Entries Open for the P&B Merlin Rocket Womens Championship 2026

 

Northampton Sailing Club set to host the P&B Merlin Rocket Women's Championships on the 16th and 17th May 2026, and the entries are now open.

The event is a relatively new and fast-growing addition to the UK dinghy sailing calendar, launched in 2023 to encourage greater female participation within the Merlin Rocket fleet. The format of the weekend is designed to be both inclusive and developmental and combines a dedicated coaching day with a full programme of racing, creating a supportive environment for sailors. "Come and get involved. The weekend offers those already experienced in racing the perfect chance to come and try the Merlin Rocket and meet new friends," says Storm Nuttall organiser from the class.

On the Saturday sailors will be coached by experienced sailors from within the fleet, familiarising themselves on the controls and boat handling as many are often in the front or may be new to the fleet. Saturday night camping is available at the club, and there will be a debrief and food organised. Sunday is when the racing happens, where one crew will be crowned P&B Merlin Rocket Women's Champion 2026!

"P&B is delighted to be the title sponsor of the Merlin Rocket Women's Championships 2026. We are keen to support the class and we have been drawn to this event over the last three years, they are doing great things to support women in sailing," comments Kirsten Neal, marketing for P&B. "With our local club, Northampton Sailing Club, hosting the 2026 event we hope to see many of our sailors get on the water too. Good luck to everyone competing."

Come and be part of it. There is team ready and waiting to link crews to helms, helms to crews and to source boats. The class has two boats ready to go. Don't delay claim them today!

Whitefriars Sailing Club Open Day on 9th May

 

Whitefriars Sailing Club will be opening its doors to the public on Saturday 9 May with a Discover Sailing Open Day, offering visitors the chance to try sailing and find out more about the club’s activities on and off the water. Whitefriars is a dinghy sailing club on the beautiful Cotswold Water Park near Cirencester and Swindon.

The Open Day is aimed at adults, families and young people, and no previous sailing experience is required. Throughout the day, visitors will be able to go afloat on the club’s lake with experienced volunteer helms in safe, stable club boats. Buoyancy aids will be provided, with participants advised to wear clothing suitable for being on the water.

Alongside the on-water activity, visitors will have the opportunity to meet club members, explore the clubhouse and lakeside facilities, and learn more about the range of sailing and paddling activities available at Whitefriars.

Whitefriars Sailing Club offers sailing opportunities for a wide range of ages and abilities. Adult members can take part in learn-to-sail courses, social and recreational sailing, and club racing, while junior sailors aged 8 to 18 are supported through training, fun sailing sessions and opportunities to try racing. The club runs RYA training courses from beginner through to advanced levels.

Racing forms an important part of the club calendar, with regular racing on Sunday afternoons and Wednesday evenings during the summer. A wide variety of boats are sailed at Whitefriars. We have strong National 12, RS Aero, Hansa and Laser fleets. The club also supports recreational sailing and paddling, with opportunities to use paddleboards, windsurfers and canoes on the lake.

Whitefriars places a strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusion. There is a Sailability group based at Whitefriars that provides additional support for sailors who need help getting on the water. The club as good accessibility. The club runs a thriving Women on Water group that offers coaching and social sailing. Radio-controlled sailing is also active at the club.

The Juniors group offers fun sessions, RYA Training and supports racing both within the club and at away events. We were proud to achieve RYA Pathway status earlier this year. This is the RYA’s initiative to make junior and youth racing more affordable, accessible and engaging and to improve the performances of aspiring young British talent.

Facilities at Whitefriars Sailing Club include a clubhouse with training rooms, boat berths, club hire boats and an adjacent camping field. Entry to the Open Day is free, with no booking required and free parking available on site.

Further information about the Open Day can be found at www.whitefriarssc.org/open-day

Oxford Sailing Club: Sixty Years Chasing the Wind

 

On 24 April 1966, under a black sky and in torrential rain, Oxford Sailing Club ran its first ever race at Farmoor Reservoir. Sixty years on, the Club remains true to that original spirit — undeterred by the weather, driven by its members, and united by a shared love of being on the water.

Oxford Sailing Club was conceived and formed even before the first reservoir had filled, led by the vision of its first Commodore, Tony Hudson. From the outset, it was established as a family orientated racing club, making full use of one of the largest inland stretches of water in the region and attracting sailors from far beyond Oxfordshire.

In its early years, the Club quickly gained a reputation for high quality, serious racing. Classes such as OKs, Merlin Rockets and Enterprises thrived, while handicap racing took a back seat to fleet excellence — a conscious decision that helped shape the Club's competitive identity. As Hudson noted in 1967, racing was to be "conducted seriously and strictly according to the racing rules," a standard that endures to this day.

A major milestone came in 1976 with the move to the newly completed Farmoor II reservoir — a vast expanse of water covering more than one square kilometre. The current clubhouse followed soon after, completed in 1977, with later extensions and upgrades reflecting a continual commitment to improving facilities for members.

The 1980s marked another pivotal moment when board sailing was cautiously welcomed as an "experimental" addition. What was once seen as a potential worry is now one of the Club's great strengths. Today, windsurfing and wingfoiling are a core part of Oxford SC's identity.

Youth development has always sat at the heart of the Club. Over six decades, Oxford SC has provided a springboard for generations of young sailors and windsurfers, some of whom have gone on to compete at the very highest level. Olympians including Michael Green, Bryony Shaw — bronze medallist at Beijing 2008 — and Tom Squires, seventh at the Tokyo 2020 RS:X event, all trace part of their journey back to Farmoor.

Along the way, the Club has hosted national and international championships and even enjoyed royal visits, with HRH The Prince Philip supporting the 1969 International Team Championships and HRH The Princess Anne presenting prizes at the 2009 UK Nationals.

Today, Oxford Sailing Club is a thriving, volunteer run organisation — continually reinvesting in equipment, safety, training and clubhouse facilities. While much has changed since that stormy first race in 1966, the essentials remain the same: committed volunteers, a welcoming community, and the simple joy of sailing on open water in the heart of the country.

Craftinsure GP14 UK National Championships 2026 at Llandudno Sailing Club

 

Llandudno Sailing Club will be welcoming competitors to the Craftinsure GP14 Nationals on the 11-14th June 2026, where boats will once again line the club's Victorian promenade, and where once again sailors will be spoilt by the Welsh hospitality.

With the season hotting up, and an oversubscribed World Championship later in the year, this event will be hotly contested. Those campaigning will be looking to race against the best and to put their name alongside the greats on the trophy.

Also the event brings the opportunity to be invited to the UK 'Champion of Champions' at the 65th Endeavour Trophy, representing the GP14 fleet at the pinnacle of the year's events. The GP14 class has always had a strong record for Endeavour Trophy wins (seven times, rivalled only by the Enterprises).

Last year saw not only Jasper Barnham and Graham Sexton represent the class after their Nationals win, but the likes of Nick Craig & Toby Lewis and Chris Bateman & Lucy Loughton take part. Chris, who is already signed up to the GP14 Worlds, sailed to an impressive second overall with Lucy at the 2025 Endeavour.

Let's see if anyone can top this in 2026.

Three-masted tall ship to welcome visitors

 

A striking three-masted tall ship is set to provide a spectacle in Douglas Bay this weekend.

The Polish sail-training vessel, Dar Młodzieży, will be open for a time for people to visit on both Saturday and Sunday.

Built in 1981 and owned by Gdynia Maritime University, the ship stands 205ft (62.5m) high and has a hull length of 311ft (94.8m).

Sailing with 110 sea cadets on board, along with 23 full-time crew, the vessel arrived in Manx waters on Wednesday, anchoring off Peel, before making its way to Ramsey, from where it is due to sail to Douglas on Friday morning.

The vessel will be open for the public to visit between 09:00 BST and 12:30 and 15:30 and 16:30 on both Saturday and Sunday.

During the stay in Manx waters, the cadets will be taken on a tour of the island, and arrangements are being made for a football match between the vessel's team and a local side.

The three-masted B-95 frigate, which was the first of its kind built in a Polish shipyard, has visited the island on four occasions in the past, the last being in 2005.

Departing on Monday morning, the ship will make its way to Spain before setting sail for the United States to take part in the maritime celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Classic yachts confirmed for Fife Regatta return to Clyde

 

A FLEET of 22 classic yachts is set to take part in this year’s Richard Mille Fife Regatta, with organisers confirming the full entry list six weeks ahead of the event. The sixth edition of the regatta, from June 4-12, will bring together a mix of returning favourites and first-time entrants, showcasing a wide range of historic Fife-built vessels on the Clyde.

Among the yachts confirmed are notable names including the 104-foot Kentra (1923), the 19th-century Uandi (1897), and the Clyde 30 Mikado (1904), alongside a strong contingent of 20th-century classics such as Saskia (1931), Falcon (1930) and Merry Dancer (1938).

Several smaller “cod” class boats will also feature, including Coila, Coralie, Peggy, Siglen and Vega, highlighting the breadth of designs produced by the famed Fairlie yard.

Regatta director Fiona Houston said the event holds particular significance for the local area. She said:

 “The story of the Fife yard and the yachts it built is part of the story of Fairlie where I grew up and live. To have them return to the Clyde and to share their history with their owners and crew is wonderful.

“They are beautiful wherever they travel in the world but never more so than in their home waters.”

Organisers say further details on the competing yachts will be shared on social media in the run-up to the regatta.

The Richard Mille Fife Regatta has become a key date in Scotland’s sailing calendar, celebrating the legacy of William Fife and the craftsmanship that made the Clyde world-renowned for yacht building.

SCC Sharks Dominate Fastnet Trophy on Home Waters

 

Chull Community College’s SCC Sharks delivered a commanding performance to win the Fastnet Trophy 2026 on home waters. The annual schools team racing event attracted a record 24 teams, including four from the UK, highlighting growing international interest.

Racing was delayed on Friday due to the weather. Action resumed over the weekend with 192 races completed across two days. Saturday saw 120 races sailed in busy conditions. A further 72 races followed on Sunday as the regatta reached its conclusion. The event used a single change Swiss League format, ensuring each team raced 16 times against varied opposition.

SCC Sharks set the pace throughout. They won all 16 races, securing overall victory with an unbeaten record. RHS Falcons finished second, with Ryde on Time taking third place after consistent performances. St Andrew’s College topped the Silver Fleet standings. Kilkenny College claimed honours in the Bronze Fleet.

Race operations were led by Dave Harte, supported by a large volunteer team. Organisers said their work ensured the smooth delivery of the event. The Fastnet Trophy continues to grow in scale and profile, combining competitive racing with strong international participation.

Tuscan Archipelago Adventure

 

Here is a 7-day sailing holiday along the Tuscany coast, which  is one of the nicest ways to combine relaxed cruising with culture, food, and nature. The best routes focus on the Tuscan Archipelago—especially Elba, Giglio, and Capraia—because distances are manageable (typically 10–30 nautical miles per day) and you can mix sailing with onshore exploration easily .

🌊 7-Day Tuscany Sailing Itinerary (with activities)

Day 1 – Embark & sail to Portoferraio (Elba)

Start: Punta Ala / Scarlino / Piombino

Sail: ~20–25 NM

Stop: Portoferraio (Elba’s capital)

Onshore:

Explore Napoleon’s residences (he was exiled here)

Walk the old Medici fortifications

Dinner by the harbour (try cacciucco seafood stew)

Day 2 – Portoferraio → Marciana Marina

Sail: Short scenic coastal hop (~10 NM)

Onshore:

Wander Marciana Marina’s charming promenade

Hike up Monte Capanne (or cable car for views)

Swim at La Biodola beach

👉 Very relaxed day to ease into the trip.

Day 3 – West coast beaches (Fetovaia / Marina di Campo)

Sail: ~15–20 NM along Elba’s wild coast

Onshore:

Beach time at Fetovaia (one of Tuscany’s best)

Watersports or paddleboarding

Sunset aperitivo in Marina di Campo

Day 4 – Elba → Giglio Island

Sail: Longer open-water leg (~25–35 NM)

Onshore:

Explore Giglio Porto village

Hike or taxi up to Giglio Castello (medieval hill town)

Snorkelling in crystal-clear waters

👉 One of the highlights—much quieter than Elba.

Day 5 – Giglio → Giannutri (or Porto Santo Stefano)

Sail: Short hop (~10–15 NM)

Onshore options:

Giannutri:

Roman villa ruins

Nature reserve walks

Snorkelling in marine park waters

OR Porto Santo Stefano (mainland):

Lively harbour town

Seafood restaurants & bars

Day 6 – Return to Elba (Porto Azzurro)

Sail: ~30 NM back toward Elba

Onshore:

Explore Porto Azzurro’s piazza and marina

Optional wine tasting (Elba produces excellent wines)

Kayaking or beach time

Day 7 – Sail back via Tuscan coast (Baratti / Cala Violina)

Sail: ~15–25 NM back to base

Onshore:

Stop at Gulf of Baratti:

Etruscan archaeological sites

Sandy beach (rare for Tuscany)

Or Cala Violina:

Famous “singing sand” beach

Return to marina for disembarkation.

⚓ Why this route works

Short sailing legs (mostly 10–25 NM) → relaxed pace

Mix of islands + mainland Tuscany

Balance of:

Culture (Napoleon, Etruscans)

Nature (marine parks, hikes)

Food & wine (classic Tuscan coastal cuisine)

The region is also known for steady, moderate winds (3–4 Beaufort)—ideal for enjoyable sailing rather than challenging passages .

🧭 Optional variations

Add Capraia Island (more remote, rugged hiking)

Stay entirely around Elba for a slower, beach-focused week

Extend toward Corsica if you want longer sailing legs

🍷 Tips for planning

Best time: May–June or September (great weather, fewer crowds)

Start bases: Marina di Scarlino or Punta Ala (most common)

Charter type:

Bareboat (if experienced)

Skippered (more relaxing, local knowledge)

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2026 Fireball Worlds – One week until the early bird discount expires

 

The entries are rolling in for the Fireball Worlds hosted by Royal Torbay Yacht Club at the end of July. There are currently over 50 boats entered with the eventual entry expected to be between 90 and 100 boats.

To take advantage of the early bird discount, entry needs to be completed by 30th April.

Entry can be made via the event site 2026.fireballworlds.com.

The event is being hosted by Royal Torbay Yacht Club and is preceded by the UK Nationals. The Nationals run from Monday 20th to Friday 24th July (including inspection/measurement days) and the Worlds from Saturday 25th to Friday 31st July (including inspection/measurement days).

Calves Week Puts Family Sailing At Core In Schull

 

Being family-oriented, encouraging sailing that combines good racing with leisure, is at the heart of Calves Week in Schull, West Cork, where there are already sixteen boats on the entry list for the event in August.

Mark Murphy, Communications and Sponsorship Officer of the organisers, Schull Harbour Sailing Club, said at the launch announcement that this was the basis of the success of the event.

“There is strong annual support from boat owners, families, who make this a sailing and holiday week, and that is something we value. We combine good racing with enjoyment, offering an event where there are a variety of courses, including sailing around islands and no pressure of having to start too early in the morning! Sailing is to be enjoyed at Calves Week.”

The decision a few years ago to shorten the week has proven to be successful, he said. There are already fourteen boats entered for this year’s event, which runs from Tuesday, August 4 to Friday, August 7. “There is always strong support from the East Coast. A couple of Class Zeros are already committed to coming down,” Mark Murphy said.

Calves Week is again part of the combined league run throughout the season by SCORA, the South Coast Offshore Racing Association.

Quintas Capital is the main sponsor this year. Kevin MacSweeney, the company’s Head of Management Equity, said it is a community event, which is a major part of its attraction. “It is about family and community. Sailing is a really impressive sport to support.”

Notice of Race is published, and online entry is available on the Schull Harbour SC website: shsc.ie

J/70 UK Grand Slam Series begins

 Grand Slam 1, 24th-25th April, hosted by the Royal Thames Yacht Club, gets the UK J/70 season under way and marks the start of the class's seven-event Grand Slam series. More than 20 J/70s will set out from the Hamble River and Cowes, meeting on the Hill Head plateau for the first racing of the season.

Some teams will have already shaken off the rust, in the two class training events earlier this year. But this will be the first racing since October. For a few teams, it will be their first time lining up on a J/70 startline, with a fresh influx of new entries this season as momentum continues to build across the fleet.

There is no shortage of known names. Ali Hall's Calypso returns as defending Grand Slam champion. Jelvis, the current UK national champion, will also be in the mix, along with DSP, last season's Corinthian winners. Keep an eye as well on Max Clapp's Jeepster, Sardonyx, with William Edwards and Ian Dobson, and Simon Perry's Jiraffe, now into their second season.

This weekend also marks the first UK event using Vakaros Racesense. The technology has already proved itself on the international circuit, and now the UK fleet gets its first run with it. Quicker turnarounds, cleaner starts, less waiting around. Racing comes first, but no one will complain about a bit more time back in the bar afterwards.

The UK J/70 Class continues to be supported by Rooster and Ocean Rope.

Racing begins this Saturday.

Racing Mirrors Wanted

 

The Mirror dinghy is currently experiencing a significant resurgence in popularity - it's found a niche as an alternative method of getting kids into sailing, in a social and more relaxed way that then traditional RYA classes.

The fleet is now predominately parents sailing with their children, although there is still a strong youth contingent at some clubs. The front of the fleet is super competitive, but more importantly, it's helping to introduce a new generation into sailing.

With 50 boats at both the Nationals and Abersoch Mirror Week last year, and the Worlds coming to the UK (Poole) in 2027, demand is soaring. The challenge is therefore finding enough good boats to meet this demand. This has driven a 3-fold increase in the number of new boats being built, and another 10 on order, however if a Winder Mirror goes up for sale, it's still rarely for sale for more than 24hrs!

If anyone therefore has a competitive boat that's not being used, and your considering selling, the Mirror Class Association (MCA) will match you up with potential buyer or advise on where you can advertise for success. The increased demand also means good boats are selling for a very good price, and so you might therefore be able to get back what you paid. If this is you, email info@mirrorsailing.com to discuss further.

The Colander Cup 2026

 

With less than a month to go, excitement is building for what is probably the UK's most eagerly anticipated sailing event - the 2026 Colander Cup.

Boats have already begun arriving at Northampton Sailing Club in preparation for racing on Saturday 9th May.

This year follows the same tried-and-tested format: four sprint races in the morning, followed by a double-points, non-discardable long-distance race in the afternoon (and yes - the Le Mans start is staying!). Once again, Miles Odell will take on the role of race officer, keeping the fleet honest on the start line and conducting scrutineering to ensure all boats comply with the event's unique ethos.

As always, 2026 promises something for everyone, with plenty of prizes on offer alongside the £313.51 cash prize.

Fan favourites return, and there is an all new fancy dress prize:

The Leakiest Sieve Award - last year claimed by the 2025 Solo & OK National Champion, who took home the beers. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough to match the volume taken on by the Firefly that required six people to haul it out after a dramatic death roll - compounded by the absence of bungs on the final stretch to what could have been Olly's greatest victory.

The Cowboy of the Cup - celebrating ingenuity and the sailor responsible for the most ambitious (or questionable) budget hack or bodge to make it onto the water.

Win or Swim - awarded for the most spectacular capsize in pursuit of glory.

The But you can roll it in glitter - Awarded to the best buy that takes part in the colander cup.

The Tea Strainer - For the first junior.

Dress to Distress - get your glad rags on, this is the prize for the most questionably fashionable sailors!

The Colander Cup is a true celebration of everything we love about sailing. Whether you're looking for a Top Gear-style challenge or simply an excuse to race within the £313.51 price cap, we'd love to see you on the water.

Entries, Sailing Instructions and booking for camping are now open via the FM Sailing website (link below).

Charter boats will once again be available and can be booked during registration. Camping is encouraged on-site, and the bar will be open late - perfect for refuelling after racing ahead of the traditional Colander Cruise on Sunday.

We look forward to seeing you out on the water!

www.fmsailing.co.uk/colander-cup