Vathy or Spartochori.

Day 2 — Meganisi to Kalamos

• Short sail to Kalamos for sandy beaches & snorkelling.

• Beach games, paddleboarding, kayaking.

• Walk to Kalamos village in evening.

Day 3 — Kalamos to Ithaca (Kioni / Vathy)

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

• Optional hike to Niforeika or visit small beaches.

• Explore harbour town tavernas.

Day 4 — Ithaca to Atokos / Arkoudi Bay

• Swim and snorkel in crystal coves.

• Beach BBQ or picnic ashore.

• Quiet anchorage for star-gazing.

Day 5 — Atokos to Kefalonia (Assos / Fiskardo)

• Explore Assos village or pretty Fiskardo.

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

Day 6 — Kefalonia to Sivota / Meganisi

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

• Optional cycling or local fishing village visit.

Day 7 — Return to Lefkada

• Calm final sail, brunch ashore and disembark.

• Spend afternoon in Lefkada town or nearby beaches.

Why this is great for families:

✅ Long calm waters mean shorter crossings and less seasickness.

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

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

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

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

Suggested 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Split (Marina / Old Town)

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

Day 2 — Split → Šolta (Nečujam / Maslinica)

• Short sail to Šolta; easy snorkelling & kayaking.

• Dinner ashore in a quiet village.

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

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

• Explore Bol village.

Day 4 — Brač → Hvar Town

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

Day 5 — Hvar → Vis (Stiniva / Komiža)

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

• Town visit in Komiža.

Day 6 — Vis → Pakleni Islands

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

• Optional paddleboarding/kayaking session.

Day 7 — Back to Split (via Milna)

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

Why this is great for families:

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

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

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

🏝️ Family Activity Ideas to Include

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

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

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

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

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

🛟 Tips for a Great Family Trip

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

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

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

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

 Would you like help planning your next trip?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bassenthwaite Sailing Club 2026 season

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Icicle Series 2026 at Bough Beech Sailing Club

 

The final day of Bough Beech SC's Icicle Series brought mild temperatures — and, at last, a proper breeze. Race Officer Pete Young, rumoured to have flown back from overseas especially for the occasion, set an excellent figure-of-eight course that used much of the reservoir and featured a long, fast reach, much to the delight of the Conventional fleet.

With gusts into the high teens, the Conventional turnout was smaller than usual. In the opening race Neal Gibson's RS300 disappeared into the distance, finishing a full five minutes ahead of Richard Lambert's Supernova. On handicap, however, neither could hold off a trio of Bough Beech ILCA 7 sailors: Duncan Lawson took the win, followed by Elliot Marks and Sergio Mesina. Lambert placed fourth and Gibson fifth.

The final race of the series again saw the RS300 and Supernova lead home on the water, but this time Lambert — making his first appearance of the series and reinforcing his reputation for excelling in a blow — took the win. Elliot Marks secured another second place, Gibson was third, Guy Marks and Sam Boniface brought their Wayfarer through to fourth, and John Hamilton (ILCA 7) finished fifth.

Conditions suited the Bough Beech 2000s in the Asymmetric fleet. In their first race Matt and Ollie Larkin, already frequent podium visitors this winter, took their first win of the series. Jonathan and Louisa Ching were second, with Jo Field and Annabel Larkin third. The Chings reversed the result in race two, winning ahead of the Larkins, while Paul Cullen and Verity Hopkins in an RS200 took third.

So overall Series honours in the Conventional fleet went to long-time series leaders Guy Marks and Sam Boniface (Wayfarer, Bough Beech SC). Matthew Wolstenholme and Sophie Wantling (Snipe) finished second, with Wolstenholme also managing an impressive third overall in the overlapping Sailjuice Winter Series. Thanks to his pair of seconds on the final day, Elliot Marks (ILCA 7) climbed to third overall.

Paul Cullen and Verity Hopkins (2000) secured the Asymmetric Fleet title with days to spare, allowing them time to hone their RS200 campaign. Jonathan and Hayden/Louisa Ching (2000) were second overall, with Matt and Ollie Larkin (2000) third.

Despite light winds on many earlier days, the series proved a success: 120 boats, more than a quarter of them visitors, completed at least one race. Over 80 race and shore duties were carried out by club members, all sustained by the club's ever-reliable galley.

Conventional Fleet top 10:

Pos Class Helm and crew Club Pts

1 Wayfarer Guy Marks & Sam Bonniface Bough Beech SC 18

2 Snipe Matther Wolstenholme & Sophie Wantling Bough Beech SC 27

3 ILCA7 Elliot Marks Bough Beech SC 28.2

4 Solo Patrick Ward Bough Beech SC 34.8

5 Solo John Clementson Chipstead SC 38

6 RS300 Neal Gibson Bough Beech SC 45

7 Solo Jamie Clementson Chipstead SC 51

8 ILCA7 Robert Gorrod Bough Beech SC 56.6

9 Solo Richard Southern Bough Beech SC 72

10 ILCA7 Duncan Lawson Bough Beech SC 73

Asymmetric Fleet top 10:

Pos Class Helm and crew Club Pts

1 2000 Paul Cullen & Verity Hopkins Bough Beech SC 12

2 2000 Jonathan & Hayden/Louisa Ching Bough Beech SC 17

3 2000 Matt & Ollie Larkin Bough Beech SC 27

4 RS400 Jonny Moss & Rich Sheridan Bough Beech SC 28.5

5 RS200 Mike Warwicker & Kate Fitzsimmons Bough Beech SC 29.3

6 RS200 Mike Green & Oscar/Isabella Pevensey Bay SC 39

7 RS200 Andrew Barnet & Lynne Ratcliffe Island Barn SC & Bough Beech SC 47

8 RS400 Mick & Sarah Whitmore Eastbourne Sovereign SC 53

9 RS100 Colin Hatton Bough Beech SC 78.4

10 RS200 Sebastian Robb & Lara Dyer Downs SC 82

Why the Osprey Class is Soaring

 

The Osprey rewards skill, teamwork, and a touch of daring. Whether you're a seasoned helm, a competitive crew, or someone looking to discover the thrill of high performance sailing, the Osprey offers a uniquely compelling ride.

The class is gearing up for one of its most exciting seasons yet — with the UK National Championships promising big fleets, tight racing, and the warm, welcoming community the class is known for.

The Osprey: A Dinghy That Delivers

The Osprey blends power and control, it rewards tactical thinking upwind and pure exhilaration downwind. Crews love the teamwork it demands; helms love the precision it offers.

It's a class that has embraced modernisation from epoxy hulls to refined rigging systems; the Osprey continues to evolve —reflected in the growing strength of the fleet.

The 2026 UK National Championships: Mount's Bay Awaits

Mount's Bay Sailing Club is one of the most spectacular venues in the country. From Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th September 2026, the fleet will gather for four days of competitive racing, stunning scenery, and the kind of atmosphere that makes a championship feel like a holiday as much as a regatta.

Mount's Bay is famous for its reliable breezes, clean waves, and postcard worthy backdrop — perfect for the Osprey. Expect racing that's tactical, physical, and unforgettable.

Ready to Join the Fleet?

If you've been looking for a class that offers exhilarating performance, tactical depth, and a thriving national scene, the Osprey should be at the top of your list. And there's no better way to experience it than by joining the fleet at Mount's Bay Sailing for the 2026 UK National Championships.

ospreysailing.org.uk

The class look forward to seeing the latest sail number 1387, which was on display at the 2026 RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show fresh from the builders, Hartley Boats, competing in the National Championship.

2026 Fixture List

April 11-12, Tata Steel SC

May 9-10, Poole - Southern Area Championships

May 23-24, Coniston

June 13-14, Tenby Yacht Club - Tenby Regatta

June 20-21, Castle Cove SC

July TBC, Mumbles Yacht Club

July TBC, Hayling Island Sailing Club

August 29-31, Burnham Yacht Club - Burnham Regatta

September 3-6, Mounts Bay SC - National Championships

October 10-11, Blithfield - Inland National Championships

RYA reveals the Portsmouth Yardstick Numbers for 2026

 

The RYA has announced that the Portsmouth Yardstick (PY) numbers list for 2026 have now gone live.

Used around the world, Portsmouth Yardstick is a system, based on a boats relative performance set against the other boats they race with. Fostering collaboration between clubs and working alongside the RYA, the easy-to-use approach enables clubs to run competitive racing at all levels without requiring boat measurements.

How does it work?

The RYA publishes a national list annually to provide a baseline for clubs to assign numbers to the boats racing within their fleets. Through PY Online, clubs can submit their race results to the RYA and use the tool to generate local numbers, reflecting how boats perform in their specific sailing conditions.

In order to score a PY race each boats elapsed time (time taken to sail around the racecourse) must be converted to a corrected time (time converted based on a boats PY number).

This is done by applying a simple correction calculation to each boats elapsed time.

In 2025, the Portsmouth Yardstick system saw its first major update in 30 years. Working with Sheffield Hallam University, the RYA widened the race-time threshold to include more data and shifted to a median-based calculation for greater stability. Improvements to PY Online have further strengthened accuracy and ease of use.

Submitting results

Over the course of the last year, the PY system has received a significant increase in data shared by clubs further strengthening the tool for use in grassroots sailing.

Looking to the year ahead, the RYA encourages clubs to continue submitting race results via PY Online, allowing further development of local numbers for closer competition. Without ongoing data submissions from clubs, the PY system cannot effectively operate and so it's vital all those who use the system ensure they get involved.

When submitting data to the PY system, clubs are also encouraged to review the online lists and use the class configurations created. Any class that doesn't appear on the list can contact technical@rya.org.uk

"We greatly appreciate the volume of data clubs have submitted over the past year as we continue working together to create an environment that makes racing easier for everyone. Over the last year, uploading information into the system has become even more straightforward thanks to the expansion of direct data submission options now available through Sailing Club Manager, Hal Sail and Sailwave. We look forward to supporting clubs further over the coming year and are excited to see the data insights for 2027, the official 75th anniversary of the PY system" Adam Parry, RYA Technical Manager.

Find more information at www.rya.org.uk/racing/portsmouth-yardstick

Entries for landmark 200th anniversary Cowes Week open

 

Sailors from around the globe are expected to converge on the Isle of Wight again this summer.

Entries are now open for the landmark 200th anniversary of Cowes Week, which will take place in August and mark two centuries of the world-famous regatta.

Bob Trimble, chairman of Cowes Week, said: "The strength of Cowes Week has always come from its community – the sailors, volunteers, partners and clubs who make the regatta possible year after year.

"As we open entries for our 200th anniversary, we have held entry fees at 2025 rates so that we can mark this milestone with as many boats as possible, celebrating both the sporting excellence and the spirit of camaraderie that define Cowes Week."

The regatta is expected to attract a bumper fleet, with organisers confirming that entry fees will remain frozen at 2025 levels to encourage broad participation.

Racing will take place from August 1 to 7, with more than 37 classes invited, ranging from classic Solent one-designs to modern, high-performance yachts.

The event’s Notice of Race is now available online and provides full details for competitors.

The J70 class will open the racing on August 1, starting from the Royal Yacht Squadron line at 10.30am.

The final prizegiving will be held on August 7.

Cowes Week continues to appeal to a broad spectrum of sailors, from first-time competitors and family crews to professionals and lifelong Corinthian racers.

Last chance for early bird entries for historic 2026 Royal Escape Race

Sailors are being urged to secure their place in the 2026 Royal Escape Race, with early bird entry pricing closing on 28 February 2026 for one of the South Coast's most distinctive offshore challenges.

Entries are open for the historic cross-Channel yacht race, which departs from Brighton's Palace Pier and finishes in the Normandy port of Fécamp on Friday 22 May 2026. Organised by Sussex Yacht Club (SYC), in partnership with Société des Régates de Fécamp, the Royal Escape Race brings together a diverse fleet of yachts and crews from across the South Coast and beyond. Early bird entry offers discounted rates, with packages including race entry, moorings in Fécamp for the duration of the event, and live race tracking.

Founded in 1977, the Royal Escape Race commemorates the dramatic escape of King Charles II in 1651 following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester. After weeks evading Parliamentary forces, the future king fled from Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex aboard the coal brig Surprise, landing safely in Fécamp. After the Restoration, the vessel was renamed HMY Royal Escape, giving the race its enduring name. Over nearly five decades, the event has grown into one of the South Coast's most iconic offshore races, attracting both experienced competitors and crews taking on their first cross-Channel passage.

Sussex Yacht Club welcomes sailors of all experience levels. The course offers an accessible introduction to offshore racing for novice crews, while still presenting tactical and navigational challenges for seasoned racers.

Robin Stevenson, Commodore of Sussex Yacht Club, said: "We're delighted to be taking entries for the 2026 Royal Escape Race and encourage sailors to take advantage of the early bird offer while it's still available.

"This event is truly special - blending the thrill of offshore sailing with centuries of local and national history. Whether you're racing, supporting, or watching the fleet set off or arrive, this year's Royal Escape Race creates a fantastic spectacle, carrying forward an extraordinary story that began on our shores more than 370 years ago."

The 2026 Royal Escape Race is supported by sailing and outdoor clothing brand, Musto, who is helping to ensure the continued success and growth of this unique celebration of history, seamanship and community. The Sussex Yacht Club encourages businesses that want to get involved in this year's race to get in touch to discuss the various sponsorship packages that are available.

To enter the 2026 Royal Escape Race or find out more, visit 

www.sussexyachtclub.org.uk/royal-escape-race

Elite One Design - What's in a name?

 

On February 10th 2026 the Elite Class began an exciting new chapter with RS Sailing agreeing a handover of the manufacturing rights, enabling the Elite Class to move forward independently.

Launched in 2004 by RS Sailing, the Elite is a three-person 7.4 metre (24ft) keelboat designed for the 21st century by Phil Morrison with a brief to create a modern version of the classic racing sailboat in the spirit of the X One Design, Sunbeam or Swallow. It is a strict one design class, ensuring close and competitive racing.

While the original group of owners were waiting to see the prototype and for delivery of their boats there was much discussion of many things; exact specifications, colours, and of course, the name. RS had mainly given their boats numbers but with some exceptions, and so a name was always a possibility.

Many ideas were put forward, some possibles and some not at all useable. For many months ideas went backwards and forwards but there were no real favourites.

Two of the original groups of owners had owned various Lotus cars over the years and in a chance discussion about various of these they both agreed about the prettiest ever Lotus, possibly the prettiest ever car of any marque was the Elite from the fifties. Anyway, that was the Eureka moment and RS agreed.

At the same time, syndicates were thinking up names for individual boats and for a short time we all managed to include the letters El in the names but that didn't last beyond the Hayling boats. As a result of the need to think up individual boat names one of the things that happened during the waiting for boats period was that there were many social events, we even held a golf day before anyone had sailed a boat. Dinner parties were even held to decide between 'Fidelity' and 'Infidelity' (as a boat name!).

Fast forward 22 years and the discussions on choice of name began again. Shall we retain our identity or take the opportunity to reinvent ourselves? A few people felt the name was 'elitist', whilst others liked the fact that the name had a 20 year heritage. Hayling Island Sailing Club often had four Olympians club racing, is that 'elitist' or does that show that top sailors want to race this 'cracking' keelboat?

We settled on Elite One Design, a recognisable name which clearly describes what we are. We are proud of our RS pedigree and we look forward to many more years of competitive one-design small keelboat racing.

If you would like to find out more about us and where we sail then see www.elite1d.org