64 Boats already Registered for Scottish Series 2025

There are 69 boats on the registered interest list for the Scottish Series Regatta in May 2025, and of these, four are from Northern Ireland. The Clyde Cruising Club, which organises the event, has said, "Interest has surpassed expectations at this early stage, and our thanks to all of you who have notified".

The Scottish Series will incorporate the Irish Sea Nations Cup, and this year, the Clyde Cruising Club plans to introduce an IRC Offshore Class for boats over 1.045.

The NOR for the event will be published within the next 10 days, and entries will be opened then. 

"The final event in the Irish Sea Nations Cup is being hosted in Belfast Lough in July this year, and it would be lovely to see some of the Scottish yachts make the journey over to participate with us", Pounder added.

Multi-national race to return to Royal Cornwall Yacht Club

 

The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club (RCYC) has launched its Azores and Back Race (AZAB) event, which will see sailors take on a two-leg race from Falmouth Harbour to Ponta Delgada in the Azores and back.

The race is open to both single and double-handed crews and is designed to embrace the "true spirit of Corinthian sailing" with its focus on camaraderie, adventure, and the joy of competition.

RCYC commodore Shane Carr said: "It’s fantastic to begin the countdown for the next AZAB race now, in the year we celebrate 50 years since we ran the first event in 1975.

" It’s a unique event held every four years - the only ocean race to start and finish in the UK - and it’s a part of the club’s heritage that we are so proud of."

The race will start in June 2027, covering a course of approximately 2,400 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

The race offers both experienced sailors and those newer to ocean racing a chance to test their mettle in a relatively affordable format.

Race director Sarah Hancock said: "It’s a race like no other, a chance to prove what you can achieve, an opportunity to make life-long friends, with an incredible level of support and encouragement from co-competitors as well as from the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club in Falmouth and the Clube Naval de Ponta Delgada in Sao Miguel at the starts and finishes."

"Importantly, it’s designed to be accessible, with an emphasis on cost-effective entry and low-key, inclusive logistics but without any compromise on adventure or fun.", she added.

Every competing boat will carry a tracker, allowing family, friends, and anyone interested in the race to follow the action and watch the progress.

The RCYC is looking forward to a strong fleet of entries, with 49 skippers already expressing an intention to compete.

The club is also seeking support from local businesses, with sponsorship packages for both the AZAB 50 and the AZAB 2027 race available.

Further details can be found on the AZAB website.

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Entries open for J Cup 2025

 

This year's event is part of the Key Yachting Mid-Summer Regatta, incorporating both the J-Cup and the Sonata Southern Championships. Hosted by the Royal Southern Yacht Club with support from Hamble River Sailing Club, it promises an unforgettable long weekend on 20-22 June 2025.

With three days of great racing, daily prize-givings, and legendary shore-side entertainment (we're working on something extra special), there's plenty to love. Plus, thanks to our generous sponsors, there will be amazing prizes - not just for class winners but for all teams!

Don't leave your entry waiting at the dock - secure your place now :-

scm.royal-southern.co.uk/event/summer-series-2025-june-regatta

We can't wait to welcome you to Hamble for an unforgettable regatta. See you on the water!

Ionian Sea Sailing Adventure

The Ionian Sea is one of the most beautiful sailing destinations, offering crystal-clear waters, stunning landscapes, and charming Greek islands. Here’s a suggested Ionian Sea sailing itinerary to explore some of its best spots.

Day 1: Corfu to Paxos (35 NM)

Start from Corfu: Explore the Old Town and Venetian Fortress before setting sail.

Sail to Paxos: Arrive at Gaios, a charming harbor town with traditional tavernas.

Activities: Swim in the famous Blue Caves or enjoy a sunset dinner by the waterfront.

Day 2: Paxos to Antipaxos to Lefkada (40 NM)

Morning at Antipaxos: Visit Voutoumi Beach, famous for its turquoise waters.

Afternoon sail to Lefkada: Dock at Sivota or Nidri.

Activities: Explore Lefkada’s beaches, such as Porto Katsiki or Kathisma.

Day 3: Lefkada to Kefalonia (35 NM)

Sail to Fiskardo, Kefalonia: A picturesque Venetian village.

Activities: Visit Myrtos Beach, Melissani Cave, and taste local Robola wine.

Day 4: Kefalonia to Ithaca (20 NM)

Explore Ithaca: Home of Odysseus from Greek mythology.

Activities: Hike to Kathara Monastery for stunning views or relax at Filiatro Beach.

Day 5: Ithaca to Meganisi (25 NM)

Anchor at Meganisi: A quiet island with hidden bays.

Activities: Visit Papanikolis Cave or snorkel in secluded waters.

Day 6: Meganisi to Preveza (25 NM)

Sail towards Preveza: A charming coastal town.

Activities: Explore the ancient ruins of Nikopolis or enjoy fresh seafood.

Day 7: Preveza to Corfu (45 NM)

Final sail back to Corfu: Relax on deck and enjoy the Ionian scenery.

Last night: Celebrate your adventure in Corfu’s vibrant Old Town.

Best Time to Sail, May to October

Ideal Yacht Type, Catamaran for comfort and space

Navigation Notes ,The Ionian is known for calm winds, making it great for beginners and families.

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The relaunch of the iconic Cowes Classics Regatta 2025

 

Retaining the key elements of Cowes Classics 'Week', a much-loved and iconic spectacle on the racing calendar, the decision has been taken to shorten the regatta to run the event over the long weekend of Friday 30th May through to Monday 2nd June 2025, but with more racing than ever before and a schedule of shoreside activities that will match, or better, anything seen in the regatta's history.

"It was vital that we recognised the shifting demands of all our stakeholders," commented His Honour Judge Peter Ralls KC, Chairman of Cowes Classics Regatta, "whilst also retaining the key facets that have made the week-long regatta such a success in the past. I trust that competitors in the one-design fleets will find eight compacted races to be both a challenge and a welcome upscale, whilst those competing off the shoreline will complete a six-race series. Meanwhile I am enthused to see shoreside events that mirror and complement the on-water activity."

Racing is scheduled to start with two planned races from the committee boats and one from the shoreline area PM on Friday 30th May, followed by the traditional welcome drinks reception and barbecue at the outstanding and historic clubhouse of the Royal London Yacht Club. Important to note that it is the intention of the regatta organisers to be operating two committee boats on the water, to ease any congestion for what is expected to be a busy event.

Saturday 31st May will see three races from the committee boats and two races from the shoreline. A drinks reception will be held at Kendalls Fine Art Gallery, followed by the choice of dinner at the refurbished Royal Ocean Racing Club or a 'Taste of the Sea' supper at the Royal London Yacht Club.

Sunday 1st June will see two races apiece from the committee boats and shoreline ahead of drinks at the prestigious Royal Yacht Squadron and the Regatta Dinner at the Royal London Yacht Club. Sunday is also the appointed traditional 'Classics Day' and organisation is afoot once again to fill the Cowes Parade with classic cars and yachts.

For the final day, Monday 2nd June, there will be just one race AM for both the committee boat and shoreline circuits, followed by the traditional Prize giving back at the Royal London Yacht Club - and of course, light refreshments will be served.

A full breakdown of classes that will be competing will be available online once entries are confirmed and the organisers are open to any classic fleets that wish to have a class start.

The updated regatta website will appear on the new domain :-

 www.cowesclassicsregatta.org

 at the end of February 2025 when the Notice of Race will be issued and entries open.

Abersoch Dinghy Week 2025 at South Caernarfonshire Yacht Club

 

South Caernarfonshire Yacht Club are pleased to announce that entries are now being taken for the 2025 Abersoch Dinghy Week.

Follow the links on the SCYC website www.scyc.co.uk for NOR and Entry form.

We will be racing near to the Club for all the starts and finishes to allow full participation by non sailing family members.

Another packed social programme is planned with the Thursday night live band likely to be a very lively affair.

Dart 15 Winter TT at Datchet Water Sailing Club

 

For the first time in this winter series, the original scheduled date for the February TT was blessed with an entirely normal wind forecast that did not require postponement or cancellation.

Delighted to have a forecast that was not 1 knot or 30 knots, twelve sailors arrived at Datchet Water Sailing Club on a grey morning. The winds were a little lighter than expected but perfectly adequate for racing and it was good to see a decent turnout of the home club fleet for their Sunday racing too. It was also great to see George Stephen, long standing local fleet member, who popped down to watch the racing and catch up with old friends.

An early briefing from the Race Officer confirmed a square race course and every effort to minimize hanging around between races in the cold weather. Not least for the race management team themselves. The Race Officer then headed off to start the first club race. The plan was for our first start would slot in around the end of that race to minimize mixing of the fleets on the course. As any race officer will know, this requires some skilled timing to make it work, but they pulled it off very well.

After completing three exciting races the fleet returned ashore and were well fed from Datchet's galley, the fleet were dragged away from the televised rugby six nations long enough for Dave Russell, chief Dart 15 Pit Crew, to do the prize-giving.

With only two points separating the top four places and countback applied to determine second and third - it was another closely fought Winter TT. Congratulations to Liam for taking the overall win and to Steve in second, Jenny in third and Jason in fourth. The next and final stage of the Winter Series is at Grafham Water on Sunday 9th March.

Overall Results :-

Pos Boat Name Sail No Helm R1 R2 R3 Pts

1 No Quarter 2034 Liam Thom 1 2 2 3

2 Tigershark 2033 Steven Sawford 3 4 1 4

3 Catbert Too 2025 Jenny Ball 4 1 3 4

4 Dart 15 2037 Jason Clarke 2 3 6 5

5 Fly‑by‑Wire 2019 George Love 8 5 4 9

6 Ray Gall 2028 Ray Gall 6 8 5 11

7 EV Charging Systems 2035 Jon Pearse 5 9 8 13

8 Sootica 1965 Yvonne Pike 10 6 7 13

9 Miss Daisy 1347 Paul Tanner 7 7 10 14

10 Doris 1759 Lee Garton 9 12 9 18

11 Mystery Machine 1521 David Clarke 11 10 11 21

12 Ritardando 2016 Keith Chidwick 12 11 12 23

IRC Rating open for 2025

 

Applications are open for 2025 IRC Rating and the IRC Rating Authority (RORC Rating Office and UNCL, Pôle Course du YCF) have already issued certificates to over 650 northern hemisphere boats for the new season, with another 560 southern hemisphere boats currently enjoying great racing under IRC.

Rating certificates for IRC are not renewed automatically as owners are given the opportunity to confirm the boat data or declare any changes to their rated data before their certificate is issued, as well as supply any new information that may be required.

The IRC rating system will remain largely unchanged for 2025, ensuring continuity for competitors and designers. This decision follows the significant adjustment introduced in early 2024, which incorporated the number of headsails carried onboard into rating calculations—to give owners time to adapt to the change.

While maintaining stability, IRC remains committed to evolving in line with advancements in sailing technology and the need for ongoing clarity. The 2025 rule updates align with the newly released Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS) for 2025-2028 and include a few additional refinements to ensure consistency and fairness within the system. The IRC Technical Committee continue their work on developing IRC while maintaining consistency and a stable framework for all competitors.

The IRC website includes the full rule text and information on rule changes :-

 ircrating.org/irc-rule.

The 2025 IRC rule applies from 1st January 2025 except in countries with June-May validity where the rule will apply from 1st June 2025.

Favourable weather for Zhik Oxford Blue this Saturday.

 

It's not been a straightforward few months of weather, but after a friendly Tiger Trophy it looks like the wind is also set fair for a favourable Zhik Oxford Blue this Saturday.

More than 70 boats are already entered for the Zhik Oxford Blue, this weekend's event which is set to bring the 16th edition of the Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series to a conclusion.

With the prize-giving for the Series set to open the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show soon after doors open on 22nd February, there is one team who will be hard to topple for the top spot, although there's still plenty to play for in the jostling for podium places.

A total of 375 boats have gained a ranking, and 16 have already qualified after the Tiger Trophy. Tom Gillard and Rach Gray (Scorpion) retain the top spot, with Sam Watson and Charlie Cotter (GP14) jumping nine places to 2nd overall. Megan Pascoe (2.4 mR), is up seven to 5th overall.

Still to qualify is K1 champion, Simon Hawkes and multiple class champion Nick Craig (Finn) sitting in 17th and 18th places respectively. Ben Flower has two entries in 18th and 19th, for RS Aero 9 and ILCA 7. All three of these top sailors could yet make big gains for a final podium place, provided they turn in a good result at the Zhik Oxford Blue.

Discovering the Exhilaration of Club Sailing

2025 Fireball Worlds to be held at Lake Garda

 

For their 2025 Worlds the Fireballs are heading to the premier sailing venue of Lake Garda in Italy. Although the Fireballs have been to Lake Garda for their Europeans a number of times, it is the first time that the Worlds have been on the Lake.

Hosted by Circolo Vela Arco which is nestled between Riva and Torbole at the northern end of the Lake, the event is taking place from Friday 22nd to Saturday 30th August, with racing commencing on Sunday 24th August.

The Fireball is particularly strong on the Continent with large fleets to be found in Switzerland, France, Italy and the Czech Republic. The 2024 Europeans at Lake Maggiore on the Swiss/Italian border attracted 72 entries and, with at least one container making its way up from Australia, it is hoped that the Garda Worlds will have northwards of 80 entries.

The Notice of Race [PDF] has just been published, and other details of the event can be found at :-  

2025.fireballworlds.com

Further details on the Fireball in the UK can be found at :-

 www.fireballsailing.org.uk 

and for international scope see :-

www.fireball-international.com

Maldon trust receives £20,000 to train sailing barge crew

 

The Maldon-based Thames Sailing Barge Trust has been awarded the grant by Trinity House, an ancient organisation founded in 1514 to safeguard shipping and seafarers.

This is the third time the scheme has been supported by Trinity House.

The trust aims to educate people about the historic and cultural role of Thames sailing barges in Britain's seagoing heritage.

It also provides training in traditional seafaring skills needed to sail and maintain the unique barges in their Essex home.

However, the Thames sailing barge community is facing a shortage of skilled crew.

Trust spokesman John Rayment said: "It is vital that new blood is swiftly brought in so precious skills are not lost.

"The pool of talent we can draw upon is shrinking as time goes by, due to an increasingly ageing demographic."

Currently, it can take up to five years to gain sufficient experience to become a mate and ten years to become a skipper.

There are currently only eight skippers under the age of 50 and about 25 mates.

Over the last seven years, the trust has taken on several trainees each year to develop their skills as future third hands, mates, and skippers.

It aims to create a pool of people available to sail the barges in the future.

So far, Trinity House has funded 11 mates and four skippers for the trust.

The latest grant will cover the costs of Royal Yachting Association training courses, books, and hire of barges.

Mr Rayment added: "The trustees are grateful to Trinity House for making this award which will ensure there is sufficient trained crew to sail these iconic vessels, including our sailing barges Centaur and Pudge, well into the future."

The Thames Sailing Barge Trust is a registered charity that exists to preserve two Thames barges in sailing condition and is in its 77th year of operation.

The trust aims to improve the public's understanding of the historic and cultural role of Thames sailing barges in the heritage of Great Britain.

Harken to sponsor RS Sprints Regatta

 

To celebrate the start of a superb year of racing five RS classes are invited to the Harken RS Sprints Regatta hosted by the RS Class Association and Rutland Sailing Club 26th to 27th April 2025. The RS Class Association are thrilled to be working closely with Harken again. This event epitomises Harken's interest in supporting dinghy sailing from grassroots to world level.

The event entry list will feature sailors from right across the UK, from the newly welcomed member to the seasoned professional, in a wide variety of dinghies: both single and double handers, una and asymmetric rigs. The RS100, RS300, RS400, RS500, and RS Vareo fleets will be offered two days of great fleet racing with a delicious group evening meal on Saturday. This is a great opportunity to catch up with friends old and new and to win some lovely Harken prizes. So load up your road trailer and head to Rutland for a fantastic gathering.