Malta Sailing Adventure

A family sailing trip around Malta is a fantastic idea! The Maltese Islands—Malta, Gozo, and Comino—offer crystal-clear waters, stunning coastline, and plenty of family-friendly stops. Here’s a suggested 7-day sailing itinerary:

Day 1: Valletta to Marsaxlokk (South Malta)

Depart from Grand Harbour, Valletta.

Sail along the coast, passing the historic Three Cities.

Stop at St. Peter’s Pool for a swim.

Dock at Marsaxlokk, a charming fishing village. Enjoy fresh seafood and explore the market.

Day 2: Marsaxlokk to Blue Grotto & Għar Lapsi

Visit the Blue Grotto, a stunning sea cave with deep blue waters.

Anchor at Għar Lapsi, a great spot for snorkeling and a relaxed swim.

Spend the night anchored or return to port.

Day 3: Marsaxlokk to Comino

Head north towards Comino.

Visit the Blue Lagoon, perfect for kids with its shallow turquoise waters.

Explore the less-crowded Crystal Lagoon for snorkeling and cave exploring.

Anchor overnight in a peaceful bay.

Day 4: Comino to Gozo (Mgarr & Xlendi Bay)

Dock at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo and explore the island.

Visit Ramla Bay (a red sandy beach) or the Inland Sea & Azure Window ruins at Dwejra.

Anchor at Xlendi Bay for a picturesque sunset.

Day 5: Gozo to Mellieħa & Golden Bay (Malta)

Sail back to Malta, stopping at Mellieħa Bay, great for families with sandy beaches.

Anchor at Golden Bay, where you can enjoy water sports or hike up the cliffs.

Day 6: Golden Bay to St. Paul’s Islands & St. Julian’s

Visit St. Paul’s Islands, a historical site with great snorkeling spots.

Cruise towards St. Julian’s, where you can dock and explore the town’s lively restaurants.

Day 7: Return to Valletta via Sliema

Sail past Sliema’s coastline, stopping for a swim at Balluta Bay.

Return to Grand Harbour, Valletta and enjoy a final sunset dinner.

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New recruits making waves with British Sailing Keelboat Academy

 

Recruits selected to join the 2025 British Sailing Keelboat Academy have been making the most of training weekends to develop their teamwork, boat handling and racing.

Coaches for the squad have been impressed by the Academy's latest cohort of 40 young sailors, who have joined from as far afield as the south-west and north-east, Scotland and Wales, with many having only previously raced dinghies.

At London's Queen Mary SC the sailors were able to learn asymmetric and symmetric spinnaker boat handing aboard the club's RS21s and Royal Thames YC's Sonar fleet, with a variety of conditions and a chance to get used to working in teams of four or five.

An inshore weekend at Port Solent (8-9 March 2025) then enabled the sailors to further their skills in teams of 8 to 10 aboard Prometheus Sailing's charter fleet of 40ft Sunsail racing yachts.

Academy Lead Coach Phil Devereux said: "It's all about doing your own role well and trusting the person next to you to likewise do their job to the best of their ability. There were some good conversations about how the individual roles add up to a collective and coordinated effort with clear, accurate, quality communication.

"We've had productive weekends and the feedback from the coaching team reflects how pleasant and hardworking everyone is in this year's intake. They're team players with the types of character attributes that we' re very happy to have representing the Academy. I'm proud of the squad and what we've achieved so far."

An optional offshore weekend (22/23 March 2025) saw around half the BSKA's recruits sailing out of Hamble aboard two Fast 40 boats chartered from Britannia and included navigation, night sailing, cooking on board, watch systems, man overboard drills and safety.

The Academy as a whole will be in Cowes for a weekend of J70 racing (5-6 April 2025). This will also include an opportunity to network with members of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, and hear from Vendée Globe star Sam Goodchild, whose journey in keelboat racing first began as a young sailor with the Academy.

Look out for when applications re-open for the next intake in late summer 2025, follow @BritishKeelboatSailing on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest news, and find out more at British Sailing Keelboat Academy.

Royal Yachting Association 150th Anniversary

Cadet class open meeting 2025 at Fishers Green Sailing Club

 

It was all to play for at the 2025 FGSC Cadet Open as ambitious contenders launched into a light SE breeze on 22 March. Fresh from almost a month of winter training at the green, these cadet sailors looked faster and stronger than ever before.

Our experienced RO Mike Atkinson was confident. There would be no delay today for the cadets representing squadrons from Fishers Green SC; Corinthian Otters; Rickmansworth SC and Welsh Harp SC. Brightly coloured spinnakers popped up as they headed for Race Island, and there was a buzz of anticipation amongst parents and supporters on shore.

After two exciting races a warming lunch was taken followed by two further thrilling races.

With four races complete, final podium places were then accounted for, with swift two protests heard. A fantastic event for all, both veteran racers and newcomers and well done to all the youth who participated and worked hard to achieve their goals in this event.

Congratulations to our podium places and prize winners:

1st Zoe Thomas & Thomas Emile (presented with the Cobweb Trophy and CFbyLandL golden tiller)

2nd Emily Buckley & Isla Kennedy (presented with the B fleet trophy)

3rd Daisy Cox & Ben Smith (presented with the Eric Ingall Trophy)

1st under13 Helm Daisy Cox (presented with Fishers Green Cadet Trophy)

Most promising FGSC crew Alvy Jones (presented with the Sam Breary Shield)

Endeavour prize awarded to Gracie Jones

Thank you to all the volunteers including those FGSC members who provided safety cover on RIBS and help in the galley and special thanks to:

Matteo Mancini and Paul Buckley for their coach support

CFbyLandL for generously sponsoring our event

The Old Salt Loft / Stitch Print for generously sponsoring sunglasses

Further news and event coverage of FGSC events, including all open events, can be found on our social media channel @fishersgreensailingclub and www.fishersgreensc.org.uk

Shoreham Sailing Club's 2025 Open Events

 

At Shoreham SC, we have one of the best stretches of open water for dinghy racing in the UK. Launching is easy too - from inside the sheltered harbour, it's a short sail out to sea and the race course.

We welcome visitors to join our club racing (£15 a day and up to four visits allowed) but here is a list of all our Open Events for 2025:

Sunday 20th & Monday 21st April

Easter Cup Open

2 races back to back each day- a 4 race series

Entry is now open

Monday 5th May

Early May Bank Holiday Open

2 races back to back

Entry will open on 21st April

Monday 26th May

Late May Bank Holiday Open

Pursuit race

Entry will open on 19th May

Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th June

Festival of The Sea

TBC!

Monday 25th August

August Bank Holiday Open

2 races back to back

TBC!

November (every Sunday)

Cooler Series

2 races back to back each day - an 8 race series

We are also very proud to be hosting three regional Class events and two National events this year:

Saturday 21st June

Topper L&SE Open

26th & 27th July

Merlin Rocket Silver Tiller Open

4th September - 7th September

Contender and Wayfarer Nationals

11th & 12th October

Topper Super South

We hope to see you at Shoreham during 2025 - if you can't get here but meet one of our members on the circuit, please say hello!

shorehamsailing.org

National Open 2 | ILCA UK 2025

Introducing Jazz Turner's Project FEAR

 

A Brighton resident and former GBR Para sailor has set a goal to become the first female disabled person to complete a solo, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the British Isles in a sailing boat.

26-year old Jazz Turner suffers from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a debilitative genetic condition that means she is a full-time wheelchair user. What's more, the illness has led to further physical complications that sadly means doctors say the condition is terminal.

Rather than allow this condition to take away her strength and spirit, sailing enthusiast Jazz is fighting back with determination to not let this illness get in the way of her love of the open waters. Jazz has set herself a lofty sailing goal, and named the endeavour Project Fear, in order to confront her inhibitions and show that anything is possible, with enough determination.

Jazz is seeking to raise £30,000 for Newhaven and Seaford Sailability, an organisation that enables other people with disabilities to get sailing, by breaking all records as the first disabled person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around England, Scotland and Ireland.

The launch event is at 5pm on 11 April 2025 at Brighton Marina Yacht Club, where all are welcome. The sailing project sets off this summer, with a departure date from Brighton Marina on 2 June 2025. We'd also love to invite you to come down to see the boat set off on that day.

Find out more, or make a donation which goes to Newhaven and Seaford Sailability, at :-

 projectfear.uk

Triple amputee begins world-first solo and unsupported sail across Pacific

 

A veteran who lost both legs and his left arm serving in Afghanistan has begun his challenge to become the first triple amputee to sail solo across the Pacific Ocean.

Craig Wood, from Doncaster in South Yorkshire, was 18 years old and only three months into his first tour when he suffered life-changing injuries from a roadside bomb in Sangin, southern Afghanistan, in 2009.

In a video taken from his custom-built 40-foot aluminium catamaran called Sirius II, the 33-year-old asked people to “wish me luck, wish me fair winds,” as he set sail from Puerto Vallarta in Mexico on Tuesday.

Craig Wood hopes to become the first triple amputee to sail solo and unsupported across the Pacific Ocean (Gareth Davies)

The veteran is likely to face waves as tall as two double decker buses and the risk of hidden atolls (coral reefs) puncturing the boat’s hull, but he said the hardest challenge will be spending months away from his wife, Renata, and their two young children.

“Despite all of the challenges I’m going to face, being away from my wife and children is still going to be the hardest one of all,” Mr Wood said.

He hopes his challenge will change perceptions and show how sailing can be transformative for people living with disabilities.

"It’s also a chance for me to raise awareness and money for the two amazing charities that were there for me during my rehabilitation and recovery.”

Mr Wood is aiming to raise £50,000 for the British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association (Blesma), a charity supporting veterans who have lost limbs, and Turn to Starboard, which is a charity using sailing courses to support current and retired armed forces personnel.

He credits both charities for supporting him during his recovery after he spent eight months learning to walk again and had more than 20 operations over four years.

So far, Mr Wood has raised more than £1,000 out of his £50,000 target. For more information about his fundraiser, you can visit  :-

https://givestar.io/gs/mexico–japan-solo-sail-world-record

What's the Best Sailboats for Beginners?

Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club Tipsy Icicle Series

 

Despite severely adverse weather conditions, the Tipsy Icicle Series once again provided great dinghy racing for NW dinghy sailors. 150 sailors competed across 11 weekends in gentle breezes, strong gusty winds, ice and floods.

The last two weekends provided more "normal" conditions to allow competitors to enjoy F2-4 conditions for a change.

There were some familiar faces at the front of the fleet but also many who were competing in the series for the first time. Home club Leigh & Lowton were well represented of course but also visitors from Bolton, Delph, Bassenthwaite, Hollingworth and West Riding amongst others.

Asymmetric

LLSC sailors Dave Exley and Nigel Hall's RS400 fought back from last year's temporary toppling off the top spot, by overcoming Hamish Gledhill and Ross Southwell (West Riding) on the last weekend. Chris Pickles crewed by young Evie Pickles (Bassenthwaite) battled through the tough conditions to pick up 3rd spot. Alastair Coates (LLSC) was the best of the D1s, coming home in 4th.

Handicap

The handicap fleet went down to the final weekend also. A final race bullet from Andy Flitcroft (Bolton), combined with a black flag result for Dave Southwell and Phil Wishart (LLSC) sealed the series win for Andy in his Supernova. Also from Bolton, Matt Watkiss sailed a consistent series to take 3rd.

Lasers

Winning the series with 2 weekends to go is unusual in the Laser fleet but that's exactly what Paul Heath (LLSC) achieved with some great sailing over the early part of the series. He was pegged back a little later on by Gordon Riddell (Delph) and Stuart Belfield (LLSC), and particularly on the final 2 weekends by the returning Ollie Blackburn (LLSC). He will be one to watch for next year after his return to the club.

Malcolm Blackburn (LLSC) showed the "youngsters" up in the Solo fleet, with only top 2 places to count. Dave Kelsall (LLSC) sailed very well to pick up 2nd and the battle for 3rd was tense on the final weekend with Andrew Roberts (LLSC) winning out.

Juniors

Molly Haslam (Delph) persisted across the series to win the junior fleet. Unfortunately the fleet was less well attended than it has been in the past.

2025 Streaker Southern Paddle kicks-off at Tamworth Sailing Club

 

Nine visiting helms joined four home helms for the Streaker Open Meeting at Tamworth Sailing Club to kick-start the The North Sails Southern Paddle Series for 2025.

The first race started in the strongest breeze of the day with both ends of the light tightly fought. It was to be Peter Cogil (1683), escaping the boat-park at the pin end, who would take the hole shot and make it round the first mark in the lead. This first beat would prove fairly divisive as the fleet spread fairly quickly, with Sam McKay (2177), Neil Firth (1977) & Alan Bishop (2198) in hot pursuit of Peter. It was Sam who would come out on top to claim the first bullet of the day from Alan in second & Neil third. Fast starting Peter would eventually drop to fifth behind Roger Wilson (2178).

Race two got underway after a lunch of pulled pork rolls or soup served up by the volunteers of host club TSC, in much the same conditions. This time it was Neil who would take the lead at the windward mark, with Sam, Alan & James Dawes (1975) giving chase. Neil would hang on for the win in the dying breeze, with James second, Alan third, Sam fourth & Dave Borrett (1864) fifth, setting up a decisive final race.

Further back, local honours were closely fought between Nigel Davis (2203), Ian & Matt Whitfield (1900 & 1901), with Adrian Jennings (1450) also in the mix, interspersed with visitors Brian Smith (2175) & Chris Godwin (2160) making life for the locals more exciting. Going to the final race it was advantage Nigel from Matt, then Ian & Adrian.

And so to race three, arguably the most challenging of the day in the failing breeze, with anyone of the top four able to take the overall lead & win the day. It was to be a close fight between James, Sam, Alan & Neil, with guest appearances from Dave & Matt. Alan would eventually take the final win of the day with Sam second, James third, Dave fourth & Matt fifth.

Overall then it was Alan who would win the day, from Sam in second & Neil third. James Dawes would take fourth & the Class Association prize. Matt's fifth in the last race was enough for him to overhaul Nigel for local honours.

A big thank you from the Streaker class to Tamworth Sailing Club & all the volunteers for managing in tricky conditions to make the first open of the year a success.

For Streaker Sailors the next event on the calendar sees the HD Sails Northern Paddle series get underway at Ripon Sailing Club on Saturday 5th April followed by the Southern Area Championships, part of the North Sails Southern Paddle & Rooster Super Series on Saturday 12th April.

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Club R1 R2 R3 Pts

1st 2198 Alan Bishop Girton SC 2 ‑3 1 3

2nd 2177 Sam McKay The Chase SC 1 ‑4 2 3

3rd 1977 Neil Firth Banbury SC 3 1 ‑6 4

4th 1975 James Dawes Redditch SC ‑6 2 3 5

5th 1864 Dave Borrett Beaver SC ‑7 5 4 9

6th 2178 Roger Wilson Rollesby Broad SC 4 6 (DNC) 10

7th 1901 Matt Whitfield Tamworth SC ‑10 8 5 13

8th 1683 Peter Cogil Rotherhay/Beaver SC 5 ‑11 8 13

9th 2203 Nigel Davis Tamworth SC 9 7 ‑10 16

10th 1900 Ian Whitfield Tamworth SC ‑11 10 7 17

11th 2175 Brian Smith Bowmoor SC 8 9 (DNC) 17

12th 1450 Adrian Jennings Tamworth SC (DNC) 13 9 22

13th 2160 Chirs Godwin Rutland SC ‑12 12 11 23

Ginger Boats Bass Week entry opens soon

 

Ginger Boats Bass Week entry opens in 8 days (midday on 1st April). It's just 129 days until Ginger Boats Bass Week, which will take place from August 2nd to 10th on Bassenthwaite Lake, one of the largest bodies of water in Cumbria.

We are thrilled to announce Ginger Boats as the official title sponsor for 2025. Based in Cumbria, Ginger Boats has been a proud supporter of the event. Owners Alex and Olivia, both members of Bassenthwaite Sailing Club, are regular participants in the event—often seen racing RS400s and, on occasion, racing Mirrors with their young daughters.

Bass Week has been a staple for sailors of all levels for decades, from local club members to world champions. It's known for its competitive racing, an exciting social programme for all ages, breathtaking views of the fells, and the best vantage point of Skiddaw mountain.

This regatta will welcome over 300 racers from across the UK. Throughout the week, there will be activities for the whole family, including 9 days of competitive racing, children's parties, nightly entertainment such as live music, discos, a quiz night, and the highly anticipated Commodore's Reception.

Entries open at midday on April 1st via the Ginger Boats Bass Week website: www.bassweek.org.uk. We expect a record number of entries this year, so we encourage anyone with caravans or motorhomes to register early on April 1st. Don't miss out on significant discounts available before June 2025!

National Open 1 | ILCA UK 2025