Win a Free Entry and Bursary to Compete at the 2026 Sonata Nationals

To celebrate the Hunter Sonata Class's 50th anniversary, the Class Association is offering a fantastic opportunity for young sailors to get involved.

With over 400 boats built and 240 still competing around the UK the National Sonata Class Association is offering a fantastic opportunity for young sailors a free entry and £100 bursary to help three under-25 teams take part in this year's Sonata Nationals in the Solent, racing from the Royal Southern Yacht Club between 16th and 19th August 2026.

With active fleets around the UK from Weymouth, Poole Harbour and Cowes on the South coast to Medway, Brightlingsea and Mersea in the East to Scarborough, Windermere in the North and Strangford Loch in Northern Ireland., Whether you're already racing a Sonata or keen to get involved in the class, this is your chance to experience one of the friendliest and most competitive one-design fleets in the country.

How to Enter

We want to see your enthusiasm for the National Sonata class. All you need to do is submit a short video (no longer than 90 seconds) telling us:

What you enjoy about sailing or the Sonata, and

Why you'd love to compete at the 50th anniversary Sonata Nationals, which are being held at the Royal Southern Yacht Club between 16th-19th August 2026.

Be as creative as you like we're not looking for professional editing, just genuine passion, personality, and a love of sailing.

Competition Details

Who can enter: Sailors under 25 as of 16th August 2026

What to submit: A video up to 90 seconds long

Deadline: 1st May, 2026

How to enter: Complete Form below

Prize: A Free Entry and £100 bursary to support participation in the 2026 Sonata National Championships

Enter here

Judging and Results

Entries will be judged by a panel from the National Sonata Class Association, who will be looking for enthusiasm, creativity, and passion for the Sonata boat and class.

The winner will be announced by the 1st June 2026, and their video will be featured on the National Sonata Class Association's website and social media.

Quick Rules

Open to sailors under 25 on 16th August 2026 and resident in the UK

Videos must be no longer than 90 seconds

Show what you love about the Sonata and why you want to race at the 2026 Nationals

Entries close at 23:59 on 1st May 2026

The £100 bursary must be used to support participation at the 2026 Nationals (entry fees, travel, accommodation, etc.)

By entering, you give permission for the National Sonata Class Association to share your video and name in promotional materials

Entrants under 18 must have parental or guardian consent to enter

One member of the crew may be over 25 years of age

The Under 25 Sonata 50th Anniversary Nationals Competition entry form can be found here.

Celebrate 50 Years of Sonata Sailing

The Sonata Nationals promise to be a memorable championship with competitive racing, great socials, and the same strong community spirit that has defined the class for decades.

Don't miss your chance to be part of it!

Let's make the 50 years of the Sonata Class one to remember see you on the start line.

Menorca is tranquillity and nature, a protected biosphere reserve and boasts a coastline of idyllic coves and beaches

 

A 7-day sailing adventure around Menorca designed for a relaxed sailing pace (3–20 nautical miles most days), combining scenic anchorages, historic towns, swimming coves, and interesting onshore experiences. Menorca is excellent for sailing thanks to its many sheltered calas (coves) and reliable summer sailing season between May and September.

Day 1 – Mahón → Binibèquer / Cala Binibèquer

Distance: ~8 NM

Sailing highlights

Gentle first sail along Menorca’s southeast coast.

Anchor in the sheltered turquoise waters near Binibèquer.

Onshore activities

Explore Binibèquer Vell, a picturesque whitewashed fishing village with narrow alleys.

Snorkelling around the rocky shoreline.

Sunset drinks in a waterfront bar.

Evening

Dinner in Binibèquer or return to the boat for a quiet anchorage night.

Day 2 – Binibèquer → Cala en Porter

Distance: ~10 NM

Sailing highlights

Scenic cliffs and caves along the south coast.

Onshore activities

Swim at the sandy beach of Cala en Porter, a cove framed by limestone cliffs.

Visit Cova d’en Xoroi, a bar built into seaside caves with dramatic views.

Optional short hike along the coastal cliffs.

Evening

Dinner in the village overlooking the bay.

Day 3 – Cala en Porter → Son Bou → Cala Galdana

Distance: ~12–14 NM

Sailing highlights

Stop for lunch off Son Bou, the longest beach in Menorca.

Onshore activities

Paddleboard or snorkel along the beach.

Afternoon sail to Cala Galdana, a beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay popular with sailors.

Evening

Walk through pine forests above the bay.

Try local seafood in a beachside restaurant.

Day 4 – Cala Galdana → Cala Macarella & Cala Mitjana → Ciutadella

Distance: ~14 NM

Sailing highlights

Morning swim in Cala Macarella or Cala Mitjana, two of the island’s most famous turquoise coves.

Onshore activities

Sail onward to Ciutadella, Menorca’s historic former capital.

Explore the old town’s narrow streets and cathedral.

Visit the harbour lined with restaurants.

Evening

Dinner in the marina area.

Try the local drink “pomada” (gin with lemonade) often enjoyed at sunset.

Day 5 – Ciutadella → Punta Nati → Fornells

Distance: ~20 NM

Sailing highlights

Sail past the rugged northwest coast.

Stop near Punta Nati Lighthouse, built in 1913 after several shipwrecks in the area.

Onshore activities

Arrive in Fornells, a charming fishing village.

Try the island’s famous lobster stew (Caldereta de Langosta).

Kayaking or windsurfing in the sheltered bay.

Day 6 – Fornells → Cala Pregonda / Cavalleria → Port d’Addaia

Distance: ~15 NM

Sailing highlights

Sail along the wilder north coast with red cliffs and fewer crowds.

Stops

Swim at Cala Pregonda or Cavalleria, remote beaches with clear water.

Onshore activities

Dock or anchor near Port d’Addaia, a natural harbour.

Snorkelling and diving around nearby small islands.

Evening

Quiet dinner aboard or in a marina restaurant.

Day 7 – Port d’Addaia → Favaritx Lighthouse → Mahón

Distance: ~12–15 NM

Sailing highlights

Pass the dramatic Cap de Favàritx lighthouse and lunar-like landscape.

Onshore activities

Return to Mahón harbour.

Visit the town’s old quarter and waterfront promenade.

Optional visit to local gin distillery (Menorcan gin is famous).

Final evening

Celebration dinner overlooking the harbour.

Optional Adventure Add-Ons If you want to make the trip more adventurous:

Kayaking sea caves along the south coast.

Coastal hiking on sections of the Camí de Cavalls trail (encircles the island).

Scuba diving at marine reserves.

Cultural stops

Talayotic prehistoric sites (2,000+ years old).

Mahón market and harbour museums.

✅ Typical sailing conditions

Best months: May–September

Predominant winds: north–south breezes, good for coastal cruising.

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2026 Schools British Keelboat League Championship this weekend

 

The largest event in British Keelboat League history will take place on the waters of Queen Mary Reservoir this weekend, 7th & 8th February. Twenty-two teams representing thirteen Schools will compete in the Royal Thames Yacht Club's Sonars for the Schools British Keelboat League Championship.

Following the now traditional format of single lap races on day 1 and then the more usual two lap BKL races on day two, teams new to keelboat racing get a good warm up to the sprint format with slightly less pressure to start, a great opportunity for those teams new to Keelboat Racing.

While the majority of Schools are returning from last year, this year will see three teams making their BKL debut. Sherborne Girls School, Seaford College and a team from Peter Symonds, Cowes Enterprise College and Godalming College who recently took second place at the rescheduled RYA Schools Match Racing Championship and will certainly be one to watch this weekend.

The on form teams coming in to this weekend will be the teams from Royal Hospital School, having won the Keelboat Team Racing last November and the Schools Match Racing and then an open one day match racing event, their team is on a roll. RGS Guildford will again be fielding two teams looking to build on their fourth place at last year's Schools BKL. Cokethorpe and Radley schools have been getting their keelboat practice in at Farmer this winter so they could well come out of the gates with pace.

All eyes though will be on the teams from Ryde School who swept the board last year taking all the podium places. With around half of their sailors from last year having graduated though the pressure is on to follow that stellar performance.

To follow what is certain to be a gripping event, keep an eye on Royal Thames Yacht Club's Instagram and Facebook with live results at events.ksail.co.uk/RTYC/2026/BKLSchools

Busy season ahead for Royal Ulster sailing club

 

THIS year is going to be a busy one for the sailors and visitors at Royal Ulster Yacht Club.

The first events of the year do not start until the Spring Series in April, but the call has already gone out to build the body of volunteers at the Club.

 Many people are needed to ensure the sailing season runs smoothly and that includes willing hands both on and off the water.  The Volunteer Information Evening is taking place Thursday,  March 5, at 7.30pm at the Club.  You can get more information by emailing the Sailing Secretary, Rory, at: sailingsecretary@ruyc.uk.

The Spring Series starts on Saturday, April 4, and runs on the Sundays in April thereafter. Event documentation will be available soon on the club website: www.ruyc.uk.

If you ever wanted to see what it is like to sail or try powerboating, our Try Sail Day on Saturday, April 25, is for you.  If you want to get into the sport, or revisit after a gap, please sign up using our registration form at : https://www.ruyc.uk/sailing/.

After Opening Day on Saturday, May 2, Thursday evening Club Racing Early Series starts on May 7 and runs until June 18.

The biggest cruiser/racing event in the Lough this year will be Bangor Regatta 26 (BR26) which takes place from Thursday – Sunday, June 25-28.  This biennial event attracts boats from all around the British Isles and with over three months to go there are 18 entries from as far away as Cornwall and the West Coast of Scotland. 

One notable entry is the J109 Blue Jay of John Stanley-Whyte, winner of the IRC Northern Ireland Championship at Royal Ulster YC last year.  Among the entries there are a number of first-time visitors to Bangor as well as well-known previous competitors and local boats making up the number.  The discounted entry fee ends on March 31.  Event details and entry forms can be accessed at: https://www.bangorregatta.com.

The rest of the season at RUYC includes three Copeland Island Races, the Peel Race and the iconic Ailsa Craig and Portpatrick Races in the Inshore and Offshore programme.  Back in the programme after a gap of a few years is a Young Helm Race on July 2 and the popular Healthodontic Ladies Regatta is on August 30.

The Autumn Series running on Sundays from September 13 to October 25 wraps up the main programme but all being well the club will be able to run the Christmas Cracker Race on Sunday, December 27.

For more details of any sailing events or general information on the club, please email the Sailing Secretary: sailingsecretary@ruyc.uk or the Club Office on info@ruyc.uk.

Rooster ITCA Southern Area Travellers at Spinnaker Sailing Club

 

A damp morning greeted 27 Southern sailors for the first Southern Area Traveller of the season, hosted by Spinnaker Sailing Club on 1st March 2026. With a strong southerly wind blowing down the length of the lake, sailors were set for a challenging and exciting day of racing.

The 5.3 fleet competed on the outer loop of the trapezoid course, while the 4.2 fleet took to the inner loop. For many sailors, it was a chance to find out how much they had improved over the winter training season. For others, it marked their first ever Traveller event - a chance to gain valuable experience and be part of the competitive and friendly Southern circuit.

Seven sprint races were capably run by the race committee. In the morning the 5.3 fleet saw fierce competition, with plenty of place changes throughout the short races. By the afternoon, with three races remaining, six boats were still in contention for podium positions, leaving everything to play for.

Hendricks Long and Henry Ross had a close battle in the afternoon with Hendricks managing to just come out on top by having a better discard, with Phileas Rouselle coming a very close third, just one point behind.

5.3 fleet Prize winners:

1st Hendricks Long (HRSC/ Warsash Sailing club)

2nd Henry Ross (HRSC/ Netley Sailing club

3rd Phileas Rouselle (HRSC)

Endeavour Award: Eva Foltys

Most Improved: Mattie Svendsen

In the 4.2 fleet many sailor's results were inconsistent as vicious gusts and shifts mixed up the results. Race three was particularly dramatic when a powerful gust blasted across the course during the second lap, causing some spectacular capsizes with almost half the fleet flattened.

A particular racing highlight was Alixe Constance pulling off an amazing port flyer to overtake the whole fleet in race 4, a trend soon to be copied by others. The Endeavour award went to Athena Phillips for an impressive death roll, followed by a long swim.

The final three 4.2 races delivered fierce competition, with sailors jostling for position. The podium positions remained undecided until the very last race, ensuring a thrilling conclusion to an action-packed Southern Area Traveller.

4.2 fleet Prize winners:

1st Martha Hart (HRSC)

2nd Emily Doughty (HRSC)

3rd George Klaschka (HRSC)

Endeavour Award: Athena Phillips

Most Improved: Fynn Jamieson

First-ever Team Scotland yacht earns podium place at Clipper Round the World Race

 

As the Clipper 2025-26 Round the World Yacht Race makes its final crossing into the Northern Hemisphere, the first-ever Team Scotland yacht to take part has taken a podium place in the seventh stage of the race.

On Tuesday, it was confirmed that the adventure yacht, sponsored by Oban’s host port partners, Brand Scotland, Diageo, Argyll and Bute The Place to 2Be and Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMs), crossed the line of Stage 7: Sailing City - Qingao Cup in third place.

The result places the team high up in the leaderboard overall in one of the world’s toughest and most rewarding endurance challenges.

Set to make its penultimate stopover in Oban from July 10, the Clipper Race is already bringing global attention to Argyll and the Isles ahead of a bumper summer of sport.

10 international teams are expected to sail into Oban aboard 70ft ocean racing yachts between July 10 and 13, marking only the second time in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race’s 30-year history that the fleet has stopped in the country. The race’s first visit to the town during the 2023-24 edition delivered an estimated economic boost of £2 million.

10 international teams are expected to sail into Oban aboard 70ft ocean racing yachts between July 10 and 13 (Image: Ruairidh Galbraith)

Team Scotland has been formed to further boost economic growth, trade promotion and inward investment in the 2025-26 edition, while showcasing Oban Single Malt Scotch Whisky and its Distillery Visitor Experience to a global audience.

Speaking about the race experience, Skipper for Team Scotland, Heather Thomas said: “After starting our journey from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth in August 2025, we have now sailed more than halfway around the world. This journey has had many highs and lows, but throughout it all the team has laughed together and supported one-another. A group of people who this time last year were complete strangers have been transformed into a tight-knit crew that no matter what the ocean and weather throws at them, face everything with tenacity, positivity and a generous pour of humour.

“Team Scotland has been well and truly flying the flag for Scotland throughout our stops around the world, including hosting a charity ceilidh in Airlie Beach, Australia to both raise money for UNICEF and give the rest of the fleet a taste of what is in store when we arrive in Oban.

“There is already a buzz of excitement amongst the team to bring our Team Scotland boat to its home in Oban. From meeting proud Scots around the world, the crew has already had a taste of the friendliness and enthusiasm of the people and cannot wait for a true Scottish welcome in Oban.”

Entries open for UK Women's Keelboat Team Racing Championship

 

Entries are live for the UK Women's Keelboat Team Racing Championship. The event, hosted by the Royal Thames Yacht Club at London's Queen Mary Reservoir, will be run over the weekend of 25th & 26th April.

Bringing together the best of British Women's Team Racing, the Lochan Cup is a unique opportunity to combine strong team racing skills with the complexity of a four person team and spinnaker handling, guaranteeing a great challenge.

Racing in the Royal Thames YC's fleet of Sonar keelboats, teams will comprise two boats, each with a crew of four identifying as female.

Building on the success of previous Lochan and Carmela Cup's as well as the Mixed+ Random Pairs, the event is expected to sell out this year. Entries are first come, first served, with entry fees billed just before the event to make signing up easy and not having to dig in to precious savings ahead of time.

Jamie Webb, captain of Team Racing, commented: "Keelboat Team Racing at the Royal Thames is going from strength to strength with new sailors joining in most events. We have a lot of talented women in that pool of sailors and the Lochan Cup promises to be a great showcase of Women's Team Racing.

Entry is £800 per team with online sign up open until 23:59 Sunday 30th March with full details on the KSail Website.

Enter now or contact the Sailing Development Manager at the Royal Thames Yacht Club, for further information.

Noble Marine Solo class Winter Championship 2026 at Northampton Sailing Club

 

Northampton Sailing Club are gearing up to welcome the Solo fleet to Pitsford Reservoir for the North Sails season curtain raiser on Saturday March 7 and with a balmy 12 degrees and winds from the South at 8 knots, we hope to see a healthy attendance.

Northampton Sailing Club provides long beats but the local topography, like Uri Geller with a spoon, contorts the wind direction to its own command. Therefore be prepared to take the rough with the smooth, keep calm and keep your eyes on the prize. Bleating about your bad luck is counter-constructive. The club is warm, the food and tea are comforting and Anglia Water are a great company, I hope they give me permission to fly the NSCA drone.

Kick start your season and enter the Noble Marine Winter Championship now.

The media team will be providing WhatsApp coverage but even better if you attend the event!

WhatsApp Solo Reporting Link: chat.whatsapp.com/lqJuGftYnxtAT4GYhmH0UW

The two standout events in the year are the Noble Marine Nation's Cup in Quiberon and the P&B National Championship in Royal Torbay, my mouth is already watering.

Organised by the Saint-Pierre Quiberon Regatta Society (SRSP), the Noble Marine Nation's Cup takes place from June 4-7 and entry is now open so please visit the site for all the info you need here: stpierre.axyomes.com

I understand accommodation is going fast now entry is live.

The P&B National Championship should be a thumper August 5-9 at Royal Torbay, plenty of accommodation but get in quick as this event should hit the nineties. Anything over 100 and you will know about it.

NOR, SIs and Entry details at rtyc.org/event/solo-nationals

The NSCA have a number of Demo Solos to try and we run training days throughout the year.

It promises to be another exciting season of Solo action and drama, there are plenty of secondhand Solos available so buy (or order a new one), join the NSCA and enter.

See you on the water.

HISC Magic Marine Optimist Open Meeting

 

After last year's fantastic turnout, Hayling Island Sailing Club and Magic Marine are teaming up once again in 2026 to deliver their annual Optimist Open Meeting.

This year's event will be taking place on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May and is open to Optimist sailors up and down the country.

Racing will be available across three fleets, catering for a range of experience levels within the Optimist class:

Main Fleet - 80 spaces available

Racing Regatta Fleet - 60 spaces available

Coached Regatta Fleet - 24 spaces available

Entries will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Entry to the Coached Regatta Fleet will be exclusively available to HISC members until 1st April 2026.

Not only will there be great activity on the water, but off the water as well - included in the entry fee for the event is a Saturday BBQ for our competitors, offering the perfect opportunity to relax after racing. Additional BBQ tickets can also be purchased.

Theo Galyer, Sailing Supervisor at HISC said, "This event never fails to deliver thrills, excellent quality racing and a great off-water atmosphere - we are looking forward to welcoming the Optimists to HISC in May!"

This event wouldn't be possible without the support of our sponsors for the event; our title sponsor, Magic Marine, as well as T2 Architects, Wickham Orthodontics and Xtremity.

Entries can be made via the HISC website from 1st March and early entry prices will end on 31st March 2026.

Emirates GBR continues podium streak at Sydney Sail Grand Prix with second-place finish

 

Following seven fleet races with 11 SailGP Teams, Emirates GBR secured a place in the top three and battled USA and Spain in the winner-takes-all $400,000 event final. Despite a strong start, Emirates GBR was unable to catch the Americans in conditions which made it almost impossible for the 50ft catamarans to foil and fly above the water at speed.

The result marks Emirates GBR's fifth consecutive podium, which started with a win in Cadiz, Spain, in October 2025, followed by the 2025 Season Championship win in Abu Dhabi in November, a win at the 2026 Season Opener in Perth in January and a second-place finish in Auckland two weeks ago. Emirates GBR's performance so far this year means the team sits at the top of the 2026 Season Leaderboard with 28 points, followed by Australia's BONDS Flying Roos in second with 25 points and USA in third with 20 points.

Emirates GBR Driver Dylan Fletcher said: "I'm very proud of the team, we fought hard today in very difficult conditions and we had a few things go against us, but hats off to the Americans for the win."

On Race Day 1 on Saturday, Emirates GBR placed 3rd, 7th, 5th and 6th in the four fleet races after patchy conditions caused havoc on the harbour. The Brits managed to get off the start line well, but found themselves in light air which led to them falling off the foils and struggling to make gains. Emirates GBR entered Race Day Two in fourth place on the leaderboard, with the team prepared to give it their all to make it into the top three final race.

The second day's racing saw Emirates GBR start off with a win in Race 5, before finishing 7th and 5th in the final two fleet races, just banking enough points to enter the final. The three teams in the final faced light conditions, with each team struggling to foil, but Emirates GBR persevered in the race to fend off Spain, but they were unable to catch the Americans. For Emirates GBR, Sydney was the first time the crew faced light conditions with Wing Trimmer Stuart Bithell MBE, who joined the team from the Germany SailGP Team at the start of the 2026 Season.

Emirates GBR CEO Sir Ben Ainslie said: "It was very, very challenging conditions with unusually light winds on Sydney Harbour. I think the team did a fantastic job, they sailed really well both days and did a great job to get themselves in that final race. They took every chance they got in that race but the Americans just managed to get on the foils a tiny bit earlier, but looking at the whole season and the bigger picture, it's a fantastic result to come away with second. It's also the first time Stu Bithell has sailed in those conditions, with less people on-board when the communication really comes to the core. I know the team would have really wanted to win but second is a really strong result and there's plenty to take forward to the rest of the season."

Downs Sailing Club to host P&B NSSA National Schools Regatta 2026

 

Downs Sailing Club, in association with the Kent Schools Sailing Association (KSSA), is delighted to announce that it will host the NSSA National Schools Regatta 2026, supported by headline sponsor Pinnell & Bax.

The regatta will take place over a full week from 20th July to 24th July and is expected to welcome youth teams from across the UK. Racing will be delivered across four separate courses, supported by highly experienced race management and safety teams, with a dedicated results team in place throughout the event.

The race programme will run across four days, with fleets for Toppers, ILCA/Laser, Handicap, and a Regatta fleet specifically aimed at young sailors competing away from their home waters for the first time. This structure reflects the NSSA's continued focus on accessibility, progression and positive first experiences of multi-day regattas. There will also be a midweek special programme which will include racing for the prestigious Mount Haes Trophy in Melges 15 provided by Melges UK, the single-handed race sailed in Toppers and an Allcomers Pursuit race.

A dedicated programme will provide additional racing and participation opportunities, alongside a varied schedule designed to support both competitive sailors and those newer to national-level events.

Downs Sailing Club is an experienced host venue, having previously delivered national youth events, including regular KSSA training days, regattas and the NSSA National Schools Regatta most recently in 2014. The club operates from a challenging and rewarding stretch of open water off Deal in Kent, offering fair racing conditions and excellent spectator visibility from shore.

Shore-side facilities will include a marquee at the club to act as a central hub for teams, volunteers and organisers. Camping for teams will be available within a short walk of the club, with meal packages offered to support schools and teams travelling to the event. A full programme of evening activities is planned, including team games and a visit to the local RNLI boathouse.

The event will be supported by a strong volunteer base, reflecting Downs Sailing Club's long-standing ethos of community involvement and event delivery. A dedicated event website and supporting social media channels will provide up-to-date information, race communications and event coverage in the lead-up and during the regatta.

Downs Sailing Club

"Hosting the National Schools Regatta is something we're very proud of. It reflects our long history in Deal, our volunteers and our commitment to youth sailing. We're looking forward to welcoming visiting teams and sharing the experience with the wider community." - Phil Halldron - Commodore

As headline sponsor, P&B continues its commitment to developing the next generation of competitive sailors. Rhys Rollitt, Managing Director at P&B, said: "Youth regattas are where a sailor's lifelong passion for the sport is cemented. We've always believed in supporting sailors at every stage - from their first event to world championships. Backing the NSSA National Youth Regatta lets us invest in the future of our sport and give young sailors the opportunity to connect with the wider sailing community and develop skills that will stay with them for life."

World Sailing supports the next generation of elite female coaches

 

World Sailing is excited to announce that applications are now open for the Women in Sport High Performance Pathway (WISH) Programme, a unique initiative designed to increase female representation in elite sport coaching at Olympic, World Championship and other major event level.

First organised as a pilot in 2019, the WISH Programme has been developed in cooperation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and supported by Olympic Solidarity, WISH helps equip women coaches with the skills, confidence and leadership competencies needed to thrive at the highest levels of performance.

The WISH Programme has been designed for female coaches who are already a part of, or have the potential to be a part of, a national delegation to the Regional and/or Continental Games, World Championships, Youth Olympic Games or Olympic Games in a sport on the Summer or Winter Olympic Games Sport Programme.

Since its inception, WISH has tackled the persistent gender gap in high performance coaching. While gender participation among athletes at the Olympic Games now sits at parity, the representation of female coaches has lagged behind in most sports - at just 13%.

To date, more than 125 women from 22 sports and 60 countries have participated in WISH, gaining access to leadership development, sport-specific mentoring and international networks that supercharge their coaching careers. World Sailing has proudly supported five coaches in previous cohorts.

The 2026 WISH Programme continues this legacy. In collaboration with National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and International Federations (IFs), nominations are now open for eligible women coaches who are already part of or poised to be part of national teams for regional, continental, youth or elite competitions.

The 21-month pathway includes residential leadership sessions, online development modules, sport-specific mentoring and experiential learning designed to refine coaching expertise and broaden strategic impact. The course helps coaches to develop their values, plan for success and deliver their message dynamically and bravely. Feedback from the group provides constructive and empowering learning points and helps to push the boundaries of each coach.

Fiona Kidd, World Sailing's Head of International Development, said, "This year's opportunity is more than training, it's a chance for the next generation of women leaders in sport that need access, opportunity and support. WISH provides exactly that. The programme seeks to address the disparity in female coaches at the highest level by building a pipeline of talented women ready to lead, develop and empower athletes on the global stage. MNA's and aspiring coaches are encouraged to explore the programme and consider nominations and applying today."

For more information about the WISH Programme, go to the link here.

How to apply

To apply for the WISH Programme, please send your coaching and sailing CV along with a one-page cover letter outlining:

Why you want to apply for the WISH Programme,

What the WISH Programme can do for you,

What you want to get out of the WISH Programme.

Send your CV and cover letter to training@sailing.org by Thursday 12 March.

Cork Week Expands Coastal Fleet Eligibility

 The Royal Cork Yacht Club has expanded eligibility for the Coastal Fleet at Cork Week 2026.

The regatta runs from 6th–10th July in Cork Harbour.

In response to competitor feedback, the Coastal Fleet is now open to all boats 30ft and longer. Organisers say the move is aimed at owners who want to race with spinnakers on longer, offshore-style courses rather than shorter, multi-mark formats.

The club confirmed that dedicated Corinthian prizes will be awarded within the fleet. Depending on final numbers, the class may also be split to create courses suited to differing performance profiles.

Entries are already building. Organisers report 58 boats entered across the regatta to date.

Three boats are confirmed so far in the IRC/ECHO Coastal class. Defending champion John Treanor returns with his new NMD 43 Cristina, formerly the French Admiral’s Cup yacht Albator. Treanor previously won at Cork Week 2024 with the J/112e Valentina.

Also entered are Joyride (FRA78), a J/111 representing Royal Cork YC for Tim and Wan McCarthy & Waterman, and Lady Bee (FRA53499), a Pogo 36 from Club de la Vallée des Fous, Port-La-Forêt, skippered by Brian Buggy.