Craftinsure GP14 UK National Championships 2026 at Llandudno Sailing Club

 

Llandudno Sailing Club will be welcoming competitors to the Craftinsure GP14 Nationals on the 11-14th June 2026, where boats will once again line the club's Victorian promenade, and where once again sailors will be spoilt by the Welsh hospitality.

With the season hotting up, and an oversubscribed World Championship later in the year, this event will be hotly contested. Those campaigning will be looking to race against the best and to put their name alongside the greats on the trophy.

Also the event brings the opportunity to be invited to the UK 'Champion of Champions' at the 65th Endeavour Trophy, representing the GP14 fleet at the pinnacle of the year's events. The GP14 class has always had a strong record for Endeavour Trophy wins (seven times, rivalled only by the Enterprises).

Last year saw not only Jasper Barnham and Graham Sexton represent the class after their Nationals win, but the likes of Nick Craig & Toby Lewis and Chris Bateman & Lucy Loughton take part. Chris, who is already signed up to the GP14 Worlds, sailed to an impressive second overall with Lucy at the 2025 Endeavour.

Let's see if anyone can top this in 2026.

Three-masted tall ship to welcome visitors

 

A striking three-masted tall ship is set to provide a spectacle in Douglas Bay this weekend.

The Polish sail-training vessel, Dar Młodzieży, will be open for a time for people to visit on both Saturday and Sunday.

Built in 1981 and owned by Gdynia Maritime University, the ship stands 205ft (62.5m) high and has a hull length of 311ft (94.8m).

Sailing with 110 sea cadets on board, along with 23 full-time crew, the vessel arrived in Manx waters on Wednesday, anchoring off Peel, before making its way to Ramsey, from where it is due to sail to Douglas on Friday morning.

The vessel will be open for the public to visit between 09:00 BST and 12:30 and 15:30 and 16:30 on both Saturday and Sunday.

During the stay in Manx waters, the cadets will be taken on a tour of the island, and arrangements are being made for a football match between the vessel's team and a local side.

The three-masted B-95 frigate, which was the first of its kind built in a Polish shipyard, has visited the island on four occasions in the past, the last being in 2005.

Departing on Monday morning, the ship will make its way to Spain before setting sail for the United States to take part in the maritime celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Classic yachts confirmed for Fife Regatta return to Clyde

 

A FLEET of 22 classic yachts is set to take part in this year’s Richard Mille Fife Regatta, with organisers confirming the full entry list six weeks ahead of the event. The sixth edition of the regatta, from June 4-12, will bring together a mix of returning favourites and first-time entrants, showcasing a wide range of historic Fife-built vessels on the Clyde.

Among the yachts confirmed are notable names including the 104-foot Kentra (1923), the 19th-century Uandi (1897), and the Clyde 30 Mikado (1904), alongside a strong contingent of 20th-century classics such as Saskia (1931), Falcon (1930) and Merry Dancer (1938).

Several smaller “cod” class boats will also feature, including Coila, Coralie, Peggy, Siglen and Vega, highlighting the breadth of designs produced by the famed Fairlie yard.

Regatta director Fiona Houston said the event holds particular significance for the local area. She said:

 “The story of the Fife yard and the yachts it built is part of the story of Fairlie where I grew up and live. To have them return to the Clyde and to share their history with their owners and crew is wonderful.

“They are beautiful wherever they travel in the world but never more so than in their home waters.”

Organisers say further details on the competing yachts will be shared on social media in the run-up to the regatta.

The Richard Mille Fife Regatta has become a key date in Scotland’s sailing calendar, celebrating the legacy of William Fife and the craftsmanship that made the Clyde world-renowned for yacht building.

SCC Sharks Dominate Fastnet Trophy on Home Waters

 

Chull Community College’s SCC Sharks delivered a commanding performance to win the Fastnet Trophy 2026 on home waters. The annual schools team racing event attracted a record 24 teams, including four from the UK, highlighting growing international interest.

Racing was delayed on Friday due to the weather. Action resumed over the weekend with 192 races completed across two days. Saturday saw 120 races sailed in busy conditions. A further 72 races followed on Sunday as the regatta reached its conclusion. The event used a single change Swiss League format, ensuring each team raced 16 times against varied opposition.

SCC Sharks set the pace throughout. They won all 16 races, securing overall victory with an unbeaten record. RHS Falcons finished second, with Ryde on Time taking third place after consistent performances. St Andrew’s College topped the Silver Fleet standings. Kilkenny College claimed honours in the Bronze Fleet.

Race operations were led by Dave Harte, supported by a large volunteer team. Organisers said their work ensured the smooth delivery of the event. The Fastnet Trophy continues to grow in scale and profile, combining competitive racing with strong international participation.

Tuscan Archipelago Adventure

 

Here is a 7-day sailing holiday along the Tuscany coast, which  is one of the nicest ways to combine relaxed cruising with culture, food, and nature. The best routes focus on the Tuscan Archipelago—especially Elba, Giglio, and Capraia—because distances are manageable (typically 10–30 nautical miles per day) and you can mix sailing with onshore exploration easily .

🌊 7-Day Tuscany Sailing Itinerary (with activities)

Day 1 – Embark & sail to Portoferraio (Elba)

Start: Punta Ala / Scarlino / Piombino

Sail: ~20–25 NM

Stop: Portoferraio (Elba’s capital)

Onshore:

Explore Napoleon’s residences (he was exiled here)

Walk the old Medici fortifications

Dinner by the harbour (try cacciucco seafood stew)

Day 2 – Portoferraio → Marciana Marina

Sail: Short scenic coastal hop (~10 NM)

Onshore:

Wander Marciana Marina’s charming promenade

Hike up Monte Capanne (or cable car for views)

Swim at La Biodola beach

👉 Very relaxed day to ease into the trip.

Day 3 – West coast beaches (Fetovaia / Marina di Campo)

Sail: ~15–20 NM along Elba’s wild coast

Onshore:

Beach time at Fetovaia (one of Tuscany’s best)

Watersports or paddleboarding

Sunset aperitivo in Marina di Campo

Day 4 – Elba → Giglio Island

Sail: Longer open-water leg (~25–35 NM)

Onshore:

Explore Giglio Porto village

Hike or taxi up to Giglio Castello (medieval hill town)

Snorkelling in crystal-clear waters

👉 One of the highlights—much quieter than Elba.

Day 5 – Giglio → Giannutri (or Porto Santo Stefano)

Sail: Short hop (~10–15 NM)

Onshore options:

Giannutri:

Roman villa ruins

Nature reserve walks

Snorkelling in marine park waters

OR Porto Santo Stefano (mainland):

Lively harbour town

Seafood restaurants & bars

Day 6 – Return to Elba (Porto Azzurro)

Sail: ~30 NM back toward Elba

Onshore:

Explore Porto Azzurro’s piazza and marina

Optional wine tasting (Elba produces excellent wines)

Kayaking or beach time

Day 7 – Sail back via Tuscan coast (Baratti / Cala Violina)

Sail: ~15–25 NM back to base

Onshore:

Stop at Gulf of Baratti:

Etruscan archaeological sites

Sandy beach (rare for Tuscany)

Or Cala Violina:

Famous “singing sand” beach

Return to marina for disembarkation.

⚓ Why this route works

Short sailing legs (mostly 10–25 NM) → relaxed pace

Mix of islands + mainland Tuscany

Balance of:

Culture (Napoleon, Etruscans)

Nature (marine parks, hikes)

Food & wine (classic Tuscan coastal cuisine)

The region is also known for steady, moderate winds (3–4 Beaufort)—ideal for enjoyable sailing rather than challenging passages .

🧭 Optional variations

Add Capraia Island (more remote, rugged hiking)

Stay entirely around Elba for a slower, beach-focused week

Extend toward Corsica if you want longer sailing legs

🍷 Tips for planning

Best time: May–June or September (great weather, fewer crowds)

Start bases: Marina di Scarlino or Punta Ala (most common)

Charter type:

Bareboat (if experienced)

Skippered (more relaxing, local knowledge)

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2026 Fireball Worlds – One week until the early bird discount expires

 

The entries are rolling in for the Fireball Worlds hosted by Royal Torbay Yacht Club at the end of July. There are currently over 50 boats entered with the eventual entry expected to be between 90 and 100 boats.

To take advantage of the early bird discount, entry needs to be completed by 30th April.

Entry can be made via the event site 2026.fireballworlds.com.

The event is being hosted by Royal Torbay Yacht Club and is preceded by the UK Nationals. The Nationals run from Monday 20th to Friday 24th July (including inspection/measurement days) and the Worlds from Saturday 25th to Friday 31st July (including inspection/measurement days).

Calves Week Puts Family Sailing At Core In Schull

 

Being family-oriented, encouraging sailing that combines good racing with leisure, is at the heart of Calves Week in Schull, West Cork, where there are already sixteen boats on the entry list for the event in August.

Mark Murphy, Communications and Sponsorship Officer of the organisers, Schull Harbour Sailing Club, said at the launch announcement that this was the basis of the success of the event.

“There is strong annual support from boat owners, families, who make this a sailing and holiday week, and that is something we value. We combine good racing with enjoyment, offering an event where there are a variety of courses, including sailing around islands and no pressure of having to start too early in the morning! Sailing is to be enjoyed at Calves Week.”

The decision a few years ago to shorten the week has proven to be successful, he said. There are already fourteen boats entered for this year’s event, which runs from Tuesday, August 4 to Friday, August 7. “There is always strong support from the East Coast. A couple of Class Zeros are already committed to coming down,” Mark Murphy said.

Calves Week is again part of the combined league run throughout the season by SCORA, the South Coast Offshore Racing Association.

Quintas Capital is the main sponsor this year. Kevin MacSweeney, the company’s Head of Management Equity, said it is a community event, which is a major part of its attraction. “It is about family and community. Sailing is a really impressive sport to support.”

Notice of Race is published, and online entry is available on the Schull Harbour SC website: shsc.ie

J/70 UK Grand Slam Series begins

 Grand Slam 1, 24th-25th April, hosted by the Royal Thames Yacht Club, gets the UK J/70 season under way and marks the start of the class's seven-event Grand Slam series. More than 20 J/70s will set out from the Hamble River and Cowes, meeting on the Hill Head plateau for the first racing of the season.

Some teams will have already shaken off the rust, in the two class training events earlier this year. But this will be the first racing since October. For a few teams, it will be their first time lining up on a J/70 startline, with a fresh influx of new entries this season as momentum continues to build across the fleet.

There is no shortage of known names. Ali Hall's Calypso returns as defending Grand Slam champion. Jelvis, the current UK national champion, will also be in the mix, along with DSP, last season's Corinthian winners. Keep an eye as well on Max Clapp's Jeepster, Sardonyx, with William Edwards and Ian Dobson, and Simon Perry's Jiraffe, now into their second season.

This weekend also marks the first UK event using Vakaros Racesense. The technology has already proved itself on the international circuit, and now the UK fleet gets its first run with it. Quicker turnarounds, cleaner starts, less waiting around. Racing comes first, but no one will complain about a bit more time back in the bar afterwards.

The UK J/70 Class continues to be supported by Rooster and Ocean Rope.

Racing begins this Saturday.

Racing Mirrors Wanted

 

The Mirror dinghy is currently experiencing a significant resurgence in popularity - it's found a niche as an alternative method of getting kids into sailing, in a social and more relaxed way that then traditional RYA classes.

The fleet is now predominately parents sailing with their children, although there is still a strong youth contingent at some clubs. The front of the fleet is super competitive, but more importantly, it's helping to introduce a new generation into sailing.

With 50 boats at both the Nationals and Abersoch Mirror Week last year, and the Worlds coming to the UK (Poole) in 2027, demand is soaring. The challenge is therefore finding enough good boats to meet this demand. This has driven a 3-fold increase in the number of new boats being built, and another 10 on order, however if a Winder Mirror goes up for sale, it's still rarely for sale for more than 24hrs!

If anyone therefore has a competitive boat that's not being used, and your considering selling, the Mirror Class Association (MCA) will match you up with potential buyer or advise on where you can advertise for success. The increased demand also means good boats are selling for a very good price, and so you might therefore be able to get back what you paid. If this is you, email info@mirrorsailing.com to discuss further.

The Colander Cup 2026

 

With less than a month to go, excitement is building for what is probably the UK's most eagerly anticipated sailing event - the 2026 Colander Cup.

Boats have already begun arriving at Northampton Sailing Club in preparation for racing on Saturday 9th May.

This year follows the same tried-and-tested format: four sprint races in the morning, followed by a double-points, non-discardable long-distance race in the afternoon (and yes - the Le Mans start is staying!). Once again, Miles Odell will take on the role of race officer, keeping the fleet honest on the start line and conducting scrutineering to ensure all boats comply with the event's unique ethos.

As always, 2026 promises something for everyone, with plenty of prizes on offer alongside the £313.51 cash prize.

Fan favourites return, and there is an all new fancy dress prize:

The Leakiest Sieve Award - last year claimed by the 2025 Solo & OK National Champion, who took home the beers. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough to match the volume taken on by the Firefly that required six people to haul it out after a dramatic death roll - compounded by the absence of bungs on the final stretch to what could have been Olly's greatest victory.

The Cowboy of the Cup - celebrating ingenuity and the sailor responsible for the most ambitious (or questionable) budget hack or bodge to make it onto the water.

Win or Swim - awarded for the most spectacular capsize in pursuit of glory.

The But you can roll it in glitter - Awarded to the best buy that takes part in the colander cup.

The Tea Strainer - For the first junior.

Dress to Distress - get your glad rags on, this is the prize for the most questionably fashionable sailors!

The Colander Cup is a true celebration of everything we love about sailing. Whether you're looking for a Top Gear-style challenge or simply an excuse to race within the £313.51 price cap, we'd love to see you on the water.

Entries, Sailing Instructions and booking for camping are now open via the FM Sailing website (link below).

Charter boats will once again be available and can be booked during registration. Camping is encouraged on-site, and the bar will be open late - perfect for refuelling after racing ahead of the traditional Colander Cruise on Sunday.

We look forward to seeing you out on the water!

www.fmsailing.co.uk/colander-cup

Falmouth Classics to make spectacular return alongside Sea Shanty Festival

 

One of the UK’s leading classic sailing regattas is set to make a spectacular return to Falmouth this summer, with hundreds of traditional and modern classic vessels expected to take part in Falmouth Classics 2026.

Running from June 12-14, and held once again alongside the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, the event will transform Falmouth Harbour and Carrick Roads into a living showcase of maritime heritage, with racing, parades and shoreside festivities planned across the weekend.

Billed as the largest event of its kind in the UK for classic vessels – typically designed or built before 1976 and often wooden with traditional sail plans, alongside newer boats that faithfully replicate older designs – the regatta will feature everything from elegant classic yachts and working boats to pilot gigs, restored heritage craft and historically significant vessels.

Falmouth Classics has built a strong reputation for combining competitive racing with a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere, attracting both serious sailors and families looking to enjoy the spectacle. A full programme is planned, including multi-class racing in Carrick Roads, Falmouth Bay and the harbour, parades of sail, shoreside entertainment linked to the Sea Shanty Festival, and opportunities for visitors to explore the town’s rich maritime culture.

Ahead of and after racing, the classic fleet will be moored in the marina off North Quay, part of Customs House Quay, where they can be viewed up close. Around 10am on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the boats will leave their berths to assemble in Carrick Roads, off Falmouth Docks, before racing on the Friday and Saturday. On the Saturday, the pontoons on North Quay will be open to the public from 2.30pm to 5pm, while shore-based spectators will be able to watch the on-water action from vantage points including Pendennis Point, Trefusis Point at Flushing and St Mawes Castle.

A highlight of the weekend will be the Classic Parade of Sail on the Sunday morning, when participating boats and visiting craft from around Falmouth come together to parade from the docks towards Pendennis Castle, across to St Mawes Castle and back towards Mylor. This year’s theme is “above the water”, and many crews are expected to embrace it with colourful fancy dress.

There will also be a small boat parade on the water off the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club and Greenbank Hotel once Saturday’s racing has finished, along with an “all-comers” rowing and sculling event open to a wide range of craft.

“Falmouth Classics is more than just a regatta – it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and the enduring appeal of traditional sailing,” said chairman Paul Hobson. “We’re excited to welcome competitors and visitors from near and far to experience the unique atmosphere that the Falmouth Classics and the Sea Shanty Festival creates.”

With its deep natural harbour, historic waterfront and long seafaring tradition, Falmouth offers a fitting backdrop to the event. Entries for participating vessels are now open, with further details on race schedules and visitor information due to be announced in the coming weeks.

New WASZP Speed Record set at 31.0 knots

 Teenage British sailor Toby Smith pushed the limits to clock an incredible 31.0 knots, setting a new WASZP class speed record.

His record-breaking run took place over a blustery weekend at Datchet Water during the UK Start of Season Championships, where conditions delivered the perfect window for speed.

Racing out of the Royal Hospital School Sailing Academy in Suffolk, Toby is part of a strong junior U18 pathway showing how far the WASZP class has spread across the UK youth sailing scene.

There are moments in sailing that are planned to perfection . . . and then there are moments that simply appear. For Toby Smith, the new WASZP speed record didn’t come from a carefully orchestrated attempt. It came just after the finish line.

“I’d just crossed after a race,” he recalls. “I looked behind me and saw this huge gust rolling down the course. And I thought… this might be the moment.”

What followed was instinct, commitment, and a willingness to push beyond comfort.

“I threw in a jibe-there must have been about 35 knots of breeze-set the boat up quickly, put my shoulders out, shut my eyes… and just went for it.”

Seconds later, Smith had rewritten the WASZP record books: 31.0 knots.

SORA Coastal race at Pwllheli Sailing Club

 

Last weekend presented champagne sailing for Pwllheli boats, however early light conditions on Saturday morning prompted the race management to shorten the course of the clubs's ISORA coastal race to ensure everyone got a finish.

Conditions were light on the start line with many hugging the line. Mark Thompson's J97 Jac y Do got the best start with Geoff Dutton-Kelly's Beneteau 40.7 Crackerjack pushed over by Paul & Sam Kitteringham's Elan 350 Finally.

Andrew & Sam Hall's Lombard 46, Pata Negra soon got ahead to round 'Sponsorship available Mark 2' at the west end of the beach and headed east to 'Sponsorship available Mark 10'. Nigel Ingram's XP 33, Darling xx rounded next together with both Finally and Jac y Do and all kites were launched giving a colourful view from ashore.

With wind filling in, Pata Negra quickly pulled ahead from the fleet followed by Darling xx but spinnakers on both Paul Sutton's Farr X2, Lightening and Robert Temple and Matthew Harrison's X40 Sport, Excession allowed them to regain ground lost on the upwind leg. Lightening enjoyed the downwind leg to round 'Sponsorship available Mark 10' off Abererch beach, with Darling xx.

Next to round was Excession getting ahead of Finally and holding them in dirty air, forcing them to eventually foot off.

With Crackerjack now back with the fleet after getting left behind at the start, they headed round the Carreg y Trai buoy and into St Tudwall sound. Wind shadows in the sound forced the wind forward, delaying some hoists. With Pata Negra well on the way back to the finish. Darling, Excession and Finally were in the next pack.

Behind them, Lightening hoisted their code zero while Jac y Do stuck with kite but as wind built and swung forward they struggled to keep on course without a couple of broaches allowing Crackerjack to get ever closer.

Pata Negra took line honours and 1st overall on corrected. Next to finish was Darling who took 2nd overall on corrected, 1st in class 2. Jac y Do were 3rd overall on corrected and 2nd in class 2. Class 1 was won by Finally with Excession just 2minutes behind.

Sunday presented more challenging conditions with glorious sunshine and flat seas. For many, this was too much of a challenge but it attracted Stephen Tudor & Mark Thompson's J70 Sgrech Bach out to enjoy the weather.

Realising that the lack of wind may become an issue, a course was set taking advantage of the tide and using the zephyrs in the bay which gave spectators a close up of the boats. Paul & Sam Kitteringham's Finally took line honours but Sgrech Bach won the race on corrected.

Next racing is on the 2nd to the 4th May with a coastal race Saturday and round the cans racing Sunday and Monday for the May bank holiday series. All results and information is on the club website pwllhelisailingclub.co.uk

All boats are welcome. Everyone can view the racing from Gimblet Rock.

Pwllheli SC is looking for sponsorship for their ten racing marks. If interested please contact racing@PwllheliSailingClub.co.uk to find out more.