Three Rivers Race 2026 at Horning Sailing Club

 

3RR 2026 sponsored by Yachtmaster Insurance and Panks

This year's Three Rivers Race was a true test of endurance for all those taking part, with the average length of time spent on the water being over 21 hours for finishers. Hosted by, and started from, Horning Sailing Club on Saturday 30th May, the Race finally began after an hour's delay due to light winds and a strong tide.

The start line was extremely busy - both on and off the water - with thousands of spectators making their way to Horning to watch the 117 starters leave on the now iconic Broads Sailing Challenge, in its 65th edition. Despite large numbers on the water, the starts themselves were relatively uneventful, competitors contending with a shifty breeze and a few bottlenecks though the village.

However, once under way, the breeze picked up to be quite pleasant and good progress was made across the course. The majority opted to complete the Ant and South Walsham legs first, meaning that the return home would be straight to Horning. Given the light winds, the Lower Bure turning buoy was positioned at Stokesby, whilst competitors still made their way across Hickling Broad to the turning buoy positioned by the clubhouse.

In the dying breeze during the evening, and as the river turned to glass-like reflections, many prepared themselves for a long night. Thankfully, there was a full moon, but those fighting the tide found it a challenge to make any progress until the tide turned early in the morning. Only two competitors made it home during the night - Paul Browning helming Thames A Rater "Osprey" (who finished at just after 11pm) and Richard Whitefoot sailing Norfolk Punt "Comet" (who finished at 1.20am).

Both took different routes, Browning opting to complete both legs early, before Hickling and Stokesby, whilst Whitefoot completed the legs at the end of the race - both proving that speed was the key factor to race success. In the end, these results were untouchable and they finished in first and second respectively.

For the rest of the fleet, it was a long, slow night, the boats not making it back to Horning until daybreak when the breeze picked up. The next finisher was Tim Frary's River Cruiser "India" at just after 7am, having taken nearly six hours to make it from Horning Church to the finish line.

In total, there were 56 finishers and, heartbreakingly, seven further boats were timed out of the course, tantalisingly close to the finish line. With the conditions unpredictable, the morning's breeze favoured those further back on the course, who were able to make steady progress on those sailing through the tree-lined banks in Horning.

Third overall was White Wings, a Sailing Cruiser helmed by Simon Bayliss, who had chosen to sail to Stokesby first. Andrew Gallant took fourth in his Yeoman "Aquamarine", following the same course. After Heigham Sound, he spent much of the race locked in a close battle with last year's runner-up, Roger Hannant in Yeoman "Firefly", who was just behind, finishing fifth. In the end, they were separated by just over 30 seconds at the finish line after over 21 hours of racing.

Completing the top ten were Yeoman "White Spirit" helmed by Christopher Davies in sixth, River Cruiser "Amantani" (George Brewis) in seventh, eighth was another Yeoman "Anoih" (James Pettit), ninth was Broads One Design "Dipper" (Nick Heath) and in tenth was River Cruiser Modwena (Mark Cassidy).

The full results and trophy list can be found at horning-sailing.club/page/Results

Trophy list:-

Three Rivers Trophy (overall winner), New Three Rivers Trophy, Bosun's Call A (dinghy 12% or less), Peter Cumming Tankard (non-HSC Member), Stanley Facey Memorial Salver (Fastest Passage overall), Charles Hickling Memorial Trophy (crew average age > 60) - Osprey, Paul Browning

Yachtmaster Insurance Trophy (2nd Overall), Coffee Pot Trophy (Norfolk Punt on handicap) - Comet, Richard Whitefoot

Melody Trophy (River Cruiser on Handicap) - White Wings, Simon Bayliss

Puffin Trophy (Halfdecker on handicap), Ivybank Jug (leading Yeoman) - Aquamarine, Andrew Gallant

Bosuns Call B (dinghy over 12%) - Odie, Jonathan Coles

Night Light Trophy (leading Wayfarer) - Actuurly Urr Wayfarurr, Hamish MacKay

Howes Salver (leading YBOD), Colin Haddow Trophy (HSC crew of a YBOD or Rebel) - Scarce Copper, David Means & Dominic Copping

Mora Cruiser Cup (RCC fastest passage) -India, Tim Frary

Elias Trophy (RCC in opposite group to Melody winner) - Pirate, Willum Johnston

Wildgoose Cup (leading female helm) - Black Magic, Jane Pye

BeWILDerwood Trophy (helm under 25 in halfdecker or dinghy), Navigators Trophy (highest placed when competing in their first 3RR) - White Spirit, Christopher Davies

Trudi Memorial Trophy (first HSC member on handicap) - Firefly, Roger Hannant

Green Ginger Cup (Production Cruiser on handicap) - Papillon, Archie Campbell

Jubilee Cup (leading Rebel) - Rebel Rothay, Peter Brown

Reedling 50th Anniversary Trophy (leading Reedling) - Jaws, Stuart Bailey

Team Trophy - Team Talisker

NBYCO Shield (Hire Cruiser on handicap), Lysander Trophy (last boat to finish, elapsed time at least 20 hours) - Leda - Daniel Willett

Whoopee for Whooper at the Cowes Spring Classics

 

"Whoopee for Whooper!" with a double win for the 1939 Laurent Giles one-off Bermudan sloop owned and skippered by Giovanni Belgrano at the Cowes Spring Classics.

A fleet of achingly beautiful yachts enjoyed two days of Solent racing. Based out of Shepards Wharf the annual event marked the start of the season for Classic regattas. Designed as a relaxed regatta for pre-1970s Classic Cruisers, Cruiser/racers, Gaff-rigged boats and Pilot Cutters twenty one lovingly maintained boats lined up across three classes. Classic Meter yachts and the Modern Spirit of Tradition were welcomed and this year saw Dido and Strega join IRC Class 1. Gaff Rigged yachts and Pilot Cutters racing according to OGA Handicaps represented Class 3.

 The Best Dressed Crew at the Saturday dinner was presented to Peter Morton and his his Scherzo of Cowes team.

Osborne bay was the setting for the start of day two. The pretty West Solent One Designs battled it out for line honours. Claire Locke claimed third overall while David Heritage's Harlequin snapped at the heels of winner Suvretta to finish in second place. Tightly contested in IRC Class 1 it was five times winner of British Classic Week Giovanni Belgrano and his regular team who not only claimed Class 1 trophy but also the overall regatta winner's silverware.

The Corinthian spirit on-the-water was match by relaxed post-racing atmosphere. Pontoon drinks on the opening evening were followed by a bbq at the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club. Organised by Martin Nott, Cowes-based wooden boat builder and Mary Scott-Jackson of MSJ Events as a much welcomed season-opener to the racing calendar. And judging by the reception both on and off the water this year's was a big hit with owners and crew alike.

Find out more at cowesspringclassics.com

Royal Escape Race 2026 hailed a success after memorable race weekend

 The 2026 Royal Escape Race brought sailors together for a memorable weekend of racing, celebration and community spirit across the English Channel.

Organised by the Sussex Yacht Club in partnership with Société des Régates de Fécamp, this year's event saw 33 race entries take on the historic cross-Channel challenge from Brighton to Fécamp, alongside five yachts participating in the supporters' cruise.

Blessed with favourable conditions, competitors departed from the Sussex coast on Friday 22 May, retracing the route taken by Charles II of England during his escape to France in 1651 following the Battle of Worcester.

Taking line honours this year was Devils Advocate, completing the passage in an impressive 11 hours, 30 minutes and 42 seconds.

The race once again attracted a diverse fleet, including six entries from the Solo Offshore Racing Club, marking a significant boost for the event and helping establish the Royal Escape Race as an increasingly important fixture on the offshore sailing calendar.

Among the standout entries was Overlord, which competed during its 90th anniversary year, adding another special moment to a race already rich in maritime history.

Off the water, competitors and supporters enjoyed a packed social programme hosted by Société des Régates de Fécamp, including a Benedictine tasting, prize-giving celebrations and the ever-popular "Sailing's Got Talent" evening, which drew crowds of up to 150 people across the weekend.

The Sussex Yacht Club says feedback from competitors has so far been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising both the atmosphere and organisation of the event and expressing enthusiasm for returning in 2027 for the Royal Escape Race landmark 50th anniversary celebrations.

Robin Stevenson, Commodore of Sussex Yacht Club, said: "This year's Royal Escape Race was a fantastic success both on and off the water. It was wonderful to see such a strong and diverse fleet taking part, alongside so much support from competitors, volunteers, sponsors and our partners in Fécamp. The feedback we've received has been incredibly positive, and it's exciting to see so many crews already looking ahead to future races.

"We are hugely grateful to our sponsors, volunteers and all those involved in the event for their continued support, which enables us to keep bringing this important and unique piece of maritime history to life each year."

This year's event was proudly supported by headline sponsor Bishop Skinner Marine alongside official clothing partner Musto, whose valued support played an important role in delivering another successful Royal Escape Race.

Following the race weekend, organisers were also invited onto BBC Radio Sussex with Sarah Gorrell to reflect on the success of the event and the growing profile of the race.

The official Royal Escape Race prize-giving will take place at Sussex Yacht Club on Saturday 13 June.

Find out more at www.sussexyachtclub.org.uk/royal-escape-race

Dragon Fleet Set for Strong Showing at Cowes Classics Regatta

 

The Dragon class is preparing for another strong showing at the 2026 Cowes Classics Regatta, with 15 and counting Dragons entered for this year's event, the largest fleet among the 21 classes taking part.

Held from 4th - 7th June in the waters of the Central Solent, the Cowes Classics Regatta has become a highlight of the traditional yacht racing calendar, bringing together a diverse fleet of classic and modern classics for four days of competitive racing and shoreside camaraderie.

While the regatta spans four days, the Dragons will contest a dedicated three-day programme featuring seven scheduled races. Adding further significance to this year's event, the regatta will also decide the 2026 British Dragon Association Classic Championship, with six Classic Dragons among the entries battling for championship honours.

The Dragon fleet's continued support of the event reflects the growing strength of the class in the UK during its 70th anniversary year. With increasing participation at major regattas, and a busy national and international calendar, the class continues to attract both experienced competitors and new owners alike.

Among the entries is the beautifully restored Dragon Penguin, which was recently relaunched in Cowes following an extensive refurbishment. Her appearance at Cowes Classics Regatta marks another chapter in the story of this wooden Dragon and highlights the enduring appeal of the class, where boats spanning generations continue to race competitively alongside one another. Co-Owner Rhys Jones commented ahead of their first race event: "It's very exciting. It's great that there will be several classic Dragons racing, so we're really just looking forward to being in that mix."

The Dragon class has long combined close racing with a strong social tradition, and Cowes Classics Regatta will be no exception. Alongside the on-water competition, competitors will gather for a dedicated Dragon fleet drinks reception, generously hosted by Ithaca owner Michael Cover, continuing the camaraderie that has become a hallmark of Dragon events around the world.

The fleet will feature a mix of modern, vintage and classic Dragons, creating close racing across the seven-race series. With valuable points on offer towards the Classic Championship and the prestige of a Cowes Classics Regatta victory at stake, competition is expected to be fierce throughout the weekend.

British Dragon Association Chairman, Chris Grosscurth said: "It is fantastic to see such a strong entry list for the Dragons. With the largest fleet at the regatta and a Classic Championship title to be decided, we look forward to an exciting weekend of racing on the Solent."

As the British Dragon Association celebrates 70 years of Dragon sailing in Britain throughout 2026, a strong turnout at Cowes Classics Regatta provides further evidence of the class's continued vitality and growing momentum.

Sailing Challenge Crew Stops by at Edinburgh Care Home

 

A veteran sailing crew has docked for a special visit to a care home in Edinburgh as part of its Invictus tour.

Care UK’s Murrayside, on South Beechwood, opened its doors to members of the team taking on the Full Circle Expedition as they continued their 2,000-mile, 12-week journey around the UK aboard two tall ships.

Co-ordinated by veteran charity Turn to Starboard and carrying the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 flag, the Spirit of Falmouth and Pellew are being sailed by a rotating crew of 70 wounded, injured and sick veterans and serving personnel who are using the challenge to help rebuild their lives after service.

The voyage began in Cornwall and, following a stop in Leith, the crew made a special visit to the Corstorphine care home.

During the visit, the team shared stories from their journey, while crew member Will Keating treated residents to a special guitar performance to bring the afternoon to a memorable close.

Resident Pat Wood, 83, said: “It was great! They’re on an incredible journey and I wish them all the best.”

Suzanne Welsh, Home Manager at Murrayside, added: “As a Veteran Friendly Framework-accredited home, we are committed to recognising and supporting those who have served in the armed forces.

“It was such a special day welcoming the expedition team. The work they are doing is incredibly important, helping to shine a light on the power of the Invictus Games and the life‑changing impact of Turn to Starboard.

“Hearing the crew share their stories and spend time chatting with residents was truly memorable and meant a great deal to everyone involved. We wish the crew fair winds and following seas as they continue on their incredible voyage.”

Emirates GBR narrowly misses out on win at New York Sail Grand Prix

 

Emirates GBR narrowly missed out on a win at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix after the closest of battles with Australia's BONDS Flying Roos in the event final.

The Brits were just three seconds behind the Aussies as they crossed the line on the Hudson River, in what was the most thrilling finishes of the 2026 Season so far. As the two teams rounded the last mark practically neck and neck, both protested that the other team did not leave enough room, but the umpires concluded that no penalties were necessary.

Emirates GBR Driver Dylan Fletcher MBE said he was "proud" of the team's performance, but it was "bittersweet" that they didn't get the win.

"It was a great battle with the Aussies in that final race," Fletcher said.

"We were surprised they didn't get a penalty but when you leave it in the hands of the umpires it's always 50/50.

"It's a bittersweet feeling to not be standing on top of the podium but we've got to be proud of our performance this weekend.

"It was a fantastic day for the team and we felt like we were getting ourselves back on form after a tricky couple of events, especially looking at Rio which was similar conditions and configurations today where we really struggled. I'm really proud of how the team came out firing and there's certainly more gains to come."

Emirates GBR Strategist Hannah Mills OBE described the conditions on the Hudson as "hectic" and "super challenging".

"We were at the top end of conditions for the 27.5m wing a lot of times today," Mills said.

"We had the same situation in Rio as well so we took a lot of learnings from then and put them into practice today. We felt like we got our speed back today, so to get in that final and have such a good race with the Aussies was amazing. Our goal for this event was to get that feeling back, and it was just an unbelievably good race - so bring on Canada."

Emirates GBR will be back in action at the Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on 20-21 June. The Brits were victorious the last time the championship stopped in Halifax back in 2024, and they will be looking to close the gap between them and the Aussies this time round. The current 2026 Season leaderboard sees Australia first on 55 points, Emirates GBR second on 44 points and United States third on 36 points.

Helena Lucas wins the Maxi European Championship aboard Fra Diavolo

 

A triumph blending international offshore sailing excellence with a profound message of social inclusion highlighted the event just concluded in the waters of Sorrento.

The racing venue saw multi-medalist Paralympic sailor Helena Lucas claim the title of Maxi European Champion aboard the yacht Fra Diavolo.

The British athlete took part in the competition as a proud representative of Argo Challenge. This ambitious international inclusive sailing project was founded in 2006 by Antonio Spinelli with a clear mission: to break down barriers in sports and bring a crew composed of sailors with disabilities to compete in the pinnacle of world yachting, the America's Cup.

Seamlessly integrated into this global challenge, an enthusiastic Helena Lucas highlighted the significance of the achievement at the end of the regattas:

"It has been an absolute pleasure to be here competing and representing a project I believe in so deeply. I truly hope to see it come to fruition, reaching the point where crews of people with disabilities can compete at the very highest level of sailing. I am incredibly happy to be on board with Argo Challenge."

The team's journey toward the America's Cup is built on solid partnerships, chief among them the Yacht Club Gaeta, which has actively supported the challenge since its inception.

Vincenzo Addessi, owner of Fra Diavolo and President of the Yacht Club Gaeta, reaffirmed this strong institutional and emotional bond:

"From the very beginning, both I personally and the Yacht Club Gaeta have supported the Argo project. It embodies a powerful message, and it is something we would all love to see fully realized."

Closing this day of celebration and charting the course for the future, Andrea Tamagnone, President of the ideaArgo Association, expressed his great satisfaction:

"It feels wonderful to be back on the water, and it's beautiful to see Argo continue to pursue its dream. The interest being shown by the organizers of the next America's Cup is certainly a huge help. Therefore, this time after more than twenty years—we hope to write a unique and historic chapter in sailing, in sports, and beyond."

Tall ships' veterans crew dock in Liverpool city port

 

Two tall ships crewed by "wounded, injured and sick" veterans have arrived at Liverpool's Half Canning Dock for a weekend stay.

One of them, the Spirit of Falmouth was formerly named Spirit of Merseyside and was built by unemployed people in Liverpool 41 years ago.

The ships are sailing 2,000 miles around the UK in the Full Circle expedition transporting the Invictus Games flag to 23 ports, a year ahead of the games in Birmingham next year.

The Pellow and Spirit of Falmouth started in Falmouth, Cornwall, before docking in Kent and Hull before sailing around Scotland. The trip ends back in Cornwall.

The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014, are for wounded, injured and sick (WIS) military service personnel.

Sally Terry, CEO of sailing charity Turn to Starboard said: "More than a voyage, this expedition is a powerful story of courage, service and renewal, showing how adventure and the sea can heal, inspire and bring people together.

"We can't wait to bring this inspiring message to Liverpool to reach more veterans and highlight their challenges and remarkable achievements."

Army veteran Paul Miller, who is skipper of Spirit of Falmouth, said: "Being part of this expedition fills me with real pride.

"It has reminded me how far I've come in my own recovery and how much further we can all go together. "

Captain Lee Hazard, director of Special Projects at the Invictus Games, said the veterans on the ships were "remarkable" and they had used their "military skills to sail with purpose and skill".

He added: "Full Circle shows that recovery doesn't only happen on the field of play - it happens through challenge, connection and community."

Croatian Sailing Adventure

 

This 7-day sailing route along the Croatian coast works best if you keep daily passages relatively short (2–5 hours), leaving plenty of time for swimming, old towns, hiking, vineyards, and relaxed evenings ashore and  assumes a one-way route from Split to Dubrovnik in summer conditions, using a monohull or catamaran rental.

Day 1 — Split → Milna (Brač Island)

Sailing time: ~2 hours

Start in Split and provision before departure. The marina area is lively and easy for a first-night departure.

Sail across to Milna on Brač, a calm harbour ideal for settling into boat life.

Onshore activities

Explore the stone alleys and waterfront cafés

Swim in nearby coves

Sunset drinks along the marina promenade

Optional bike rental around the coastline

Dinner suggestion, Fresh Adriatic seafood and local olive oil dishes are the highlights here.

Day 2 — Milna → Hvar Town

Sailing time: ~3–4 hours

Sail to Hvar, one of Croatia’s best-known island towns.

Anchor briefly at the Pakleni Islands for lunch and swimming before entering Hvar harbour in the afternoon.

Onshore activities

Walk up to Fortica Fortress for panoramic views

Visit the Venetian-era old town

Cocktail bars and lively nightlife

Lavender and wine tasting excursions inland

Good to know, Hvar marina fills early in peak season, so reserving a berth helps.

Day 3 — Hvar → Vis

Sailing time: ~3 hours

Head farther offshore to Vis, historically isolated and quieter than Hvar.

You can berth in Vis Town or Komiža depending on weather and atmosphere preference.

Onshore activities

Visit former Yugoslav military tunnels

Wine tasting featuring local Vugava wines

Scooter tour around the island

Fresh lobster and octopus dishes in Komiža

Optional excursion, Take a small-boat trip to the Blue Cave on nearby Biševo Island early in the morning before crowds arrive.

Day 4 — Vis → Korčula

Sailing time: ~4–5 hours

A longer but beautiful sail southward to Korčula.

Korčula’s medieval walls and narrow streets make it one of the Adriatic’s most atmospheric towns.

Onshore activities

Explore the fortified old town

Local white wine tasting (Pošip and Grk varieties)

Cycle through vineyards and olive groves

Evening traditional sword dance performances (seasonal)

Atmosphere, Less party-focused than Hvar, more refined and cultural.

Day 5 — Korčula → Mljet National Park

Sailing time: ~3 hours

Cruise to Mljet National Park, famous for pine forests and saltwater lakes.

Moor at Polače or Pomena.

Onshore activities

Cycle around the salt lakes

Kayaking and paddleboarding

Visit the Benedictine monastery on St. Mary’s Islet

Hiking through shaded forest trails

This is usually the most peaceful and nature-focused stop of the week.

Day 6 — Mljet → Šipan or Lopud (Elafiti Islands)

Sailing time: ~3–4 hours

Sail toward the Elafiti Islands near Dubrovnik.

Good overnight options include:

Šipan for quiet fishing-village charm

Lopud for beaches and relaxed restaurants

Onshore activities

Walk car-free island lanes

Sea kayaking

Swim at sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud

Olive oil tastings and family-run konobas

Evening vibe, Very relaxed final island night before Dubrovnik.

Day 7 — Elafiti Islands → Dubrovnik

Sailing time: ~2–3 hours

Finish in Dubrovnik.

Approaching Dubrovnik by sea is one of the great Adriatic arrivals.

Onshore activities

Walk the city walls early morning or evening

Explore limestone streets of the Old Town

Cable car to Mount Srđ

Sea kayaking beneath the fortifications

Visit filming locations from Game of Thrones

Final evening, A harbour-front dinner inside the old city walls is a memorable finish.

This route balances:-

Moderate sailing distances, Historic towns, Swimming stops, Nature experiences, Nightlife and quieter evenings

It avoids overly ambitious passages that can make a one-week charter feel rushed.

Best Time to Go, May–June, Warm weather,Fewer crowds

Best sailing conditions overall, September, Warm sea, Excellent food and wine season, More relaxed marinas

July–August, Hottest and busiest, Reserve marinas well in advance

Practical Tips :-

A catamaran is ideal for comfort and swimming access.

Mooring reservations are increasingly important in summer.

Croatia uses the euro.

Many island restaurants accept cards, but carrying some cash helps.

Afternoon winds (Maestral) are generally favourable for sailing north-to-south.

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Bangor Regatta 2026 Entries Build One Month Out

 

Bangor Regatta 2026 is shaping up for a strong return, with more than 40 yachts already entered one month before racing begins. Hosted by Royal Ulster Yacht Club, the regatta will run from 25 to 28 June on Belfast Lough and is expected to attract crews from across Ireland and Britain.

Entries have already been received from Dublin Bay, the Clyde and the south coast of England. National Yacht Club race officer Con Murphy will oversee racing. Organisers say his experience and calm approach will help deliver competitive racing across the four-day event.

Royal Ulster Yacht Club Sailing Secretary Rory Flannigan said he was looking forward to seeing the fleet compete off the clubhouse. “I am really excited to watch these beautiful yachts compete for the Bangor Town Trophy in front of our beautiful clubhouse,” he said.

The winner of the Bangor Town Trophy will also receive an original artwork by artist Terry Bradley.

The regatta fleet will be divided between windward-leeward racing and coastal courses around Belfast Lough and the North Channel.

The Sigma 33 Class Championships will again form part of the event, with ten boats expected on the start line for a ten-race series. James Millar’s Mayrise from Helensburgh Sailing Club is among the boats tipped to perform strongly.

The Feedwell Impala Championships will also return after organisers partnered with the animal food brand to support the strong local Impala fleet.

Event chairman Gavin Watson said preparations were entering their final phase. “With only one month to go and the sailing season underway, the BR26 team are ramping up the organisation of this year’s premier keelboat sailing event in Northern Ireland,” he said.

“Our entries have been growing fast with yachts from as far afield as the South of England, Dublin and Scotland.”

Alongside racing, Royal Ulster Yacht Club will host a full social programme including barbecues, dinners and live music across the regatta weekend. Organisers say Luke's Point and Seacliff Road will offer some of the best viewing locations for spectators ashore.

The Richard Mille Fife Regatta

 

Having been the title sponsor in 2022, Richard Mille has renewed their support for this prestigious event which takes place from the 4th to 12th of June 2026.

23 Fife yachts have entered and they will be racing around historic venues on the Clyde. From Largs, they will visit Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, pass through of the Kyles of Bute and on to Portavadie on Loch Fyne before finishing back in Largs.

Three generations of William Fife have built some of the finest yachts in the world and these are now highly appreciated by sailors and collectors. Known by the dragon carving on their bows, Fife designed and built yachts are rightly acknowledged as some of the most elegant and beautifully built yachts of all time.

The shared passion for Fife yachts among owners, sailors and volunteers from the local coastal communities has enabled this pilgrimage of classic yachts to return to their birthplace. The event is a homecoming for both the yachts and their owners and will celebrate heritage and culture, the outstanding social receptions, and the natural environment of Scotland.

Fife yachts continue to attract attention worldwide with exacting restoration projects rekindling the sheer pleasure of sailing such elegant crafts. The enduring elegance of the classic yachts provides a moving insight into Scotland's proud marine heritage.

Fiona Houston, Regatta Director, 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.'    For further information visit www.fiferegatta.com

Vintage and Classic International 14 open meeting at Rickmansworth Sailing Club

 

Eleven boats, made up of seven classics and four vintage came to Rickmansworth SC to take part in a three race series including a main trophy race sailed over two days. The Saturday was shared with a Firefly open meeting with 25 boats competing, so a busy schedule for the host club.

A good mix of ages, boats as well as people with seven visitors coming from as far away as North Wales and Cornwall. A number of new faces and some boats that had not been seen racing for a while all made for an exciting combination.

Inland sailing has its challenges and Rickmansworth served up good winds with gusts that tested the best of the fleet and even capsized a few. Anyone expecting the racing to be gentle was in for a surprise with start lines hotly contested and close racing throughout the fleet. Everyone had their moment in the spotlight.

However one boat set the pace for the weekend and Ian Marshall & Lyndon Beasley sailing Aquavit K1048 took the Rickmansworth Trophy win giving a master class in race craft, but they had to work for their well-deserved win. Second place was a local boat Swansong K1053 sailed by Paul Hills & Lucy Madley sailing a Classic 14 for the first time. Third was Phantom K1136 sailed by Brian Willmott & Matt Ej.

As winners of the main Rickmansworth trophy are excluded from winning the series, K935 Seawitch sailed by Sam & James Vaughan took home the series transom trophy.

Once again Rickmansworth Sailing Club served up a warm welcome, lunch, chilli on Saturday evening, and excellent cakes off the water and exciting racing on the water. A big thank you to PRO Jonathan Carter and his team for their work on the water and all those involved in the organisation of a great weekend.

Overall Results: (* indicates Vintage, not Classic)

Pos Boat Name Sail No R1 R2 R3

1 Aquavit K1048 1 1 1

2 Phantom K1136 8 4 3

3 Seawitch K935 9 2 4

4 Billabong K885 2 10 5

5 Swansong K1053 4 DNS 2

6 Bare Necessities K1113 5 8 6

7 Daring K201* 3 5 DNS

8 Pirate K378* 6 6 RTD

9 Snoggledog K996 RTD 3 RTD

10 Uladh K243* 7 9 DNS

11 Tiercel K363* DNS 7 RTD

Solo Vintage Championship 2026 at Leigh-on-Sea Sailing Club

 

You could be forgiven for thinking you have walked through a wormhole back in time if you happen to pass by Leigh on Sea on Saturday May 30th, narrow cobbled streets overflowing with pedestrians eager to sample the local ales and cockle bars, a train station, bereft of travellers awaiting departure and a beach full of cutting edge timber-constructed Solos.

Only when Technora sails are hoisted by sailors modelling the latest hikers are we transported back into the modern era. This is Leigh on Sea and this is the Solo Vintage Championship. It is an event close to my heart and having provided media for the class for five decades, you could say I have seen a thing or two.

Now in our 80th year, the Solo has developed into quite a weapon though a foiling version of this craft with an all-up weight (depending on helm) approaching 200kgs would be both dangerous and folly. The enjoyment of trying to negotiate through the wave patterns far more fun than ignoring them altogether. There will be many examples from different builders on show, some bewitching with their beauty, others constructed for function and maybe maximum profit but to their owners, unless they are just hard up, they are a beautiful 12 foot, 5 inch racing machine.

Committees made up of club racers and goal getters have shaped the class, it's slow but thoughtful development instigated mainly by the sailors though later years have seen the builders suggesting alterations, some for aesthetic improvement, some through limited or dwindling resources and a few through misinterpretation of the rules. The Solo has always had a staunch team of measurers to oversee, where visible, any departure from the ground rules Jack Holt set out on what must have been the largest match box in history and we still have a product that, if you sit it side by side with any other Solo from any other decade, will be recognisable as the same but different.

While many of the examples on show will be 70 kgs, only some will have correctors (the legal limit well known at 3 kgs) and some will probably be many kilos heavier but it is satisfying for the competitors to know that they may not have as competitive a Solo as the modern man but it is the same length and width (give or take 5mm) and one missed wind shift has to be worth a kilo in weight.

We must congratulate Honourable Chief Measurers Frank Mountifield, Martin Grounds, Jim Gates, Ron Green and Gordon Barclay for their steadfast adherence to the NSCA bible though to be fair, they would always do their level best to try and get their stretchy tape measures to squeak hulls and sails inside the legal limits where possible, well they did for me. All said and done, the tolerances always allowed for builder error and that shall always be true.

To the racing and visitors are in for a real treat once you understand the broad east coast accents, be patient, the water will arrive but it will also exit quicker than a toilet flush so be ready to race.

The sailing club have all the details so why not dig out that rusting but road safe trailer which you have been keeping as a clothes airer for ten years and make the fabled journey to this sublime British venue.

First race is at around 11.15 am and high water is at 12.54pm so I guarantee you will be off the water or in the mud by 3pm.

The club are also hosting their Solo open on Sunday 31st so do stay and take on your younger siblings, I mean the boats, the sailors will be of a similar age.