National 12 Class 90th Anniversary - a new sponsor and an exciting, special year ahead

 

1936 was a turning point in the history of yachting and dinghy racing; the National 12ft Class was born. In 2026 the Class is celebrating its 90th Anniversary, first with a special stand at the upcoming RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show and the Class has a new National series main sponsor for 2026, Blood Red.

The stand will feature N1 Gipsy, built in 1936, and the first National 12ft dinghy, designed by Uffa Fox and winner of a competition run by the YRA to create a racing dinghy at a cost within the reach of many, opening the sport up to mass participation. The boat was recently "rescued" from a bankruptcy auction sale by two National Twelve Owners' Association members to save her from the possibility of going abroad.

Sharing the stand will be N3530 Very Hungry Caterpillar, one of the latest National 12s, a "Dead Cat Bounce" designed by Jo Richards and now the winner of multiple National Championships. While N1 represents the starting point, the "Dead Cat Bounce" represents over eighty years development and with radical new designs on the CAD drawing board, more development, within the cost limiting rules are anticipated in 2026.

The Class is truly delighted to be so closely associated with our new main sponsor, Blood Red and particularly their ethical principles. They engineer premium sailing, swimwear and sun-protection gear using regenerated ocean plastics. Every item is designed to optimise hydrodynamics, durability, and comfort—delivering precision fit, controlled compression, and long-lasting performance in salt, sun, and surf. Materials are selected for their strength, elasticity, UV resistance, and fast-drying properties, ensuring each garment performs at the highest level.

Sustainability is built into their process. By transforming recovered ocean plastics into high-performance textiles, waste is reduced without compromising function. We believe advanced design and environmental responsibility must evolve together.

Comparatively new to the UK and now UK based, but chosen by sailors, freedivers, and surfers elsewhere, Blood Red® delivers technically refined, ethically produced gear made to withstand demanding conditions—so you can focus on performance, not limitations.

The Blood Red National 12 Series includes open meetings around the UK with a mid-year highlight of the Class's 90th Anniversary Regatta at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club in July. The Burton Week National Championships are being held at Shoreham SC over the August Bank Holiday weekend and the season will be rounded off with the Inland Championships at Northampton SC in November.

In parallel, the Class's Vintage fleet has their own events and joins the main fleet for others. This year the "Witchcraft Bailer" Vintage series has been expanded to include the four plank hull boats and the later Admiral's Cup single-bottom designs. These older designs represent incredibly good value, offering competitive sailing or leisurely cruising in interesting boats at a fraction the cost of many one designs.

Mid-Point in the Howth Yacht Club Dinghy Frostbite Spring Series

 

A rainy and blustery start greeted sailors as they arrived to mark the mid-point of the Spring Series of the Howth Yacht Club Dinghy Frostbites. Rigs whistled as sailors watched the Brass Monkeys fleet venture outside the harbour, battling white horses on exit. However, when the time came for the dinghies to launch, the wind abated, and the first race got underway in improving conditions as both wind and rain eased off. 

A strengthening ebb tide combined with a westerly breeze made for long upwinds, followed by much quicker downwinds. An Olympic course was set for race 1, switching to a windward-leeward for race 2. The breeze varied throughout the races, with moments of hiking interspersed with lighter patches where sailors sat in, coaxing their boats to keep moving.

In the PY Class, the IDRA 14s of Alan Carr and Pierre Long swapped 1st and 2nd places in each race. Conor Costello’s Enterprise, crewed by son Brendan, made their first appearance on the podium in race 1, while Ryan Cairns’ IDRA 14 took 3rd in race 2. Series leader Daragh Sheridan’s RS Aero wasn’t out, but he still maintains his lead over Alan Carr by a healthy 6 points.

The ILCA 7s saw very close racing throughout the fleet of eight boats, with only boat-lengths separating many of the finishers. Conor Murphy, after an absence in the preceding four races, returned to form with two hard-fought wins over Tom Fox in 2nd. Andrejs Samoilovs was in the mix for a top-two finish in race 1 but just missed out to take 3rd, while Davie Carr fought off close competition from Jack McMahon to secure 3rd place in race 2. Dave Kirwan continues to lead the series, but Tom Fox sits just one point behind. With eight races still to go, it’s all to play for.

In the ILCA 6s, Peter Hassett recorded his 3rd win of the series so far, followed by Stan O’Rourke and Darragh Peelo. Darragh Peelo responded strongly in race 2, claiming the win over Peter and Dylan Cassidy. That result was enough to keep Darragh atop the leaderboard, but with only three points separating the top three, expect some snakes and ladders in the weeks to come.

There are four weekends remaining in the Spring Series, all leading up to the Round the Island Race to close out the season. Always a popular event, all are welcome to join for racing and craic afterwards at the prizegiving. NOR and entry forms will be available shortly on www.hyc.ie

RORC Marks Centenary With Launch of New 25-Year History Book

 

The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) has released a new book to conclude its centenary celebrations, charting its journey from 2000 to 2025. Titled The Royal Ocean Racing Club – 2000-2025 – The Next 25 Years, the publication follows Ian Dear’s history of the club’s first 75 years, published in 2000.

The new volume recounts the origins of ocean racing in the UK and US, the controversy over the first Ocean Race—now the Rolex Fastnet Race—and the founding of the Ocean Racing Club. It reflects on the club’s evolution, including the rise and fall of the Admiral’s Cup, once the world’s premier grand prix yachting event during the 1970s to 1990s.

The book highlights the decline of the Admiral’s Cup in the early 2000s and the growing influence of Rolex, which began sponsoring the Commodores’ Cup and later the Fastnet Race.

Under Rolex’s backing, the Fastnet Race expanded significantly, eventually shifting its finish from Plymouth to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin due to capacity limits.

RORC’s international footprint is also explored, from the launch of the RORC Caribbean 600 and the RORC Transatlantic Race to the Roschier Baltic Sea Race. The club’s 100th year closed with the successful revival of the Admiral’s Cup in 2025.

Onshore developments are covered, notably the merger with the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Cowes, granting RORC a second base in the UK’s sailing capital alongside its London headquarters.

The book outlines the introduction of the IR2000 rules and the rise of IRC as the leading global yacht rating system, known for its secrecy and adaptability.

Changes in offshore racing culture are also discussed, including a steady rise in doublehanded sailing and greater female participation. Insights from RORC’s flag officers and key figures enrich the narrative.

The book is authored by veteran sailing journalist James Boyd, who has over four decades of experience and has edited RORC’s yearbooks for more than 10 years.

Members received complimentary copies, but the book is now available for £45 through the RORC online shop.

The Nacra 15 World Championship is heading to Plymouth for 2026

 

For the second year running, Plymouth is to host an historic World Championship. The 2026 Nacra 15 World Championship will be hosted by Hooe Point Sailing Club and Plym Yacht Club from the 25th July to the 1st of August in conjunction with the UK Nacra 15 Class Association.

This unique collaboration will utilise the major event experience of PYC, buoyant from the success of the 2025 J/24 World Championship (shortlisted for RYA event of the year) and HPSC, the only club running frequent dinghy racing in Plymouth Sound.

Event co-director Sam Marshall said: "This event wasn't on our radar for 2026, but we are delighted to be working with the Nacra 15s this year. High speed cat's are not new to Plymouth, but the opportunity to run a Worlds with the next generation of aspiring Olympians is. Last years J/24 Worlds showed the expertise and dexterity of our race management team here in Plymouth, and the splendour of the racing area is second to none.

"Once again we are looking forward to working with many of the clubs and associations locally and regionally to put on what should be another stunning event in the South West.

"Several of our youth sailors are in the Nacra, including Maddie Jinks and Marcus King who represented GBR at the Youth Sailing World Championship in December, so we are really pleased to give them the chance to have a shot at international success on home turf."

The Nacra 15 is a semi-foiling catamaran, and is the official World Sailing youth multihull. Over 60 boats are expected from 11 countries in the summer, and the UK Nacra 15 Class Association have several events and training across the country throughout the year.

The class will also be at the RYA Dinghy Show this month, so if you want to find out more about the class or getting involved you can meet us there on stand A16, or get in touch at hello@nacra15worlds.com

Enter now: nacra15worlds.com/entry

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nacra15worlds2026

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nacra15worlds2026

Cork Week is looking forward to hosting the Etchells European Championships

 

Cork Week, hosted by the Royal Cork Yacht Club, is looking forward to hosting the Etchells European Championships from 6th to 10th July 2026.

Over 50 entries have already been received for all classes and an up-to-date entry list can be seen at www.corkweek.ie/cork-week-2026-entries

The Etchells Notice of Race has now been published on the Cork Week Site, and all classes can enter online.

The Royal Cork Yacht Club recently complete the purchase of the marina and hard standing at Salve Marina next door to the club. This purchase will benefit the club for years to come with its extensive deep-water marina and facilities to launch and retrieve keelboats at all states of the tide. The Etchells Europeans will be the first major international regatta to benefit from this extension to club facilities.

In addition to some local boats, the Cowes Fleet has committed to bringing a number of boats and interest has also been received from both the US and Australia. There is also a charter package available from the Cowes Fleet for those interested in joining us (details in the NOR).

More to come as entries are confirmed.

Banshee Leads Squib Rankings in Kinsale Yacht Club Frostbites Series

 

Banshee, sailed by Matthias Hellstern and Alex Goggin, currently leads the interim rankings in the Kinsale Yacht Club Frostbites Squib fleet series after a light airs outing on Sunday, Feb 1st.

Seventeen boats are competing in the winter series. After six races and one discard, Banshee holds a nett score of 10.

Close behind is Mucky Duck, with Cliodhna Ni Shuilleabhain and Michael O'Sullivan on board, on 14 points.

Third place is tightly contested between Allegro and Fifty Shades, both on 18 nett points, with Allegro ahead on countback.

“These are interim results and may change as the series progresses,” said a KYC spokesperson.

The Frostbites series is being sailed under Appendix A scoring, with results recorded as of 19:03 on 1 February.

Racing continues in the coming weeks, with more rounds expected before final standings are confirmed.

GBR Sailors Face Full Power Conditions at the ILCA Under 21 World Championships 2026 in Lanzarote

 

The 2026 U21 World Championships delivered exactly what sailors expect from Lanzarote in January: breeze, waves, and no shortage of physical racing. Known for its strong, reliable winds, the island lived up to its reputation from day one.

The opening races were sailed in a punchy 20-25 knots, and although the middle of the week brought slightly more moderate but very shifty conditions, the breeze remained consistently strong right through to the final day.

A total of 147 sailors travelled to Playa Blanca for the championship — 95 men and 52 women — making it one of the most competitive youth ILCA events of the season. Team GBR fielded 12 sailors (nine men and three women), all aged between 17 and 20.

The level of competition was exceptionally high, particularly from the Italian and Spanish squads, whose depth and physicality proved decisive in the heavy-air conditions. Bigger, more powerful sailors thrived, and the week rewarded those able to stay fully hiked and fast in the relentless breeze.

For the British men, Hamish Collingridge and Alfie Noel excelled in the stronger winds, both earning places in the Gold Fleet. Leo Yates, competing as an U19 sailor, narrowly missed the Gold cut by just two places, leading the remainder of the GBR men in Silver Fleet.

The women's ILCA 6 fleet raced as a single group throughout the week. Poppy Luxton showed impressive pace in the breeze, consistently punching forward in the heavy conditions. However, the intensity of the fleet led to multiple general recalls, and all three GBR women having to carry BFDs, adding an extra challenge to their overall scores.

Final GBR Results - ILCA 7:

27 Hamish Collingridge

36 Alfie Noel

52 Leo Yates (U19)

57 Sam Grayton

60 Robbie Phipps

62 Joe Rowe

69 Hugh Andrews

72 Nathan Russell

93 Julian Rowhart

Final GBR Results - ILCA 6 - Female:

18 Poppy Luxton

39 Megan Thompson

43 Flo Tovey (U19)

RYA Youth Sailing Pathway Status awarded to Oxford Sailing Club

 

Oxford Sailing Club is delighted to announce that we have been awarded the British Sailing Pathway Club status by the RYA — a fantastic recognition of the strength and quality of our developing youth programme.

The RYA youth sailing pathway is designed to help young sailors build strong fundamentals, enjoy racing in a friendly, supportive environment, and develop a lifelong love of the sport. Becoming a Pathway Club places Oxford SC within a national network committed to providing high-quality, affordable junior training and creating vibrant communities of young sailors.

Colin West, Commodore of Oxford SC, said: "Achieving RYA Pathway Club status is a fantastic milestone for the club. It reflects the dedication of our instructors and volunteers, and it gives our young sailors a structured, inspiring route to grow in confidence and ability. This recognition strengthens our commitment to nurturing the next generation of the sport."

Tom Cochrane, Training Principal, added: "This endorsement from the RYA highlights the quality of our youth coaching and the passion our team brings to developing young sailors. We're excited about what this means for our junior members and the future of sailing at Farmoor."

As a newly recognised Pathway Club, Oxford SC will continue working closely with the RYA to grow our youth section, expand training opportunities, and create even more ways for young people to enjoy sailing, learn new skills and feel part of an enthusiastic, supportive community.

Find out more about our youth sessions, training and upcoming activities at www.oxfordsailing.club or view our YouTube Short.

YTC Rating System To Launch For Keelboat Racing In Ireland

 

A new, simplified yacht rating system is set to be introduced for keelboat racing in Ireland from 2026, providing a low-cost alternative for clubs and sailors without IRC certificates. The YTC system, already in use in the UK, will now be accessible to Irish boats following an agreement with the RORC Rating Office, offering a straightforward application process and greater inclusivity at club level, writes Nigel Biggs, Chair of Irish Sailing's Handicapping and Ratings Working Group.

During the last 12 months, Irish Sailing, through our Handicapping & Ratings Working Group (HRWG) in conjunction with ICRA, has been reviewing various options for scoring keelboat racing in Ireland.

Having listened to the opinions of a great many people in the sport, from across the country, we feel there is an opportunity for a cost-effective (cheap), simple rating system, which clubs could use alongside ECHO, for boats without IRC certificates.

When used in its intended progressive way, ECHO does an excellent job of handicapping the performance of a boat and its crew, such that beginners and experienced racers can compete against each other with an equal chance of winning. However, some sailors wish to measure their skills against each other using a rating system which only handicaps the performance of the boat.

For the more serious racers, IRC provides such a system which has been used successfully in Ireland for many years now. IRC considers a boat’s performance at a detailed level with a great many measurements and factors being taken into consideration. This makes the system accurate but potentially off-putting for those who race less seriously and perhaps don’t want to get involved in the complexity or cost of an IRC application.

With a huge database of different boat types and almost 2,000 certificates issued in 2025, we feel that YTC offers the best solution for us in Ireland.

YTC is a simple to use rating system designed to promote the racing of cruising yachts and cruiser racers at club level, although up to now, it was only available to boats in the UK.

Due to the excellent and longstanding working relationship we have with our neighbours at the RORC Rating Office, we have been able to secure access to YTC certificates for Irish boats from 2026. Applying for a YTC certificate is easy and involves completing a simple online form via a portal and will cost £30 sterling.

We are extremely excited about the introduction of YTC to keelboat racing in Ireland and believe it is the ideal solution for clubs and classes, including white sails / non-spinnaker, wanting the benefit of a measured rating system, without the cost or detailed measurement requirements of IRC. We feel it will sit very well alongside the progressive ECHO handicap system for club racing and will help encourage more boats to the start line.

For those boats who hold IRC rating certificates, we have also listened to your feedback and are pleased to confirm that costs for these, and any new, certificates have been reduced for 2026.

You can find more detail on YTC at https://rorcrating.com/ryaytc

where certificates can also be applied for, once the portal opens again in mid-February. In the meantime, please send any queries to racing@sailing.ie

We hope you will share our enthusiasm for these new initiatives and look forward to a great season afloat.

Dublin Bay’s 2026 Spring Chicken Series Set for February Start

 

Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) has released the sailing instructions for the 2026 AIB DBSC Spring Chicken Series, scheduled to begin on Sunday, 1 February.

The 25th anniversary edition of the popular six-week event will run each Sunday morning through to 8 March 2026, with the first warning signal at 10:10. Up to four starts are scheduled, with classes announced each race day via VHF Channel 74.

Won last year by John Maybury's J109, Joker II of the Royal Irish Yacht Club, the event attracted an entry of 40 boats.

The event is hosted by the National Yacht Club.

Courses will be designated on the day by the Race Committee and broadcast over VHF. Marks may include The Muglins, Yellow Outfall buoy, and inflatable marks.

Races will be scored using a Modified ECHO handicap system on a time-on-time basis. Handicaps will be recalculated weekly based on performance.

The ethos of the series remains “fun-focused”, according to organisers. Competitors are encouraged to prioritise safety and consideration. “We would request that all boats, and especially our more ‘experienced’ sailors, give plenty of room to other boats in all situations,” the sailing instructions state.

Each boat must carry a working VHF radio capable of transmitting on Channel 74, and all crew must wear lifejackets. Racing will take place within Dublin Bay, with a strict prohibition on entering the Dublin Port Channel or interfering with commercial shipping.

Boats reported by Harbour Masters for interfering with commercial traffic will be disqualified without a hearing, per the amended Racing Rules of Sailing.

Competitors must also avoid coastal swimming zones and keep clear of other harbour users when entering or leaving Dun Laoghaire.

All entries must ensure proper insurance is in place, and any boat retiring from a race must inform the committee boat immediately.

Results of each race will be published in the days following each event. Full rules, including hearing procedures and scoring systems, are outlined in the sailing instructions, available below as a pdf download.

New tidal and berthing training offered by expert Associated Marine Training at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour

 

New training courses are being introduced by Associated Marine Training at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour in waterfront meeting rooms created by the boatshed redevelopment.

The expert training opportunities are being offered to berth holders as well as visiting boaters, with day courses in February, March and April to include:   

A focused theory session on Beaulieu River tidal flows

Practical manoeuvres on the water

Becoming the first to use the new service, the crew at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour have already been put through their paces to complete Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Powerboat Intermediate, Advanced and Radar courses for maritime safety and expertise. The investment ensures they are well prepared to manage a wide range of situations on the water. 

Harbour Master Wendy Stowe said: “The staff at most marinas have Powerboat Level 2 but we wanted to raise the bar, as safety and professionalism are at the heart of everything we do. Our team members are being trained to an advanced level, so they can offer the best customer service and advice.” 

She added: “Mooring your boat can become a struggle for some berth holders and our new tidal-berthing training will help remove that nervousness and enable customers to learn new skills in a small group of friendly, like-minded people in our new boatshed facilities.”

Rob McInally, Principal at Associated Marine Training, said: “We’re delighted to work with Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour to provide a bespoke tidal‑flow and tidal‑berthing course tailored specifically to the Beaulieu River. Helping boaters feel confident and safe on the water is essential to get the most from this unique environment.”

While only bespoke tidal training is currently being offered, the new facilities may support additional learning opportunities in the future as demand develops.

All courses will be delivered in the waterfront offices created by the recent redevelopment of the boatshed. For opportunities to relocate your marine-based business to one of the most desirable marinas on the South Coast see www.beaulieuriver.co.uk/boatyard-redevelopment.

For more details about the courses, prices, or to book, call the yacht harbour team on 01590 616200, email harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk or visit the Associated Marine Training website at www.associatedmarinetraining.com.

IRC Championships 2026: Full UK Racing Season Confirmed

 

The RORC Rating Office has published the full calendar for the 2026 GBR IRC Championships and the IRC European Championship.

The season runs from May to September with events across the UK and neighbouring waters.

The campaign starts in May with the IRC Bristol Channel Championship. The event is split across two weekends at Portishead and Cardiff.

Next, the International Paints Poole Regatta hosts the IRC Southern Championship and the IRC European Championship. Strong entries are expected from the UK and overseas.

Also in May, the IRC Scottish Championship takes place from Tarbert on Loch Fyne. It forms part of the Scottish Series run by Clyde Cruising Club.

A new event for 2026 is the IRC North West Championship at Liverpool Yacht Club. Organisers say it adds a fresh regional title to the calendar.

In July, the IRC East Coast Championship is scheduled as part of Ramsgate Week. Later in August, the IRC Northern Ireland Championship will be raced on Belfast Lough, hosted by Carrickfergus Sailing Club.

The IRC South West Championship follows at Royal Torbay Yacht Club. Organisers expect competitive fleets at both venues.

The IRC National Championship will be held in Dartmouth from 27–30 August as part of Dartmouth Week. Hosts Royal Dart Yacht Club say the event should attract a strong fleet.

September concludes the season with two titles decided over the same weekend. The IRC Welsh National Championship will be raced in Cardigan Bay during the Celtic Regatta.

At the same time, the IRC Channel Island Championship will be contested at the Jersey Regatta. Both events round off the 2026 season.

Offshore racing also features in the programme. The IRC Double Handed National Championship includes the Cowes–St Malo race in July and the Cherbourg–Cowes race in September, drawing double‑handed teams from both sides of the Channel.

Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series - Rockstars rev up for Rutland

 

There's a stellar line-up for this weekend's Tiger Trophy at Rutland Water Sailing Club. Predicting a winner would be a fool's game...

The John Merricks Tiger Trophy at Rutland Water is looking set to be the most competitive yet in this season's Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series. After a break from recent events, Tom Gillard and Rachael Gray are back in their Merlin Rocket. But will they manage to dominate at Rutland as they have done at the first three events of the season?

Looking at the line-up gathering for this weekend's competition, they will have to be at the top of their game to win a fourth event.

Gillard and Gray will have to keep their rival Merlin competitors at bay, not least Castle Cove's Tom Ballantine crewed by Olympic kitefoil and 49erFX campaigner Maddy Anderson.

Elsewhere in the fleet there's Megan Pascoe in the 2.4mR singlehanded keelboat. A former World and European Champion in the class, she could do well if the wind is on the lighter side. On the long-range forecast the breeze was looking around 8 to 15 knots which might be a bit on the high side for Pascoe.

Meanwhile Selden's own Andy Tarboton, reigning Musto Skiff World Champion, takes the helm of an International 14 with Tristan Tomlinson pulling the strings at the front. The battle for fastest boat on the water could come down to Alex Adams in a foiling International Moth against Simon Hiscocks, the double Olympic medallist who's racing a foiling Switch this weekend.

And so it goes on. There are already 43 different classes entered, representing almost every aspect of dinghy sailing in the UK's hugely diverse small-boat universe.

Olympic silver medallist David Wilkins takes his usual role of principal race officer and heads up a team of keen and expert volunteers. The forecast is good and everything is lining up for a great weekend of racing across Saturday and Sunday.

The Saturday evening Dinner is informal this year and the meal is £16.00 for two courses and will start soon after the Six Nations Rugby match finishes on the big screen.