Howth Yacht Club Dinghy Frostbite Series Kicks Off in November

 

The Howth Yacht Club (HYC) Dinghy Frostbite Series is set to return this November. It promises exceptional racing and a sense of community on Ireland’s east coast.

Running every Sunday from November 2nd to March, the series attracts racers of all levels to the waters north of Howth Harbour. 

Competitors can expect well-organised races with tight turnarounds and fair conditions. The HYC race team is known for its professionalism and attention to detail.

The format includes two races each Sunday morning, featuring both windward-leeward and triangular courses. A three-minute start sequence will enhance tactical skills and boat handling.

The Frostbite Series has a rich history dating back to the 1970s, when fleets of over forty Lasers raced. Notable names from those early days, such as Gordon Maguire and Robert Dix, gained international acclaim.

While the types of boats may have changed, the dedication to winter dinghy racing remains strong. The series marked its 50th anniversary last winter, celebrating a legacy of competitive spirit.

Participants can join a diverse fleet, from Laser/ILCA classes to Melges 15s, RS Aeros, and IDRA 14s. All dinghies with a PY rating under 1220 are welcome.

“Frostbite racing offers a mix of challenge and fun,” said HYC organiser Conor Murphy. The friendly atmosphere encourages family participation, with many pairings racing together.

The first gun sounds at 10:45 am on November 2nd. Interested sailors can register through the HYC website. Be part of this iconic winter sailing tradition.

Fireball World Championship 2026 at Torquay - We need your Fireball

 

Following a highly successful 135 boat Worlds in Garda in August and with the 2026 Worlds to be held in Torquay the Fireball is enjoying a huge surge in popularity, but the demand for boats is outstripping the supply.

If you own a Fireball and have had thoughts about selling it, now is the time to put it on the market. As well as using the usual second-hand boat websites, the Class has its own buy and sell Facebook Group "The Fireball Dinghy Centre".

The Class is also compiling a list of second-hand boats. If you have a boat to sell, or you are looking to buy, email Dave Hall on dave@weathermarksailboats.com

If you are in the market and have got your eye on a boat, get in quick. They are getting snapped up fast.

About the 2026 Fireball Worlds

The event incorporates the UK Nationals and runs from Monday 20th to Friday 31st July.

The event website can be found at: 2026.fireballworlds.com and contains the provisional schedule and details of accommodation options. Further content, including the Notice of Race, will be added to the site over the next few months.

Autumn Passage Race 2025 at Horning Sailing Club

 

Given the mist and 1mph winds forecast for Saturday, there was some trepidation amongst the sailors planning to take part in Horning Sailing Club's Autumn Passage Race, now in its third year. Despite this, some 47 boats arrived in Horning from across the Broads, hoping for better conditions.

Billed as the Three Rivers Race without the bridges, the original plan was to sail towards Womack and up towards Acle before returning to Horning. The morning of the race saw the water like a millpond and not a breath of wind in the air; however, just as the briefing began, a very gentle breeze started to pick up and the decision was made that racing would go ahead but would start at St Benet's Abbey, with the turning buoys just beyond Thurne Windmill and Upton Dyke.

The race entrants were dominated by river cruisers, with 22 taking part. Surprisingly, there were only three dinghies - two Norfolk Punts and a Wayfarer, the remainder keelboats, including strong fleets of Yeoman (8), Rebels (6) and Reedlings (4) - the latter two boats designed for the Broads.

It proved not to be a day for the faster craft, and the race was won by one of the three dinghies - Wayfarer "Selkie" helmed by Jeremy Evans.

Second was Jack Barnham in Yare & Bure Peacock, and Kevin Edwards (Rebel Maid) third. Fourth was River Cruiser Vacuna (on handicap the slowest river cruiser participating) helmed by Simon Bryan. Waveney "Snakeshead" sailed by Alex New was fifth, whilst 21 seconds on handicap separated the next four finishers. Sixth was Peter Brown in Rebel Rothay, whilst Stuart Bailey in Reedling Jaws was seventh. Coming in eighth and first Yeoman was Steve Middleditch in Scorpio, whilst Robert Hancock in Reedling Siskin was 9th. Completing the top ten was Peter Goshawk in River Cruiser "Grayling."

RYA Green Blue University Sailing Sustainability Challenge sets sail for 2026

 

The RYA Green Blue University Sailing Sustainability Challenge, sponsored by the Royal Thames Yacht Club, is back for another year - inspiring students to lead the way in sustainable sailing and environmental responsibility across the UK.

Run by the RYA Green Blue, the Challenge celebrates university sailing clubs that champion sustainability and embed eco-friendly practices in their day-to-day activities — both on and off the water.

Running until February, this year's competition will culminate in an Awards Ceremony held for the first time at the British Universities Sailing Association (BUSA) Championships in April.

Participating clubs will focus on eight key sustainability categories, including improving water quality, protecting biodiversity, engaging young sailors, advocating for positive change, and making events more environmentally sustainable.

"The Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for university sailing clubs to showcase the incredible work they do in sustainability, make a real difference to their local environment, and inspire the wider boating community," said Kate Fortnam, RYA Sustainability Manager.

"We've seen some brilliant examples of how clubs can lower their impact without it being expensive or difficult. Every club can make simple, practical changes that create a lasting positive effect and we're excited to see what this year's competitors will bring to the table."

The RYA Green Blue University Sailing Challenge not only promotes environmental awareness but also empowers the next generation of sailors to take meaningful action in protecting the playground we all love.

Sailing clubs can play a vital role in supporting university sailors to complete the challenge.

For more information and to enter your University Sailing Club into the Challenge visit the University Sustainability Challenge webpage or contact the RYA Green Blue team at environment@rya.org.uk

Streaker HD Sails Northern Paddle Series Open at Winsford Flash Sailing Club

 

Winsford Flash Sailing Club held its first ever Streaker open meeting on 11 October. This event was part of the 2025 HD Sails Northern Paddle Series.

In the heart of Cheshire, Winsford Flash SC (WFSC) has a 90 acre lake fed by the River Weaver which runs to the west side of the lake, separated by a bund.

With light winds forecast from very early in the week a low attendance was anticipated but a total of nine helms took to the water, seven from the home club were joined by Martin McKettrick from Southport SC and Dave Borrett from Beaver SC.

After three exciting races the fleet retired to the club house for much needed refreshments and to reflect on the day. Closing remarks and thanks were made by Jim Murie the Menagerie Class Captain (who helms a Byte) to the race officers, the safety boat crews, Carl Ellis, Eric Hazeldene, Frank Lafferty, Jonathan Latham and the galley team, Kathy and Janet. The prizes were awarded by Zoe. An endeavour award was made to Rick Hough who improved his finishing position in each and every race.

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Club R1 R2 R3 Pts

1 2177 Pete Coop Winsford Flash SC ‑2 1 1 2

2 2195 Rosemarie Benson Winsford Flash SC ‑3 2 2 4

3 1864 Dave Borrett Beaver SC 1 ‑5 4 5

4 1868 Steve Bellamy Winsford Flash SC ‑4 3 3 6

5 2159 / 1785 Dominic Oakeshott Winsford Flash SC ‑5 4 5 9

6 1934 Rick Hough Winsford Flash SC ‑8 7 6 13

7 1886 Martin McKettrick Southport SC ‑7 6 7 13

8 2165 Sandy Mill Winsford Flash SC 6 ‑9 9 15

9 1702 Fiona Niddrie Winsford Flash SC (DNC) 8 8 16

Next year's event will be a combined Streaker class and Comet class open which is currently scheduled for 10 October 2026.

This year's Streaker season concludes with the End of Season Championship at Northampton Sailing Club on 25 October. The event is the series decider for the Rooster Super Series, HD Sails Northern Paddle Series and North Sails Southern Paddle Series.

Micro Championships at Stour Sailing Club

 

The weekend of 11th and 12th October saw the eagerly anticipated and hotly contested end of season championships for Micro 18 and Gem yachts on the river Stour, sailed from Manningtree. With a crew of two, these 18ft lifting-keel boats meet the Micro cup rule, one size down from Mini cuppers. They were designed by Stephen Jones and Rob Humphreys respectively.

Ten boats competed in the two days of racing, 8 Gems and 2 Micro 18s, including two new-to-the-club boats, which were ready and launched just in time to take part. Two of the club's Micros were absent due to logistic problems and injury but the others could be seen undergoing feverish bottom-scrubbing and rig-adjusting during the preceding days.

High pressure over the UK meant that the championships were held in light wind, perhaps just favouring the unballasted Gems.

The usual weekend format of passage races out and back to the race area for the main championship windward/leewards provided 8 scheduled races and winners for three categories; windward/leewards (Micro Championships, includes Micros and Gems), Gem Championships and Passage Races, with varying discards and exclusions applying and silverware awarded for each.

The tricky conditions produced close racing with concentration needed to find the breeze and tease every bit of speed out of the boats during the lulls.

A well done to all the competitors and it was great to welcome some new faces to an ever-expanding fleet. A big thank you also to our local sponsors who supplied prizes for all entrants.

An invitation to all Gems and Micros to join us in 2026 - easy launching, moorings provided (foc for the event) and pontoon space over the weekend. A new idea for 2026 may be an additional County Championships; Essex vs Suffolk.

Overall Results:

Micro Championships

1st Gemini Cricket - Ellie and Edd Harvey-Bates

2nd Pathogem - Evie and Ed Roberts

3rd Italia - Ed and Nick Evans

Gem Championships

1st Pathogem - Evie and Ed Roberts

2nd Gemini Cricket - Ellie and Edd Harvey-Bates

3rd Italia - Ed and Nick Evans

Passage Race Series

1st Muscle - Ian Pavey and Ray Chittock

2nd Well Done - Ian and Stef Bloomfield

3rd Italia - Ed and Nick Evans

HYS Cape 31 UK Nationals 2025 – Epic Racing on the Solent!

Naples Sailing Extravaganza

A 7-day sailing extravaganza starting in Naples offers stunning coastlines, historic towns, and world-class food. This is a curated  sailing itinerary combining scenic sailing legs and the best onshore experiences — perfect for a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

⚓️ Sailing extravaganza from Naples

Day 1 – Naples → Procida (10 NM)

Sailing: A short, easy sail to start the week.

Highlights:

Anchor in Chiaiolella Bay or at the marina.

Explore Marina Corricella, Italy’s most colorful fishing village.

Onshore: Walk to Terra Murata, the island’s medieval fortress for sunset views.

Dinner: Fresh seafood at Caracalè overlooking the harbor.

Day 2 – Procida → Ischia (8 NM)

Sailing: 1–2 hours — relaxed cruising between islands.

Highlights:

Dock at Sant’Angelo, a charming pedestrian village.

Onshore: Visit Poseidon Thermal Gardens for hot springs and sea-view pools.

Optional hike to Mount Epomeo for a 360° view of the Gulf of Naples.

Evening: Try local white wine (Biancolella) with dinner in Forio.

Day 3 – Ischia → Capri (20 NM)

Sailing: 3–4 hours; stunning scenery, watch for dolphins.

Highlights:

Anchor in Marina Piccola or berth in Marina Grande.

Onshore: Visit the Blue Grotto, then hike or taxi up to Anacapri.

Enjoy sunset drinks at Punta Carena Lighthouse.

Dinner: Da Paolino (famous lemon grove restaurant).

Day 4 – Capri → Amalfi (25 NM)

Sailing: Spectacular coastal cruising past the Li Galli Islands.

Highlights:

Anchor near Amalfi or berth in the marina.

Onshore: Explore Amalfi Cathedral, stroll through narrow alleys, and hike the Valle delle Ferriere nature trail.

Evening: Limoncello tasting at a local distillery.

Day 5 – Amalfi → Positano (6 NM)

Sailing: Short hop along the dramatic Amalfi Coast cliffs.

Highlights:

Anchor just outside Positano and tender ashore.

Onshore: Wander through boutiques and art galleries.

Optional hike: the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) from Nocelle — unforgettable views.

Dinner: Chez Black on the beach for classic Amalfi pasta dishes.

Day 6 – Positano → Sorrento (13 NM)

Sailing: Coastal cruising with views of Vesuvius.

Highlights:

Moor in Marina Piccola di Sorrento.

Onshore: Visit the historic old town and Marina Grande fishing village.

Optional excursion: Short train or car ride to Pompeii or Herculaneum.

Dinner: Ristorante Bagni Delfino for seafood and sunset.

Day 7 – Sorrento → Naples (15 NM)

Sailing: Return leg with views of Mount Vesuvius.

Highlights:

Onshore: Back in Naples, visit Castel dell’Ovo or the Naples Archaeological Museum.

Celebrate your final night with authentic Neapolitan pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele or Sorbillo.

Would you like help planning your next trip?

Please let us know about your sailing experiences 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 RENTAL YACHTS ACROSS 60 COUNTRIES WHICH ONE WILL YOU CHOOSE?

#yachts2rentnow

🌅 Optional Add-Ons

Extra day: Add a stop at Nerano (great swimming and restaurants).

Adventure twist: Include diving or kayaking tours off Capri or Ischia.

Luxury twist: Book a spa day at Capri Palace or a vineyard visit on Ischia.

 

Merlin Rocket Downriver Race 2025 at Ranelagh Sailing Club

 

Thirteen Merlin Rockets arrived at Ranelagh Sailing Club for their Annual Down River Race. This was the second visit to the club this year in Class's Racing Calendar and was the final event in the Thames, Classic and Vintage Series'.

The weather forecast was for very light winds, but thirteen Merlins braved the weather in the hope that sailing was viable. On arrival, they were received the usual warm welcome from Ranelagh Sailing Club with bacon sandwiches and tea whilst enjoying the beautiful views of the tidal River Thames and the legendary hustle and bustle of Putney Hard.

So, it was all about timing! With 30 seconds to the start the first boats stepped from the shore into their boats. Stuart Jenkins & Richard Jarvis in 723 (Holt Martine design) and Andrew Harris & Sara Warren in 607 (Holt 1oH design) timed leaving the shore perfectly and by Putney Bridge had a slight lead over the main fleet.

Once under the bridge, Stuart/ Richard and Andrew/ Sara extended their lead over the main fleet, with Andrew/ Sara pulling ahead of Stuart/ Richard. As the race progressed downstream Rob & Hatty Cage in 1692 (Adur 7 design) broke free of the main fleet, leaving 607, 723 and 1692 well clear of the main group.

Eventually, Rob/ Hatty overtook Stuart/ Richard before the finish. The first three boats all finished within two minutes of each other, with Andrew/ Sara first, Rob/ Hatty second, Stuart/ Richard third and Pat & Jilly Blake in 901 (Holt Nelly design) fourth.

The first Classic Merlin was Graham & Nicola Webb in 3506 (Smarty Pants design) in eighth place. After the racing and packing away of boats, everyone sat down to a very welcome and legendary Ranelagh Sailing Club lunch, which was superb!

Fran Gifford hosted the prize-giving and thanked the competitors, the sponsor and everyone involved in running an excellent event.

The overall event (Thames & Vintage Series points) was won by Andrew Harris and Sara Warren in their Vintage boat and the first Classic Series was won by Graham and Nicola Webb.

Special thanks to Fran Gifford, who organised the event, Richard Westover and his Race Team for their expert race management, and to all the helpers at Ranelagh Sailing Club for making the event such a success.

Women's World Match Racing Tour announces strategic partnership with The Magenta Project

 

The Women's World Match Racing Tour today announced a new strategic partnership with The Magenta Project, the award-winning global charity founded in 2015 to promote and build greater equity and inclusion for women in the sport of sailing and the wider marine industry. The Magenta Project will be named as an Official Charity Partner of the Women's World Match Racing Tour.

The partnership between the organisations will aim to develop new opportunities and pathways for female sailors to become involved in the world of match racing, both at a local level through match racing clinics, and competing on a world stage on the Women's World Match Racing Tour, currently the only all-female global series in sailing launched in 2022.

As well as creating valuable opportunities for sailors, the partnership will also focus on providing initiatives for the Magenta Project community and its members to work in shore side and on-water roles including event management, race management and umpiring.

The Magenta Project joins existing Women's World Match Racing Tour Official Charity WIMRA (Women's International Match Racing Association), founded in 1996 with the mission to promote women's sailing, female entrepreneurship, global relations and cultural exchange.

Since 2007, under the leadership of US match racer Liz Baylis, WIMRA has championed women's international match race sailing at every level.

"WIMRA is excited to welcome The Magenta Project into the women's match racing space. The Magenta Project's mission aligns perfectly with WIMRA and this new partnership with the Women's World Match Racing Tour will be of great value to all of us." commented Liz Baylis.

Royal Lymington Yacht Club - Club Champion of Champions 2025

 

Nine fleet champions from across the RLymYC Club met bright and early on Saturday morning, ready to race LR Scows over a series of five races to decide the winner of the coveted title of Club 'Champion of Champions'.

Despite the light and variable wind of 3-5 knots, the wind direction was good - coming from N to NE it meant that the breeze in the river off the Clubhouse was relatively undisturbed, although there were still plenty of shifts and 'gusts' to be optimised and the competitors swapped boats after each race to minimise any equipment advantage. With nine competitors and eight boats, each competitor sat out one race.

Each of the five races started on the Club line with marks rounded to port and an initial run down to a leeward mark off the Dan Bran pontoon, before a beat (with the gently flooding tide) back up to near the club start transit posts and a short reach across the river to a mark near the Fortuna South post before a final short run down to the finish line.

With Rory Paton (XOD) sitting out the first race, Olympian Vita Heathcote (J80) made a strong initial impression with a first, followed by Harry Hutchinson (LAH1) and David King (PY2). David improved in R2 to take the win ahead of Rory and Tim Mack (Scow Silver), with Vita tied with Nick Ryley and grand-daughter Chloe Eliot (PY1) for 4th and 5th place. Vita sat out R3 with the win going to Jonny Clegg (Scow Gold) and the ever-consistent Rory notching up another second ahead of Andy Hind (IRC1). In R4, Vita took the win ahead of Rory in 2nd (again!) and Jeremy Austin (Folkboat).

All this meant that going into the final race of the no-discard series, Rory led with three 2nds, half a point ahead of Vita with two 1sts and a 4.5. On the first run Vita had an early lead on Rory, but he established an inside overlap at the leeward mark and led at the start of the beat. Vita managed to sniggle through into the lead on the upwind leg, just ahead of Rory, holding on to finish first and winning the Champion of Champions trophy, just half a point ahead of Rory.

Overall Results:

1 Vita Heathcote - J80

2 Rory Paton - XOD

3 David King - PY2

4 Jonny Clegg - Scow Gold

5 Jeremy Austin - Folkboat

6 Tim Mack - Scow Silver

7 Harry Hutchinson - LAH1

8 Nick Ryley & Chloe Elliot - PY1

9 Andy Hind - IRC2

BirdyFish Full-Range Demo this Weekend at Hayling Island SC

 

Foiling made simple, fun, and accessible — that's the promise from BirdyFish, and sailors will have the chance to experience it first-hand at the Hayling Island SC Demo Weekend.

For the first time in the UK, all three BirdyFish models will be available to test sail:

BirdyFish - the original double-hander

BirdyFish S - a versatile single-hander

NEW BirdyFish Ioda - lightweight single-hander, designed for sailors up to 95kg.

The Ioda, launched this autumn, is compact, quick to rig, and takes off in just 8 knots of breeze — making foiling more accessible than ever.

With the BirdyFish French team on site and a limited number of ex-charter boats available, this is a unique chance to try the full range and find the right foiling fit — whether you're looking for double-handed thrills, single-handed speed, or the perfect youth pathway.

Dates: 18-19 October 2025

Venue: Hayling Island Sailing Club

Places for demo sails are limited — sign up now to secure your slot and take flight with BirdyFish!

Nacra 15 UK National Championship 2025 at the Allspars Final Fling

 

Nacra 15 sailors from across the UK gathered at the Royal Western Yacht Club on Saturday the 11th of October in sunny Plymouth for their National Championship, held this year as part of the Allspars Final Fling. The day began with blue sky and no wind, leading to all fleets being AP'ed.

Having  completed  three races everyone enjoyed a sociable evening at the Royal Western followed by a curry for 20+. The Fleet was up and active early Sunday morning and three more races were planned for the day with GBR126 having to call in a last minute replacement crew due to illness.

After finishing, the fleet retuned to shore, and the event prize-giving was held at a very busy Royal Western Yacht Club. The theme of the weekend - close racing, was evident in the final standings, with only 2 points between first and second. GBR 070 of Patrick and Jess finished the event in first, with GBR 334 Will and Eliza in second and GBR 378 Marcus and Maddie rounding out the top three.

A massive congratulations to all competitors for racing in some incredibly shifty/gusty conditions, a special mention to the teams on GBR 074 James and Connor and GBR 253 George and Jack for competing in their first class racing events. A huge thanks to Royal Western Yacht Club and Allspars for hosting us as part of the Final Fling Regatta and to the team at Plymouth Yacht Haven for allowing us to use their yard for boat parking.

Overall Results:

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

1 GBR 070 Patrick Hill Swarkestone SC 1 2 1 1 ‑3 2 7

2 334 Emma Vo William Boalch Plym Yacht Club 2 1 ‑3 3 2 1 9

3 378 Marcus King Warsash SC ‑3 3 2 2 1 3 11

4 GBR 162 Nellie Thomas Peace Warsash SC ‑4 4 4 4 4 4 20

5 GBR 126 Kingfisher Coral Buckley Warsash SC 5 (DNC) 5 5 6 6 27

6 74 Nacra 15 James Oakley Isle of Sheppey Sailing club 6 5 6 (DNC) 5 DNC 30

7 253 George Stacey Plym Yacht Club ‑7 6 7 6 7 5 31

The UK Nacra 15 Class Association is very pleased to confirm that Plymouth will host the Nacra 15 World Championship in 2026! 

To find out more about how to get involved in the class please head to  :- www.nacra15.co.uk/getting-started/transition

 or email nacra15uk@gmail.com