I was lucky enough to sail last week in the first Euro Masters event of the year in Malta and wow did the wind blow. One of the races on Friday was the windiest I can remember in open water and particularly challenging in the big waves. While there was plenty to talk about that after racing, perhaps the most interesting thing was what we didn’t talk about and never talk about. That includes which shape of sail we were all using – yes, we may not want to use a new sail in a big blow, and we all bang the cunningham on as tight as possible, but fundamentally all the sails are the same shape. The same is true coming off the middle of the starting line in 8 knots and the boats inside lift away. Our first thought – we have better breeze. Our second thought, maybe the cunningham / kicker is too tight but never I got the mast rake wrong or I should have used my light air sail. That is the essence of our class – strict one-design. It is what many of us value. Of course, I am not suggesting there isn’t skill in boat tuning and maximising the design variances that other classes have – it is just different.

As we start thinking ahead to 2026 and perhaps wanting to improve our performances, I like to start by trying to avoid major mistakes. What boating handling errors cost me last year, is my boat speed /technique up to scratch and if not why – is setting the controls, steering or fitness? Is my strategy sound and my boat-on-boat tactics? Am I getting off the line consistently? It is never possible to get everything correct in ILCA racing but avoiding the things that cost us most, is a good place to start. I hope to try and build on this in coming weeks,.

The ILCA UK calendar is starting to take shape so you can start planning the season ahead.

In case you are interested, here is a link to my 2nd message as ILCA President.

Winter training 2025/2026

Most of our remaining

winter programme is available for booking - look through the training calendar and find something for your self in your region

Events 2026

National Opens

National Open 1 - Warsash SC - 14/15 March 2026

National Open 2 - WPNSA - 21/22 March 2026

National Open 3 - WPNSA 28/29 March 2026

Skills Week

ILCA Skills Week 2026 WPNSA - 15/20 August 2026 (Provisional - may move by one day)

National & Open Championships

Unfortunately, due to clashes with international regattas, we could not accept dates offered by the Hayling Island Sailing Club to host our nationals in 2026. We therefore confirmed that the 2026 Nationals will be held in JULY at WPNSA. He hope to go back to HISC soon!

ILCA UK Open & National Championships 2026 WPNSA - 23-29th July 2026

Masters events (over 30)

Introduction to Masters sailing - ILCA UK NEW Masters rep Gareth Humphrey

Master Series WPNSA - 23-24th May 2026

Masters National Championships Parkstone YC - 3-5 July 2026

Masters Inland Championships Draycote Water SC - 7-8 November 2026