Squibs at the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club June Regatta

 

A wonderful summer's day greeted the nine Squibs at RN&SYC (the UK's most Easterly Yacht Club) for the annual June Regatta weekend.

The wind was forecast to pick up to 30 knots during the afternoon, so two races were planned for the morning, back to back. There was a long beat out to the race area, which was outside the sandbanks, but the tide took us there, so we only needed a short postponement before we were off.

After two exciting races the evening saw a great Commodore's Reception and Supper for 80 people, with guests from WOBYC, NBYC and GYGSC.

The wind gave a big contrast for the second day, with a much lighter, 8-9 knot offshore breeze from the west. With the port end of the line favoured by the wind, and the starboard end being more up-tide, the fleet were well spread down the line - but a general recall was needed before we were all on the correct side of the line! Firebird was using their normal Oulton Broad wind sniffing skills up the beat to take 3rd place, while Squffy was watching carefully as Brimstone sailed into a hole down wind so they could gybe off and take the lead - only to lose it again around the final leeward mark, only to grab it back again right on the finish line! Clever Dick was finding clever ways of going down the run in the sloppy conditions to take 4th place.

The final race saw the wind dropping away, with big shifts and holes, and long sloppy runs. The first lap, Brimstone and Squffy went all the way on port to the right, before a single tack into the mark to round first. While those that tried playing the shifts were left 100 yds behind. But the second beat saw exactly the opposite! All those that went right were floundering, while those playing the shifts gained 200 yards! The finishing order saw Brimstone (getting both beats correct), Clever Dick (getting the runs correct) and Croc (getting the second beat correct), followed by Silver Fox squeezing around the final mark inside Spring Maid and Firebird.

The final results were: Brimstone, Croc, Squffy (tied on points with), Clever Dick, Silver Fox, Echo, Firebird, Spring Maid and State of the Harte.

The Fireball World Sailing Championships Return to UK for the first time since 1981

 

The internationally renowned Fireball World Championships will return to UK shores in July 2026, as Torquay is confirmed as the host venue for the prestigious regatta – bringing world-class sailing back to the English Riviera for the first time in over four decades.

Organised by the Royal Torbay Yacht Club, the event is expected to draw over 90 international crews to race on the acclaimed sailing waters of Torbay, along with hundreds of visitors, including families, spectators, and global sailing enthusiasts. The event is being championed by the English Riviera BID Company as a landmark opportunity to showcase the region on the international stage.

Bob Penfold, Royal Torbay Yacht Club committee member, commented: “The Royal Torbay Yacht Club is delighted to see the Fireball World Championship returning to Torquay for the first time since 1973, and our members are looking forward to welcoming Fireball sailors from around the world. Torbay is a stunning sailing venue and it is an honour to have been chosen as the host club in 2026.”

Beyond the racing, Torquay promises a quintessential British seaside experience. The Fireball UK Nationals will be held from Monday, 20th July, featuring three days of racing and concluding with a Prizegiving and Championship Dinner on Friday, 24th July.

Visitors and competitors can also expect a vibrant social programme, as the Fireball World Championship will begin with an Opening Ceremonyon Sunday, 26th July, and continue with five days of racing, culminating in a Gala Dinner and Prize giving on Friday, 31st July.

For more information about the Fireball World Championships, visit :- 

 www.fireball-international.com

The 2025 Suzuki ILCA Master Europeans In UK

 

The 2025 Suzuki ILCA Master European Championships kicked off yesterday in Hayling Island, Great Britain, with the first day dedicated to registration and equipment inspection.

From June 14th to 20th, 128 sailors from 19 countries will compete in the ILCA 7 and ILCA 6 classes. The Grand Masters will be the most represented age group with 50 sailors, followed by the Great Grand Masters with 32. Women will make up nearly 20% of the ILCA 6 fleet, with 13 participants.

The forecast predicts excellent sailing conditions throughout the week, with wind speeds ranging from 10 to 18 knots in the gusts.

Racing is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 16th at 12:00.

Pasta pots and beer will be served daily to sailors after racing. A barbecue and live music are organised for Thursday, June 19th at 19:00.

The event is sponsored by Suzuki and its wider Clean Ocean Project. A beach clean-up is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17th after racing.

You can find all information about the championship on the official event website:-

 2025-master.eurilca-europeans.org

Jazz Turner's Sailability fundraising target is smashed, so she has to set another

 

Jazz Turner has now passed the northern-most tip of Ireland and is on her way to the Shetland Islands, and at the same time her fundraising total of £30,000 has been smashed!

Jazz's goal has been upped to £50,000 and we think it is likely she will smash that total too. Demand for the uplifting experience Sailability gives is high; it is great that Jazz's efforts will mean more people can get afloat per week than ever before.

If you are able, please make a donation. Funds will buy new boats, hoists and servo-steering kits for the Newhaven & Seaford Sailability centre. Whilst these craft aren't going to be made of carbon fibre, with 3DL sails, the costs of getting multiple sailors (with or without a disability) out on the water can soon mount up.

Jazz would like to thank her kind sponsors, who helped make this happen: Simpson Marine, Henri Lloyd, Raymarine, North Sails, Marlec Energy, Marlow Ropes, Eonic Digital, CHR Wraps and Graphics, YellowBrick Tracking, Astral Azure, SeaGo, Lazilas, FirePot, Allen Brothers, TeamO, ScanStrut, Bainbridge, Lions International.

International 14 Gallon Trophy at Itchenor Sailing Club

 

The Gallon is the other big trophy on the International 14 calendar — and arguably the most gruelling. The Deed of Gift for this event demands a long-distance race around Chichester Harbour, testing every skill in the skiff sailor's arsenal: speed, tactics, fitness, boat-handling, and... navigation?!

This year delivered classic conditions: warm sunshine paired with a stiff 20-knot breeze. Just before launch, a squall pushing 25 knots delayed proceedings, holding the fleet ashore. Once it passed, boats launched — though a few teams remained ashore, trimming down the start list.

The race began off Thorney Island, with George Yeoman & Harry Kennedy executing a port flier to lead off the line, just crossing ahead of Glen Truswell & Ed Fitzgerald who took the fleet left. Glen & Ed weren't held back for long, and by halfway up the first beat they had taken the lead — extending rapidly.

The windward mark, nestled tightly under the beach, was already lumpy. Glen & Ed rounded first and straight-set. George & Harry opted for a gybe-set (without George telling Harry) — which, perhaps unsurprisingly, ended in a capsize. Douglas Pattison & Mark Tait seized the opportunity to move into second and took off in pursuit of the leaders. Not wanting to miss out on the fun, Charlie Duschene & Tom Bracewell swung by to join George & Harry at the impromptu "pool party."

From here, Glen & Ed stamped their dominance, choosing tidy gybe-sets and simplifying their racecourse. Douglas & Mark stayed steady in second, while George & Harry mounted a spirited comeback — only to be thwarted by a trapeze hook malfunction during a tack that refused to let go. By the time they were upright, a sizeable gap had opened between the top three.

Next came the harbour loop: a long two-sail reach across to Hayling Island, skimming the sandbank in gusty, lumpy waters. The boats flirted with the death zone, but all came through unscathed. Glen & Ed cruised along, untroubled.

Then came a broad reach from Hayling to Emsworth — part white sail, part kite. Glen & Ed hoisted early and surged forward with the tide. Douglas & Mark delayed slightly, while George & Harry held longest. But it was Glen & Ed who called it best, stretching out another lead margin with only a fetch and final downwind to go.

On the last leg, the key decision was when to hoist for the final run around Thorney Island. Most of the fleet opted to delay, but Glen & Ed nailed their line and avoided traffic to finish cleanly — comfortably ahead of the ever-consistent Douglas & Mark, who had kept steady all the way around. George & Harry closed out the top three with big grins on their faces.

Overall Results:-

1st Glen Truswell & Ed Fitzgerald

2nd Douglas Pattison & Mark Tait

3rd George Yeoman & Harry Kennedy

Firefly open meeting at the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club

The weekend brought classic Broads variety: Saturday opened with a light breeze and overcast skies, making for tactical racing and rewarding sharp boat handling. Sunday saw the wind freshen, with brighter spells and gusts that challenged crews to adapt quickly, keeping the racing tight and exciting.

Six races were sailed over the two days, and the fleet was regularly shuffled by the shifting breeze. Jono and Freddie Pank in Swaggle (4400) managed to be in the right place at the finish line to clinch four wins and take the overall win. Jenny Smallwood and Philip Aldhous in Squabbling Pheonix (3625) kept the pressure on, winning two races and never finishing lower than second in their scores. Wroxham Local's Richard and Lizzie Whitefoot in Chi Chi (2587) rounded out the podium with consistent sailing across the series.

Sophia and Dom Johnson in Gemini Too (3154) impressed with a fourth-place finish, showing consistent improvement in boat speed and teamwork through the weekend.

Chloe Harding and Georgia Evans in Silly Goose (3820) bounced back from a DNC in Race 1 to claim a superb fifth place in Race 2, their best result of the event..

Willum Johnston and Louise Woodley (4338) delivered a standout third place in Race 4, navigating the gustier conditions with poise and making solid gains on each leg.

Barney Smith and Aidan Kentzer in Ship Happens (4378) posted a strong second place in Race 6, their best of the weekend, after a tough start on Saturday. Their determination and improved boat handling were clear as the breeze built.

Despite not breaking into the top five, Finlay Campbell's consistent mid-fleet finishes, never-say-die attitude and turbo Pimms jug were a highlight. His perseverance in challenging conditions, especially as a relative newcomer to the class and especially on Sunday morning, earned admiration from fellow competitors.

The Adriatic coast is a sailing paradise

 

Croatia’s Adriatic coast is a sailing paradise, known for its crystal-clear waters, charming historic towns, and more than a thousand islands. Here's a 7-day itinerary starting from Split and ending in Dubrovnik, including a mix of sailing, island hopping, and onshore experiences.

Day 1: Split ➜ Brač (Milna)

Sailing Time: ~2-3 hours

Highlights:

Stroll the cobblestone streets of Split's Diocletian's Palace in the morning.

Sail to Milna, a peaceful harbor town on Brač.

Onshore: Wine tasting or olive oil tour; dinner at Konoba Toni for local seafood.

Day 2: Brač ➜ Hvar

Sailing Time: ~2-3 hours

Highlights:

Anchor in Palmižana Bay and take a water taxi to Hvar Town.

Onshore: Explore Fortica Fortress for panoramic views, walk the historic center, enjoy nightlife.

Optional: Visit Stari Grad or local lavender farms.

Day 3: Hvar ➜ Vis (Komiža or Vis Town)

Sailing Time: ~3-4 hours

Highlights:

Blue Cave (Modra Špilja) tour from nearby Biševo Island (best early morning or late afternoon).

Onshore: Explore WWII tunnels or go wine tasting (Vis has top-notch Plavac Mali reds).

Dinner suggestion: Konoba Jastožera (seafood by the water in Komiža).

Day 4: Vis ➜ Korčula

Sailing Time: ~5-6 hours

Highlights:

Beautiful full-day sail. Anchor near Lumbarda or Korčula Town.

Onshore: Explore the medieval old town (known as "Little Dubrovnik"), visit Marco Polo’s house.

Dinner at LD Restaurant (Michelin-starred, if you want a splurge).

Day 5: Korčula ➜ Mljet (Pomena or Polače)

Sailing Time: ~3-4 hours

Highlights:

Sail to Mljet National Park, a lush island with saltwater lakes.

Onshore: Rent bikes or kayaks, visit St. Mary’s Island in Veliko Jezero.

Quiet overnight mooring in nature.

Day 6: Mljet ➜ Šipan or Lopud (Elaphiti Islands)

Sailing Time: ~3-4 hours

Highlights:

Choose between the peaceful islands of Šipan or Lopud.

Onshore: Enjoy relaxed village life, hike, or rent e-bikes.

Dine in a konoba like Kod Marka in Šipan.

Day 7: Elaphiti Islands ➜ Dubrovnik

Sailing Time: ~3 hours

Highlights:

Arrive in Dubrovnik early afternoon.

Onshore: Walk the City Walls, take the cable car up Mount Srđ, or go kayaking around the city walls.

Final night in the marina or anchor outside the Old Town.

⛵ Tips for the Trip:-

Best time to sail: May–September (June & September ideal—less crowded, still warm).

Marina reservations: Essential in Hvar and Dubrovnik during peak season.

Charter options: Bareboat, skippered, or crewed—available.

Provisioning: Good supermarkets in Split, Hvar, and Korčula.

Pace: This is a moderate pace—can be adjusted for more relaxation or more sailing.

Would you like help planning your next trip?

Please let us know about your sailing experience and where you're planning to go by using our Contact Form on this Blog, with your requirements to receive immediate help and assistance and using our Vast Knowledge and Experience to Help and Guide You.

WITH 12,000 PRIVATE RENTAL YACHTS / CHARTER YACHTS ACROSS 60 COUNTRIES 

WHICH ONE WILL YOU CHOOSE ?

Stage set for a stacked J/70 UK Nationals

 

35 teams are set to line up for this year's J/70 UK Nationals, hosted by the Royal Thames Yacht Club (RTYC) as part of the 250th Anniversary Regatta. With a strong turnout and a mix of seasoned teams and new faces, this year's Nationals promise some epic racing.

Calypso head into the event in fine form, leading the Grand Slam standings after wins at both opening events. Close behind them is Sardonyx, currently lying 2nd in the series, with Ian Dobson on the stick, and James Peters on main/tactics - this is a formidable combo.

Jeepster, 5th at last year's European championships and currently lying 3rd in the Grand Slam series, will also be ones to watch, along with Jelvis who are back from a strong showing at Malcescine.

As ever however, the J/70 fleet is deep and unpredictable - there are too many good teams to name them all and undoubtedly there will be some surprises. The stakes are high: the Nationals are a non-discardable event in the UK Grand Slam series- the top six teams of which will earn a spot at the 2026 Worlds in Cascais - a major target for UK teams with international ambitions.

Off the water, a strong social line-up includes a Friday night dinner at the Royal Yacht Squadron, hosted with support from Tideway Wealth Management, alongside celebrations throughout the RTYC 250th Regatta.

Thanks to class sponsors Rooster and Ocean Rope for supporting the Series.

Racing runs Friday 13th to Sunday 15th June.

Follow the action on instagram @j70ukclass - it's going to be a good one!

Fireball World Championship 2025 at Circolo Vela Arco

 

It's still two months away but entries for the 2025 Fireball Worlds on Lake Garda have already reached 127 boats.

As the home of Fireballing, it's no great surprise that the UK is providing the largest squad with 38 entries but, what is really exciting, is that the second largest contingent is coming from Australia, with 17 teams making the long journey from Down Under.

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 Thursday 21st to Friday 29th August, with racing commencing on Sunday 24th August. Full details of the event can be found at :-

 2025.fireballworlds.com

The Fireball is really strengthening Worldwide and it bodes well for the 2026 Worlds being hosted by Royal Torbay Yacht Club in the UK.

"Cool Cats - Stayin' Alive" - Dart 15 sailing at Shanklin Sailing Club, ...

National 12 Scottish Championship at East Lothian Yacht Club

 

The Scottish & Northern 12 fleet travelled to East Lothian Yacht Club 7 -8 June 2025 for the third year in a row to enjoy the excellent sea sailing this venue has to offer as part of their annual regatta. Only three 12s made the trip so we shared the start line with the D Zero and Aero fleets sailing on the East Course towards the Bass Rock.

On Day 1 we were put afloat in fairly uninspiring looking conditions and, with what appeared no wind in the offing, sent ashore after an hour for an early beer. Naturally this prompted a light westerly to appear and eventually settle and we watched the West Course getting some racing in on our way ashore.

Day 2 and the consensus in the forecasts of 12-18 knots from the West along with some sun turned out to be about right. Perfect North Berwick conditions for four races!

In race 1 Iain Macintyre and Fi Grieve started from the middle of the line and led from start to finish, chased all the way by Philip David and Jacqui Massie with Tim & Chris Hampshire in third.

Tim and Chris swapped over for race 2, with Chris taking up steering duties but would he fair any better than his dad? The wind had gone left so the pin was favoured. Iain and Fi started closest to the pin to lead round the first lap before being caught out by a wind shift at the leeward gate resulting in a double gybe and a spin for hitting the mark. Philip and Jacqui faired even worse taking a swim at the gate, leaving Chris and Tim to take the lead and showing impressive upwind speed in a building breeze to win from Iain and Fi.

Race 3 and with the line reset Iain and Fi started in the middle and led round to take another win this time chased hard by Chris and Tim.

By race 4, with the ebb tide running it paid to go left. Iain and Fi along with Philip and Jacqui took this side with Chris and Tim going right to find the tide and a left-hand shift left them with too much ground to make up. Philip and Jacqui picked their way through the shifts and the tide up the second beat to put pressure on Iain and Fi who held on to take their third win and the Scottish Championship.

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Crew Club R1 R2 R3 R4 Pts

1st 3519 Iain Macintyre Fi Grieve Loch Tummel Sailing Club 1 ‑2 1 1 3

2nd 3502 Tim Hampshire Chris Hampshire Ripon Sailing Club ‑3 1 2 3 6

3rd 3499 Philip David Jacqui Massie Yorkshire Ouse SC 2 ‑3 3 2 7

Wayfarer Western Championship at Banbury Sailing Club

A gusty and shifty breeze coming across the reservoir challenged all through the six races held over the two-day event. With limited space near the start line and a short first beat, there was opportunity for everyone to lead around the first mark, and most of the fleet had a turn at this.

As the races progressed, however, the two visiting teams managed to use their greater boat speed to pull away from the four Banbury boats. These four had some close racing, with place-changing on each lap. Even where boats were separated, the conditions kept everyone alert since a leg that started as a run would often end as a close fetch (and vice versa!).

The overall winners were Andrew Wilson and Derek Lambert from Datchet Water who comfortably won each race from last year's winners of this event Nigel and Belinda O'Donnell. Andy Darby, crewed by Paul Rhodes, finished third as leading Banbury team. There were also commendations (and prizes!) for other notable performances, and which also demonstrated the versatility of the Wayfarer Class in providing good racing for people of any age and any level of experience.

Many thanks to the race team for providing excellent courses that made the best of the available conditions; to the volunteers who provided such excellent lunches and teas (with such amazing cakes), and to all at the Club and to Craftinsure and Allen Brothers for their support for the event.

Overall Results:

Pos Helm Crew Sail No Boat Name Club R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 Pts

1 Andrew Wilson Derek Lambert 11093 Restless Datchet Water SC ‑1 1 1 1 1 1 5

2 Nigel O'Donnell Belinda O'Donnell 11458 Guinness 111 Swarkestone SC ‑2 2 2 2 2 2 10

3 Andy Darby Paul Rhodes 9646 Whale Shark Banbury SC 3 3 4 ‑5 3 3 16

4 Matt Best Maureen Mann 7952 Freeway Banbury SC 4 4 3 3 4 ‑6 18

5 George Mitchell Abbie Hall / Florence Mitchell 7601 DaisyWay Banbury SC 5 ‑6 5 4 6 4 24

6 Andy Hall Tony Archer 3722 Wayfsandstrays Banbury SC ‑6 5 6 6 5 5 27

Flying Fifteen National Classic and Silver Championships 2025 at Dovestone Sailing Club

 

Classic and Silver division Flying Fifteens enjoyed a weekend of close racing and camaraderie in the glorious surroundings of this Peak District location. The weather forecast for the weekend was not too encouraging with force 4 gusting winds on both days and steady rain projected. In the event, for once the weather gods were more generous. Saturday dawned with a lightish and fickle westerly and dry conditions.

Visitors were welcomed from several clubs, with 5 boats from Scotland including Kenny and Paul Leask who had travelled from Shetland/Germany and boats from the North and Midlands of England.

After three exciting races the sailors enjoyed an atmospheric evening at the club with an excellent meal and live entertainment. This was an opportunity to get to know and reacquaint sailors from other clubs and talk about future plans and boats to be saved.

On Sunday after breakfast rolls sailing resumed with a little more wind which reverted to a fickler breeze during the races. After completing two more races the racing ended with steady rain and the wind continued to be lightish and fickle. In the combined fleet the classics were to the fore. The Classics finished 759, 627 and 2646 in their overall series positions. In the Silver fleet the series outcome was in the balance between 3332 and 3398. Whilst 3332 lead the outcome was not certain until the line was crossed.

After an excellent lunch the prize-giving took place, with the prizes themselves generously sponsored by Impact Marine, to whom we are very grateful. The Commodore Iain particularly thanked the visitors for their support. The Prize winners were as follows:

Classic

1st 759 Andrew McKee & Emily Kippen (Dovestone SC) Championship Trophy, Royal Torbay half Hull, Coweslip Trophy half hull, Ladies Classic Bowl

2nd 627 Bobby Salmond & Ben Thackray (Royal Northern YC)

3rd 2646 Jeremy Arnold & Richard Hope (Draycote Water SC)

Silver

1st 3332 Tim Allen & Iain McNeill (Dovestone SC) Championship Trophy

2nd 3398 Kenny & Paul Leask (Lerwick Boating Club)

3rd 3286 Jordan Aspin & Jason Benn (Sir John Fisher SC)

In the Classic fleet 759 Andrew and Emily with 4 wins and a discarded 2nd were deserving winners. The following 4 boats had only 2 points separating them, showing how close the competition had been.

In the silver fleet it had been more of a two-boat race eventually won by 3332 Tim and Iain.