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)

WE HAVE MORE THAN 12,000 PRIVATE YACHT CHARTER BOATS IN 60 COUNTRIES

WAITING READY FOR YOU - JUST SELECT - COMPARE - BOOK IN MINUTES ONLINE

UP  TO  50% OFF ON  EARLY  BOOKING  DEALS 👍

UNBEATABLE  PRICES  FOR  YOUR  COMPLETE  PEACE  OF  MIND  ON THE  WATER

#yachts2rentnow

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.

Blackwater Sailing Club in Maldon to hold open day

 

BLACKWATER Sailing Club is holding an open day for visitors to discover sailing and explore the club's facilities. The open day will take place from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday, May 9 at Heybridge Basin in Maldon.

Visitors of all ages and abilities can try free, hands-on sailing experiences.

Joe Bird, rear commodore of Blackwater Sailing Club, said: "Our open day is a highlight of the year and a wonderful chance to introduce new people to sailing in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Visitors will be able to take part in taster sailing sessions on the club’s training lake with guidance from experienced instructors.

The club will also share information on its Royal Yachting Association (RYA) courses and membership options.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to watch a club race and learn about the format, rules and tactics from experienced members.

No prior experience is necessary, and all safety equipment will be provided.

Attendees are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities.

ake and refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon.

The event is free to attend, with free parking provided.

For more information about the open day or membership, contact membership-secretary@blackwatersailingclub.org.uk or visit blackwatersailingclub.org.uk.

Solo Open at Burwain Sailing Club

 

Ten Solos turned up to Burwain on a bright sunny day. The winds were light and variable from the NW which built and switched around as the clouds passed by.

The small but competitive fleet got away first time from the tight start line. Closely packed at the first mark led by Martin Honnor from Ogston SC. There were regular place changes behind but Honnor fought off all challenges to take first place followed by Andy Carter and Steve Denison.

Competitors enjoyed a bolognaise pasta lunch and cake.

The second race started, finding Andy Carter over the line and having to restart. Places changed often in the testy conditions, Carter returning to the battlefield at the front quite quickly and sailing well to win from Denison 2nd and Honnor 3rd. Competition down the fleet also intense with locals Innes Armstrong and Stephen Graham pushing to be leading home boat. Also Budworth sailors Ted Garner and Graham Ellis finishing close. No one wanted to be last!

The 3rd race followed on back to back. Stephen Graham won the pin end continuing on starboard towards the lay line along with Honnor. A fortunate header at just the right time for them seeing them tack to cross the rest towards the first mark. Honnor with better boat speed took the lead but a little local knowledge so Graham past him to round first. Honnor now in 2nd knew he just needed to hold Carter off to take the event. Graham managed to retain his lead to win, Ed Grey from Royal Windermere pushing hard for a good 3rd place with Honnor 2nd and winning the event.

The battle at the tail end so Justine Davenport and a good final race in 7th putting her ahead of Stephen Restak from Delph. Graham's race win giving him 3rd overall from Carter 2nd overall.

It was a jolly crowd in the bar afterwards. Martin Honnor gave a speech of thanks to the organisers.

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Club R1 R2 R3 Pts

1 5880 MARTIN HONNOR OGSTON 1 3 2 3

2 5807 ANDY CARTER LLSC & WKSC 2 1 4 3

3 4286 STEPHEN GRAHAM BURWAIN 5 4 1 5

4 6126 STOVE DENISON RYA 3 2 5 5

5 5813 INNES ARMSTRONG BURWAIN 4 5 RTD 9

6 5449 REY ROYAL W. 8 7 3 10

7 6107 TED GARVER BUDWORTH 6 9 6 12

8 5654 GRAHAM ELLIS BUDWORTH 7 6 8 13

9 4715 JUSTINE DAVENPORT BURWAIN 10 10 7 17

10 6073 STEPHEN RESTAK DELPH 9 8 9 17

HD Sails Phantom South East Series Open at Chichester Yacht Club

 

On Saturday the 18th April the third event of the Phantom South East series took place at Chichester Yacht Club It was a glorious day with bright sunshine and a north westerly breeze. The plan was for three races back to back with the Phantoms starting first followed by the Hadron H2s.

Six visitors sailed from three clubs and the racing was tight throughout the day. With a rectangular course crossing the Birdham Deeps, we had good racing with interplay and places changing.

Race 1 saw Jeremy Deacon lead with Andrew Stainsby and Andy Smith battling it out for second, Andy eventually pulling away with Dave Patrick pulling through as well and the leading thee pulled out a lead that caught the Hadrons following us. Justin Philipps led the 2nd group of 3 to finish 4th ahead of Andrew Stainsby and Hilgard Muller.

Race 2 saw a closer race with Jeremy Deacon and Andy Smith battling it out closely followed by Dave Patrick, Hilgard Muller and Andrew Stainsby jostling all the way around. The final results had Jeremy Deacon winning followed by Andy Smith and Dave Patrick, with Hilgard Muller, Justin Philipps and Andrew Stainsby following through the line.

Race 3 had all to play for between Dave Patrick and Andy Smith for 2nd, only a win would matter for Dave Patrick and he duly delivered one beating Jeremy Deacon and Hilgard Muller over the line with Andy Smith, Andrew Stainsby and Justin Philipps following through the finish line.

A big thank you to Chichester YC for a great day's sailing, a great venue.

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Club R1 R2 R3 Pts

1st 1423 Jeremy Deacon Broadwater SC 1 1 ‑2 2

2nd 1416 Dave Patrick Broadwater SC ‑3 3 1 4

3rd 1405 Andy Smith Hollingworth Lake SC 2 2 ‑4 4

4th 1392 Hilgard Muller Broadwater SC ‑6 4 3 7

5th 1415 Justin Philipps Frensham Pond SC 4 5 ‑6 9

6th 1353 Andrew Stainsby Frensham Pond SC 5 ‑6 5 10

Solo Eastern Area Open at Rollesby Broad Sailing Club

 

Sixteen competitors faced a day of unpredictable, often testing conditions at the Eastern Area Solo Open hosted by Rollesby Broad Sailing Club on Saturday. With six visiting sailors joining the ten strong home fleet, the racing quickly proved both close and tactical.

Local knowledge helped in moments, but it was the visitors who consistently occupied the sharp end of the results. Positions changed constantly throughout the day, and several tie breaks were ultimately needed to separate the overall standings.

The overall winner was Jasper Barnham, representing Snettisham Beach. Godfrey Clark from Fishers Green was second overall. Chris Bunn completed the top three in third overall, representing Lady Yacht Club. The visitors rounded out the top six and first Rollesby Solo was Robert Hawkings, who finished seventh overall.

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Club R1 R2 R3 R4 Pts

1st 5887 Jasper Barnham Snettisham Beach 1 ‑4 2 1 4

2nd 4801 Godfrey Clark Fishers Green 2 1 1 ‑8 4

3rd 6138 Chris Bunn LYC 3 2 ‑7 7 12

4th 5953 Martin Brooking Hunts SC ‑6 6 4 3 13

5th 5838 Bryan Morum Hickling SC ‑10 8 5 2 15

6th 4761 Alan Wright SESCA 5 5 ‑8 5 15

7th 5472 Robert Hawkings RBSC 4 ‑7 6 6 16

8th 4842 Kevin Edwards RBSC 7 ‑9 9 4 20

9th 3175 Daniel Bull RBSC 8 3 ‑10 10 21

10th 5443 John Saddington RBSC ‑11 11 3 9 23

11th 5259 Glen Barker RBSC 12 10 ‑14 11 33

12th 5336 Robert Black RBSC ‑13 12 12.5 12 36.5

13th 5232 Roger Wilson RBSC 9 13 (DNF) DNS 39

14th 4180 Phil Alison RBSC 14 14 ‑15 13 41

15th 3534 Steve Lee RBSC 15 (OCS) 12.5 14 41.5

16th 4864 Phil Atherton RBSC (DNF) 15 11 DNS 43