Recreational Sailors Regatta 2026
Published 21:46 on 29 Sep 2026
On Saturday 26th Sept the sun was shining and the wind was perfect. The stage was set spectacularly for the 4th rec sailors regatta.
With 39 sailors entered, including 6 juniors, in 31 boats of several classes, it was going to be a busy day. Sailing experience ranged from two months to several years. Competition among the ringers was particularly fierce; reputations were at stake.
The rec sailing and galley teams arrived at the club in the 'early' hours to prep for the day ahead and drink lots of coffee.
Eager sailors, boats rigged and dressed for the occasion, listened in nervous anticipation to the briefing for the morning's handicap races. PRO Jon Chapman set an excellent course and despite a drop in wind for the second race, two exciting races were held before lunch.
Lunchtime gave sailors time to share stories, exploits and tips for the pursuit race as well as enjoy the delicious lunches on offer.
Some of our sailors had to depart at lunchtime but we started the afternoon's pursuit race with a large entry. Start times were allocated and Harry Blacksell, the 'scratch', was off in his Topper. With the klaxon on overload, Jon, regatta PRO, and Tony Sampson, PRO for the Saturday main points racing, did a sterling job keeping the two sets of competitors in the right races.
The prizegiving opened with Jon delivering an excellent history of how recreational sailing came into existence.
1st overall regatta trophy winners were Stephen and Sarah Page in their GP14
1st Bronze Nick Cartwright, Laser
1st Silver Sarah Roberts and Olivia Cleaver, Firefly
1st Junior Maya Beesley, GP14
1st female helm Kaye McGowan, GP14
1st club boat Kaye McGowan and Paul Clancy GP14
1st ringer, and notably the overall regatta winner for the second year running was junior, Harry Blacksell, Topper
The Endeavour prize was awarded to Nada Elhariry, Laser
An award was given to Sarah and Stephen Page for being the most improved sailors throughout the season.
The celebrations continued with a BBQ in the evening sun.
Events such as these can't take place without the people behind the scenes. A massive thank you to PRO Jon Chapman, the-ever-multi-tasking Bill Kenyon, ARO Jon Ward, RIB support James Blacksell and Steve Potts, galley team Dianne Owen and Fiona Plaisted, and Tony Sampson for his infinite patience!
To all the sailors who provided me with advice, sailing support to newer sailors, bar service and RMS support a big thank you.
Also thanks to the 'ringers' who competed within the true spirit of the event.
As for our competitors who learned to sail this year, or last year, and have never or rarely raced you are an inspirational bunch. You entered the regatta and gave it your best shot. Well done!
Race report by Jackie Purvis
