Emirates GBR retain 2nd in 2026 Season Standings after finishing 4th at Apex Bermuda Sail Grand Prix

 

Emirates GBR missed out on the Apex Bermuda Sail Grand Prix final by one place after a challenging second day of racing in difficult and unstable conditions on the Bermuda Sound.

The fourth-place event finish means Emirates GBR retain second place in the 2026 SailGP Championship standings, with Australia's Bond Flying Roos extending their lead at the top after claiming back-to-back SailGP event victories in Bermuda, ahead of Spain's Los Gallos and the Germany SailGP Team in the event final.

Emirates GBR Driver Dylan Fletcher, reflected on the weekend:

"We left a lot on the table and certainly didn't sail to our best ability, but on reflection, even though it's not the result we wanted, fourth is a good damage-limitation finish. We're not where we want to be yet, but it's an improvement from Rio.

"It's a long season and we'll analyse the data closely, look at the video and onboard comms, and review what the teams ahead of us are doing better so we can understand where we need to improve. We need to constantly adapt and improve, that's the game in SailGP."

The British team continued to commit to their aggressive start strategy throughout the day, showing flashes of strong pace, particularly in Race 7 where they produced their best start of the event. GBR recorded finishes of fifth, eighth and fifth across the final three fleet races. However, costly manoeuvre errors, unstable breeze and a lack of clean air around the racecourse prevented the team from converting strong starts into podium finishes.

Emirates GBR Strategist Hannah Mills, commented on the final day of racing:

"The conditions were tough, particularly if you weren't around the first mark in clear air. If you were stuck in the pack, it was a difficult day for manoeuvres and staying on the foils in dirty air.

"It was important to come away with a solid overall points result for the season, and finishing fourth delivered that. It feels like we're moving in the right direction after the performance in Rio. There's still plenty of improvement out there for us, but we're moving in the right direction.

"New York is just around the corner and could bring similar conditions to what we had here today, so there are lots of learnings for us to take away and areas where we can improve."

Emirates GBR will look to continue their improvement at the New York Sail Grand Prix (30-31 May 2026), which takes place in three weeks' time.

2026 Jura Scottish Series back for more

 

Among a strong contingent of entries from Ireland who are bound for Tarbert, Loch Fyne and the 2026 Jura Scottish Series are the overall winners of last year's top award, Brian Hall and the crew of the Dublin Bay J/109 Something Else, who are returning to try and defend their IRC Class 2 title.

Hall, from the National YC, has long since considered the Jura Scottish Series 'unmissable' but he and his crew are especially enthused at the prospect of trying to win their class again at the north of Britain's premier regatta which takes place on Loch Fyne over the holiday weekend 22nd-25th May.

They are returning with their well optimised boat and the same crew headed by Irish four times Olympian Mark Mansfield, himself a long-time fan of Tarbert and Scottish Series.

Hall recalls, "Winning last year was such a nice start to the season, it is always a good dust down. Taking the overall trophy was wonderful but the whole thing is such great fun. I've been going up there for years, and there's such close racing, and it's just great to be up in such a good venue."

Something Else won six of their eight races last May, a scoreline which was judged to the best performance at the regatta.

"Last year it was consistency that won us the class." Hall recalls, "We had excellent teamwork, and the boat was fast, but the crew were really well organised, and so it was down to huge team effort and focus. We also had Mark Mansfield, who was great in terms of giving just that extra focus to everybody."

Hall says he has been crossing the Irish Sea to compete at Scottish Series for more than 30 years and can't wait to be back. "Why Tarbert? So it's the welcome. It's a lovely setting. The people, the locals are great craic. It's a good set-up. The race organisation is A1. And for us it's the start of the season, so it's a real sort of dust-off, a prep, a wake-up for the summer sailing season."

He enthuses, "We are ready. The boat's in good shape, and all the crew are very excited. It's the highlight for them over the next couple of months."

And he believes they can win again but cautions, "Look, the competition is anybody's event. There's really good sailors up there. There are excellent J/109s in the class, a couple of Corbys as well, so the competition is good. We had the momentum last year, and one shouldn't be complacent at all. And who knows? The overall is always up for grabs."

Hall concludes, "We are looking forwards to the craic. The evening entertainment is always good. We look forward to that."

Further details: www.scottishseries.co.uk

Enter here: clydecruisingclub.org/event/scottish-series-2026

Further details via office@clyde.org

Women on the Water Event Sells Out at Royal Cork

 

Women on the Water initiative was fully subscribed for its May 10 staging, underlining growing demand for female participation events in Irish sailing.

Supported by Irish Sailing, the Cork Harbour gathering combined on-water sailing, RIB tours and social activities aimed at newcomers and experienced sailors alike.

The event programme included keelboat sailing, harbour tours and post-sailing social activities at the Crosshaven club. Organisers said the format was designed to encourage women to connect through sailing in a relaxed setting both afloat and ashore.

A large volunteer effort supported the day on the water. Rear Admiral Dinghies Dominick Daly, organiser Gwen Roche, Events and Communications staff, Admiral Denis Byrne aboard Grin and Bear It, Marina Chair Ronan Twomey on Rosmarina, Joyride skipper Wan Waterman and Tim McCarthy all assisted participants during the event.

Dominick Daly and Patrick D’Arcy also provided RIB support, while Rear Admiral Cruising helped coordinate activities afloat.

The initiative forms part of wider efforts across Irish sailing clubs to broaden participation and create accessible entry points into the sport.

Scottish Champion Hall to Lead Strong Irish Challenge at Tarbert

 

Defending Scottish Series champion Brian Hall will return to Tarbert later this month aiming to retain the title he won in 2025 aboard the J/109 Something Else.

The National Yacht Club entry headlines a growing Irish and Northern Irish challenge for the 2026 Jura Scottish Series on Loch Fyne from May 22nd to 25th.

Organisers say entries for the four-day regatta are tracking closely with last year’s fleet of 90 boats, with Irish participation notably on the rise across IRC, coastal and one-design classes.

Hall’s Something Else is among a strong Irish IRC contingent that includes Indian from Howth Yacht Club, Snoopy’s J from Courtown Sailing Club, and Arklow’s Humdinger.

Northern Ireland clubs are also heavily represented. Royal Ulster Yacht Club appears prominently across several fleets with entries including Caesium, Succession, eXcession, and Blacksmith. Carrickfergus Sailing Club sends the J/133 Spirit of Jacana, while Ballyholme Yacht Club combines with RUYC on the First 31.7 Caesium.

The spread of entries underlines the continued strength of east coast Irish Sea racing links between Scotland and Ireland.

Northern Ireland’s influence is especially strong in the Sigma 33 one-design fleet where RUYC features on both Mithril and Squawk. Strangford Lough Yacht Club is represented by Dark and Scary, while Cushendall Sailing & Boating Club enters Quaich in the Restricted Sail division.

In total, Irish and Northern Irish crews are represented from clubs stretching from Arklow and Courtown to Howth, Dun Laoghaire, Ballyholme, Carrickfergus and Strangford Lough.

Organisers, the Clyde Cruising Club, say the resurgence is encouraging as preparations continue for the long-running west coast regatta.

“We fully appreciate the support the Jura 2026 Scottish Series is achieving from so many areas and we are working hard to put on a really great regatta,” said Commodore Des Balmforth.

“We are content to see a steady stream of entries coming in on cue and it looks like we will have good racing for the IRC Classes and the One Design fleets are getting stronger by the day. We are seeing something of a resurgence of entries from Ireland which is pleasing.”

Two main race areas will again operate daily on Loch Fyne, with returning principal race officers and robot-positioned marks expected to maximise racing efficiency across the weekend.

The regatta runs from Friday May 22nd to Monday May 25th with racing for IRC, CYCA, coastal, two-handed and one-design fleets.

FREE SAILING SESSIONS OFFERED TO DISABLED ADULTS AS COWES CHARITY RETURNS TO WATER

 

An Isle of Wight charity supporting adults with disabilities has launched its 2026 season, with boats back in the water and free trial sessions now available for those keen to try sailing for the first time.

Cowes Sailability Club is encouraging more people to get involved, offering accessible sailing and boating experiences designed for adults with a wide range of physical and learning disabilities, as well as long-term medical conditions.

The charity runs sessions on Monday afternoons using 3 specially adapted sailing boats, all helmed by experienced sailors. A safety boat is also present at all times to provide assistance if required.

Roger Sutton, Commodore, has said:

“Sailing can be tremendously beneficial for people who have disabilities, giving them a real sense of freedom and adventure.

“Joining up with others and going out on the water regularly can also improve people’s mental well-being, bring them friendship and reduce their feelings of isolation.”

For those with more limited mobility, the club will also be chartering a wheelchair-accessible motorboat on selected Mondays throughout the year. This allows participants to enjoy trips out on the Solent, even if they are unable to take part in sailing activities.

Belinda, who has Multiple Sclerosis, has said:

“I have been able to enjoy being on the sea – something I would never have dreamed would be possible.

“Learning a little about sailing and doing something completely new has been amazing, together with experiencing the feeling of the waves, wind and spray. It has been delightful to meet with others with disabilities, and the volunteers, all united through the thrill of sailing!”

An annual membership fee of £45 applies, with life jackets provided and volunteers on hand each week to offer support. Warm drinks and biscuits are also available.

Anyone interested in taking part can book a free trial session by visiting www.cowessailability.co.uk or by emailing info@cowessailability.co.uk.

Follow the 2026 49er, 49erFX & Nacra 17 World Championship in Quiberon, France

 The 2026 49er, 49erFX & Nacra 17 World Championship is taking place in Quiberon, France, from May 12–17, and we are excited to share all the ways you can follow the event.

This championship will bring together the world’s best skiff and foiling catamaran sailors as they compete for world titles in one of sailing’s most exciting events of the year.

Watch Live

The championship livestream will be on the 49er YouTube channel and will be embedded on the Sail-World.com and YachtsandYachting.com homepages.

Day 4 – May 15

Day 5 – May 16

Day 6 Finals – May 17

The final medal races on May 17 will also be broadcast by France TV with French commentary.

Tracking

A live race tracker will be available every day of the championship, allowing fans and media to:

Follow races live

Relive key tactical moments and strategies

Stay engaged during non-livestreamed racing days

Hansa TT at Frampton on Severn Sailing Club

 

25 competitors originally registered for this first event of the 2026 Hansa TT series to be held at Frampton on Severn Sailing Club (FOSSC). However, on the day before the event, it was clear that competitors were keeping a keen eye on the weather forecast, that was predicting strong gusty south westerlies.

The competitor list dropped to 19 and the whole of the 2.3 fleet withdrew. Nevertheless, two of the original 2.3 competitors decided to join up and sail in the 2-person 303 fleet, which turned out to be a good decision as other than the challenging wind conditions, the day was gloriously dry and sunny.

Competitors included Whitefriars SC, Frensham Pond Sailability, Chesil Sailability, Newhaven and Seaford SC, Rutland SC, New Forest Sailability, Carsington SC, and the host FOSSC. It was a mixed fleet in terms of experience, which included many seasoned experts and a few relative novices. Hosting the event on a Saturday rather than mid-week as in previous years, may have contributed to the nevertheless healthy turn out, in view of the forecasted weather conditions.

The morning format consisted of two back-to-back races, with a very closely contested Liberty fleet race. Mike Everitt led for most of the first race but David Durston managed to get ahead in the last lap to take the win. The second race was much closer. With David and Mike once again ahead of their fleet and heading for the finish line, David tacked to starboard and Mike to port. However, the race committee could not split them apart at the line and they were awarded joint first.

The front of the Hansa 303 one-person fleet was dominated by Whitefriars SC, with Richard Rochester leading in both races in his recently refurbished black-hulled Hansa (Cry Havoc). The gusty wind conditions (approaching 30kts at times) caused several boats to take on water while broaching, leading to some frantic bailing!

The Hansa 303 2-person fleet was the biggest on the day with nine boats competing. The respective crews appeared more able to keep their boats relatively stable in the gusty conditions. The appropriately named 'Fearless', crewed by Jazz Turner and Jane Thompson, led the fleet in both races.

By lunchtime, most competitors appeared invigorated but nevertheless relieved to take a break from the challenging conditions. During lunch, it was clear that the wind was not going to abate, with gusts increasing to well over 30kts. In view of this, the race organiser took the decision to cancel the afternoon races (to the relief of the 303 fleets and disappointment of the Liberty fleet!).

Prizes were presented by FOSSC's Commodore Julian Hardy. Special thanks were given to the FOSSC volunteers for expertly managing the pontoons (with the kind support of Whitefriars SC), safety cover, race committee, and the galley team (who were especially busy throughout the day). FOSSC is very proud to host this first event of the Hansa TT season and looks forward to hosting it again next year.

Overall Results:

Liberty

1st David Durston (Whitefriars SC)

2nd Mike Everitt (Frensham Pond SC)

3rd Paul Pearson (Rutland SC)

303 1 Person

1st Richard Rochester (Whitefriars SC)

2nd Sophie Brisley (Whitefriars SC)

3rd Phil Monk (Whitefriars SC)

303 2 Person

1st Jazz Turner and Jane Thompson (Newhaven and Seaford SC)

2nd Lynne Swan and Stuart Swan (Chesil Sailability)

3rd Lottie Cobb and Marianne Will (Newhaven and Seaford SC)

Banff club offering opportunity to try sailing at Aberdeenshire open day

There will be an opportunity to take to the sea and try sailing at an upcoming open day.

Banff Sailing Club is holding the event at the town’s harbour marina on Saturday, May 16.

The open day will take place from 10am-4pm and those interested in trying sailing can meet at the group’s clubhouse, which is across from the harbour.

A Banff Sailing Club spokesperson said: “At this event our experienced skippers and sailors will be taking out anyone interested in sailing on the club boats and deliver a taster session.

“On shore there will be hot and cold food, tea, coffee and cake provided in our clubhouse at Banff harbour.”

Anyone who wants to find out more about the taster sessions can email secretary@banffsailingclub.co.uk or message the club on Facebook.

Banff Sailing Club was founded in 1975 by a group of local enthusiasts who had a love of sailing and the sea.

Today, it has more than 70 members and is a vital part of keeping the sailing community and the activity alive in Aberdeenshire.

The club has two keelboats, the 707s, which are ideal for complete beginners or individuals coming from dinghy sailing.

It offers membership to sailboat and motorboat owners and to enthusiasts who can learn how to sail on the club boats and eventually participate in the many events such as races, regattas and cruises.

Greek Island Hopping Challenge

 

A 7-day Greek island sailing holiday suggested itinerary. 

Best months: May–June or September for warm weather and fewer crowds.

Day 1 — Athens → Kea

Sailing: ~4 hours

Onshore activities

Wander the hilltop village of Ioulida

Visit the ancient Lion of Kea

Sunset drinks in the harbour at Vourkari

Swim at Otzias Beach

Evening vibe

Very relaxed and authentically Greek — a soft landing after arriving in Athens.

Day 2 — Kea → Kythnos

Sailing: ~3 hours

Onshore activities

Bathe in the natural thermal springs at Loutra

Hike to the double-beach at Kolona

Paddleboard or kayak around sheltered bays

Tavern dinner by the water

Kythnos is much quieter than Santorini/Mykonos and ideal for swimming days.

Day 3 — Kythnos → Syros

Sailing: ~4 hours

Onshore activities

Explore elegant Ermoupoli with its pastel mansions

Climb to Ano Syros for panoramic views

Try local loukoumi sweets

Optional winery visit

Syros is one of the most underrated islands in the Cyclades — cultural, stylish, and far less touristy.

Day 4 — Syros → Paros

Sailing: ~4–5 hours

Onshore activities

Explore Naoussa’s fishing harbour

Windsurfing or kitesurfing

Beach afternoon at Golden Beach

Cycladic cooking class

Sunset cocktails overlooking the marina

Paros gives you the classic Greek postcard experience without Mykonos prices or crowds.

Day 5 — Paros → Naxos

Sailing: Short hop (~2 hours)

Onshore activities

Hike mountain villages like Halki or Apeiranthos

Visit the Temple of Demeter

Try local cheeses and kitron liqueur

Windsurfing at Mikri Vigla

Sunset at the Portara ruins

Naxos is brilliant for food lovers and active travellers.

Day 6 — Naxos → Sounion

Longer sailing day: ~6 hours

Onshore activities

Swim beneath the cliffs

Visit the spectacular Temple of Poseidon

Watch sunset over the Aegean

One of the great sailing arrivals in Greece.

Day 7 — Sounion → Athens

Sailing: ~4 hours

Optional final activities

Acropolis visit

Rooftop dinner in Plaka

Athens food tour

National Archaeological Museum

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Royal Gourock Yacht Club to add new event to May calendar

 

THE Royal Gourock Yacht Club is launching a new addition to its calendar in the Round Gantocks Rally on Saturday, May 16.

This event is designed to celebrate the joy of sailing and the sense of community it fosters.

With a start time of 1pm, the rally boasts a relaxed, non-competitive sail around the Gantocks, aimed at promoting participation and fun over competition.

The event is open to everyone, from seasoned sailors to novices who love being on the water.

Rowers are also encouraged to participate.

This family-friendly event will wrap up ashore with a well-earned beer and a burger.

Southampton International Boat Show welcomes back the Wooden Boat Stage for 2026

 

Jasmine Hill, Event Director of Southampton International Boat Show said: "The Wooden Boat Stage embodies the heart and craft of the UK's wooden boat industry, bringing stories, skills, and projects to life for our visitors. We're excited to expand the stage in 2026, offering an even bigger platform for talent, innovation, and the timeless appeal of wooden boats."

Also, new for 2026, the Wooden Boat Stage Afloat will expand the experience onto the water, showcasing a special collection of standout wooden boats with unique stories and outstanding craftsmanship for visitors to experience up close.

"Wooden boatbuilding represents the very best of craftsmanship, where traditional techniques meet modern thinking, and where every build is a reflection of skill, care, and experience. It's a discipline that connects people to the water in a uniquely authentic way. The Wooden Boat Stage gives that craft the platform it deserves, allowing us to share not just the finished boats, but the process, the people, and the stories behind them. Expanding the stage in 2026, and also showcasing wooden boats afloat, will help us reach new audiences and continue building momentum for the future of the craft." Colin Henwood, Wooden Boatbuilders' Trade Association

The Wooden Boat Stage schedule will bring alive the passion, craft, people and projects from the UK's wooden boatbuilding industry, showcasing the history and heritage alongside modern wooden boatbuilding, promoting the viability of wood as a sustainable material for the future.

In 2025, the Wooden Boat Stage hosted 68 sessions delivered by 34 organisations, featuring more than 60 individuals, including Jazz Turner, Conrad Humphreys, and Dan Lee. This year, the programme will once again be led by the WIBB, WBTA and BBA, ensuring it remains a true community effort. Applications are now open for those with a story to tell, a project suited to the stage, or a relevant skill to demonstrate. The organising group is particularly keen to support younger and lesser-known individuals in the industry who may not have previously had the opportunity to showcase their craft and encourages applications from those wishing to share their work with show visitors.

Apply here: forms.gle/yMRFgJKuSaMWTyFT9

The Southampton International Boat Show takes place from 18-27 September. Wave 2 tickets for the show are on sale from £21. Book your tickets here: www.southamptonboatshow.com

'Sailing after my stroke helps me in every way'

 

Kim Davies, from Hindhead in Surrey, took up sailing after beginning to use a wheelchair having been hospitalised in 2019.

Davies, who uses a specially adapted boat, is to take part in a 10-hour relay sailing event on Saturday, raising funds for the Samson Centre – a Surrey charity supporting people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

She said: "Sailing has helped me in every way. I don't know what I would do without it."

Davies began sailing with Sailability, a programme which Frensham Pond Sailing Club runs to helps people with disabilities to get onto the water.

The club has more than 30 boats and helps people to sail independently either for leisure or in racing events.

The sailing club is to run a 10-hour sailing race on Saturday, with boats taking it in turns to sail in short stints between 09:00 BST and 19:00.

A JustGiving page for the event has so far raised more than £1,200.

Chris Gay, of the sailing club, said: "It's a brilliant example of what Sailability is all about.

"We get people into the boats, and they can sail just like everyone else. It just levels the playing field.

"The event is for a great cause. It brings everyone together."

SailGP Returns to Bermuda this weekend

 

The Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix returns to the island's crystal clear waters, after a year hiatus as the fifth stop of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship, bringing high-octane stadium racing to one of the world's most iconic destinations. More than 5,000 spectators are expected to witness SailGP's international fleet of teams battle for glory in identical F50s at speeds approaching 100 km/h.

This year's event features an upgraded fan experience at Morgan's Point, headlined by elevated waterfront seating and local artists DJ Rusty G and Kassie Cains. While the BONDS Flying Roos arrive in peak form following their victory at the inaugural Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix, the reigning 2025 Season champions Emirates Great Britain now trail behind by a seven-point gap as 12 international teams compete for national pride and the largest prize pot in the sport of sailing - U.S. $12.8 million.

The Rolex SailGP Championship returns to Bermuda, a venue synonymous with elite foiling performance and high-stakes tactical racing. Renowned for its pristine waters and fickle, breezy conditions, Bermuda has historically served as the backdrop for some of the most dramatic moments in the league's history.

As the 2026 Season leaderboard begins to solidify, the technical course will reward aggressive precision while ruthlessly punishing minor errors. Twelve international teams will compete, though the Black Foils (New Zealand) remain sidelined as they continue extensive repairs following their Auckland incident.

Bonds Flying Roos arrive as Championship Favorites

Australia's BONDS Flying Roos land in Bermuda riding a wave of clinical consistency, firmly entrenched at the top of the season standings. Following a dominant victory at the recent Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix last month, the Australian crew has mastered the art of converting strong starts into podium finishes.

The Aussies now look to extend their championship grip and fend off an increasingly competitive chasing pack, knowing a statement win in Bermuda could cement their status as the definitive team to beat in 2026.

weden's Artemis Racing targets Back-to-Back Success

Artemis (Sweden) enters the weekend with significant momentum after securing their first-ever SailGP podium at the Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix. Driver Nathan Outteridge, a veteran with deep experience navigating Bermuda's unique wind patterns, characterized the breakthrough as "a big step in the right direction."

The result marked Outteridge's first event final since his return to the league, and a strong performance here could officially transform the Swedish squad from rising contenders into genuine title threats.

Momentum Rising for U.S. SailGP Team leading into home events

The U.S. SailGP Team has surged from a last-place finish in 2025 to a dominant third overall in the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship. Following a breakthrough event win in Sydney, driver Taylor Canfield credits this turnaround to a rigorous off-water process focused on data-driven preparation and consistent point-scoring.

Representing the United States on home waters in Bermuda and at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix (May 30-31), Canfield and team remain focused on closing the gap with the league-leading Australians through disciplined execution and clear communication. With momentum building, the American squad is prepared to compete for the podium across the full range of wind conditions.

Emirates Great Britain seek redemption after Rio Stumble

The Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team arrives in Bermuda focused on a total reset following a shock result in Rio. Despite entering the previous event as championship leaders, the British crew endured a rare off-weekend, finishing at the bottom of the fleet.

Driver Dylan Fletcher was candid in his assessment, noting the team "didn't sail well enough," but with a formidable season record and proven success in Bermuda, the defending Rolex SailGP Champions are primed for a high-intensity rebound.

Defending Champions Spain Signal Resurgence

After a turbulent start to the season, Spain's Los Gallos are finding their form at a critical juncture. The reigning Bermuda champions, who secured a spectacular victory on these waters in 2024, are signaling a resurgence that threatens to disrupt the current standings. Aiming to turn their recent tactical gains into a statement result, the Spanish crew arrives focused on reclaiming their status as one of the league's premier front-runners.

Racing gets under way at 2 p.m. local time on Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10. For the latest news, tickets, updates and broadcast information ahead of the Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix, visit SailGP.com/Bermuda.