Cowes sailor Jeremy Waitt wins Solo Round the Island Race in style

LEADING Isle of Wight sailor Jeremy Waitt has won the famous Solo Offshore Sailing Club's Round the Island Race — retaining class honours for a third successive year. Always a keenly contested marathon, with the vagaries of the wind and tides adding to the already significant challenge of racing solo, Jeremy won the race in 7hrs 24mins 7secs on corrected time — beating his nearest rival, Nigel Colley's Sapristi, by a margin of more than seven minutes. His victory came in the JPK 10.10 Jangada, which is owned by Islander Richard Palmer, who loaned him use of the boat for the race, as he has done many times before, with huge success. The race itself got underway from Cowes at 6.30am yesterday (Saturday) and Jeremy, of Cowes, was over the finish line at precisely 2.04pm. Jeremy Waitt, who won the Solo Round the Island Race — which included a hat-trick of Class 1 category titles in the competition. With being the overall winner, Jeremy won the coveted Anticipation Cup, as well as the Watermark Trophy for being the first IRC boat home on elapsed time. He also won the highly competitive Class 1 fleet category, his third in successive year. Afterwards, Jeremy told the County Press: "Yacht racing depends on wind, tide and an element of luck, which is why regattas have a lot of races. "I really wanted to prove Jangada and I could win again. "And while it’s a single-handed event, it takes a full team to have consistent success. "Personally, it feels great to win for a third time in challenging conditions, with some very exciting sailing under spinnaker down the back of the Island, with gusts of up to 28 knots."

ROUND THE ISLAND VLOG - with the British Keelboat Academy - 11 hour boat...

Making activity happen - Elizabeth

McIntyre Reigns Supreme at RS Elite Nationals 2019 off Dun Laoghaire

The 2019 RS Elite National Championship, held as part of the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta, produced a nail-biting finish with the final result not decided until the tenth and last race. Mike McIntyre and crew, sailing RS Elite 76 Foudafafa, retained their title as National Champions despite being tied after nine races with Ossie Stewart and crew, sailing RS Elite 67 More T Vicar. In third place were Paul Fisk and crew in RS Elite 110 Legs Eleven. Dun Laoghaire proved to be a popular venue for the RS Elites with 14 out of a total of 31 boats taking part making the journey from England. The remainder of the fleet came from the strong RS Elite contingent in Northern Ireland. The competitors were not disappointed. PRO Peter Crowley and his on-the- water team did a generally excellent job in sometimes difficult conditions and the Protest Committee’s handling of a tricky redress hearing was eminently reasonable and fair. On the social side the fleet enjoyed the hospitality of the Royal St George Yacht who hosted an enjoyable class Dinner on the Saturday Night and provided a base for some very entertaining craic and refreshment throughout the event. Boats were launched by the Royal St George team on Wednesday, July 10th and racing took place from 11th to 14th July. Wind conditions were generally light to moderate with day two (July 12) producing the best breeze of 15-20 knots from the northwest. Winds were lighter on the other days. The wind was particularly tricky on day one with the first race starting in a light and shifty north-westerly breeze which swung by 180 degrees as the sea breeze set in, converting the leeward gate into a windward gate. Wind conditions continued to be challenging throughout the event, particularly on days three and four, with the wind blowing off the land and producing some sizeable shifts. Racing was highly competitive with sailors from Hayling Island Sailing Club, the original home of the RS Elite, taking the first six places overall. Among the first three, the highest number of first places (four) went to Ossie Stewart’s More T Vicar but, with better discards, Mike McIntyre’s Foudafafa (two firsts) took the championship with an overall 22 points to More T Vicar’s 27, demonstrating the value of consistency throughout the event. Paul Fisk’s Legs Eleven took third place with 38 points having taken first place in races five and six. Other highlights from the results table included seventh place which went to RS Elite 63 E’tu sailed by Steve Powell from the Royal Lymington Yacht Club. Steve is the former RS Elite Class Association chairman whose tireless work did so much to ensure the success of the class. He was making a welcome return to the fleet after several years. The highest-placed boat from Northern Ireland was RS Elite 37 Storm sailed by Stephen Polly and crew from the Royal Ulster Yacht Club who finished eighth overall. RS Elite 19 Tuppence sailed by Brian Corry from Strangford Lough Yacht Club, finishing 11th, was the only boat from outside the top three to score a race win, finishing first in race two. The 2019 Nationals was a milestone event for the RS Elite fleet being the first time the event had been held outside the UK and the first time as part of a larger event. The popularity of the venue ensured a healthy entry with all the fleets in mainland UK and Northern Ireland represented. Outside of the leading group the first boat from Cowes was RS Elite 101 Centurion sailed by Robert Holbrook in 10th place, RS Elite 111 Kin sailed by Tiffany Brien and crew from the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club was 13th and RS Elite 68 Serious Moonlight sailed by Richard Bavin and crew from Royal Burnham YC was 14th. Class Chairman Paul Fisk commented that the efforts of the regatta organisers, in cooperation with the four yacht clubs, made for a seriously impressive operation that delivered a fabulous event. He also thanked the Royal St George Yacht Club for their wonderful hospitality and for the impeccable handling of boat logistics by their shore team. The international theme will continue in 2020 where the UK National Championship will be held as part of the RS Elite International Grand Prix, hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron at Cowes.

New Isle of Wight sailability boat will help more disabled people learn to sail

COWES Sailability Club has launched its new boat — which will help more people with disabilities learn to sail. The new Drascombe Longboat was named Lily at an official ceremony at the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club last Saturday, by Isle of Wight Hight Sheriff Geoff Underwood. It was bought with funding from the National Lottery Community Fund and Little Britain Challenge Cup, among others, and will enable the club to offer more sailing opportunities for people with disabilities. The club’s fundraising officer, Trish Rooke, said: “We are so excited to receive our new boat, as it really will have a positive impact on the lives of many Island residents who have physical disabilities, learning difficulties or debilitating medical conditions. “This summer, we will have capacity to take more people out onto the water so they can enjoy exciting experiences, learn new skills and have fun.” The new boat is the club’s second Drascombe Longboat, which is ideal for people with limited mobility or poor sight because of its large cockpit and no boom to bump heads on. Director of the Little Britain Challenge Cup, Tony Poole said: “We are delighted to play our small part in this very worthwhile charity.”

Learn How To Sail: Sailing Basics Video Series - Anchoring

NI Sailing and boating clubs to benefit from Focus Clubs Programme

Fourteen sailing clubs across Northern Ireland have been given a unique opportunity by RYANI to grow and develop their clubs. Through the Focus Clubs programme, each of the selected clubs will receive support from RYANI so that they can focus on development, explore funding support for participation programmes and promote activities that they will be running. In 2019, the following clubs will benefit from the programme: Ballyholme Yacht Club Ballyronan Boat Club Carrickfergus Sailing Club Coleraine Yacht Club County Antrim Yacht Club Donaghadee Sailing Club Craigavon Lakes Sailing Club East Antrim Boat Club East Down Yacht Club Holywood Yacht Club Lough Neagh Sailing Club Newcastle Yacht Club Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club Strangford Lough Yacht Club The initiative was established to help clubs to develop into world class clubs. RYANI Active Clubs Co-Ordinator, Lisa McCaffrey, commented: “The Focus Clubs programme is a fantastic initiative where we help clubs to sustainably grow and support their active membership. At RYANI we work with the club and provide support so that they can maximize the good work they are already doing and identify opportunities to grow membership further. “We are delighted to be able to run this initiative for the third year, with support from Sport Northern Ireland and the National Lottery. It is programmes like this that really add value and help to increase opportunities and the number of people taking part in sailing and boating in Northern Ireland.” In 2018, Focus Club membership grew by an average of 8.1% on the previous year. Not only are the programmes and support about helping bring new members in, it is about allowing clubs to deliver activity for all its members to benefit from.

Who says you can't enjoy sailing?

The RYA is welcoming the launch of a national disability inclusion campaign and highlighting the benefits of sailing for all participants. The Activity Alliance’s Who Says? campaign is calling time on negative perceptions about disability, inclusion and sport. It was created in response to the national charity’s recent research, which explored people’s attitudes on inclusive activity and found that a lack of understanding could be creating long-lasting barriers for people with disabilities. The findings of the research showed a general lack of awareness, inexperience and unfamiliarity with disabled people although there was a good awareness that sport should be for everyone. Non-disabled respondents also recognised that they could benefit from taking part in inclusive activities. However, non-disabled people were concerned about the negative impact taking part together may have on the wellbeing of disabled people. The top three concerns were that they may patronise disabled people (53%), disabled people may get hurt (47%) or that they may say something inappropriate (37%). The aim of Who Says? is to empower people to challenge their own and other people’s perceptions through a series of films Watch the perception collection here. RYA Safeguarding and Equality Manager Jackie Reid said: “The research shows that certain perceptions around disability in sport should be challenged and it is time for an awareness raising initiative like the Who Says campaign. “At the RYA we operate on the basis that sailing and boating are open to anyone, no matter what their age or disability and our aim is to facilitate the inclusion of all sailors, whether they want to compete or just have fun on the water.” RYA and disability All RYA clubs and training centres should be able to respond appropriately to an enquiry from someone with a disability and discuss whether they are able to make reasonable adjustments to meet that individual’s needs. Sailability is the RYA’s national programme giving people with disabilities the chance to try sailing and to take part regularly. The British network of more than 200 RYA-approved Sailability sites have boats and facilities to cater for people across the whole spectrum of abilities. RYA Sailability Manager Joff McGill said: “Challenging perceptions can make a real difference to whether people can get out on the water or not. With over 200 locations across the UK it is easy to get on the water near you and staff and volunteers across the Sailability programme are committed to open and positive conversations about what it takes to get each person sailing. There are so many benefits – being active, improving wellbeing, new social connections and learning new skills.” To find out more about sailing opportunities for disabled people, or those that need specific support to get on-the-water visit www.rya.org.uk/sailability. For more information about Activity Alliance visit: http://www.activityalliance.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/who-says

Young guns Heathcote and Boyle crowned 420 world champions

Lymington teenagers Milly Boyle and Vita Heathcote have clinched the 420 world championship crown after a thrilling finale in Vilamoura, Portugal. The pair dominated the week-long regatta, notching up eight top ten finishes including three wins over the 10-race series. They saw their healthy lead cut to just a few points on the final day under pressure from Italian duo Irene Calici and Petra Gregori, but managed to hang on for the win. Victory was sealed when the last race of the event was abandoned due to lack of wind. Heathcote and Boyle have risen through the ranks of the British Youth Sailing programme, which aims to develop the world’s best young racing sailors. Last year they represented the British Youth Sailing Team at the Youth World Championships, finishing in second. “It’s the weirdest feeling ever, I still can’t believe it’s actually happened,” said Heathcote, 17. “The last race was so nerve-racking . After five years of sailing 420s we’ve finally won the world championships and it’s such a good feeling.” Boyle, 18, added: “The Italian girls did so well and deserved everything that they got. We got a little lucky at the end but we will take that. World champions – we’ll tick that box off, thank you very much!” Heathcote and Boyle finished the regatta four points ahead of Calici and Gregori, with Melina Pappa and Maria Tsamopoulou of Greece taking bronze. Britain’s Jess Lavery and Rebecca Coles were eighth. In the boys’ fleet, Haydn Sewell and Will Heathcote were the top Brits in 15th. Full results from the regatta can be found here.

Is this really UK sailing?! Ep: 14

YOUNG SAILING STARS SECURE SOLID RESULTS IN HOLYWOOD

Young sailing stars from Ireland and the UK have battled it out at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club in Holywood for the Topper Irish National Championships. The event, which lasted three days last weekend and included nine races, attracted over 60 sailors. This included the British Topper Squad – ten of the top sailors from all over the UK. Weather conditions were optimal with light winds and sunshine, allowing the sailors to showcase all of their skills. Tim Evans from Grafham Water Sailing Club, England, took the title after a consistent and thrilling weekend of sailing. Hugh Lynch from Cork took second place with Ethan McCormac from Cushendall Sailing and Boating Club hot on his heels in third place. Ethan has achieved impressive results this season, finishing in the top five at the last three national level events. Hannah Dadley-Young from Ballyholme Yacht Club continued to build on her recent run of success securing a solid 6th overall and first female. RYANI’s High Performance Manager Matt McGovern said: “it is fantastic for our young sailors to compete at such a high level right on their own doorstep. “This was a thrilling weekend of sailing and we were delighted to see such a successful event held at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club. “It is clear from the results that we have some impressive sailors in Northern Ireland. Events such as this are vital in helping our young sailors to build confidence and get the experience they need to continue developing their skills through RYANI’s Youth Performance Programme. “We are very proud of their achievements and look forward to training and competitions throughout the rest of the year.” Final results are available at https://www.rniyc.org/assets/uploads/TopperIrish2019FinalResults.pdf There are plenty of opportunities for the public to get out on the water and have their first experience. Northern Ireland currently has three RYA Active Marinas, 52 RYA Recognised Training Centres and 38 Affiliated Clubs/ Associations that offer a great chance to get out on the water. Love Boating? Then why not join the association that promotes and protects, safe, successful and rewarding boating. Join today and support the RYA in protecting your boating rights and freedoms. Take advantage of free advice and support on all aspects of your boating, as well as enjoying a range of fantastic personal member offers. Find out more by calling 02380 604 159, email member.services@rya.org.uk or visit www.rya.org.uk

Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club: Martin Brennan wins trio of races

Martin Brennan, in a Solo, won all three races at the Lake on Sunday (7 July). The wind was very fickle, varying from calm to an occasional gust making tactical racing quite hard. However, Junior sailors, Hector Droungas and Jasper Bramwell took out a GP14 and acquitted themselves well with a third place in the third race. Over the weekend, a number of club sailors took part in an event at Ullswater for the Birkett Trophy. In a mixed fleet of 230 boats, Richard and Lauren Marsh excelled with 9th place overall, and leading RS200, Adam McGovern with Chris Robinson or Ellie Davies in a GP14 were 27th overall. Chris Massey and Heather Marsh in a Scorpion were 49th while Les Burns and Alice Morris came in 76th. Several of the Merlin Rocket sailors are away at Salcombe for a week of racing.

Champions crowned at RYA Sailability Multiclass Regatta 2019

The Blind Sailing team were crowned champions at the 2019 RYA Sailability Multiclass Regatta this weekend (05-07 July). With more than 100 sailors, competing in over 70 boats, the UK’s biggest disability sailing event of its kind took place this weekend (05–07 July) at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), home of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The RYA Sailability Multiclass Regatta has evolved over the years and is now a real festival for disabled sailing and a celebration of the impact sailing can have. Tom Hepburn, 15, from Wyke Regis explains: "Sailing has given me a lot of freedom. I can go anywhere in the harbour I choose to go pretty much, which is different to how I feel in my day to day life." The event provides a whole host of opportunities for participants of varying abilities to get out on the water, as Mark Williams from Wales explains: “There was a single guy out on his own managing everything just with a little joystick to control the boat and you think if he can do that then so can anyone. There’s no excuse not to get in a boat.” Mark, who has been an amputee since aged 10, and hadn’t sailed in 10 years before the Multiclass added: "At this event you see it's not disability it's this-ability, and people just being able to do sailing regardless of what their disability is." RYA Sailability Manager, Joff McGill concluded: “This year’s regatta is our biggest and best so far. Along with the exciting fleet racing and the annual Ken Ellis Pursuit Race, the event allows those who have never even been on the water before to give it a go and experience the freedom that being on the water brings.” Nine classes of boat, many of which have been adapted to enable people with disabilities to compete on a level playing field competed. The Blind Sailing team - consisting of Lucy Hodges, Ben Hazeldine, Eddie Kitchen and Martin Phillips - sailing in an Elliot 6M keelboat, won the Keelboat League and were awarded the prestigious Ken Ellis trophy finishing first place in the Pursuit Race. The class winners are Random pairs team racing: Liberty winner: Chris Atkins, Hanningfield Sailability 303 winner: Bob Waters, Waveney Sailability and Timothy Hall, Chesil Sailability RS Venture Connect: Thomas Harper and Michael Harper, Chesil Sailability Access Liberty: David Durston, Whitefriars Sailability Hansa 303 single: Defending Champion Mike Everitt, Frensham Pond Sailing Club, retained his title Hansa 303 double: Natalia Hillman and Alan Hillman Challenger: Defending Champion Valerie Millward, Rutland Sailability, retained her title Hansa 2.3: Defending Champion Lindsay Burns, Frensham Pond Sailing Club, retained her title Skud18: Lynne Swan and Stu Swan, Weston Sailing Club 2.4mR: Megan Pascoe, Frensham Pond Sailing Club Weta: Chris Hodge and Tony McCoy, Sussex Sailability Thank you to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly all weekend to make the event possible, including hosts Weymouth and Portland National sailing Academy. Thanks also go to support teams including: Chesil Sailability, the Andrew Simpson Watersports Centre, the OTC, and the Miss Isle Sailing School. Sailability is the national programme run by sailing’s governing body, the RYA, giving people with disabilities the chance to try sailing and to take part regularly. The British network of more than 200 RYA-approved Sailability sites have boats and facilities to cater for people across the whole spectrum of abilities. To find out more about sailing opportunities for disabled people, or those that need specific support to get on-the-water visit www.rya.org.uk/sailability.