Allspars Final Fling Dinghy Regatta 2026 will be the best ever

 

It's this weekend 17-18 October 2026 !!   The Allspars Final Fling 2026! 

We've been working hard with the team at Royal Western Yacht Club to make this year's event the best Final Fling yet.

Over the years, the regatta has grown into one of the UK's favourite end-of-season dinghy events, attracting an incredible variety of boats and sailors. With that growth has come valuable feedback, and we've been listening.

For 2026, our new Principal Race Officer is developing updated race course formats designed to improve the on-water experience for all competitors, particularly where faster and slower handicap fleets share the same race area.

The aim is simple: more great racing, fewer frustrations, and plenty of fun, whether you're sailing a Mirror, Merlin Rocket, Phantom, B14, Moth, Skiff or anything in between.

We're also delighted to confirm that the 2026 Final Fling will host:

B14 Traveller Series event

Phantom Open Meeting

Merlin Rocket Silver Tiller event

Part of Port of Plymouth Sailing Association Traveller Series

And of course, we'll be looking to bring back the ever-popular Round Breakwater Race, weather permitting.

Food suppers available at the club Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the event over the years. Your feedback helps us continue to improve and grow.

rwyc.org/race/final-fling-dinghy-regatta-2026

A Shared Ambition

 

The Island Sailing Club has announced Henri-Lloyd as an Official Partner of the Club and the 2027 Round the Island Race.

The partnership brings together two names deeply connected to British sailing, united by a passion for the sport, technical innovation and getting more people out on the water. Taking place on Saturday 10 July 2027, the Round the Island Race will once again see sailors of all ages and abilities tackle the famous 50.1 nautical-mile course around the Isle of Wight, starting and finishing in Cowes.

Since 1963, Henri-Lloyd has been developing products that help sailors take on the challenges of life on the water. From equipping Sir Francis Chichester and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston on their historic voyages to working with today’s offshore racers, the brand has continually pushed the boundaries of marine clothing.

Today, Henri-Lloyd combines more than 60 years of experience with a focus on the future, creating technical sailing apparel for the demands of modern sailing while inspiring more people to get out on the water.

The Round the Island Race brings together everything that makes the sport special. From professional racing teams to family cruisers and first-time competitors, it’s a celebration of adventure, competition and the sailing community.

Bringing more people onto the water

Throughout 2027, Henri-Lloyd will have a strong presence at the Island Sailing Club and the Round the Island Race, engaging with members, competitors and visitors through its latest collections and a range of experiences on and around the water. The partnership also reflects Henri-Lloyd’s commitment to Cowes, the heart of British sailing, and its ongoing support of UKSA, helping young people develop their skills and confidence on the water.

This sits alongside a shared ambition to introduce more people to sailing. In 2026, Henri-Lloyd launched Sail Free, an initiative working with RYA training centres to help more people get out on the water, offering qualifying customers a £300 voucher towards recognised sailing courses.

A partnership built around sailing

Justin Cooper, Marketing Officer for the Island Sailing Club, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Henri-Lloyd as a partner of the Island Sailing Club and the Round the Island Race. Few brands have such a genuine connection to British sailing. Henri-Lloyd has been part of some of the sport’s greatest moments, and that history makes them a natural partner for us.

Together, we want to celebrate everything that makes sailing special, while encouraging more people to get involved and experience it for themselves.”

Tom McMullen, Chief Marketing & Product Officer at Henri-Lloyd, said: “The Island Sailing Club and Round the Island Race are iconic institutions in British sailing, and we’re proud to be partnering with them. The race has an incredible history and continues to be one of the highlights of the sailing calendar. We’re excited to build on that success, bring some fresh ideas and make the experience even more special for everyone involved.”

Micro and Gem Championships 2026 at Stour Sailing Club

 

The weekend of 10th and 11th October saw the eagerly anticipated and hotly contested end of season championships for Micro 18 and Gem yachts on the river Stour, sailed from Manningtree.

With a crew of two, these 18ft lifting-keel boats meet the Micro cup rule, one size down from Mini Cuppers. They were designed by Stephen Jones and Rob Humphreys respectively. They race level with some personalisation for those with added roach sail area and keel modifications.

9 entrants in total sailed over the weekend in varying conditions - a gusty 20+ mph westerly on Saturday producing some dramatic downwind sailing and a more gentle 10mph WSW through to NSW on Sunday requiring different skills. Temperatures were below what we have been used to recently, but the multi-race format kept everyone warm (unless you capsized!).

With different scoring and discards across both the passage races out to and back from the race area and the windward/leeward series, the close racing provided for different winners.

The club and fleet once again appreciate East Anglian Sailing School's support with their sponsorship providing a selection of goodies, supplemented by SSC bottles and silverware, allowing every competitor and race support person taking away a 'prize' at the end of the day.

Micro/Gem Championship: (from 5 windward/leeward races)

1st Pathogem (Gem) Rheanna Pavey and Ed Roberts

2nd Italia (Gem) Ed and Nick Evans

3rd Muscle (Micro 18) Ian and Holly Pavey

Gem Championship: (From 4 passage races and windward/leewards)

1st Italia (Gem) Ed and Nick Evans

2nd Pathogem (Gem) Rheanna Pavey and Ed Roberts

3rd Gazelle (Gem) Andrew Thwaites and Alex Youngs

Passage Race Series Winners:

1st Gazelle (Gem) Andrew Thwaites and Alex Youngs

Stour Sailing Club extends a warm welcome (and free launching and moorings) for visiting Gem, Micro 18, or derivatives to join us in club racing in 2027 and especially the end of season championships in September/October (contact details via the website).

www.stoursailingclub.co.uk

HD Sails Phantom South Eastern Series at Broadwater Sailing Club

 

The final event in the HD Sails South Eastern Series was held at Broadwater SC on Saturday 10th October. Nearly 20 boats turned up to face blustery conditions with a Westerly Wind varying between 10 and 23 knots. The day was warm and sunny, a great October day for a sail.

The Westerly wind meant the wind crossing the water across the narrow angle and caused some trickiness for the race team in setting a course as too close to the western shore would be very much in the lee. As it was the wind continued to be shifty and didn't settle for the whole day.

The programme was for four races of approximately 40 minutes duration for the leaders, back to back, and then in for a tea and beers from a local sponsor.

The races got under way with the first race led from start to finish by Mark Addison, from Upper Thames, followed by Nick Mason and Jeremy Deacon (the first of the home club sailors). There was some drop outs due to involuntary swims as the wind continued to shift including the class treasurer testing the new Ovington drop floor boat.

The course was tweaked for race 2 to deliver better beats and involved a leeward mark behind an island which the wind funnelled past. Mark Addingham led again with Alex Fastnedge 2nd and Jeremy Deacon 3rd. This race proved tighter with Bill Taylor and Justin Philipps in the mix and keeping competition going.

The new course proved to work for the conditions and we went straight into Race 3. AT the first Mark it was Mark Addison, Jeremy Deacon, Justin Philipps and Alex Fastnedge fighting it out and this group pulled away to finish with Mark Addingham, Jeremy Deacon, Alex Fastnendge and Justin Philipps in that order.

By Race 4, the fleet had shrunk to nearly half with a high attrition rate due to the big gusts. A similar group led for most of the race with Nick Mason recovering to steal 4th Place and complete and excellent days racing.

Many thanks to Broadwater SC who delivered a great, if challenging, days Sailing, made everyone feel very welcome. The event was good value with the entry fee including bacon butty & coffee before racing and a post sailing lunch with a beer.

Open Meeting:

1st Mark Addison Upper Thames SC

2nd Alex Fastnedge Cotswold Sc

3rd Jeremy Deacon Broadwater SC

4th Nick MAson Emsworth Slipper SC

5th Justin Philipps Frensham Pond Sc

South East Series: (Best 4 Events to count)

1st Jeremy Deacon Broadwater SC

2nd Justin Philipps Frensham Pond Sc

3rd Dave Patrick Broadwater SC

4th Bill Taylor Creeks SC

For the South East Series, there were over 40 boats who competed at some point in the season with over ten Qualifying. Andrew Stainsby won the spot prize for the lowest placed competitor to qualify for the series.

Solo Class Super Series 2026 Summary and Events Announced for 2027

 

2026 North Sails Super Series

With just one major event remaining, the Harken End of Season Championship will provide one last chance for competitors to qualify or improve on their overall scoreline though Harry Lucas 2-2-2-1 has an almost unassailable lead, Oliver Davenport 1-1 will have to podium at the Midland Championship (Rutland Water Oct 45-25) before launching a last ditch bid at the EOS (Draycote Water Nov 14) but you would not bet against the current National Champion.

Newly crowned Inland champion Andrew Wilde 4-1 is also not without hope and needs two good scores to finish his season in style while Alex Butler, Chris Brown and current Nation's Cup champion Guy Mayger are in the mix for the top three should Davenport and Wilde falter.

Tom Gillard 4-2 Solo campaign has been on the back burner but he too could still make the plinth and North representation seems appropriate given they are the 2026 title sponsor.

Another important factor is that all competitors are allowed to use one Area Championship result in the qualifying process and Gillard (Western), and Butler (Southern) can both add strong results to their overall score line, the Sailwave file is yet to be updated but could turn the table upside down.

The final event of the season should be a classic, Draycote Water has seen plenty of drama over the years and I anticipate some tense faces amongst those with the most to loose while a few mavericks will no doubt be pushing for a surprise win.

It has been a season of breakthroughs for some of the more youthful sailors, Lucas, Savitsky, Clementson, Norris, Cuxson, Marlow, Maunder and Rice-Birchall while some of the stalwarts, Barnett, Hydon and Bird have proven that the Solo is a racing dinghy that rewards both physicality and finesse and these sailors have it in spades.

There is also some fierce female competition forming home and abroad. Maria E. Franco, Justine Davenport and Brenda Hoult three of the Brits while the Dutch have Elaine Turner, Annemieke Beemster and Barbara Schappers amongst the front runners.

Looking ahead to 2027 and the Super Series Calendar has already been finalised, giving competitors plenty of time to plan their campaigns. Confirmation of our title sponsor has still to be confirmed.

Oliver Davenport may well campaign his Davenport Sails gold coloured Maxx while the North team will be keen to push their graphite grey aramid fibre showpiece. Andy Davis at HD HQ has been focused on the OK fleet but we understand he is about to launch a new Solo design and so look out for him and it in 2027.

2027 Super Series Qualifiers:

Winter Championship, Rutland Water, March 6

Spring Championship, Northampton, April 3

Spring Cup, Medemblik, May 14-16

Nation's Cup, Bruinisse/Zeeland, June 17-20

Nigel Pusinelli Trophy, WPNSA, July 17-18

National Championship, Felpham, August 26-29 (registration on 25th)

Inland Championship, Draycote Water, September 18-19

EOS, Grafham Water, November 6

Area Championship dates will be posted in due course and one result can be included as a qualifying score. It should be noted that the Super Series Qualifiers require competitors to be NSCA members.

The NSCA team have pulled out all the stops to provide a Solo calendar that is as evenly spread as possible while the Area and Open Meeting events will avoid clashes where possible.

The Solo media and Jury teams will be on hand to catch all the action so join up and join in to the most active single handed circuit in the UK.

Huge thanks to North Sails for their 2026 support of the class.

See you at Draycote for the conclusion of this memorable 70th Anniversary year of the Solo class.

www.solosailing.org.uk/super-series-events

International Moth End of Season Championship

 

The International Moth's 2026 season is concluding in its 'Northern Base' of Rutland Sailing Club this coming weekend.

The class is growing fast, with new faces joining the fleet, new boats being built, old ones being upcycled and steel foils becoming commonplace.

But among this change, innovation and growth who are the runners and riders to close out the season strong?

The Championship will have a number of prize categories:

Overall Podium

Carbon Podium

Unmodified Winner

Masters Winner

The highly affordable Exocet is a dangerous machine, they are forgiving to sail, quick, and have lots of upgrades available.

As host club, Rutland Sailing Club is not messing about, both its top sailors Matt Lea and James Sainsbury will be attending and will be on steel foils. They have been practicing full time since their strong showing in Loch Lomond for the Scottish Championships. They have the best equipment and the local knowledge, the home team will be tough to beat.

Follow along on social media Moth Class UK for updates on the racing, great videos, thrills, spills and the most exciting sailing in the world.

To learn more about how to join the class - get in touch: internationalmoth.co.uk/contact

Kestrel Open at Maylandsea Bay Sailing Club

 

It might be sufficient to say that the clubhouse recorded a 35 knot gust at midday.

This was a brutal end of season bash. The initial entry of 13 was whittled down by the weather forecast and one rather scary mishap on the M1 when a rear back wheel blew out taking a chunk of camper van and electrics with it.

For the hardy souls who ventured out of Maylandsea creek the sunshine disguised what was waiting out there. Large, short chop, vicious gusts and sticky black mud for those who succumbed and the usual impenetrable course round a multitude of locally identified marks known only to the locals.

Despite the conditions 10 boats made it to the line and 9 finished race one and 8 race 2.

Howie Enkel and Danni Tebutt who were far from the heaviest team in the fleet, provided a master class in heavy weather sailing winning both races. In race one they were followed home by Stewart Murdoch and Dave Hersum and in race 2 Mark Batt and Tony Everitt.

Sunday promises to be slightly easier on the body and the burgees!

Results after Day 1:

Pos Sail No Helm Crew R1 R2 Pts

1 1574 Howard Enkel Danni Tebutt 1 1 2

2 1593 Mark Batt Tony Everritt 3 2 5

3 1636 Stuart Murdoch Dave Hearshum 2 3 5

4 1472 Chris Grice Lauren Grice 4 4 8

5 1587 Glenn Enkel Celie Broomfield 5 5 10

6 1605 Paul Wilkinson Daniel Wilkinson 7 6 13

7 1612 Dave Gibson Peter Gibson 6 8 14

8 1553 Richard Anthony Ian Rintoul RET 7 18

9 446 Jorrit Schrauwers Toby Schrawers 8 DNS 19

10 1634 Dean Saxton Mark Harman RET DNS 22

Hayling Island RS200 Sandy Shell 2026

 

With a stacked entry list (as come to be expected!) including multiple national champions and Olympians a fresh forecast for 4 sharp races against the best in the country the scene was set to decide the 2026 champion.

First race saw wind with tide, flat sea state, blunt gusts over a 15 knot avg. Paul Hammett and his brilliant race crew swiftly kicked off the racing. A gruelling 10 seconds passed before some people were spotted drop hiking (you know who you are!). Rob Henderson and Rebecca Videlo were out the blocks hot - taking the first shift and running away with the race like a run-away locomotive. A hypersonic speed they demonstrates the whole day. The loving duo of Tommy Darling and Liv Stanley took a tidy second place closely followed by James Peters and Maddy Anderson who returned to the 200 scene and quickly got back into their habits old!

Race two - on the turn of the tide, saw another escape from the fleet by Rob and Rebecca. James and Maddy led the charge for the rest of us, and Cam Stewart and Chris O’Neill snuck a well deserved third place.

Wind holding consistent (albeit gusty) the fleet now decided best to head left from the pin to take more of the slack/ebbing tide. The third race saw the same names locking out the front of the fleet - James and Maddy, Tommy and Liv, and Rob and Rebecca.

The final race of the day saw the fleet overlay the port layline. Although mathematically safe, Rob and Rebecca showed class leading from the defending champions Ollie Evans and Zoe Nieveen (who would later found out they were unfortunately UFD) allowing Jamie Harris and Ellen Main to take the crucial second place points.

Overall, huge congratulations to the dialled in duo of Rob and Rebecca - champions of the Sandy Shell 2026. James and Maddy 2nd overall, and 3rd for Jamie and Ellen.

Special mentions (duckhams if you will) to Harry Chatterton for christening the brand new 200 with a little swim and kite difficulties despite spending 3 weekends bimbling! And Theo Williams who found tacking a bit harder than usual after ‘upgrading’ to a tiller extension long enough for a Nacra!

See you at a RS200 sprints this winter!

World title showdown heads to legendary Tiree Wave Classic

 

The world's best wave sailors are descending on the legendary Scottish island of Tiree for the 2026 Tiree Wave Classic, with an epic forecast, a packed international field and two fiercely contested World Championship title races setting the stage for another spectacular showdown on the World Windsurf Tour (WWT).

At the centre of the action is one of the most exciting rivalries in professional windsurfing: reigning World Champion Marc Paré (Spain) against five-time World Champion Philip Köster (Germany).

After another dramatic encounter at the Wissant World Cup in France, where Paré claimed victory and moved narrowly ahead of Köster in the 2026 world rankings, the two superstars arrive in Scotland ranked world number one and two, with the championship battle still wide open.

And neither is backing down.

The world's top two men are going head-to-head again at a 4-STAR World Cup — and the fans are loving it!

With valuable championship points on offer, every heat matters as the season builds toward its ultimate conclusion at the Chile Grand Final in December.

Legendary Tiree. Epic conditions.

Few locations in world windsurfing carry the history and reputation of Tiree.

Exposed to the full force of the North Atlantic, this remote Scottish island has become legendary for its powerful winds, rolling Atlantic swells and spectacular wave sailing conditions.

The latest forecast promises big winds and solid swells, creating the potential for an extraordinary week of competition.

The event will begin with the amateur and junior divisions before building toward the professional men's and women's contests, culminating in an explosive Finals Day, broadcast LIVE worldwide on WWT YouTube and the WWT HUB.

The Tiree Wave Classic is delivered in partnership with the British Wavesailing Association (BWA), led by BWA President and event organiser William McLean, whose commitment to British wave sailing continues to make this historic event possible.

35 men. One epic battle.

The 35-rider men's field brings together an outstanding mix of international World Cup stars, British professionals and ambitious amateur challengers.

Behind Paré and Köster, world number three Marino Gil Gherardi (Spain) arrives determined to challenge the championship leaders, alongside fellow Spaniard Miguel Chapuis, Belgium's Dieter Van der Eyken and France's Jules Denel.

British hopes will be led by Lucas Meldrum, alongside established names including Ben Proffitt, Andy Chambers, Ben Page and James Cox, with a strong contingent of local and national challengers eager to make their mark against the world's elite.

With advance-seeded professionals meeting hungry challengers, Tiree promises the kind of unpredictable, high-stakes competition that has made the WWT's 4-STAR World Cup Challenger Tour such an exciting part of the championship.

Women's world title race heats up

The women's competition promises another major chapter in the 2026 World Championship season, with 11 athletes ready to take on Tiree's demanding Atlantic conditions.

Leading the field is Polish wave sailing legend Justyna Sniady, one of the sport's most accomplished competitors and a formidable presence in powerful conditions.

But a new generation is coming fast.

Britain's rising star Cori McFarlane will be looking to make a major impact on home waters, while Germany's talented young sisters Frida and Emma Miron bring fresh energy and ambition to the international field.

They will face strong competition from Izzy Adcock, Caitlin Boothroyd, Georgia Stolliday and a determined group of challengers.

With the women's World Championship race intensifying as the season approaches its final stages, Tiree offers another valuable opportunity to earn world ranking points and build momentum.

The next generation and the legends

The Tiree Wave Classic is much more than a professional World Cup.

Eight young athletes will contest the Junior U18 division, including Germany's Peter Gobisch and Britain's Eddie Maclean and Mikey Maclean, showcasing the next generation of international wave sailing talent.

Meanwhile, a competitive 15-rider Masters division will feature British fan favourite and world title contender Ben Proffitt, alongside John McLawrence, Nick Jupp and a strong field of experienced competitors.

From emerging juniors to established legends, Tiree will showcase the full depth of the sport and the pathway through the WWT's global 5-STAR competition pyramid.

The road to the world title

The 2026 World Windsurf Tour is delivering one of the most compelling championship battles in recent years.

Paré and Köster have been trading blows throughout the season, pushing each other to extraordinary performances and giving fans a title race that remains on a knife-edge.

Now the battle moves to Scotland.

Big winds. Powerful Atlantic waves. A legendary island. And the world's best athletes fighting for every point.

The stage is set for another unforgettable Tiree Wave Classic.

Watch live worldwide

The 2026 Tiree Wave Classic runs 10-16 October, with competition progressing through the amateur, junior, Masters and professional divisions as conditions allow.

The decisive professional action and Finals Day will be broadcast live worldwide.

WWT YouTube

WWT HUB, live scoring and event information

Event: 2026 Tiree Wave Classic

Location: Tiree, Scotland

Status: 4-STAR World Cup Challenger

Event partner: British Wavesailing Association (BWA)

Event organiser: William McLean, BWA President

Keep Sailing All Winter at Grafham Water

 

Winter doesn't mean the end of sailing at Grafham Water. With its 1,550-acre reservoir, competitive fleets and full programme of racing and coaching, Grafham Water Sailing Club is preparing for another season of fast and enjoyable winter sailing.

From October through to the end of March, the club welcomes sailors and windsurfers looking to keep racing, sharpen their skills or simply enjoy getting out on the water during the colder months.

Conveniently located between Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Peterborough, Grafham attracts sailors from across the region and beyond. Winter fleets include ILCAs, Flying Fifteens, Solos, D-Zeros, Spitfires, F18s, A-Class Cats and RS classes, providing competitive racing for a wide range of boats and abilities.

Winter Membership runs from 31st October to 31st March, giving sailors opportunity to sail in the Sunday Race Series. Three back-to-back races are held each Sunday morning across four starts, providing competitive racing for a wide range of boats.

The Winter Series is complemented by a Sprint Series, with one Sunday each month in January, February and March featuring five short, high-intensity races. The traditional Christmas Pursuit Race provides another highlight, followed by a festive club dinner.

2026 is a special year for the club as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. The club continues to offer sailing for all ages and abilities, from those looking to improve their skills and gain confidence on the water to experienced sailors looking for competitive racing.

Winter membership costs £110 for a single-hander, including boat park space, or £130 for a double-hander with two members. There is a 50% discount for under-30s, making Grafham an especially affordable winter sailing option for younger sailors. Winter members also receive discounted entry to the Grand Prix on Sunday 3rd January, as well the opportunity to sail seven days a week.

For full details and online entry, visit www.grafham.org, email office@grafham.org or call 01480 810478.

Plea to save Victor, Ipswich's 130-year-old barge

 

A barge described as a "treasured icon" could be left to rot and her popular passenger voyages axed if £100,000 is not raised to save her.

Sailing barge Victor, built in Ipswich in 1895, helped establish the town as an agricultural port and was used to deliver cargo all around the East of England.

It has been on the market for a number of years but has generated little interest, due to the economic demands of maintaining the vessel, casting doubt over its future.

Judy Harrison, founding trustee of the Victor 1895 Community Heritage Trust, said the barge would meet a "sad end" if the group was unable to raise enough money to buy it.

"Sailing barges are becoming very rare – there were once thousands of them sailing around, but now there are very few still in commission," Harrison said.

"Victor will either fall into the hands of someone who wants a houseboat but won't have the resources to maintain her, or be beached and left to rot away."

In more recent years, hundreds of people have ventured aboard the traditional barge, which has taken them on pleasure trips along the River Orwell.

If the trust is to buy the barge, it will still need to generate funds to maintain her, and continuing such trips could become a vital source of income.

"There is a strong possibility that her very survival will be at stake," added Harrison.

"We need to improve the condition of Victor to the point we know she'll be around beyond our lifetimes for the people of Ipswich to value and enjoy."

Victor, which has welcomed more than 100,000 visitors, was built by Horace Shrubsall at the Dock End Yard 131 years ago, for Owen Parry.

She was part of a working waterfront, carrying between 90 and 120 tonnes of cargo around the shallow waters of the East Coast during her working heyday.

The barge, docked at Neptune Quay in Ipswich, is listed on the National Register of Historic Ships, although this does not offer her any protection.

The trust also wants to save the barge so it can use her continued presence in the area to create maritime careers, keep traditional skills alive - and "bring people together".

Her skipper of 21 years, Wes Westwood, who also worked for the port authority for 27 years, is hanging up his captain's hat.

"I'm sad [to retire] but you think your life is changing and you need to do your own thing - rather than caring totally for a barge," he said.

"Every day has been a good memory."

The Aeolian Islands are superb for a Sailing Adventure

 

The Aeolian Islands are superb for a sailing adventure because you can combine short, enjoyable sailing legs with volcanoes, swimming, snorkelling, villages, food and plenty of time ashore. A week gives you a lovely balance without spending all day at sea.

⛵ My suggested 7-day Aeolian adventure

I'd recommend starting and finishing at Lipari or nearby Milazzo/Portorosa, depending on the yacht charter. The route below concentrates on the islands that offer the best combination of sailing and activities. Most passages are only around 2–4 hours, leaving plenty of time for exploring.

Day 1 – Lipari → Vulcano

Sail: ~3–5 nautical miles

Start gently with a short sail across to Vulcano.

Onshore adventure:

Climb Gran Cratere for spectacular views across the archipelago.

Explore the volcanic landscape.

Relax on the black-sand beach.

Try Vulcano's famous thermal mud baths and hot-water area.

Dinner ashore overlooking the harbour.

The crater walk is particularly worthwhile early or late in the day when temperatures are lower.

Overnight: Vulcano.

Day 2 – Vulcano → Lipari → Salina

Sail: ~15–18 nautical miles in total

Head north to Lipari for a morning stop.

Lipari activities:

Walk through the old town.

Visit the castle and archaeological museum.

Browse the little shops and cafés.

Stock up on local food and provisions.

Then sail on to Salina, the greenest and arguably most beautiful of the Aeolian Islands.

Evening: Wander around Santa Marina Salina and enjoy a relaxed Sicilian dinner.

Salina is particularly good for families because it feels less developed and hectic than some of the other islands.

Day 3 – Salina: island exploration day

Sailing: short coastal sailing/swimming stops

I'd deliberately make this a slower day.

Sail around the island and stop at Pollara, the spectacular collapsed volcanic crater made famous by Il Postino.

Onshore activities:

Walk through the old village.

Explore the volcanic coastline.

Visit vineyards.

Taste local Malvasia wine and island produce.

Have a long lunch overlooking the sea.

Swim and snorkel from the yacht.

For a family trip, I'd make this one of the more relaxed days rather than trying to tick off another island.

Day 4 – Salina → Panarea

Sail: ~11–14 nautical miles

Panarea is completely different: tiny, beautiful and rather glamorous.

Anchor around Cala Junco or another suitable bay depending on the weather.

Afternoon adventure:

Dinghy exploration around the little islands of Basiluzzo, Lisca Bianca and Dattilo.

Snorkelling in crystal-clear water.

Swim from the yacht.

Walk the narrow lanes of Panarea.

Ice cream and cafés in the village.

Evening: Dinner ashore and watch the sunset.

Day 5 – Panarea → Stromboli

Sail: ~12–13 nautical miles

This is your big adventure day.

As you sail towards Stromboli, the volcano dominates the horizon.

Spend the afternoon swimming and exploring the village before preparing for the highlight of the trip.

🌋 Stromboli after dark

Head offshore in the evening and watch the volcano's activity from the sea, particularly around the Sciara del Fuoco.

The glowing eruptions against the night sky are one of the great Mediterranean sailing experiences.

If conditions and current volcanic restrictions permit, you could also arrange a guided volcanic excursion ashore. I would treat this as optional rather than building the whole itinerary around it because access and restrictions can change.

Overnight: Stromboli or, if conditions dictate, return to Panarea.

Day 6 – Stromboli → Filicudi

Sail: ~20–25 nautical miles

This is your proper sailing-adventure day.

Filicudi is much wilder and quieter than Panarea.

Activities:

Snorkel around the volcanic coastline.

Take the dinghy to Grotta del Bue Marino.

Visit the prehistoric settlement at Capo Graziano.

Walk up into the hills for panoramic views.

Have dinner at the tiny harbour village of Pecorini a Mare.

This would probably be my choice for the quietest and most adventurous evening of the week.

Day 7 – Filicudi → Lipari

Sail: ~20–25 nautical miles

Enjoy a final morning sail back towards Lipari.

I'd stop for a final swim and snorkel along Lipari's spectacular western coast before returning to the harbour.

Final afternoon:

Explore Lipari's old town.

Visit the castle.

Enjoy a long Italian lunch.

Buy local food/wine for the journey home.

Finish with a sunset dinner overlooking the harbour.

🌋 The week at a glance

Day Island Main adventure

1 Vulcano 🌋 Volcano + thermal baths

2 Lipari → Salina 🏛️ History + island life

3 Salina 🍇 Villages, vineyards + swimming

4 Panarea 🤿 Snorkelling + hidden coves

5 Stromboli 🌋 Night-time volcano spectacle

6 Filicudi 🧭 Wild island + caves

7 Lipari ⛵ Final sail + Italian evening

⭐ Why I particularly like this itinerary

It gives you three different types of adventure:

Active: crater walks, island walks, snorkelling, caves and dinghy exploration.

Sailing: enough genuine passages to make it feel like a sailing holiday rather than a boat-based island tour, but without exhausting everyone.

Family time: plenty of afternoons where you can simply swim, paddleboard, snorkel, eat ice cream or explore a village.

One important point: the Aeolians are more weather-sensitive than somewhere like the Ionian Islands. There are relatively few all-weather harbours and many anchorages are exposed to particular wind directions, so I'd use this as a framework rather than a rigid itinerary. Local skippers routinely alter the order according to wind and swell.

For a family holiday, I would also strongly favour a skippered yacht or catamaran unless you're already very comfortable with Mediterranean island sailing. Italy's tourism guidance specifically recommends professional local skippers for a relaxed and safe Aeolian itinerary.

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Ancasta broker takes on marathon challenge for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust

 

Ancasta broker James Douch is taking on the London Marathon in April 2027, adding a very personal contribution to Ancasta Group's ongoing support of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.

As Beneteau Sail Brand Manager at Ancasta, the UK's leading Beneteau dealer, James has played an integral role in the specification, commissioning and adaptation of the latest yacht to join the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust fleet - the Beneteau Oceanis 47, Peter PAN.

"It's less about the marathon itself and more about the Trust and the amazing work it does to help young people rebuild their confidence, independence and optimism after cancer treatment," says James.

"Having worked closely with the Trust to adapt Peter PAN and make it more accessible to the young people who sail on her, I wanted to do something more to support the charity. I'd heard that if you're ever going to run a marathon, London is the one to do - and, rather coincidentally, the Trust approached me about running for them after I'd already submitted my application."

James has set himself a fundraising target of £2,250, with the next seven months dedicated to training and, ultimately, making it to the finish line.

"I don't consider myself a runner in the slightest, and at 5'4" I'm convinced this is more of an ultramarathon for me, as I'll have to take far more steps than everyone else!" he jokes. "Training is going well so far, and I'm learning that it's okay to be uncomfortable. There's still a long way to go, but knowing what the fundraising is supporting gives me plenty of motivation."

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust inspires young people aged 8-24 to believe in a brighter future after the trauma of cancer treatment. For many, returning to the life they had before their diagnosis simply isn't possible. The Trust's work begins when treatment ends, using sailing and outdoor adventure to help young people rebuild their confidence and look ahead with renewed optimism.

Frank Fletcher, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust CEO, says: "We cannot thank James enough for taking on this incredible challenge for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. All the money he raises will make a tangible difference in improving the mental wellbeing of young people who are living through and beyond cancer across the UK. It was a pleasure getting to know James through the development and delivery of Peter PAN, and his latest commitment is testament to the strength and value of our relationship with Ancasta over many years. We wish James all the best and say 'thanks' again."

As the UK's leading Beneteau dealer, Ancasta Group is proud to support the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, and has helped the charity secure and commission the high-quality sailing yachts at the heart of its life-changing programmes.

Working closely with the Trust, Ancasta's expert team has managed the specification and commissioning of the four Beneteau yachts in its fleet, while Ancasta Yacht Services has undertaken specialist adaptations and accessibility modifications to ensure each yacht meets the needs of the young people who sail onboard.

"James' marathon challenge is another example of how Ancasta's support for the Trust extends far beyond the supply of yachts themselves," says Matthew Shave, Ancasta Group CEO.

"Across the Group, we're committed to raising awareness of the Trust's mission and using our platforms, events and industry network to help amplify the charity's message and the profound impact its work has on young people rebuilding their confidence and independence after cancer."

To support James in his marathon challenge and help raise vital funds for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, donate here:     2027tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/james-douch