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.

The Finn Gold Cup 2028 is awarded to the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy

 

The event will be held between the 8th and 15th September 2028. The British National Championship will form the warm-up event and be staged the weekend before the Gold Cup.

The last time the Gold Cup was held in Weymouth in 2000, it was attended by numerous legends of the Finn fleet, including Mateusz Kusznierewicz, Ian Percy, Freddy Loof, Sebastien Godefroid, amongst others.

In 2012, the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy hosted the Olympic regatta and witnessed one of the all-time epic battles between Ben Ainslie and Denmark’s Jonas Høgh-Christensen.

Weymouth & Portland was also the training hub for the incredibly strong British Finn squad in the lead-up to the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and remains the UK base of the British Sailing Team. The facilities at WPNSA are legendary, and the venue has hosted numerous championship events.

The British Finn fleet will be holding a qualification series for the 2028 Gold Cup during 2027, and there will be an automatic place for the winner of the 2027 British Nationals, plus discretionary places for U29 sailors.

The Gold Cup fleet will be populated with many sailing superstars from around the globe and should include ex (or current) World Champions and Olympians. The title sponsor for the event will be AIS (Advanced Innergy Solutions) a global leader in the engineering, manufacture, and application of insulation and passive fire protection systems, as well as buoyancy and subsea products, with whom we are extremely pleased to be partnered. Additional local sponsors will also support the event.

So, if you relish the chance to compete in the best dinghy fleet on the globe, on the iconic Weymouth Olympic waters, just get in touch and get involved.

Contact the British Finn Chairman, Richard Sharp, GBR-90. Email chairman@finnuk.org.uk

SailGP to Make Rome Debut in 2027

SailGP, the most exciting racing on water, will make its debut in Rome in 2027. The global sail racing championship will arrive in Italy's capital city on September 11-12, 2027, in the first event of a three-year partnership with the City of Rome and the Lazio Region.

Unfolding over two action-packed days of racing, fans will experience the inaugural Italy Sail Grand Prix | Rome from a purpose-built Race Stadium at Porto Turistico di Roma.

SailGP CEO and co-founder Sir Russell Coutts and members of the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team joined institutional representatives including Francesco Rocca, President of the Lazio Region, Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri, Fabrizio Ghera, Councilor for Territory Protection, State Property and Heritage of the Lazio Region, and Alessandro Onorato, Councillor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion at a special event hosted at the Ara Pacis Museum, to announce and celebrate the agreement.

Sir Russell Coutts said: "When Larry Ellison and I founded SailGP, our ambition was to build a sports and entertainment property that extended far beyond the sailing audience. Our vision is to deliver thrilling competition, cutting-edge technology, and world-class hospitality in the most iconic cities all over the world.

"Rome, with its global significance, is the perfect stage to amplify that vision. Adding another premier destination to our calendar demonstrates the powerful proposition SailGP offers to host cities and partners globally.

"We are thrilled to announce a three-season commitment in Rome as we continue to build our fanbase and deepen our footprint across Italy. We would like to thank all our partners in Rome for making this agreement happen, including the City of Rome, the Region of Lazio, the Municipality of Fiumicino, the Porto Turistico di Roma and of course, the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team."

Francesco Rocca, President of the Lazio Region, commented: "The arrival of SailGP in Rome represents a milestone of extraordinary international value for Lazio. Hosting one of the most innovative and spectacular sporting competitions in the world strengthens our Region's role as a leading destination for major events, capable of combining sport, tourism, territorial enhancement and economic development.

"The sea is both a defining and strategic asset for Lazio, and seeing Rome's waters transformed into the stage for a global event like SailGP will be a source of pride for our entire community. This three-year partnership confirms the Region's commitment to investing in events that create opportunities, attract visitors from around the world, and promote a modern, dynamic and international image of our territory.

Red Bull Italy SailGP Team athletes Jana Germani (strategist) and Enrico Voltolini (grinder), joined CEO Jimmy Spithill and owners Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo and Assia Grazioli-Venier at the Piazza di Campidoglio. They, alongside Coutts, were hosted by the Mayor of Rome and marked the launch of a new home event in front of the city's world-famous Colosseum.

Jimmy Spithill said: "I think if you're looking for the perfect place to host our first home event, it doesn't get much better than SailGP Rome. It's a city with incredible history, from the Colosseum to so many other iconic landmarks, and it's a truly special place to visit. To be able to sail there makes it even more exciting.

"For our first home event, we'll be racing off the coast of Rome, and I think people will be blown away by the number of fans who come out to support the team. It's an awesome venue, an amazing city, and I can't wait to see everyone there."

The Rolex SailGP Championship announced its wider 2027 Season global calendar last week, with Hong Kong among the new additions to its seventh season, alongside other iconic locations including New York, Rio de Janeiro, San Francisco and Dubai.

SailGP's return to Italy will mark the third time the global racing championship has taken flight on Italian waters - having staged two events previously in Taranto in 2021 and 2023.

Thousands of fans are expected across the race weekend where they will enjoy a mix of high-octane racing along with world class food, drink and entertainment.

Tickets for 2027 Season events are on sale soon. Fans are encouraged to sign up to SailGP+ for exclusive pre-sale access and priority ticket opportunities - at SailGP.com/2027. Select dates and venues remain provisional at this time.

Rolex SailGP Championship - 2027 Season Calendar:

JAN 23-24 - Hong Kong Sail Grand Prix

FEB 2027 - Australia Sail Grand Prix | Perth

APR 3-4 - San Francisco Sail Grand Prix

MAY 1-2 - Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix

MAY 15-16 - Canada Sail Grand Prix | Halifax

JUNE 5-6 - New York Sail Grand Prix

JULY 24-25 - Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth

AUG 14-15 - Germany Sail Grand Prix | Sassnitz

SEP 4-5 - Spain Sail Grand Prix | Valencia

SEP 11-12 - Italy Sail Grand Prix | ROME

OCT 9-10 - Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix

NOV 20-21 - Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, presented by DP World

NOV / DEC TBC - Rolex SailGP Championship 2027 Season Grand Final

Summer of Sport launches across Scotland, opening up more opportunities to get on the water

 RYA Scotland, working in partnership with sportscotland, is delighted to have secured funding from the national ‘Summer of Sport’ initiative to RYA affiliated support sailing clubs and centres across Scotland to support opportunities for young people and club volunteers as part of the national agency’s 2026 Summer of Sport.

Following a successful application to sportscotland, RYA Scotland is making available a £40,000 “Summer of Sailing – Community Youth Activation Fund.” The fund is open for applications organisations that want to introduce more young people to sailing and boating, get them active and keep them active.

RYA Scotland CEO Finlo Cottier said:

“We’re delighted to launch the Summer of Sailing Fund across the Scottish sailing community and can’t wait to see the real difference it will make in getting more young people and families out on the water to experience the unique benefits of sailing.

“We encourage all RYA affiliated clubs and centres delivering activity this summer to explore the opportunity and think about how additional support could enhance their programmes and support their volunteers. This is an exciting chance to expand community impact and bring more people into our sport - one not to be missed.”

More information can be found on RYA Scotland’s full ‘Summer of Sailing – Community Youth Activation Fund’ webpage. If you have a question regarding the opportunity, or are looking for tailored support, get in touch with the relevant RYA Scotland Regional Development Officer.

Speaking on the wider Summer of Sport programme, Chief Executive of sportscotland Forbes Dunlop said:

“At sportscotland, we believe that sport has the power to strengthen communities and change lives. The 2026 Summer of Sport campaign, made possible by Scottish Government investment, is a great example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition to make sport more inclusive and accessible. We’re proud to play our part in helping more young people enjoy the benefits of being active as we celebrate a fantastic summer of sport.”

The £20 million initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and facilitated by sportscotland, will offer young people aged three to 26 the opportunity to get active and maybe try something new.

With activities running throughout the summer and beyond, young people in Scotland will have access to a range of opportunities afloat, helping remove barriers to participation and ensure more young people have the chance to get involved.

RYA Scotland is working with a network of affiliate organisations to ensure these opportunities are available to everyone, regardless of background. The funding will enable the delivery of activities designed to help young people develop healthy habits, build stronger social connections, and foster a lifelong love of movement.

Through these investments, RYA Scotland is working to ensure that the 2026 Summer of Sport positively influences as many young people as possible, fostering engagement in sport and outdoor activities across all communities.

To find out more about the 2026 Summer of Sport, head across to the sportscotland website. 

Osprey Scottish and Northern Championship 2026 at Coniston Sailing Club

 

This Osprey event took place as part of the annual Coniston Regatta sponsored by Toplex and a host of other generous local firms. 80 dinghies took to the water and the Ospreys contributed 10% of the entries. The event overall was a resounding success with Coniston SC pulling out all the stops to provide a most enjoyable weekend both on and off the water. Next year is the club's 60th anniversary so if you missed this year make a note in your diary for 2027.

Those of us who live in the Lakes and sail on Coniston know all about rain and fickle winds but this year the sun came out and the wind blew straight down the lake from the south bringing warmth and giving, for Coniston, relatively steady conditions. There were however sufficient nuances to the wind, varying over the weekend from force 2 to 4, to be exploited and also test the concentration of participants.

Apart from the five regular crews the fleet welcomed two newcomers. 'Desperado' for the first time and 'Public Enemy' returning after a 25 year absence. One of the entrants, Paddy Lewis and Mike Priddle, failed to materialise and it transpired that Paddy's car had broken down scuppering their arrival. Speculation was rife as to what had gone wrong. Had the cocktail bar in the the Bentley gone wrong? Had the Chauffeur gone on the sick? We might never know but suffice it to say they didn't arrive and missed 6 races in sparkling conditions and, ashore the Hog Roast, an all time favourite with Paddy!

On the water a certain pattern emerged which remained active throughout the event. Out in front Alex and Nick Willis in 1291 and Rob Shaw and Ian Little in 1349 battled each other for first place and entered the final race all square. In the end after a little bit of match racing 1349 emerged triumphant and claimed the championship forcing 1291 into second place after what must have been the most closely contested Scottish and Northern's for many years.

Behind these two Alec Mamwell and Arthur Butler in 1350 sailed a really consistent series accumulating a perfect set of thirds. It might, from the results, seem as though they had an extremely boring time but the reality was somewhat different. They were usually close enough to the leaders to keep them on their toes. Unfortunately, this time, all their attempts to 'sneak up' came to nought and on the other hand they had to fight off the attentions of Ros and David Downs in 1114 who were not only trying to break 1350's grip on third place but also discover if their Osprey could go round in circles. Despite their assertion that it could there was no direct evidence that this was the case.

Behind these boats Willie Crichton and John Batt in 1341, Andy Reed and Steve Watson in 1183 and Desperado in 1252 were involved in a battle for survival. 1252 succumbed early in the event. 1183's efforts petered out but gave signs that, as Andy's health continues to improve, their results should get significantly better. That left 1341 to complete all the races and receive the High and Dry trophy for endurance. In the last race, however, the Dry bit did not apply as Willie, so pleased with his best start of the weekend, tacked and fell out!

The Osprey Association would like to thank Coniston Sailing Club for hosting this years Championship and, once again, making the Ospreys very welcome at their excellent club where the race management, catering and overall organisation have obviously been upgraded in recent times. This weekend was an outstanding success and I know that some of us will be back to join you for your celebrations in 2027.

Results:

1st 1349 Robert Shaw and Ian Little

2nd 1291 Alex and Nick Willis

3rd 1350 Alec Mamwell and Arthur Butler

Jura Scottish Series 2026 Overall

 

The north of Britain's most prestigious annual regatta, Jura Scottish Series, may have started in chilly spring temperatures and grey skies last Friday but Loch Fyne and the Kintyre peninsula delivered a blistering hot Mediterranean Monday Bank Holiday finale. Light winds, flat seas and brilliant sunshine offered a fitting end to the four-day event and sent the competitors homewards wearing big smiles and a few sunburned faces.

The biggest grins belonged to Craignish Boat Club's Guy Neville, sailing with his daughters Ruth and Kay, Alex Spence and Nick Speechley, who collected the top overall award for the best performance across the nine classes.

Sailing PO in the 12 strong, very competitive Hunter 707 One Design Class they won five of their 12 races, finished second three times and took one third. With a 16 points aggregate PO left the 2016 Scottish Series Trophy winners, Dara O'Malley's SeaWORD 11 points behind as runners-up.

It was a special and popular triumph for Neville who worked his way through the Scottish squad system to become a renowned Scottish 420 dinghy squad and Topper squad coach. He dedicated the team's success to the memory of his dad Alan and to that of Brownen Angus, a close friend who was one of the key organisers of the regatta, who his father Alan had taught to sail.

"I love One Design racing. Lately my daughter was racing and training in Hunter 707s at Port Edgar with Dundee University so we decided the 707 was the perfect boat for us. We got the boat a year ago and finished fourth here. But we have changed everything compared to what the others in the fleet do and it seems to work. We seem to be quick." Neville smiled in the Tarbert sunshine.

"It is great to win the Trophy. I won the Sonata class a few years back with eight firsts and have stood there at the prizegiving thinking....'maybe'....but this time it feels amazing."

Veteran Ian Nicolson lifted the CYCA Two handed class also counting five race wins on St Bridget.

CYCA 1 after 6 races:

1. Humdinger, John Conlon 11pts

2. Pipe Dream II, Andy O'Donovan 13pts

3. Ceol Beag, Donald MacKenzie 13pts

CYCA 2 after 6 races:

1. Sleipnir, Rory Chalmers 5pts

2. Arcade, Finn Aitken 9pts

3. Scruples, Chris Tait 15pts

CYCA Restricted Sail after 6 races:

1. Vasilia, Cameron Smith 4pts

2. Dark and Scary, Stevie Andrews 7pts

3. Honeybee, Iain Cameron 12pts

CYCA 2 Handed Restricted Sail after 6 races:

1. St Bridget, Ian Nicolson 5pts

Etchells after 12 races:

1. Bounce Back, Allan Manuel 14pts

2. Animal, Simon Reid 30pts

3. Living on the Etch, Katy Wedderburn 33pts

Sigma 33 after 12 races:

1. Mayrise, James Millar 13pts

2. Close Encounters, Griogair Whyte 26pts

3. Squawk, Paul Prentice 27pts

Hunter 707 after 12 races:

1. PO Ruth Neville 16pts

2. SeaWORD, Dara O'Malley 27pts

3. More T Vicar, Ben Williamson 27pts

IRC Class 1 after 9 races:

1. Something Else, Brian Hall 12pts

2. Mocking J, Ben Shelley 20pts

3. Victric 3, Michael Browne 20pts

IRC Coastal after 4 races:

1. Samurai J, Alan Macleod 7pts

2. Sloop John T, I & G Thomson 7pts

3. Spirit of Jacana, Bruce Douglas 14pts

EU Issues New Customs Guidance for Recreational Boats

 

The European Commission has published new guidance on customs and VAT rules for recreational craft across the EU. The guidance was welcomed by the European Boating Industry (EBI) and the European Boating Association (EBA), which said the document provides long-awaited clarity for boat owners and marine businesses.

The publication follows ongoing lobbying by both organisations for a more practical and harmonised interpretation of EU customs rules affecting leisure craft.

According to the Commission, pleasure craft used within the EU are generally presumed to have Union goods status. The guidance also states there is no general requirement for owners to prove Union status every time a vessel returns to its berth.

However, boats registered outside the EU may face more frequent customs checks.

The document further clarifies that a boat’s flag, registration country, or the nationality and residence of the owner do not alone determine Union status. The guidance also addresses proof of Union status, VAT issues and practical customs procedures affecting recreational boating.

Carol Paddison, Secretary of the European Boating Association, said the publication should help create greater consistency across EU member states. “We are pleased the European Commission has recognised that recreational boat users need clearer guidance,” she said.

“Although it doesn’t address the longstanding issue of missing paperwork, the document provides welcome clarification, which could enable more consistent application of customs and VAT regulations across EU member states.”

Philip Easthill, Secretary-General of European Boating Industry, described the publication as “a positive result” following engagement with the Commission. “Clearer interpretation of customs and VAT rules is essential for boat owners, businesses and authorities alike,” he said. He added that further clarification is still needed on issues, including long-distance cruising outside the EU.

EBI and EBA also stressed that the guidance is not legally binding and warned that implementation may still vary between member states. Both organisations said they will continue working with national authorities and the European Commission to support the harmonised application of the rules.

Cowes Week announces North Sails as new title sponsor

 

Cowes Week, the world's oldest and largest annual sailing regatta of its kind, has unveiled an exciting new title partnership with North Sails, the world's leading sailmaker. North Sails Cowes Week 2026 will mark the regatta's 200th anniversary from 1-7 August. Momentum is building with over 500 boats already entered to celebrate a landmark year for one of sailing and the UK's most eminent events.

The three-year partnership brings together two organisations at the heart of sailing, combining Cowes Week - where many of the foundations of modern racing rules were established - with North Sails's undisputed leadership in performance sailing from Optimist dinghies to the world's biggest super Maxis.

Robert Trimble, Chairman of Cowes Week Limited and Cowes Combined Clubs, commented, "Welcoming North Sails as Title Sponsor for Cowes Week's 200th anniversary marks an important moment for the event; the coming together of two organisations with such natural alignment allows us to deliver a more ambitious and enjoyable regatta. Launching the three-year partnership in our Bicentenary year provides the opportunity not only to celebrate this milestone, but to shape the next chapter of the Regatta."

United by a shared commitment to advancing the sport across all disciplines and levels, the collaboration creates a powerful platform to innovate, enhance the on-water experience and look toward the future. As Title Sponsor, North Sails will support new on-water technology initiatives, delivering improved data and hands-on daily performance insights for competitors, ensuring Cowes Week continues to lead the sport both competitively and technologically.

Sam Watson, CEO of North Technology Group, commented, "It is a real honour for North Sails to partner with a regatta as distinguished and loved as Cowes Week. We pride ourselves on supporting all our clients, from high-performance maxi racing with professional crews through to grassroots one design, weekend racers and classic cruisers. North Sails Cowes Week offers us the perfect platform to support an event at the heart of British sailing. We're excited to celebrate the Bicentennial, support our customers in their goals and help build an ambitious and bright future for such an iconic event."

Alongside the racing, the partnership will significantly elevate the shoreside experience for competitors, spectators and the local community alike, further building on Cowes Week's vibrant festival atmosphere. Plans include the return of the much-loved Friday night fireworks, alongside a series of new spaces and activations throughout the week. North Sails will also host an unmissable North Sails competitor party on Wednesday, 5 August, designed to bring together crews and owners alike, re-establishing Cowes Week as one of the most memorable and social events in the sailing and British summer calendar.

GB1 CEO Ian Walker concluded, "We're delighted to see North Sails become the title partner of Cowes Week. North Sails is such a natural partner for an event that brings together elite racing and the wider sailing community. On behalf of everyone at GB1, I'd like to congratulate the North Sails team and wish them every success as they journey with Cowes Week into an exciting new chapter."

National 12 class 90th Anniversary celebrations

 

Come and celebrate N1 Gipsy's 90th birthday at the Royal Harwich YC over the weekend of the 18th & 19th July! This event will include more Blood Red National Series racing as well as Vintage and 4 Plank racing. Join us for an exciting birthday celebration on the Saturday evening - entries and dinner tickets will be available to book online shortly.

If you haven't already - block out the date in your diary now!

The May bank holiday is in our sights, and immediately after is the Whitefriars SC event on the 30th and 31st May. This will be the third event in the Blood Red National Series and a coaching event. The lake is a perfect venue for vintage racing and the club has a great, friendly atmosphere! It's a busy weekend with the following activities planned:

Coaching:

all day Saturday

briefing at 10.30am

Vintage Championships:

3 races on the Saturday and four on Sunday (with the main fleet)

Briefing at 1300 on the Saturday

1st race for vintage fleet Saturday 1400

Briefing Sunday 1000

1st race Sunday 1100

Main open meeting:

4 races on Sunday

Briefing Sunday 1000

1st race Sunday 1100

Saturday night:

BBQ and evening social at the club

Camping available at the club

Details:

Location: Lake 26, Cotswold Water Park, Ashton Keynes SN6 6QR

More details in the notice of race: www.national12.org/events/2026/Whitefriars%20NoR.pdf

Enter at: portal.whitefriarssc.org/event/national-12-open-1

View the Poster: www.national12.org/events/2026/Whitefriars%20N12%20open%20poster.pdf

If you'd like to take advantage of Shoreham's camping facilities then you will need get your entry in soon. The club is taking bookings for camping through their Sailing Club Management system, but only once your entry is in. As we are sharing the event with the Hornets there are limited spaces and the Hornets are booking fast, so if you'd like a camping space please do get your entry in ASAP.

Event dates: 29th August to 1st Sept at Shoreham SC

Entry is available here: www.national12.org/burtonweek/entry

Didcot students learn new love sailing in six-week programme

 

A group of Didcot students have learned a new love of sailing.

Twelve pupils from Aureus School took part in a six-week sailing programme at Burghfield Lakes in Berkshire, organised in association with the Andrew Simpson Centre.

Students in Years 7 to 10 learned the basics of sailing through weekly two-hour sessions, helping them gain confidence both on and off the water.

Ali Mountain, special educational needs and disabilities coordinator (SENDCo) at Aureus School and organiser of the programme, said: "It’s a fabulous trip with well-trained instructors, and all the equipment needed is provided, including wetsuits, lifejackets, and helmets.

"During each sailing session, the students are taught about the boat, where they are broken up into small groups of around three children and shown the key parts and how it works, before they get onto the water."

The programme included one-to-one instruction as well as group activities, allowing students to progress from guided sailing to working together in pairs.

Ms Mountain said: "Each child is then taken out onto the water, one-to-one, with a sailing instructor to give them a chance to experience sailing and get a feel for what they need to do.

"As the children gain in confidence, they go out onto the water in pairs and are taught how to sail, including the positioning of the sail and what to do with the rudder, working as a team, and how to manage when the wind changes direction, et cetera."

Ms Mountain  highlighted the importance of making such opportunities accessible to all students.

She said: "Many of the children that we take on these trips do not have these opportunities outside of school – particularly sailing, as it is normally considered a sport for families who are affluent.

"It is part-funded by the Andrew Simpson charity, which means that it is more affordable for our students, and they are able to access this exciting opportunity."

Tenby Regatta 2026

 

Tenby Sailing Club is hosting its annual regatta and Osprey open meeting on June 13th and 14th 2026.

Entry is open to all dinghies for three races on the Saturday with the first start at 12:30 with racing kindly sponsored by Molson Coors brewery.

The annual race around Caldey Island on the Sunday is for yachts and dinghies with a PY of 1156 and lower. This race kicks off at approximately 11:00.

For more information and the NOR please visit www.tenbysailingclub.org.uk

Sailing around the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast

 

Here’s a relaxed but activity-rich 7-day sailing itinerary around the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. It balances short sailing legs with time ashore for hiking, food, archaeology, beach clubs, and villages 

Overview

Route: Naples → Procida → Ischia → Capri → Positano → Amalfi/Ravello → Sorrento → Naples

Best months: May–June or September (warm water, fewer crowds)

Sailing level: Easy to moderate coastal sailing with mostly short hops

Typical daily sail: 2–5 hours

Day 1 — Naples → Procida

Sail Approx. 12–15 nautical miles

Procida feels far more authentic and relaxed than Capri. The pastel harbour at Marina Corricella is gorgeous at sunset.

Onshore activities

Wander the fishing lanes of Procida

Swim at Chiaiolella Beach

Visit Terra Murata fortress

Long seafood lunch overlooking the harbour

Aperitivo by the waterfront

Evening vibe

Quiet, local, romantic.

Day 2 — Procida → Ischia

Sail Approx. 10 nautical miles

Ischia combines volcanic scenery, thermal spas, vineyards, and beaches.

Onshore activities

Spend the afternoon at thermal spas like Negombo or Poseidon Gardens

Visit Aragonese Castle

Wine tasting on Mount Epomeo slopes

Sunset hike or scooter tour

Optional snorkeling around volcanic coves

The island is especially known for its hot springs and lush landscape.

Best overnight anchorage

Sant’Angelo or Ischia Porto.

Day 3 — Ischia → Capri

Sail Approx. 18–20 nautical miles

Capri is glamorous, dramatic, and best enjoyed after the daytime crowds leave.

Onshore activities

Early-morning Blue Grotto visit

Chairlift to Monte Solaro in Anacapri

Walk Via Krupp and Giardini di Augusto

Swim beneath Faraglioni rocks

Dinner in Anacapri instead of busy Capri town

Travelers repeatedly recommend staying overnight in Capri to experience the island after ferries depart.

Evening vibe

Upscale but magical after dark.

Day 4 — Capri → Positano

Sail Approx. 13 nautical miles

Positano is the iconic cliffside Amalfi Coast town.

Onshore activities

Beach clubs at Spiaggia Grande or Fornillo

Boutique shopping

Sunset cocktails overlooking the bay

Optional cooking class

Coastal kayaking

Optional active excursion

Start the Path of the Gods hike from nearby Nocelle.

Many sailing itineraries include this Capri–Positano leg because it’s scenic and short.

Day 5 — Positano → Amalfi & Ravello

Sail Approx. 6–8 nautical miles

Amalfi offers history and easier access to inland villages.

Onshore activities

Visit Amalfi Cathedral

Lemon grove tour and limoncello tasting

Bus or taxi to Ravello

Explore Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo

Attend an outdoor concert if timing works

Optional hike

Valle delle Ferriere nature reserve.

Ravello is consistently highlighted for panoramic gardens and concerts.

Day 6 — Amalfi → Sorrento

Sail Approx. 18 nautical miles

Sorrento is practical, lively, and a great final mainland stop.

Onshore activities

Explore Piazza Tasso

Lemon farm tour

Sunset dinner overlooking Mount Vesuvius

Optional Pompeii excursion

Gelato crawl through the old town

Optional full-day excursion

Visit Pompeii Archaeological Park or hike Mount Vesuvius.

Travelers often suggest Pompeii deserves most of a day, while Herculaneum is easier if short on time.

Day 7 — Sorrento → Naples

Sail Approx. 15 nautical miles

Final day ideas in Naples

Street-food tour

Underground Naples tour

Pizza pilgrimage

Archaeological Museum

Espresso crawl through the Spanish Quarter

Ideal farewell dinner

Classic Neapolitan pizza and local Falanghina wine.

Practical Tips

Most charters start from:

Naples

Procida

Marina di Stabia

Salerno

Weather

September is often considered the sweet spot:

Warm sea

Less crowded marinas

More stable sailing conditions

Moorings

Book Capri and Positano well ahead in summer.

Recommended pace

Don’t overpack the itinerary. The biggest mistake on this coast is trying to see too many towns in one day.

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Vaikobi British Finn National Championship 2026 at Brixham Yacht Club

 

For the second consecutive year, the British Finn Association is proud to announce that Vaikobi Ocean Performance has secured headline sponsorship of the Finn National Championship. This year the event will be hosted by Brixham Yacht Club, with racing taking place in the world-class waters of the English Riviera from July 3rd to 5th.

The championship returns to Brixham for the first time since 2019. This year's regatta promises to be a big event for the class, marked by a recent surge in entries at BFA events and a strong line up of sailors aiming to compete for the coveted Sunday Times Gold Cup and the prestigious title of British Finn Champion, hoping to place themselves alongside some of the biggest names in sailing, including Giles Scott, Ben Ainslie, Andrew Simpson, Chris Law, David Howlett, Vernon Stratton and the current title holder, Lawrence Crispin.

Brixham Yacht Club is renowned for its high-quality race management and hospitality; sailors can look forward to excellent catering and bar facilities to unwind after a demanding day on the water, all set within the charm of one of Devon's most iconic coastal towns.

Vaikobi continues its generous investment in the class by providing some great high-value prizes and official event shirts. This partnership underscores their ongoing commitment to the UK Finn class — a boat with an unmatched heritage and a thriving, dedicated racing community. Pat Langley, owner and founder of Vaikobi Ocean Performance, says, "Vaikobi are stoked to partner with the British Finn Association and work with Sail Performance UK to support their National Championship. We hope everyone has a great regatta!"

Designed and engineered by elite sailors with a passion for performance, Vaikobi sailing gear is available throughout the world.