The Inland Championship is a qualifying round of the 2026 Craftinsure Vines Series, the National Firefly Class Association's open meeting championship sponsored by Craftinsure.
There's an extra reason to push for the podium this year, too: prizes from Marlow Ropes, will be up for grabs at Rutland.
Rutland is calling
The swarm heads to Rutland Water this weekend and, for once, the forecast is firmly on our side. Proper breeze is on the way for the Inland Championship, and the entry list already stands at 44 boats, a dozen of them from the home club who will be very keen indeed to defend their own water.
The racing
Saturday is all about sprints: five short, sharp races, back to back. Sunday then slows the tempo but raises the stakes, with three longer races to settle the title.
Registration opens before the briefing, which is in the wet bar at 11:00 on Saturday, with the first warning signal at 11:55. On Sunday the first warning signal is at 10:25, and no race will start after 15:30. Don't be late.
On the water we get two race officers for the price of one, with Ella Ashworth supporting her dad, Adrian Stoggall. Expect a tight ship and, quite possibly, some family debate about the line bias.
Ashore
Saturday night is shaping up to be a big one. A two-course meal for just £12 is hard to beat, and 100 people have already signed up, so book now if you haven't. A DJ has been organised to keep the party going, and members and sailors alike have pledged to keep the bar busy.
Bunk room accommodation is available on site, and there is tent space at the campsite across the road (www.rutlandwatercampsite.co.uk).
Forty-four boats, a breezy forecast, eight races, a £12 dinner and a DJ. If you're not entered yet, now is the time: rutlandsailingclub.co.uk/event/firefly-inlands
Raffle update
Every helm and every crew racing at Rutland earns a ticket towards Firefly F4444, the race-ready ex-demo built by Ovington Boats, with spars by Selden, sails and covers by Hyde, and a launch trolley by Sailboat Trailers.
The Inland Championship is the first of the final five open meetings before the deadline, so every event now counts.
Tickets are earned, not bought, and you must opt in at forms.gle/MSeCVBpEpvcyQp1v7 by 14 November 2026 to make the draw, which takes place at the 80th Anniversary Dinner at the Royal Thames Yacht Club on Saturday 21 November.
Tickets for the 80th Anniversary Dinner are available now: forms.gle/i9SfR5xKvzf7dAkU6
The 2026 Craftinsure Vines Series is proudly supported by Craftinsure. The National Firefly Class Association's named sponsor is Tideway Wealth. All results and entry information: www.fireflyclass.co.uk
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