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SOUTHERN Yearbook Of THE ROYAL SOUTHERN YACHT CLUB Spring 2026

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EDITORIAL TEAM

Jane Atkinson – Editor George Atkinson – Production DESIGN & ARTWORK Sian Collins - sian@ludis-grp.co.uk ADVERTISING Adrian Branker - adrian@ludis-grp.co.uk PUBLISHING Ludis Group - 01273 519499 Royal Southern Yacht Club & Ludis would like to thank all of the businesses that appear in this publication for their support and wish them continued commercial success. The content of this Yearbook is believed to be correct at the time of printing but we cannot endorse individual statements and readers should not rely solely upon the continued accuracy of any individual claims contained herein without consultation with the service provider. Designed & Printed by Ludis. 2026. © The Southern is published by the Royal Southern Yacht Club Ltd., Rope Walk, Hamble, Southampton SO31 4HB and distributed free to Members and other interested parties. Opinions expressed are those of the contributors and are not necessarily shared by the Editor and/or publishers. Although the greatest care has been taken in compiling this publication, the publishers and Editor accept no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or alterations, or for any consequences ensuing upon the use of, or reliance on any information given in this publication. Royal Southern Yacht Club is the trading name of Royal Southern Yacht Club Ltd Registered Office: Rope Walk, Hamble SO31 4HB Registered in England No. 05372495

CONTRIBUTORS George Atkinson Jane Atkinson Caroline Barber Ellen Catherell Louise Clayton Doug Fisher Peter Fulbrook Nicky Gardner Angela Godfrey Mark Greenaway Peter Halliday Bryan Hughes Richard Konarek

Mike Lithgow Dick Long Brian Mead David Mead Pat North Mike Norton Morgan Reynolds Matthew Richardson James Ripley-Giles Shira Robinson Lisa Rochford Tim Roe Alec Russell

Charlie Russell Paul Scott Damian Smith Maggie Widdop Neil Whitewick Ian Wilson Paul Wyeth – race photography

ROYAL SOUTHERN YACHT CLUB CONTACTS Office & Administration 023 8045 0300 Sailing Office 023 8045 0302 sailing@royal-southern.co.uk Bosun 07900 872 461 To advertise in the ‘Southern’ please contact Adrian Branker on 01273 519499.

SOUTHERN contents

From the Commodore

p4-5

From the Vice Commodore

From the Rear Commodore House

Member successes

p11

Summer Series

p12-21

League Racing

p23

Lightfoot

p25-27

XOD Class

p29

Women’s Open Keelboat Championships

p30-37

Volunteering for Race Management

p39-41

Fasnet 2025

p42-48

The UK Optimist Class

p49

Splash Week

p50-51

Youth Development Programme

p52-55

Royal Southern Yacht Club Trust

p57

Brambles Bank Cricket Match

p59-61

VE Day Celebration

p63

Prince Philip Yacht Haven

p65

Fund Raising

p66-73

Christmas Sparkle

p73

Cruising

p74

ICOYC Conference

p83-87

Motorboat, Golf and Sporting Clays Review

p88-93

Hamble Cycle Group

p92

Bridge Society

p93

Lecture Series

p93

Social Programme

p94-95

Wetwheels Hamble

p96-99

Ashore

p100-103

Insignia Merchandise

p105

Committee Membership

p106

Advertisers’ Index

p106

COVER PHOTOGRAPH Salcombe Gin July Regatta. Photo Paul Wyeth

2025 – 2026 MATTHEW RICHARDSON

FROM THE COMMODORE

s my first year as Commodore draws to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting on just how much has been packed into the past twelve months. It has been a year full of energy, momentum and, above all, a strong sense of community, on the water, around the Club, and further afield. The sailing season began in fine style at the Fitting-Out Supper, where we were joined by double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson and Lesley Ryan, Event Director for the America’s Cup. Their insights into elite sailing, competition and teamwork set an inspiring tone for the year ahead.

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From that point on, the pace barely slowed. Our regattas, rallies, societies and social events were consistently well supported, thanks in no small part to the dedication of our staff and the many volunteers who give of their time so generously. I’m particularly grateful to our race management and mark-laying teams, whose professionalism shone not only at our own events but also when representing the Royal Southern at the Royal Thames 250 Regatta and Cowes Week. One of the great pleasures of the year has been seeing the Club’s social side flourish alongside its on-water programme.

The highlights included a superb International Women’s Day event when we celebrated Women in Sailing, the VE-Day 80th Anniversary remembrance service, the Prince Philip Yacht Haven 10th anniversary party and the Autumn Charity Lunch, which raised both funds and smiles in equal measure. The popular pre-Fastnet BBQ and even a soggy but good-humoured Brambles Cricket Match against the Island Sailing Club all added colour and character to the year. The Summer Regatta Series once again proved to be the heartbeat of our season, combining competitive racing with the unmistakable camaraderie that defines the Club. And the return of the Flotilla Cruise, this time to Croatia, was a particular highlight for many. Importantly, youth sailing continues to progress from strength to strength, Splash Week was our biggest yet, while the Youth Academy went from success to success. We took a crucial step forward by signing a collaboration agreement with the Hamble River Sailing Club. Seeing young sailors progress through these programmes is one of the most encouraging signs for the Club’s future. Our membership continues to grow and, more importantly, to engage. With numbers now standing at over 1,600, it’s encouraging to see strong participation across all sections of the Club. We’ve also strengthened our international connections, welcoming visitors and forging new reciprocal relationships, a reminder that the Royal Southern

remains part of a wider global sailing family. Behind the scenes we welcomed several new members to the management team, bringing fresh ideas and renewed focus, while bidding farewell to others who have given so much to the Club over the years. I’m grateful to all our staff for navigating these transitions so effectively and for the professionalism they show every day. Looking ahead, there is much to be excited about. Plans are already in hand for another vibrant sailing and social programme, further development of our youth pathways, and continued engagement with clubs at home and abroad. Kerry and I are also looking forward to representing the Royal Southern at the ICOYC Forum in Uruguay, strengthening the friendships that underpin our international connections. As I reflect on this first year, I feel immensely proud of what has been achieved and optimistic about what lies ahead. The Royal Southern continues to thrive because of its people - members, volunteers and staff alike - and I thank you all sincerely for your support, enthusiasm and friendship. I look forward to seeing you on the water, around the Club, and at the bar in the year to come. Fair winds to you all Matthew Richardson

2025 – 2026 LISA ROCHFORD

FROM THE VICE COMMODORE

t has been a genuine privilege to serve as Vice Commodore over the past year. A role that certainly rewards a willingness to work hard. Chairing a Board composed of such diverse, talented and experienced individuals has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of the role. We have worked deliberately to align responsibilities with individual strengths, ensuring that each Director contributes maximum value to the Club. Robust debate and strong opinions are inevitable in any healthy governance environment, but what has consistently impressed me is our shared commitment to finding collective solutions. I firmly believe that every Director acts with the Club’s longterm interests at heart, and the progress outlined in the Commodore’s report reflects that unity of purpose. One particularly encouraging moment came after the Annual General Meeting, when a number of members expressed how positive and energised, they felt about the Club’s future, due in no small part to the

Commodores party at RORC

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clarity and ambition of the presentations delivered by Matthew, Mark and Bronwyn. The Vice Commodore’s responsibilities are broad: supporting recruitment, preparing Board papers and agendas, drafting proposals, overseeing governance processes and, importantly, engaging with members. Welcoming prospective members and explaining the benefits of belonging underscores how vital it is that institutions such as ours continue to thrive. Reciprocal relationships, including the recent appointment of the In & Out Club, are an increasingly important part of that value proposition. Finally, the appointments of Sarah as General Manager, Caroline as Financial Controller Amy as Events Manager and Bree as Head Chef have strengthened the Club considerably. The agreed line management structure, with the GM reporting to the Board via the Vice Commodore, provides clarity, autonomy and effective oversight, positioning the Club well for the year ahead. Lisa Rochford Vice Commodore

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2025 – 2026 RICHARD KONAREK

FROM THE REAR COMMODORE HOUSE

elcome to the 2025 Yearbook, where our members will be reminded of fond memories and friendships, while prospective members will see the broad spectrum of what it means to be a member of the Royal Southern. I would describe 2025 from the Onshore Team’s perspective as a year of notable firsts and record attendances, continual change ‘behind the scenes’, all while supporting an ambitious on-water programme and generating revenue from third party events. We welcomed to the Club some of the world’s top yachtsmen, yachtswomen and seafarers to speak at our events, including those that supported the “Celebration of Women Sailors” on International Women’s Day, and we hosted a dinner for the International Council of Yacht Clubs [ICOYC] whose members represent the leading yacht clubs around the globe and who were joined by Commodores from other Solent yacht clubs. The 100th Anniversary of the Rolex Fastnet Race afforded the opportunity to host a skipper’s race briefing and a BBQ for 200. New concepts introduced in 2025 included the “Party on the Pier” for big regatta days so members who weren’t competing felt there was something for everyone, a “Southern Celebration Menu” curated by Head Chef Bree and first introduced on New Year’s Eve, while the Fundraising Team’s purchase of a huge high-tech TV screen enabled us to livestream sporting events accompanied

by themed menus, starting with the 6-Nations Rugby. Our vibrant social calendar events are described elsewhere in the Yearbook. My thanks go to all volunteers who contribute so much to the Club’s social calendar and to those members who organise the Club’s societies that enable us to enjoy bridge, evening lectures, golf, ladies afloat, the Royal Southern Yacht Club singers and sporting clays events during the year. To my mind, it is this community spirit that makes the Royal Southern Yacht Club so special. Richard Konarek Rear Commodore House

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MEMBER SUCCESSES DURING 2025 AMONGST THE ACHIEVEMENTS: Alex Barone RORC Griffin Offshore Programme 2025 Sam Davies 13th in Vendee Globe Finley Dickinson Winner u23 ILCA7 World Championship, 3rd Senior European Championships. 1st and two 3rds in National Open Championships Ian Williams 8th World Match Racing Tour win and second consecutive Niklas Zennstrom (sailing with Winner Antigua 360, Nelson’s Cup Overall, Caribbean 600 2nd overall and 1 Class Zero. Jeremy Robinson & Justin Slattery) Jiraffe – Simon Perry (sailing with 1st Cape 31 UK Round 2 & 3rd Cape 31 UK National Championship Tom Perry & Jeremy Robinson) DSP – Douglas Struth 1st Corinthian J/70 Mixed+ World Championship Flurg – David Cummins 5th IRC Overall Round the Island Race Oliver Hill La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Ellie Driver La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Alan Roberts The Ocean Race Europe

JOG 2025 Coastal Series Overall:

RORC

Zephyr – Simon Toms – 3rd IRC Overall 2025 Season’s Point Championship

White Majic – Lesley Hunt – 3rd Class 1

& 4th IRC 3 Rolex Fastnet Race

Hot Rats – Robbie & Lis Robinson – 3rd Class 2 Frank 4 – Olly & Sam Love – 3rd Class 3

250 RTYC Anniversary Regatta:

J/111 UK National Championship

Calypso – Alastair Hall – 2nd J/70

McFly – Tony & Sally Mack – 2nd

Breaking Bod - Charlie Whelan – 2nd SB20

Frequent Flyer – Paul Wollman – 3rd

Doublet - Rob Bottomley – 1st Daring

JourneyMaker – Louise Makin & Chris Jones – 1st

Vellamo – Mark Greenaway – 2nd Cruiser Class 2

JUNIOR & YOUTH ACHIEVEMENTS Darcy O’Donnell & Meri Greenaway GBR Development 1 Team, Gold Fleet in Lake Garda Optimist Meeting (800 boats), Gold Fleet UK National Championships Lumia Greenaway GBR Junior Optimist Team, 4th Junior girl UK National Champs, Gold Fleet Euromed Championship, 2nd Draycote Youth Evelyn Rogerson Winner Regatta Fleet Optimist End of Season Championships & Winter Championships Hennie Burlton & Joe Jones

420 Autumn Champs winners overall & mixed

Isla Fletcher & India Eastwood

420 Autumn Champs 5th overall

Will Fletcher, Hugo Fletcher & Alex Flint

420 Autumn Champs

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Close windward mark rounding Photos: Paul Wyeth

SUMMER SERIES

By James Ripley-Giles

he Summer Series is the Royal Southern Yacht Club’s flagship summer series racing championships, with four events in May, June, July and September. Each year we run grand prix racing for a wide variety of classes – some compete in the whole series, some dedicate one event as a class regatta.

North Sails May Regatta – 16-18 May The weekend of the 16-18 May saw the first event in the Royal Southern’s flagship Summer Series for 2025 – the North Sails May Regatta. 67 boats competed across 6 classes on 3 race areas. Friday saw the start of racing for the Cape 31 class for Round 2 of their UK series. Despite some tricky conditions, Race Officer Peter Saxton and his team did a great job to deliver four races.

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On Saturday, the Capes were joined by two other fleets – Black Group for 3 IRC classes, and White Group for the J/70 Southern Championships (GS2) and SB20s. After a delay in the morning to allow the wind to build from the south then south west, all classes saw racing in sunshine and champagne conditions. In the evening competitors enjoyed live music from Golden Groove and some delicious Thai food that went down so well that it sold out!

Cape 31 ‘Akheilos’.

Mustang 30 ‘Dark Horse’

Boats docking after an exciting day of racing

Sunday was similarly challenging for the Race Committee with a light and unpredictable breeze that this time settled from the east – all classes got racing once more thanks to the excellent work of the respective teams. Overall it was a close battle at the top in each class. Adam Gosling’s ‘Yes!’ won IRC 1 by a single point from ‘McFly’ (Anthony Mack) who was first J/111, and James Chalmers’ ‘Happy Daize’. In IRC 2, Kevin Taylor’s J/99 ‘Jump 2 it’ took victory from ‘Jenie’ (Rosie Berry) who was first in the brand-new Performance 30 subclass. In IRC 3 it was a Quarter Tonner ‘Runaway Bus’ that took the win for David Richards, beating James Crew’s Half Tonner ‘Quokka’. The J/70 Southern Championships had a healthy 20 boats competing. Alastair Hall’s ‘Calypso’ sailed a strong regatta to finish first Corinthian and first overall. Graham Clapp’s ‘Jeepster’ was second, with ‘Jelvis’ – Martin Dent – in third.

In the SB20 class, Paul Hine on ‘PBII Twenty’ had a strong Sunday to win by a single point from reigning National Champion Charles Whelan on ‘Breaking Bod’ who had similarly led through Saturday. Tight racing! Taking top honours in the Cape 31s was Royal Southern Yacht Club member Simon Perry and team on ‘Jiraffe’, who claimed their first-ever Cape 31 circuit win — a hugely popular result within the fleet. As a Club member, and one of the founding members of the Cape 31 class in the UK, Simon’s long-anticipated victory was much celebrated! The regatta went right to the wire, with ‘Akheilos’ second and Guy Gillon’s ‘Khumbu’ in third. A huge thank you to all of the competitors who raced with us and made it such a great regatta. Thanks also to all of the volunteers who made this event a success – led by Race Officers Peter Bateson (Black Group & PRO), Peter Saxton (Red Group), and Ian Bullock (White Group).

Competitive start for the J/70 Southern Championship

SB20s flying downwind

Member Simon Perry on Jiraffe win Cape 31 Round 2 – part of the North Sails May Regatta

J/111 ‘JourneyMaker II’

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SUMMER SERIES

Photos: Paul Wyeth

Key Yachting Mid-Summer Regatta – 20-22 June

n the weekend of 20–22 June the Royal Southern Yacht Club hosted the second event in our flagship Summer Series for 2025 – the Key Yachting Mid-Summer Regatta. We reintroduced this historic event, and its prestigious trophies, for this season. For the first time ever the regatta also incorporated the much loved J/Cup, plus the Sonata Southern Championships, and a leg of the IRC Solent Championships. What’s more on the Saturday evening, the Club played host to a celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Prince Philip Yacht Haven – followed later that evening by the ever popular J/Cup party. In total 65 boats took part, with hundreds of people enjoying the social activity shoreside. On the water, in Black Group, the J/105 ‘Flawless J’ of Neil Angel sailed a (nearly) flawless series winning 5 races out of 6 across the three days to win the J/Cup IRC 1 & 2 class. For the two day IRC 1 & 2 regatta class (which included J and nonJ boats) Edward Mockridge’s ‘Elaine Again’ managed to pip Flawless J for the win. In IRC 3, Jack Banks and his team on ‘Nightjar’ won the J/Cup class, whilst Becky Walford & Stewart Hawthorn took the two day regatta title with their merged ‘Brendas J on Jes’ team.

The Mid-Summer Regatta saw the first ever National Championships for the hot J/112E class. David Franks and his team on ‘Leon’ sailed an impressive series to win every race and wrap up the title – also winning the overall ‘J/Cup’ for 2025 to add their name to a long list of distinguished winners. In Red Group, the J/111 class were as competitive as always. In the end Louise Makin won the class on ‘JourneyMaker 11’. Meanwhile, ‘Mocking-J’ won the J/109 UK National Championships for Ben Shelley. There was a very close battle for the J/99 National title – with ‘Jolly Jumper’ and ‘Jackpot’ level on total and net points at the end of the six race series. In the end Jean-Baptiste’s team on ‘Jolly Jumper’ won on countback courtesy of a bullet in the last race. The J/70s sailed two days of sprint racing in White Group. The Royal Southern Yacht Club’s own sponsored Academy Team led by Morgan Reynolds won the series overall from event sponsor Howard Davies of Salcombe Gin. The young Royal Norwegian Yacht Club team were in third – the top three teams all sailing on Royal Southern Club boats. The Sonata Southern Championships were won by Nick Holt’s team on ‘Aquila’. We look forward to welcoming the Sonatas back in 2026 for their National Championships.

J/99s on the run

J/112E National Championship

J/109 class winner ‘Mocking-J’

J/109s on the run

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SUMMER SERIES Salcombe Gin July Regatta By James Ripley-Giles n the weekend of the 12-13 July, the Royal Southern Yacht Club hosted the third event in our flagship Summer Series – the Salcombe Gin July Regatta.

IRC 1 class boats battling upwind in champagne conditions Photos: Paul Wyeth

The weekend saw some fantastic conditions – sunshine and winds of up to 15 knots from the southeast. Four classes competed across two groups. In Black Group, there were three IRC classes. The IRC 1 fleet was particularly strong with 10 boats ranging from a Fareast 28R to a GP42. In the end it was a battle of the J/Boats with James Chalmers taking victory of his J/112E ‘Happy Daize’ recording an impressive four bullets from six races, including a clean sweep on day two. Tony Mack and his team on ‘McFly’ took second

overall in IRC 1 as well as victory in the J/111 sub-class. In IRC 2, ‘Thunderbault’ owned by Julian James sailed a dominant series to win overall with a race to spare, beating the J/99 ‘Jump 2 it’ of Kevin Taylor. Edward Mockridge’s JPK1010 ‘Elaine Again’ was just one point further back in third. It was very close at the top in IRC 3 with Ian Handley’s ‘Banter’ team equal on points but winning on count back from James Crew on ‘Quokka’. Sam Cox’s ‘Liquidity Risk’ were right in the mix too. JPK1010 ‘Elaine Again’

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IRC 3 class boats on the run

J/111 sub-class winner ‘McFly’

Photos: Paul Wyeth

On the layline for the windward mark

SUMMER SERIES Salcombe Gin July Regatta continued

here was a bit of a change in White Group for this regatta. With the J/70s away racing with the Royal Yacht Squadron, and the SB20s down in Weymouth for their Nationals, we instead were joined by the Etchells class for this event. As competitive as always, the Greig City Academy team sailed an impressive event to win overall, from ‘Tango’ Chris Hampton in second, and Johnny Cooper on ‘Man’s Best Friend’ in third.

Title sponsor Salcombe Gin

On the shore, competitors were treated to complementary Salcombe Gin on Saturday evening courtesy of our very generous title sponsor – plus some live music by the brilliant ‘Still-Moving DJs’. On Sunday there was yet more Salcombe Gin for the prize winners.

Banter, IRC 3 winner on countback

Crew enjoying the world class racing!

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‘Frank 4’ racing in the inaugural Performance 30 Nationals

All photographs © Paul Wyeth

SUMMER SERIES

J/112E ‘Happy Daize’ Performance 40 ‘Xinska’

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September Regatta By James Ripley-Giles

n the weekend of 19-21 September the Royal Southern Yacht Club hosted the culminating event in our flagship Summer Series – the September Regatta. This event included the inaugural UK National Championships for the new Performance 30 class. Built on the success of the P40 series, this class encourages high performance racing for similarly rated IRC cruiser/racers around 30-38ft in length. The P30s began their championship on Friday, with three windward-leeward races followed by a ‘round the cans’ to finish. ‘Jukebox’ of J Smart took a commanding lead with three race wins on the first day, which they held throughout the regatta to take the National Championship title by a very impressive twenty points! There were four J/109s in the top five in the P30 IRC boats on the run

IRC 1 class boats on the run

class showing the enduring success of this popular design. In the final results, Peter McConnell’s ‘Karaboudjan’ was second, with the Archambault A35 ‘Njord’ of Andrew Screech taking the final podium spot. On Saturday and Sunday, the P30s were joined by the rest of the competitors. IRC 1 had split out results for the Performance 40s, and the J/111s (scored as one design). Ed Bell’s JPK 1180 ‘Dawn Treader’ won the class overall, and also the P40 subclass. Paul Wollmann’s Bermudan flagged ‘Frequent Flyer’ races as both a one design J/111, and a P40, and took a hat-trick of prizes as 2nd in IRC 1, 2nd P40, and 1st J/111! ‘Happy Daize’, the J/112E of James Chalmers, was third. IRC 2 consisted entirely of boats rated as P30s, but there were separate regatta results for the two weekend days, which allowed those who could not compete on the Friday a shot at the podium. When discounting the Friday, ‘Jukebox’ still ended up on top, with ‘Njord’ promoted to second. Edward Mockridge and his team on ‘Elaine Again’ were third. In the small but hotly contested IRC 3

IRC 3 class boats heading upwind

class, Ian Handley, Tim James, and their team on the Mustang ‘Banter’ won overall from Simon Shillaker’s J/92 ‘Jambo’, with Sam Cox’s ‘Liquidity Risk’ in third. Over on the White Group course, the J/70 and SB20 classes competed in two days of short course sprint racing. 10 races were completed across the two days. In the J/70 class, the Royal Southern Yacht Club’s own Academy Team led by Morgan Reynolds took victory. Meanwhile in the SB20 class, Sean Nee on ‘Boomerang’ took the event win from Charlie Whelan on ‘Breaking Bod’ who won five of the ten races after missing the first three. On the shore, competitors, members, and guests, enjoyed a legendary Caribbean themed Royal Southern Yacht Club party on the Saturday evening with a live steel band along with flowing Dark’n’Stormies as they came of the waters. Youth Academy member ‘DJ Sam’ ensured the party continued well into the night. So that concluded our Summer Series for 2025. We hope to welcome new and returning boats for 2026 on 9-10 May, 13-14 June, 18-19 July, and 19-20 September.

Performance 40 ‘Xinska’

Jukebox, winner of the inaugural Performance 30 Nationals as part of the September Regatta

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League racing at the Royal Southern Yacht Club close windward mark rounding

All photographs © Paul Wyeth

LEAGUE RACING AT THE ROYAL SOUTHERN YACHT CLUB By James Ripley-Giles What is League Racing?

An exciting and accessible format, league racing is run on a short course with each race lasting less than 15 minutes. It’s normal fleet racing, but with on-the-water umpires, much like an Olympic medal race, and scored using high points. The real unique selling point is that the boats are supplied (normally J/70s in our case) – so you don’t need to own your own – the strapline is ‘rock up and race’. There are more teams than boats, so crew jump in and out between races – this means you get lots of opportunity to sail, whilst also enjoying a sociable event on the ‘hotel vessels’ in between. This format is proving increasingly popular, and the Royal Southern Yacht Club is proud to be one of the UK’s leading Clubs delivering this style of racing. Close racing on the run

Getting the kite drops right

Our events

This year we ran the Boysterous Cup in March – this was also part of the British Keelboat League (BKL), and University Sailing League (USL). In May, we ran the Women’s BKL Qualifier as part of the Women’s Open Keelboat Championship (WOKC). We helped support the David Haw Trophy in August run in conjunction with Bristol University and Royal Thames YC. Finally, in October, we delivered the Academy Trophy – also part of BKL and USL – and the most popular league racing event we have ever done with 15 teams competing. Next year, we plan to host all four of these events again – plus the British Keelboat League Finals in September. Get involved If League Racing sounds of interest, get involved! All you have to do is put a team together, enter, and ‘rock up and race’. Remember that there is no need to own your own boat.

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LIGHTFOOT - OUR 2025 YOUTH GRAND SLAM VICTORY By Morgan Reynolds, Team Lightfoot (GBR 828)

hen the Royal Southern Yacht Club sponsored us to campaign Lightfoot for the 2025 season, we knew we were stepping into a gladiatorial arena. The J/70 UK fleet isn’t just growing; it’s exploding. This year saw a record 52 teams competing across the series, and to walk away as the 2025 UK Grand Slam Youth Champions is an achievement the team and I will never forget. In the Company of Giants To give you an idea of the level, we were up against 333 different sailors who

competed in the Grand Slam this year, including 14 Olympians and multiple World Champions. When you are on the start line next to boats like Ali Hall’s Calypso (the Overall Open Champion) or Martin Dent’s Jelvis, there is nowhere to hide. The fleet is evolving, too. The class report noted that the average age of the fleet is declining, with a surge of sub-30 sailors and even a sub-18 team joining the fray. It felt like a real “youth movement” year, and Lightfoot was proud to be right in the middle of that charge. Close racing

Photos: Paul Wyeth

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Trust the Process Our season was defined by consistency, but above all, by learning. We saw 37 entrants at Cowes Week and 33 at the UK Nationals (held during the Royal Thames Yacht Club’s historic 250th Anniversary event). These were crowded, highpressure starts where one mistake could bury you in the pack - and we definitely experienced that! Mistakes were made and lessons were learned, but at each event, we got faster and smarter. The J/70 is a process-driven boat; over the season, we drove that process deeper into our Royal Southern Yacht Club DNA. While we had our standout moments winning the Key Yachting Mid-Summer Regatta and the September Regatta outright - the Grand Slam title was about the long game. We battled through seven rounds to finish with 98 points, securing the Youth title. It wasn’t always easy (we definitely learned some lessons the hard way!), but holding our own in the overall standings against pro teams was a massive confidence boost for the Academy squad. The Highlight Despite the silverware, the true highlight of the year was scoring a 3rd place at Grand Slam 6 (J/70 Solent Championships). We had worked and trained so hard with the goal of cracking the top 10. To achieve not only that, but a top 5 finish in a fleet of that calibre, was next level. It was the moment we realised we could truly play with the big dogs. It Takes a Village We collected the silverware at the Royal Thames Yacht Club in November, but our eyes are already on 2026. Next year is shaping up to be epic, with the introduction of Vakaros Race Sense technology to the UK circuit and an array of world-class events in Cascais, Marseille, and Denmark.

Training paid off

None of this happens solo. I want to say a massive thank you to the Royal Southern Yacht Club for giving us the chance and the platform to compete. • To Ian Wilson: Thank you for your coaching and the wealth of J/70 knowledge you shared with us. • To Ian Poynton and Team Powdermonkey: Thank you for the constant coaching and advice on and off the water. You took us under your wing and gave us the tools to learn and succeed. We’ll be forever grateful. • To James and the Bosuns: We couldn’t have done it without your support and the endless stream of spares! • To the Club Staff: Thank you for keeping us fed and for the ever-stocked bar for those essential post-race debriefs! Lightfoot is ready for 2026 - watch this space! Team Lightfoot 2025 • Morgan Reynolds • Caleb Barnes • Alex Barone • Kate Angier • Nill’s Theunick • Cam Yates • Will Wilkinson A packed group off Cowes

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THE RETURN OF XOD’S

By Ian Wilson

2025 saw the return of the XOD class to action at the Royal Southern Yacht Club. Following a few months of discussion it was decided that the Hamble XOD division would host their prestigious open event at the club, and so as usual the weekend before Cowes week was blocked out and plans for this high level warm up event were started. Travellers from Itchenor, Lymington, Cowes and Yarmouth divisions made the entry giving this event the kudos it richly deserves. As expected, the Royal Southern Yacht Club’s team delivered a first class event both on the water and ashore. The racing was varied and challenging for these classic dayboats that have many craft in their fleet approaching the century mark. The overall winner with a perfect scoreline was the crew of Astralita X91 helmed by John Tremlett who took the ‘Lass’ Trophy. Following the success of this event the class have approached the Royal Southern Yacht Club to ask for a repeat of the event and to ask for more club racing too. All bodes well for this venerable class as the division rapidly approaches its centenary year of 1st class racing from the Hamble River.

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WOKC GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH By Louise Clayton

Declining Participation rates?

Lymo having fun and racing to podium in the British Keelboat League WOKC event

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irstly, thank you to the Royal Southern Yacht Club for letting me have this space to round up another successful year at Women’s Open Keelboat Championships (WOKC), and for being our home club for the last 5 years. Planning for a 6th year is currently in full swing. Last year we had approximately 130 sailors with 15 IRC entries and 6 J70’s. Notably we increased our IRC fleet from 8 to 15 boats. Our furthest travelled prize showed sailors had come from as far as Australia, Bermuda, New Zealand, Sweden, Belgium and Italy as well as from all over the UK. Participation The political and economical landscape over the last few years has meant a decline in numbers for most club racing. Grassroots dinghy sailing has taken a hit while larger events such as Round the Island race still seem to be attracting high numbers.

All photo credits to WOKC official photographer Georgie Altham at Photoboat

Close Racing

…not for the 2025 Women’s Open Keelboat Championship I asked my 75 year old dad about the sailing participation boom of the 60’s and 70’s that I keep reading about in participation articles. He reported that it was just great timing. “We all started to have better pay rates and we didn’t have so many distractions or other things to do”. “We went sailing every weekend and I am still sailing with some of those people now”. He also mentioned that the boats were simple accessible designs that made it easy for anyone to access which helped people get started. Many were diy kit builds. That leads me nicely on to… Rock up and race. WOKC has a long history of alternating each year either providing J70’s, RS21s or SB20’s. This has been with the support of the British Keelboat League, and in recent years the RSYC. A moment to thank all those over the years involved

with organising and providing boats. The WOKC event is part of the wider British Keelboat league. It’s helped us get more Women on the water and access to this great event. We are aiming to continue to provide sailors the option to easily rock up and race when they don’t own a boat. While we are all here to be as competitive as possible and we are proud of the level of racing that has developed over WOKC’s 18 year history, encouraging participation keeps the event healthy. We wanted to encourage that there is reward to those members of our community who are either creating pathways for others or progressing as future leaders within the sport. For both new awards every competitor was able to make nominations via an anonymous digital form. An independent panel then judged the nominations on pre-set criteria for each award.

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Spirit of WOKC award winner Hannah Stodel with her team

The Spirit of WOKC award We had the generous donation of a new award from the team at a Balance, an inclusive Hiring consultancy. Founder Jenni Child is a long standing participant of WOKC and told us this… “The Award Purpose is to recognise the boat that best embodies the spirit of the UK Women’s Open Keelboat Championships by racing competitively and fairly, while actively championing inclusion and creating meaningful pathways for women to participate and progress in the sport”. Nominees - Both Becky Walford’s Brenda J and Libby Greenhalgh’s J’ronimo were both nominated for creating learning opportunities. Between them over the years at WOKC and many other events the opportunities they must have created is endless. Thank you both for your significant contribution. I am sure that’s a whole other article topic! Winner: Hannah Stodel who over the last few years has been creating pathways for sailors with disabilities to take part. Paralympian Stodel has been tirelessly campaigning to get sailing back at the Paralympics. For consecutive years as a WOKC skipper she has been creating pathways for Women with disabilities presumed by society as “not able” but proving very much not the case. Not just a presence on the water, her teams have also been proving themselves competitively.

WOKC Keelboat winners

WOKC Smiles can go anywhere

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The Promising leader Award For many, WOKC has long been a safe yet competitive platform to learn, develop and progress. I found myself with an old trophy to donate and so with input and ideas from the Committee and the Royal Southern Yacht Club the Promising Leader Award was born. I wanted to give back to the event and my hope is to encourage those stepping up as leaders continue to be recognised and rewarded for their progress. I hope WOKC continues to celebrate and make these stories visible, because through visibility we can show — and inspire — others about what’s possible. To borrow from women’s rugby: see it, believe it, and from Sport England: This Girl Can. Events like WOKC are essential in giving women the opportunity to try roles on the boat that they might not otherwise get the chance to do. We therefore asked for nominations for someone who had recently stepped up as skipper, tactician or bow. Nominee: Rosie Berry’s crew described a calm and composed leader who is always getting people on the water, encouraging them to push themselves and gain confidence through the weekend. Ivy Owen had only been sailing for 2 years and fully embraced the new role as bow. Normally

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detangling whales with the British Divers Marine life rescue team, her fast problem solving and spinnaker detangling skills were complimented by her team. Winner - Robyn Francis was voted this year in her role as tactician. Coming from a strong dingy racing background she was new to yacht racing but with her knowledge of the racing rules she took to the role with ease. A trained musician and outdoor education specialist outside of work Robyn is being supported by Unity Sailing to develop as a skipper and she was successful in applying for The Magenta Project mentoring programme. Familiar Solent Race officer Stuart Childerly is her mentor.

Robyn Francis (Left), being presented the Promising Leader award Silver Bowl and Wooden keepsake sculpture by local artist Kevin Longstaff

Thanking our Sponsors. Of course, we wouldn’t be able to hold the event without continued and valued support from our sponsors and volunteers. There are so many to mention including many local business and RSYC volunteers. A massive thank you to our key sponsors. Onesails South - The Team at Hamble Point provides newbuilds, sail servicing repairs and covers. You will see them at much larger events through the year, but they know that the importance of supporting smaller events positively contributes to diversity in sport. Having their early support meant we could commit to things early on with confidence. As always, they provide great prizes and support. They provided on the water coaching with Female Coach Julia Slaite who started in the dingy pathway competing in the 420 Youth Worlds and then winning the Youth academy trials in 2023. She predominantly coaches the Optimist Class nationally and internationally. One Sails Director Nathan Steffenonni and Julia then provided a photo and video debriefing the day’s training in the evening’s glorious sunshine. Great to see so many turning up for the training day. We will be continuing to build on this and we welcome ideas and contributions as to what type of training people would like to help them progress. Harken Here’s what Harken said about why they sponsor us, “Since our initial conversations with the WOKC team, we knew instantly that this was an event that we wanted Harken to be involved with. Now, in our third year of support and sponsorship, we have grown our relationship with the whole team and we’re proud to be part of driving the agenda of inclusion and opportunity for women in sport, especially in sailing, a sport that we love! We’re really looking forward to WOKC 2026 in early June, which will see an epic weekend of action-packed, competitive racing. We hope to see you there.” – Jenni Lewis, WOKC Competitor / Finance & HR Manager at Harken UK. Rooster For the 3rd year in a row Rooster has been our technical clothing partner. They

RYA Coach Julie Staite on the OneSails Training day

bring their passion for making women’s sailing apparel more fit for purpose. They presented a workshop updating the WOKC community on all their design developments. Great to see and we can’t wait to welcome them back again in 2026. Rooster said, “Our roots are deeply embedded in the sailing community, and this partnership reinforces our dedication to events that celebrate diversity, excellence, and the growth of the sport.” 2025 WOKC IRC Winners Well done to Ellie Wollerman’s Frequent Flyer and her jet setting crew who upset the apple cart beating Journey Maker to 1st place. Well deserved, they won with an impressive 4 bullets out of 6 races. No stranger to multiple bullets, Journey Maker won WOKC in 2024 with a clean sweep showing how good both of these teams can be. Closely followed in 3rd was J109 Jenie skippered by Rosie Berry. We are hoping to see all three battling it out again this year.

IRC Fleet winners Frequent Flyer

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WOKC Participants

British Keelboat league Womens event Congratulations to team Smash who have been top of the leaderboard for the last few years. Helm Ali Morrish is no stranger to the event. An experienced match racer she has won several times and we have lost count of her times on the podium. Crew member Emily Robertson previously chaired the WOKC committee leaving big boots for us to fill as a committee. She has probably not been thanked enough for her contribution. Emily still heads up the Sailors panel and will do so again this year. Team Lymo were in 2nd and Team Yealm were in 3rd. Accessibility for Sailors that are also mums Following feedback from our members that the event taking place in half term was a barrier to them competing we have now moved the date. We will also be discussing returning to sailing after motherhood as part of our sailors panel this year. As an event we want to make it as easy as possible for new mums to return to sailing so we are open to suggestions as to how, as an event we can support that.

photographer Georgie Altham Photoboat

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Final thoughts What a privilege it is to be part of the team helping create a space and a spring board for progress and diversity to thrive in our sport. We are a completely volunteer committee that works around our day jobs to ensure this event keeps thriving. We will always welcome new volunteers or sponsors that align with the event’s aims and values. It’s a great way to give back to the sport and keep inclusivity thriving. Thank you to large amount of people that make this event happen Especially to all the skippers that organise getting their teams to the start line Entries and Notice of Race are now open on the Royal Southern Events Page Date 5th /6th/7th of June https://scm.royal-southern.co.uk/ event/wokc-2026 If you need any support in finding crew or further information please do reach out. We would love to see a competitive BKL fleet and enough IRC boats to make 2 fleets this year Written by WOKC Committee member Louise Clayton All photo credits to WOKC official WOKC 2025 Skippers

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VOLUNTEERING FOR RACE MANAGEMENT

Photo: Paul Wyeth

RACE VOLUNTEERING AT THE ROYAL SOUTHERN – A YEAR IN REVIEW BY ELLEN CATHERALL Onboard the committee boat

he Royal Southern Yacht Club’s racing calendar seems to get busier every year and 2025 was no exception. Whilst the Sailing Office organises and runs the events, the Club is fortunate to be able to rely on a pool of talented volunteers who generously give their time to deliver the ‘on the water’ part of the Club’s full calendar of racing events. The race volunteering team at the Royal Southern Yacht Club is very well regarded both locally and nationally and our Sailing Manager and Volunteer Coordinator were recently invited to speak at an RYA regional conference about how we run our race volunteering team.

In 2025, 87 people generously volunteered their time to deliver 21 racing events, most of which ran over multiple days. The majority of our volunteers, 66%, helped us out for one or two events. However, that means a very significant minority helped us out at three or more events. A particularly big thank you goes to two of our members, Charlotte Cooper and Rob Wagner, who volunteered at 11 and 10 events respectively. We are very grateful for the time dedicated by all our volunteers: the Club couldn’t run its racing calendar without you. Thank you!

Our volunteers fulfil a variety of different roles on the water. These include: • Race Officer (RO) – Overall manager of the race on the water. The RO sets the course, starts and finishes the race, and ensures the race is run fairly and according to the rules. • Timekeeper – Responsible for all official timing. This includes signals during start sequences and recording finishing times. • Flag Officer – Handles all visual signals. They hoist and lower the correct flags at the correct moments, ensuring competitors receive clear visual communication. • Results Recorder – Logs all relevant data: start-line incidents, finishing order, times, protests notified, and any race communications. • Mark Layer – Places, moves, and maintains the race marks on the course according to the Race Officer’s instructions. They monitor mark positions during the race, reset marks if wind shifts, and assist with course changes. For some roles, such as Race Officer, volunteers must hold an appropriate RYA qualification. For other roles, however, no formal qualifications are required.

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Mark laying in action

If you are not one of the 87 members who volunteered in 2025, have you thought about joining our team? We welcome everyone to our race volunteering team and there is no requirement to have any prior experience of racing: plenty of people join us without having raced before. For any keen racers, however, there can be no better place from which to watch starting tactics than the Committee Boat! All training is provided and we have pathways towards various RYA race

management qualifications – including Mark Laying and Race Officer – for anyone interested. Looking ahead to the 2026 racing season we have, once again, a full calendar of exciting events lined up. If you are interested in learning more about joining our race management team, please contact Ellen Catherall (racevolunteering@royalsouthern.co.uk) or James Ripley-Giles, our Sailing Manager (SailingManager@ royal-southern.co.uk).

Morning briefing

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Sunrise and a long way to go still

The crew before the Start

FASTNET 2025 – SIMPLES

here are Fastnets that make their intentions clear early on. This one didn’t. The forecast offered no single defining feature and, as it turned out, neither did the race itself. It unfolded in increments, shaped more by accumulation than drama.

We finished 11th of 73 in IRC 1 and 44th overall on IRC, from a fleet of just over four hundred boats. IRC 1 was deep and competitive, well sailed throughout, and rarely offered easy miles. The wider fleet was broader still, mixing amateur and professional programmes in ways that were not always obvious from the water. From the outset, there were two boats we expected to frame much of our race. Darkwood and Orange Mecanix 2 have been close competitors of ours for several seasons. We race each other regularly, know each other well, and enjoy the rivalry. Orange Mecanix 2 sails the same design as Simples, albeit with a slightly higher IRC rating, while Darkwood is rated very close to us. Between them, they offered a familiar benchmark from the first miles onward. Lutine and Freya, both larger X-Yachts, were also part of the picture early on. Faster through the water and carrying time on handicap, they were less constant references, but useful ones when the fleet began to stretch. The Briefing, the Start, and the Solent The pre-start briefing, delivered by the skipper, was confident on at least one point: there would be no rain.

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By Damian Smith

Before we could test that theory, there was the usual Solent business to get through: finding space, staying out of trouble, keeping the boat moving in the wrong direction without losing too much ground in the right one. The fleet was dense enough that you could rarely look up without seeing someone else’s bow wave. We spent those early miles doing what we always do in a crowded start — watching for the boats that matter and trying not to let the ones that don’t matter become the ones that do. Darkwood and Orange Mecanix 2 were visible early, never far away, close enough that any small lapse looked immediately expensive. Around them, IRC 1 sorted itself into its first loose groups, the sort that feel temporary until you realise you’ve been racing the same handful of boats for hours. The Needles and the Early Sorting By the time we reached the Needles, the start had shaken down into something that looked like a race. Boats began to choose lanes rather than simply survive traffic. The fleet was still tight enough for small confrontations to matter, but open enough for decisions to start leaving a mark.

Sunset in the Irish Sea

Rain? What Rain?

FASTNET 2025 – SIMPLES

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As we left headed for Anvil Point, and in complete contradiction to the only certainty that the skipper had espoused at the pre-start briefing, the heavens opened. It wasn’t dramatic, just damply comprehensive, and, for the next 90 minutes it had the quiet effect of making everything feel slightly more serious than the forecast had suggested. We crossed paths more than once with a French yacht that would later reappear in the story. Even on the way out of the Needles it seemed determined to occupy the same piece of water, twice approaching with us on starboard and them on port in a way that suggested either optimism or selective eyesight. It was early enough to be amusing, and not early enough to be ignored. From there, the course began to stretch out down the Channel. So did the race. Portland Bill At Portland Bill, the numbers reflected what it felt like on deck. We were effectively level with Darkwood, less than half a mile between us, while Orange Mecanix 2 sat just ahead by a similar margin. It felt like a three-boat race almost immediately, with no one able to step clear. Around us, the class was still tightly packed, boats trading small gains and losses with no one yet willing or able to make a break that stuck.

Down the Channel to Start Point Between Portland and Start Point the race settled into something familiar. Positions stabilised, and the gains and losses were slow enough to be almost imperceptible. By Start Point we had edged ahead of Darkwood by just under two miles, while remaining virtually level with Orange Mecanix 2. It was the sort of margin that could disappear in an hour, but it was enough to keep the comparison alive. Elsewhere in IRC 1, similar patterns were emerging, with groups forming and reforming as tide and pressure played their part. By now the race had settled into its real rhythm. Watches rotated, sleep came in fragments rather than blocks, and the day divided itself simply into time on deck and time off it. There was little sense of progress in the usual way — only the steady requirement to do the same things well, repeatedly, without letting small lapses accumulate. Lutine and Freya were in touch too, quicker at times, but never far enough away to feel as though they were sailing a different race. Start Point to Land’s End The offshore choice between Start Point and the Lizard was where the first real separation appeared.

Expecting the breeze to ease closer inshore, we stayed a little further offshore. It didn’t. Boats that committed earlier to the coast found more pressure and carried it with them. By Land’s End we had slipped back on the water. We were around two-thirds of a mile behind Darkwood and nearly four miles behind Orange Mecanix 2. Similar shifts were happening across the class, with some boats rewarded for early commitment and others left trying to rebuild. On corrected time, however, we reached Land’s End still inside the top ten of IRC 1, ahead of both Darkwood and Orange Mecanix 2. It was a solid position. Eating became part of that discipline. Not because anyone felt particularly hungry, but because it was easier to miss meals than to recover from doing so. Hot food was taken when it appeared, snacks when they were passed up from below, and the small rituals of eating and drinking became markers of time as much as fuel. Somewhere around this stage it became clear we were sailing an unusually benign Fastnet in one respect: the weather was largely high-pressure, and the sea and sky had a softness that is not always present in late July. For the skipper, that translated into shorts for almost the entire race. The only concession to offshore seriousness was a ninetyminute spell in lightweight oilies early on. The heavy gear never left its bag. Westbound to the Rock From Land’s End westwards the race stretched further. The breeze was uneven, the miles long, and the gaps began to open. West of Land’s End, our corrected position slipped gradually into the midteens as the race stretched. Darkwood and Orange Mecanix 2 held their places more consistently through this phase, and the arithmetic began to reflect that. At the Fastnet Rock the picture was unambiguous. When we rounded, Darkwood was about eight and a half miles ahead on distance-to-finish, with Orange Mecanix 2 just under eight miles ahead. Lutine and Freya were further on again, using their extra pace to good effect, while other IRC 1 boats had already begun to slip out of realistic contention.

Rounding the rock

We rounded the Rock in daylight, which helped, but we were further behind than we wanted to be being 14th in IRC 1 and 57th in IRC overall. Back East and the Night Run The return leg brought stronger breeze and a darker sky. By nightfall the wind was well into the twenties and the sea state had built accordingly. There was a broad, unspoken nervousness as we settled in for the run back from the Rock flying our A4, an improbably large orange spinnaker. Not alarm, and not doubt exactly, but the awareness that this was the part of the race that asked the most of everyone at once. The horizon had disappeared, the scale had changed, and there was no sense that it would ease quickly. With little visual reference, judging speed became difficult except from the increasing roar of water rushing past the boat as speeds regularly pushed into the

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mid-teens, with short bursts well beyond that when the boat lined up with the waves. A recorded peak of 21.7 knots stood out afterwards, although at the time it barely registered as we focused on keeping the boat upright. We don’t spend much time training with a large spinnaker in those conditions, particularly at night, and that showed initially. Fatigue sharpened attention but narrowed it too. Tasks became simpler, priorities fewer, and the aim shifted from finding speed to not giving any away. After midnight, one of us took the helm for a full watch, from 00:00 to 03:00. It wasn’t planned. Sleep beforehand had been light, and the dark brought with it the sense that this was a moment best handled directly. The first twenty minutes were awkward. After that, the rhythm settled, and the task reduced itself to staying present for as long as possible. The rest of the crew, meanwhile, had other priorities. One was keeping the spinnaker flying. Another was making sure the helmsman stayed pointed in broadly the right direction. A third, quietly agreed, was ensuring that prolonged exposure to darkness, strong breeze, and a

stubborn refusal to put trousers on did not result in hypothermia or hallucinations as tiredness set in. Adding to the sense of unreality was the French yacht again. We had met them earlier leaving the Needles and again near Anvil Point, each time with us on starboard and them on port. Coming back from the Rock, in near darkness, they appeared once more, close enough to turn it into an actual problem rather than a running joke. We were on starboard. They weren’t. We avoided the collision, but it felt like the sort of subplot the race was determined to keep alive. We were just glad we weren’t dealing with the consequences of a crash jybe in those conditions. Even in the dark, the sense of racing never really disappeared. Darkwood remained the closest reference, still ahead but never out of reach, while Orange Mecanix 2 continued to mirror our performance closely enough that small differences felt magnified. Whatever individual nerves existed were largely kept to ourselves. What mattered was that everyone else appeared calm enough to get on with their job, which was usually enough.

Shorts all the way?

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By this stage, nothing much had changed in that regard. The skipper was still in shorts, a detail that became faintly absurd somewhere in the Irish Sea, but which nobody felt inclined to correct. Bishop Rock and the Final Miles By the time we reached Bishop Rock, the gaps had shifted again, but not dramatically. We were still behind Darkwood by just over eleven miles, and behind Orange Mecanix 2 by a little over eight, but the race had compressed enough to keep the pressure on. Around us, the fleet was now strung out in time rather than distance, the tide becoming the dominant factor. By this point the race had become as much about self-management as tactics. Fatigue made every decision feel more expensive, and the temptation was always to react rather than wait. The discipline lay in doing neither — in eating when told to, resting when off watch, and trusting the systems already in place. Between the Scillies and Start Point our corrected position began to improve again. By the time we were a hundred miles from the finish, we were back inside the top ten of IRC 1, ahead of Orange

Mecanix 2 once more. Approaching Alderney, the wind dropped to 3 to 4 knots and we were facing the prospect of tide turning against us before we reached Cherbourg. We were still ahead of Lutine on the water, but they committed south of Alderney while we stayed north. Over the next few hours the tide did the accounting, and the advantage quietly reversed on elapsed time but not on corrected. At the moment Orange Mecanix 2 finished, Darkwood had little more than a mile to sail. We still had just over nine miles to go. Across IRC 1, boats that were still apparently close on the tracker began to lose hours rather than minutes as the famous tides around the Cherbourg Peninsula turned with Simples just scraping into Cherbourg after the tide had turned but just before it had hit its full peak. The Finish On elapsed time, Orange Mecanix 2 led the trio home, followed by Darkwood, with Simples finishing later in the tidal sequence. On corrected time, the order reversed: Darkwood ahead, Simples next, Orange Mecanix 2 behind. Crossing the line under spinnaker

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That outcome reflected the shape of the race rather than a late swing. Our corrected position in IRC 1 had been inside the top fifteen throughout, improving again on the return leg and holding steady to the finish. Stepping back from the individual comparisons, the wider result carried more weight. Finishing 11th in IRC 1 meant staying in touch with a class that was properly raced throughout, and 44th overall on IRC placed us ahead of a substantial number of boats whose programmes, budgets, and experience looked very different from our own. It wasn’t something that felt obvious during the race, but it became clear once the arithmetic was done. How many people sail a Fastnet entirely in shorts is an open question. It didn’t feel like the moment to find out. Crew and afterwards Simples was sailed by Kit Chapple, Freddie Denton, Mark Denton, Howard Edwards, Hannah Muskett, Ross Perchard, Harry Phelps, Demian Smith, Gavin Stanley, and Nick Williams. The majority of the crew were under thirty and have been involved with the Royal Southern

Yacht Club over a number of years, though that mattered less offshore than the amount of time spent sailing together. Freddie Denton came through the Club’s Splash Week programme and now works as a nipper on one of the circuit’s betterknown race boats, which showed in the quiet competence with which jobs were picked up and passed on. Across the boat, experience and newer energy sat comfortably alongside each other, and the watches reflected familiarity rather than formality. We tied up, had beers, and left again before boats that had been within an hour of us before the tide turned, made it across the finish line. Someone suggested, briefly, that we might as well go round the Rock again while we were there. It didn’t last long. Fastnet 2025 didn’t offer a single defining moment. It was shaped instead by a series of small shifts — some self-inflicted, others quietly earned — measured against familiar rivals and a fleet that never stopped asking questions. By the final miles, the race no longer felt long. It felt continuous and as a team we knew we had sailed our best Fastnet. Tired and a little mal-odorous back at the Royal Southern!

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THE UK OPTIMIST CLASS

FIRST TACKS TO INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS BY MARK GREENAWAY

he Royal Southern Yacht Club has a long association with Optimist sailing, counting more than one National Champion and recently a double National Selection trials winner. This heritage continued in 2025 led, as it happened, by an almost all female team. Darcy O’Donnell completed three international regattas in Spain before Spring and was joined by Meri Greenaway in Valencia in February. Both went on to qualify for the Gold Fleet in the 800 boat Lake Garda Meeting as part of a very successful GBR delegation. Both also went on to qualify for the national Dev 1 team in selection trials and took the burgee back to Lake Garda again in October for the Halloween Cup. Meanwhile there is a fast-developing cohort with Lumia Greenaway, Milly Barber, Evie Rogerson, Max and Ben Lucas and Frances O’Neill. Lumia made the GBR Junior (u12) team while Evie won Regatta fleet outright in both the End of Season and the Winter Championships. Max, Ben and Frances all travelled to their first international events in 2025, a really unique opportunity and great experience for young sailors. They have competed in some six countries between them but the rest of the time you will see several of these sailors training year-round from the Club.

Closer to home, Milly Barber took two podium places in the Warsash Open and Hamble Valley Regatta. The Oppie is our chosen class for beginners and many more kids have learned to sail in the river this year. Thanks to boats donated by members, we have a large fleet of boats for sailors to borrow and learn in. We’re also fortunate to have some outstanding members and former Optimist sailors returning to coach, including Ross Banham. Looking Ahead With achievement at the top, progress in the middle, and joyful discovery at the beginning, 2025 has shown the full range of Optimist sailing at the Club. Every sailor whether competing internationally or learning to bear away for the first time has had a great season. The future of the fleet is bright in 2026, with monthly training weekends in the calendar, great coaches to support and fun all year round. At time of print, we have run our first training weekend of the year and are looking forward to a special three day Half Term camp at the Club with an international coaching team. In 2026 we will also offer a pathway for those keen to sail doublehanded or take next steps with our 6 boat Feva fleet.

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Launched and ready

SPLASH WEEK 2025: A RECORD-BREAKING SUMMER! By Charlie Russell

plash Week at the Royal Southern Yacht Club returned to a sunny week in August, and what a sensational week it was! Building on the momentum of our 30th anniversary of Splash, this year’s event was a vibrant explosion of activity both on and off the water with 100 children and their associated adults on the water every day for a week! The car park was once again transformed into a bustling dinghy park, filled with a sea of fibreglass, sails, and our signature splash hoodies. The week kicked off on Sunday with the usual flurry of registration, where our young sailors were divided into their groups: from the tiny Shrimps and Minnows (4- 6 years old) to the more adventurous Ninjas, Terrapins, Sharks, Piranhas and Eagles.

Start the week briefing, SPLASHERS SHHHH!!!

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An extensive on-water programme Our on-water programme was more extensive than ever. While the younger groups enjoyed their traditional excursions to Badnam or Fairy Creek and Shipwreck Bay, our older Eager Eagles showed off their skills in the Fevas. One of the most exciting developments this year was the significant increase in Feva dinghy sailing in the Royal Southern Yacht Club. It was wonderful to see our older children progressing into these more technical boats, bridging the gap between the fun of Splash and the competitive world of the Junior Academy. We also saw the return of the annual trek to the beach beyond Manor Farm. It remains a truly incredible sight: a giant flotilla of ribs, motorboats, Fevas, and Oppies supported by a dedicated army of parents and volunteers. From capsize drills in local pools to high-energy fun off Calshot, the water was never quiet. Professionalising our pathway A major highlight of 2025 was the professionalisation of our instructional team. We were incredibly proud to bring through our first cohort of ex-Splashers as instructors – supported by the Royal Southern Trust. Having these young adults— who grew up through the program—coaching the next generation adds a unique level of mentorship and continuity.They are the perfect role models, proving that Splash

Meeting up with the Ninjas

Coaching

is not just a week of fun, but the start of a lifelong maritime journey. Social sensations and the splash ball The fun didn’t stop when the boats were tied up.The children enjoyed activities such as crabbing and fun organised by Sharky and George meaning the parents could unwind in the bar! We enjoyed a social event every single night, with the week culminating in the spectacular Splash Ball, where the Clubhouse was transformed for a night of fancy dress and celebration. From the Family Quiz night to the Southampton Shanty Sea Dogs singing on Den’s Deck, the atmosphere was friendly from start to finish.

Playing at the pool

Final day, no wind swimming

Playing games

At the end of the week, it wasn’t just the children who were exhausted. There were some tired faces all round from a full-on week both on and off the water! Looking ahead None of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of our volunteers. From the Fundraising Team providing refreshments to the parents who volunteered their boats as mother ships, your support is the heartbeat of this club. As we look forward to next year—planned again for the last week of August—we are eager to continue expanding our Youth Development. We’ll be aiming for even more time on the water, more Feva racing, and more frostbite sailing to keep the Splash spirit alive all year round! The Veterans Oppy Race

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YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Youth Academy in the classroom

YOUTH ACADEMY ROUND-UP 2025 By Caroline Barber

RS21 Sailing to Yarmouth

uilding on last year’s report, the first series of J70 training days began in January and quickly proved to be a resounding success. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by both our Youth Academy sailors and their parents delivered a genuine and confident introduction to keelboat sailing for our teenagers. As a very welcome byproduct, the programme has also fostered a close‑knit, supportive group of Royal Southern Yacht Club “buddies” spanning multiple age groups. Series 2 followed over the summer, with Series 3 running through the autumn and winter. On average, we delivered one training session per month throughout the year. In addition, two Youth Academy teams competed in both the Boysterous Cup in March and the Academy Cup in October — a fantastic achievement and a clear sign of the programme’s progress.

Attendance remained consistently strong, with between 16 and 24 sailors signing up for each session. Thanks to the generosity of several long‑standing Club Members, additional privately owned J70s were added to the fleet, allowing us to open the programme to a wider group. During Splash Week, with support from RS21s and Sailing Committee Chair Judith Tan generously lending her J105, we were able to accommodate an incredible 43 Youth Academy sailors — surely a record?! The programme did not start at full speed. One January morning stands out: around 20 bleary‑eyed, reluctant‑to‑rise teenagers slumped in the Britannia Bar. Armed with whiteboards, markers, video clips, flags, radios and every prop we could muster, it quickly became clear that attention was waning. The decision was made to cut theory to a minimum and get afloat — and from that moment on, everything began to click. Windward Leeward Racing off Solent Breezes

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The Youngsters in Action Each session is supported by four coaches, all Royal Southern Academy Members, many of whom have won Grand Slams, competed at J70 Worlds, or crossed oceans. We now benefit from a loyal and dedicated pool of coaches, and I remain enormously grateful for their time, patience and commitment. We have also been fortunate to receive support from several outstanding volunteer sailors — thank you to Rob Larke, Peter Greenhalgh, Shaun Barber and Justin Slattery. Initially, Pete Hughes, Richie Faulkner and I attempted to create boat teams by mixing personalities, abilities and experience. This approach didn’t work. Particularly through the colder winter months, we discovered that grouping sailors with their friends was key to engagement. When the mobile phones were swiftly confined to dry bags, the discipline and focus soon improved. Confidence grew, enjoyment soared, and with it came significant gains in sailing ability.

Youth Academy visits RORC

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Following Den’s deck briefings, jib rigging, paperwork checks and ensuring correct clothing was worn, fleets were launched with the help of Club RIBs, usually heading towards Bald Head or Solent Breezes. Willing parent helpers laid marks and dropped anchors before class flags were raised, horns sounded and 5‑4‑1 starts kicked off some excellent windward/leeward racing. We experienced the full spectrum of conditions — from far too much wind to not nearly enough — alongside thrilling photo finishes, pizzas and drinks at the Island Sailing Club, chocolates at prize‑givings, post‑sailing carveries, black‑tie club socials and memorable Splash Week sail to Yarmouth. At some point during the year the Youth Academy seemed to suddenly “get it”. With sailors travelling from as far afield as Hertfordshire and Kent, sessions filled quickly without the need for promotion or parental persuasion — always a sure sign of success.

Youth Academy at Tapnell Farm

Club Member boats Alison Mary, Bertram, Juno and My Girl all played vital roles in our year‑long sailing adventures and served as exceptionally well‑stocked committee vessels. None of this would have been possible without the tireless support of parents and the Sailing Office — thank you all. The Youth Academy is now beginning to supply crew for Royal Southern Yacht Club racing and, thanks to Ian Handley aboard Banter, this transition is already well underway. We continue to encourage yacht owners to come forward and help our Youth and Academy sailors take the next step. Looking ahead to 2026, we plan to further develop the programme, raise our standards and continue J70 racing, while also competing against other clubs and schools and offering experience across a wider range of fleets. We are incredibly fortunate to have such outstanding facilities on the South Coast, and our aim is clear: to deliver one of the finest youth keelboat programmes in Britain. Youth Academy Week - Racing ‘gently’ back from Yarmouth

Youth Academy Week - cooling off in the Heatwave

Youth Academy triumphant in the Boysterous Cup

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Ice Creams in Yarmouth Molly Slattery, Ella Graves and Lauren Barber

Youth Academy (with Parents!) at the Trafalgar Dinner

The Splash Ball - Hollywood on the Hamble

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Rachel Potter

ROYAL SOUTHERN YACHT CLUB

TRUST PURPOSE AND HISTORY: The Trust was set up following a bequest by Club member Sir Michael Cobham. Over the years the Trust has been extremely fortunate in receiving further donations all of which are vital to its continuing work. Recent donations from our generous benefactors include Bill Courtney, Tony Chamberlain and his widow Lindy Chamberlain. Tony’s and Lindy’s donations were specifically to benefit those wishing to sail aboard the sailing vessels belonging to the ‘Ocean Youth Trust’. All donations are welcome to enable the Trust to keep up its good work supporting recreation in general and sailing in particular. The Royal Southern Yacht Club’s charitable trust is inviting applications for grants to assist applicants in their sailing ambitions. The Grants will be awarded in February 2026 for use during the coming season. The Trust is a charity designed to support recreation in general and sailing in particular. It makes grants available within four categories: a. Young people wishing to take part in training or youth development activities including qualifying regattas. b. Disadvantaged people, for example, those who are disabled or not earning. c. T aking part in Tall Ships or other offshore voyages, and especially aboard the Ocean Youth Trust South’s yacht ‘Prolific’. d. Participation in Class or RYArecognised championships. If you know of anyone who might benefit by a grant and who qualifies under any of the four criteria above, do please

BY BRIAN MEAD, CHAIRMAN OF THE TRUST

encourage them to follow the Trust’s ‘THE ROYAL SOUTHERN YACHT CLUB TRUST’ link from the Club’s website, www.royalsouthern.co.uk or the Trust’s website www.rsrnyctrust.org where all the details and an application form are available. Applications are welcome from all, whether a Club Member or not and are received in February for the 2026 sailing season. Another tranche of applications will be made in November 2026 and those who are successful will receive a grant to further their sailing during the 2027 seasonThe grants are awarded on a twiceyearly basis, in November and Spring for use during the coming sailing seasons. Evie Rogerson

DONATIONS TO THE TRUST.

We would also welcome more club members as ‘Friends of the Trust’ making regular or “one off” donations. A yearly sum of even £25 or more will help support the Trust’s objective. All amounts subscribed or donated by ‘Friends’ go into the grant pool and qualify for Gift Aid, where applicable. Such funds will enable the Trust to expand its activities for the benefit of all. ‘Friends’ are also encouraged to bring good cases for grant applications to the attention of the ‘Trust’. Details of how to become a ‘Friend of the Trust’ are also set out in the Trust’s website www.rsrnycturst.org

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BRAMBLES BANK CRICKET MATCH By Alec Russell

s the Solent performs one of its most magical transformations, the Royal Southern Yacht Club joins its long-standing rivals, the Island Sailing Club, for one of the most whimsical events in the British sporting calendar: the Brambles Bank Cricket Match. The 2025 edition proved once again that even the briefest patch of ankle-deep water in the middle of the Solent can hold decades of cherished tradition and good-natured rivalry. At precisely the moment when tides align, the shallow sandbank known as Brambles Bank, normally hidden beneath the Solent’s shifting waters, graciously reveals itself for less than an hour. During that fleeting window, yachts and tenders from both clubs converge, forming a temporary cricket ground in the middle of the sea.

Photography by Peter Macdiarmid, Andrew Matthews, Chris Russell, Vagner Vidal

This year however with an impending storm and the sailor’s fury of low pressure the tide barely produced any sand. There was a consultation between the two captains, along with the umpire, Charlie Madge, and it was decided to “give it a go”. This decision was possibly influenced by the cameras of the BBC One Show, and also that we’d got up at 0500 and made it all the way out there in the cold – so we might as well!

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The stage was set for the annual “battle” between Hamble and Cowes. Representing the Royal Southern Yacht Club, this year’s XI arrived impeccably turned out, thanks to the generous sponsorship from Gleeds. The XI this year included Rachael Potter, fresh from the 49erFX Nationals, but who happened to have played first class cricket. This was to counter the oppositions selection of Ebony RainsfordBrent, currently of BBC’s Test Match Special, who had international experience.

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The soft undulating sands are often a challenge to run and play cricket upon when the tide is fully out – this year almost impossible when it was Solent remained ankle deep. Sixes often landed in seawater, and fielders required more agility than a foredeck. Yet amid the laughter and splashes, the match unfolded in classic fashion: gentle sledging, and the ever-present race against the incoming tide. Scoring, as tradition dictates, remained politely flexible.

With fielders and a scoreboard smudged by seawater, the Royal Southern Yacht Club side produced a stirring display, bolstered by sharp batting, some inventive bowling, and several heroic dives to rescue both ball and dignity. The Island Sailing Club mounted a spirited chase but, as the tide crept in further, and the wind and rain arrived, the umpire called time on proceedings. The Island Sailing Club emerged victorious for 2025, and Royal Southern Yacht Club harbouring hopes of revenge in 2026.

The exit from The Bank is perhaps better left to a bar with a tipple of choice, but as the wind and rain arrived we safely removed ourselves back to the warmth of the Island Sailing Club for a well-deserved breakfast and more importantly to dry out. Thanks once again to our brilliant sponsors in Gleeds, our first XI coach and head of selector, Shira Robinson.

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VICTORY IN EUROPE DAY 1945 8 MAY 2025

80 Years

VE DAY CELEBRATION

he 8th May 2025 marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) when, in 1945, a national holiday was declared following Germany’s surrender the day before. Millions of people rejoiced in the news of the end to nearly six years of a war that had cost the lives of millions, had destroyed homes, families, and cities, and had brought huge suffering and privations to the populations of entire countries. But it was not the end of the conflict due to the war against Japan not ending until August 1945. VE Day remains a key day of remembrance for the courage and sacrifices made during

By Richard Konarek

the Second World War. As the numbers of WW2 veterans who remain grow fewer every year, their deeds remain as inspiring as ever and their stories and experiences must be kept alive. The Royal Southern Yacht Club honoured the wartime generation, just as we did on 6th June 2024 for D-Day 80. A splendid dinner was followed by a remembrance service led by our Club Chaplain, the Reverand Hayley Richens, the lighting of our WW2 beacon by The Worshipful the Mayor of Eastleigh and then rounded off by a spirited WW2 singalong led by the Hamble River singers.

“The baton must pass from the veterans to the younger generations”. (Anon) / 63

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PRINCE PHILIP YACHT HAVEN 10TH ANNIVERSARY By Richard Konarek

he weekend of the 21st and 22nd June 2025 saw the Royal Southern Yacht Club at its superlative best combining scintillating sailing, excellent entertainment and fabulous food. And the sun shone throughout! It was in June 2015 that HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visited the Club for the Commissioning ceremony of the newly completed Prince Philip Yacht Haven. Having graciously lent his name three years previously to the project to transform the Club’s waterfront, he unveiled a commemorative plaque and took lunch with Members. The 10th anniversary was celebrated in Glyndebourne-inspired style with members picnicking on their boats during the afternoon while being entertained by the soprano, Poppy Neame, all against a spectacular backdrop of boats being dressed overall. The second of our Summer ’25 Series was also taking place as well as hosting the Key Yachting Mid-Summer Regatta incorporating J-Cup, and the

Sonata Southern Championship. When the competitors returned the evening atmosphere was electric, filled with vibrant energy and camaraderie. Everyone was entertained by a live band, also enjoying guest beers, street food and a brilliant BBQ. It was a showcase weekend!

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Presentation of giant cheque to Mountbatten Hampshire

A REMARKABLE YEAR FOR THE FUNDRAISING TEAM — £23,000 RAISED Twenty-three — a course set perfectly! By Angela Godfrey What a year we’ve had. As we start 2026, the Fundraising Team (FT), ably supported by our wonderful Helping Hands Team (HHT), can look back with real pride on an exceptional year. Together, and with the generous support of our members, friends, and Club staff, we have created memorable occasions, strengthened our Club community, and raised an outstanding £23,325, the highest fundraising total in the Club’s history. What made this year particularly special was not only the amount raised, but the variety, creativity, and sheer enjoyment

The lively café team at the Christmas Fayre

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of the events themselves. Throughout the year, our calendar complemented the Club’s busy social programme with opportunities to gather, learn, laugh, and support causes close to our hearts. Alongside our 2025 chosen charities, Mountbatten Hampshire and Wetwheels Hamble, we also supported Macmillan Cancer, Dementia UK, and the military charity Care After Combat, while setting aside funds for Club enhancements. It was a year that demonstrated just how much can be achieved when people work together — and have fun doing so.

Quiz Night – Team Universally Challenged Corks and curds grazing boards

Highlights from 2025 • Quiz & Curry Night (January): A first for the FT — and a sell-out success. With Frank Dixie generously donating his time as quizmaster, over 115 guests enjoyed lively competition, warming curries, and plenty of laughter at Fred’s repartee. Prizes were awarded for first and second place — and for the most imaginative team name. • Corks & Curds with a Twist (February): Building on last year’s success, we included a guided wine tasting provided by Portal Dingwall and Norris Wines. Four carefully selected French wines were paired with generous grazing boards of artisan cheeses and charcuterie, enjoyed by more than 80 guests in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. Corks and curds selection of pairing wines

• Bridge Drives (March and November): Two popular Bridge Drives welcomed players from across the community, including guests from the RAF, Chilworth, and Botley Bridge Clubs. The Autumn Bridge Drive proved a full house with 15 tables (60 players), including eight guest tables. • P layers enjoyed friendly yet competitive afternoons complemented by our famous Afternoon Tea and a well-supported raffle. Prizes were awarded for both highest and lowest scores, as well as for the first Grand Slam bid successfully made. • Charity Cheque Presentations (January and March): The team was delighted to present a giant cheque of £3,500 to Mike Barringer, Founder of Sophie’s Appeal for children living with cancer — a local cause close to many members’ hearts. • Past and present Chairs of the FT were proud to present a giant cheque of £7,500 to Mountbatten Hampshire, one of our chosen charities for 2024. Warmly welcomed by Helen O’Brien, Head of Fundraising, we had a chance to explore the lovely facilities at the Hospice including the art room/café and beautiful gardens.

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Sold-out Women in Sailing Event.

Photos © Ian Norman

Hannah Diamond - one of the Women in Sailing panel members.

• C elebrating Women in Sailing (March): Marking International Women’s Day, this sold-out evening featured an exceptional group of women sailors whose achievements span some of the world’s most demanding races, including the Vendée Globe, Jules Verne/Royal Sun Alliance records, the Volvo Ocean Race, America’s Cup, SailGP and the Whitbread Round the World Race. • Chaired by Annie O’Sullivan, the lively panel featured Miranda Merron, Lucy Davis, Hannah Diamond and Emma Westmacott, and their stories of perseverance, adventure and success captivated the audience. • We were also delighted to welcome Tracy Edwards MBE and the Maiden Factor team, with Tracy sharing reflections on her own remarkable journey. With over 150 guests, including members of the Junior Academy, the evening combined inspiration, warmth and humour — one of the year’s most popular social events and indeed one covered by Yachts and Yachting!

Celebrating Women in Sailing March 2025 guest panel with Commodore Matthew Richardson and Debera Clark FT Co-Chair.

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• Coffee Mornings with a Difference (March and September). Two much-loved annual events, each welcomed some 80 Club members and guests from the local community. Our Coffee Morning in March, in aid of Dementia UK was a great success as guests gathered to enjoy a vibrant morning, highlighted by a brand-new fashion show from designer Sharon Lisle, alongside pop-up stands by Mary Fry Chocolates from Hamble and Annie Bellan Cards, which all helped push this year’s fundraising total to new heights. At our Macmillan Cancer Coffee Morning in September, members and friends were delighted to welcome our special guest speaker, Mrs. Emma Wyman (née Russell) — who grew up at the Royal Southern and is now a dedicated Macmillan Cancer Nurse. Emma gave an inspiring illustrated talk on a day in the life of a Macmillan Nurse. Pop-ups from Mary Fry Chocolates and Sea Sky Designs Hamble added a touch of local flair to the event. Together, these very popular mornings raised an exceptional £3,265 including Gift Aid.

• Spring Lunch — Shakespeare’s South Coast Connections (April) • A fascinating and entertaining lunch featuring Kevin Fraser, Artistic Director of the Titchfield Festival Theatre, who revealed the Bard’s surprising local links. A delightful spring day and a delicious lunch combined learning with laughter. • Charity Cream Tea (May) • New this year was a quintessentially elegant afternoon tea by the river, with homemade cakes, scones, sandwiches, a glass of fizz — and a lovely afternoon of music from the Watercress String Quartet (including our own Angie Janssen). Custom-made table cloths and beautiful cake and sandwich displays added to the cheerful atmosphere while Wetwheels Hamble joined us to share their inspiring work. • Sundowners with a Twist (June) • A relaxed and sociable summer evening enjoyed over gin cocktails and delicious canapes; guests were treated to a wonderful new art exhibition featuring paintings, drawings and artworks created by our own talented Club members. Many guests stayed on for the themed Thursday supper, rounding off a truly memorable evening.

Charity Cream Tea May

Sundowners/Art Exhibition

Macmillan Coffee Morning guest speaker Mrs Emma Wyman

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WetWheels Hamble supporting our Charity Cream Tea

Maggie Widdup and children,judging the Christmas card competition • Splash Week Support (August) • During Splash Week, after long days on the water helping our youngest members learn to sail and swim, parents were welcomed with tea, coffee, and homemade cakes — a small gesture that was much appreciated during a busy and energetic week. • Autumn Charity Lunch (September) • A sell-out event featured Club member Jim Davidson OBE, who spoke candidly and movingly, sharing stories from his extraordinary career, and his experiences entertaining military personnel in conflict zones around the world. Alongside a delicious lunch enjoyed by an equal mix of ladies and gentlemen, we were pleased to raise £1200 for Care after Combat, the veterans’ charity founded by Jim.

Club Member Jim Davidson OBE supporting FT causes plus Care After Combat

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• Club Christmas Card Design Competition (October) • Members and Splashers submitted festive designs for the 2025 Club Christmas card, with an excellent response: 13 adult and 6 junior entries. The winning designs by Tony Smith, and runner-up Helen Berry were chosen by members, alongside popular Splashers designs by Orla Hillman and Florence Russell. 500 cards were printed and all sold out!

Geoff Holt MBE Founder of WetWheels - spring the Wheel of Fortune at Christmas Fayre • Annual Christmas Fayre (November) • Welcoming around 440 visitors, the Fayre featured 21 gift stalls, a bustling café, charity stands, and our largest ever Wheel of Fortune with a record 180 prizes donated by local businesses, Club members and stallholders. Mild weather allowed guests to enjoy the terrace furniture generously contributed by the FT. We were honoured to welcome Geoff Holt MBE, founder of Wetwheels, to draw the winning tickets of the Wheel of Fortune. Over £6,000 was raised as we shared club life with the community, families, the village and the members. • Festive Finale (December) • December saw the Club transformed into a gorgeous Christmas wonderland, designed and decorated by a fantastic team. Our Christmas Hampers Raffle featuring two very generous hampers of traditional Christmas goodies, Italian delicacies, plus a surprise mini hamper - raised just under £3,000, with prizes drawn at a joyful family evening of Christmas Carols, mince pies, and mulled wine: a perfect way to close the year. With Thanks — and Looking Ahead As we reflect on 2025, our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who contributed — whether by planning and running events, donating prizes, buying tickets, making cakes, sandwiches and canapes, or offering encouragement. Special thanks also go to Club staff for their patience and support.

By working together, we have had a great deal of fun, whilst raising vital funds for Mountbatten Hampshire, Wetwheels Hamble, Macmillan Cancer Support, Dementia UK, Care After Combat, and the Club itself. We look forward to building on this success in 2026, with exciting new events already on the horizon. The Fundraising Team. The Fundraising Team is entirely volunteer-run and warmly welcomes anyone who would like to get involved — whether as part of the Core Team, or our invaluable Helping Hands. To learn more about what we do, be sure to read our quarterly Focus On Fundraising Newsletters! Please contact us if you’d like to join in. Lisa Bradbury-Knight Debera Clark Angela Godfrey Co-Chairs

The Fundraising Team Christmas supper

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CLUB ENHANCEMENTS

Funded by the Fundraising Team By Angela Godfrey

longside supporting our chosen charities, the Fundraising Team (FT) has always taken pleasure in giving something back to the Club itself. From the early days of the Ladies Committee, this has been an important part of what we do. Since 2016, the FT has raised and allocated £37,717, which includes £6,000 from 2025, towards Club enhancements that add comfort, enjoyment, and shared experiences for members and guests. Each year, the FT meets with Club Management and the Executive Board to agree priorities and put together a wish list that reflects how members use and enjoy the Club’s spaces. Highlights from Recent Years In 2024 £6,000 was raised for Club enhancements and early in 2025 the FT was delighted to invest this in two major additions: an impressive Samsung 83”

television and a new sound system in the Britannia Bar. Both have already transformed the way members come together to enjoy major sporting events and Club occasions. Our outdoor areas have also benefitted, with new furniture added to the Britannia Bar balcony and the River Room terrace. Five new tables and four complete table sets now offer even more inviting places to sit, chat, and enjoy our gorgeous river views. Looking ahead to 2026, we are already considering how best to use the £6,000 raised in 2025 to support further improvements around the Club. While charity fundraising remains at the heart of the Fundraising Team’s work, these Club enhancements reflect our longstanding commitment to the life of the Club itself. By working together, we are proud to support both our chosen causes and the shared spaces that bring members together throughout the year.

Previous years have seen many valued improvements, including:

• 2023 (£3,730): B ritannia Bar table lights, window-seat cushion covers, and rattan chairs • 2022 (£1,920): Upper Balcony rattan chairs • 2021 (£2,329): River Terrace umbrellas • 2019 (£2,371): Dining room curtains and new bridge tables • 2018 (£6,135): Benches and tables for the upper deck, red dining chairs, and contributions towards blue event chairs and a cushion box.

CHRISTMAS SPARKLE AT THE ROYAL SOUTHERN By Angela Godfrey The Club was beautifully transformed this Christmas with a dazzling display that brought warmth, sparkle, and festive magic throughout. This year’s décor combined a Winter Wonderland with a touch of Masquerade glamour, creating a welcoming atmosphere from the moment members and guests arrived. On entering the Club, guests were greeted by a stunning white-decorated tree with Rudolf standing guard, while new sparkling lights guided the way up the stairs and through the Britannia Bar. A real showstopper was the 12ft peacock-themed tree at the top of the stairs. Four large trees adorned the Club — the elegant white tree, the dramatic peacock tree, a classic gold and red tree in the Britannia Bar, and a striking purple and gold tree in reception, complementing the Club’s Christmas Masquerade Ball. The entrance to the dining room was also framed with theatrical masks, adding an extra touch of elegance. A huge thank you to the creative team Wendy Bayles, Jane Kirkham, Angie Janssen and Debera Clark for once again bringing Christmas sparkle to the Club, and to the helpers behind the scenes who make both the set-up — and tidy-up — possible.

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CRUISING 2025 LADIES AFLOAT May-September

By Pat North Ladies afloat was started in 2004. Some may ask why we have retained our original name, but we have not changed our original purpose. The aim of the day is the same as when we started, to have fun and great company out on the water, and now the majority of boats taking part are owned and skippered by women. We sail once a month from May to September and have lunches ashore at the club October to April.

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This is a relaxed day on the water and is great for experienced and new sailors. We sail in company with 3-5 boats, usually to the Isle of Wight. The skippers provide the boats, and the guests provide a sociable lunch provided by. We return to the club in time for Happy Hour. The weather was kind to us this year and we only cancelled one day due to unpleasant weather.

Here is a comment from the May event. “Take 5 boats, 5 skippers, 18 guests and sunshine. An unforgettable day on the water in great company. Yes, we had very little wind on the way to Cowes, but the lunch was superb and we had a cracking sail home.”

Easter Rally 18th-21st April

By Mike Lithgow The season’s first rally attracted 15 boats, with 36 people attending supper at Royal Lymington yacht club (RLymYC) and 44 enjoying Easter Lunch at Gins Farm, Royal Southampton Yacht Club (RSYC). Friday brought breezy SE winds (22–25 kts) but made for a pleasant sail after leaving Southampton Water. Despite some rain and cold, Lymington staff helped organise boats efficiently. The Safari Supper involved guests and hosts moving around the boats some providing main courses, the other desserts. This was followed up with a windy late morning walk to the Chequers pub for lunch. The RLymYC hosted an excellent supper on Saturday evening. Sunday’s easterly winds continued as Lymington Harbour assisted departures. After two tacks up the Solent, members arrived at Beaulieu for a well-managed carvery Easter lunch at RSYC, joined by others from Hamble. Those remaining on Sunday evening joined together for a few nibbles held on the deck of Gins Farm.

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Solent Cruiser Race May 3rd-5th By Pat North

The Cruiser race rules do need some explanation. Yachts are permitted to use their engine for a percentage of the elapsed time. This can be varied by the Race Officer but is typically 50%. This sets the skipper the additional tactical challenge of managing engine use when most needed, such as legs against the tide. It has the benefit that boats finish in time for the social events. Five boats joined the rally with three taking part in the racing. Ayaya was the worthy winner. We had an evening meal at The Island Sailing Club and another great Sunday lunch at Gins Farm

Cherbourg Rally 22nd-26th May

By Mike Lithgow After weeks of pleasant spring weather, conditions worsened for our Bank Holiday return. The original plan was to cross the Channel early on Friday to enjoy Cherbourg’s market on Saturday. Most boats to Yarmouth and Lymington Thursday night, except Purrfect Tale, which departed Mercury Marina early Friday to join the fleet. The Channel crossing was smooth, apart from navigating shipping lanes. Purrfect Tale’s crew practised sextant navigation, achieving reasonable accuracy for beginners. In Cherbourg, thanks to Sally, Nigel, and Magali, we moored at Port Chantereyne. All arrived within an hour, except Sea Crusader, who crossed overnight. After a long day, everyone gathered at the marina bar. Saturday featured market exploration

and a wine tasting at Cave Normandie, resulting in several cases delivered to our pontoon. That evening, we joined Royal Airforce Yacht Club (RAFYC)for drinks and dinner at L’Equipage, a great way to build the friendships across our two clubs. Sunday included a trip to Cherbourg Fort and dinner at Au St Michael, with excellent steaks prepared over an open fire. Monday’s return was challenging, with winds up to 30+kts through the Solent. Most boats had two reefs in by the time we approached the IoW. All bar one boat took the sensible option of either going via Bembridge or the North Channel once the tide had turned. Purrfect Tale decided to risk the Needles Channel early, a bad decision as they were put through a veritable washing machine and spin cycle at the same time. The home-made pea and ham soup decorated the floor of the boat by the time Yarmouth was made. By evening, all boats had returned safely. The rally offered great company and potential for future joint events with RAF YC. Despite demanding sailing home, participants felt accomplished and confident in their vessels.

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ICOYC visitors at the Royal Yacht Squadron

The International Council of Yacht Clubs (ICOYC) Rally 30th May - 5th June By Mike Lithgow

The International Council of Yacht Clubs connects top yacht clubs globally. The Council exists to promote collaboration among these clubs so each can be empowered to improve their home organisation while positively contributing to yachting worldwide. promoting collaboration and improvement among members and staff. The Forum took place at the Royal Thames, followed by cruising in the Solent with hosted by The Royal Southern, The Royal Thames, and The Royal Lymington Yacht Clubs. Royal Southern members have joined ICOYC cruises worldwide, including the Baltic and New Zealand. ICOYC Participation • Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron including Commodore • Seattle Yacht Club • Annapolis Yacht Club • Royal Lymington Yacht Club • Royal Thames Yacht Club • Royal Southern Yacht Club After an excellent BBQ at the Royal Southern Yacht Club, the rally departed on Saturday morning for Bucklers Hard. With a SW and the need to calculate tides to enter Beaulieu River it was a swift introduction for visitors from outside the Solent into sailing in this unique area. An escort was provided over the bar for those that needed it and by 1530 we were moored securely on the visitors pontoon at Bucklers Hard. The

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staff from the marina were out in force to lend a hand to get us in the right place in the right order! That evening Sir Keith Mills hosted a Hog Roast at his Beaulieu River residence. Sunday morning started with a tour of Beaulieu House by Lady Montague kindly organised by the Royal Thames Yacht Club. The sail to Royal Lymington was a little challenging with wind over tide

ICOYC visitors at Portsmouth in a 19-24kts breeze. Dinner was at Royal Lymington Yacht Club. Monday’s strong SW winds made for a pleasant downwind sail to Cowes, allowing time for a Royal Yacht Squadron tour and high tea, followed by dinner at Royal London, with seat changes promoting mingling. Tuesday included exploring Cowes before sailing to Portsmouth and Gunwharf Quays. Despite lively weather and berthing challenges, everyone docked safely and dined at a local Italian restaurant. Wednesday featured visits to the Historic Dockyard attractions and dinner in Old Portsmouth. Thursday remained blustery as some took advantage for active sailing. RSrnYC hosted supper with 64 guests from various clubs that evening.

Friday morning, the ICOYC Rally concluded with breakfast before participants departed for home or further travel.

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Bembridge 11th-13th June By Pat North

The forecast was for easterly winds for the leg to Bembridge and south westerlies for the return; the forecast was half correct. The motor sail to Bembridge was against the wind and for most, against a building spring tide. This adverse combination was too great for one boat, who missed the tide to get into Bembridge marina. They missed the pontoon party on Wednesday but made it in time to get to the local pub for supper. Thursday morning was wet, but the rain cleared in time for most to walk to Seaview or to Bembridge. We were able to shift the barbecue to Thursday evening to enjoy a fine meal looking over the harbour as the sun set.

Newtown Creek 9th-11th July

By Maggie Widdop We were fortunate with the weather for our rally to Newtown, enjoying gentle winds and sunshine. The sail from Hamble was smooth, Newtown was busy so some anchored at the entrance to Clamerkins whilst other club members doubled up on buoys. The BBQ began at 1800, with more Cobbs than disposables, and soon the smell of food filled the air. It was great to welcome new participants. The evening was calm, marked by a full moon.

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On Thursday, some left for Hamble or Keyhaven whilst the remainder enjoyed a walk in the hot sun to Shalfleet, where we had food and drinks at the New Inn. Another lovely sunset and peaceful night followed. Friday saw some depart early with the spring flood, while others waited for the breeze. Anchoring meant dealing with muddy chains, but the return sail to Hamble past the Dinard bound race fleet was excellent. In total, 12 boats joined this successful rally.

Yarmouth and Poole Rally 20th22nd August By Pat North

Our cruising members enjoyed a great mixture of sailing, culture and company. The sailing was a short spin to Yarmouth, a cracking passage through Hurst and across Christchurch Bay to Poole. For most of us it was a very early departure from Poole to beat the tide at The Needles. We were treated to an early Autumn sunrise, but it was a motor sail home in a light Easterly wind. We motor sailors were put to shame by Martin in his stylish Cornish Crabber, Amity of Beaulieu, who sailed across Christchurch Bay.

The culture was provided by the theatre company “Three Inch Fools” and their performance of Midsummer Night’s Dream. They are a group of just four energetic actors who take on all the parts in a fast moving romp. The location was outdoors on Brownsea Island with the audience taking a picnic and their own chairs. On our return to Poole Quay we were treated to a fabulous firework display over the harbour. Wednesday evening kicked off with the usual pontoon party and this was followed by the meal ashore at the Royal Solent Yacht club. This provided the opportunity for 24 members to enjoy good food in excellent company.

Amity of Beaulieu Autumn sunrise Fireworks over Poole Harbour

THE ROYAL SOUTHERN YACHT CLUB ANNUAL FLOTILLA CRUISE Croatia 20th-27th September - The Return of the Annual Flotilla Cruise

By Neil Whitewick 2025 marked the return of the Royal Southern Yacht Club Annual Flotilla Cruise, with the chosen destination being Croatia. The cruise took place from 20th to 27th September 2025, The initial concept for this adventure began to take shape in December 2024, when the promotional effort was launched. Over the following nine months, enthusiasm grew, leading to eleven club members committing to the trip and the chartering of three yachts for the journey. Preparations and Group Meeting All eleven participants met as a group for the first time on Friday, 22 August 2025 to discuss plans for the week.. This meeting coincided with the start of the Yacht Fest weekend and provided an excellent opportunity for everyone to become acquainted and to agree on the approach and group dynamics for the cruise. The Journey Begins As departure approached, members made their way to Split, Croatia, choosing to travel on different dates. Some opted to extend their adventure by spending a few days exploring Split and Trogir before officially taking over their yachts on 20th September 2025. Throughout the trip, yacht crews remained connected via a WhatsApp group, which enabled coordination and facilitated impromptu meet-ups for social gatherings and traditional group photographs.

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Destinations and Sailing Experience During the cruise, all three yachts visited a range of picturesque locations including Kastela (Split), Vis, Palmizana, Maslinica, Solta, Trogir, and Milna, before eventually returning to Split. The weather throughout the week was generally excellent, featuring a mix of wind strengths to challenge and delight the sailors. A notable highlight was a vibrant thunderstorm midway through the trip, which provided a dramatic and colourful electrical display as participants waited safely for it to pass. Croatia proved to be an outstanding sailing destination, offering opportunities to explore beautiful islands, marinas, and anchorages amidst glorious weather. Despite the main summer season having concluded, the week remained lively, with many charter companies operating during their penultimate week before the autumn and winter closures. 2026 and Beyond A fantastic first return for the annual flotilla cruise and we now begin the planning for the second venture which will be the British Virgin Islands in March 2026.

Folly Rally 11th-12th October

By Bryan Hughes As the last major Rally of the season, the Folly Rally is always much anticipated. It is the last of our summer rallies. Nineteen boats bearing 36 souls arrived, the majority of whom moored up on the usual mid-river pontoon. Those with dogs who wished to be, were accommodated on the walk-ashore by the ever-helpful Berthing Master Dave. Despite already having another large Rally booked there, all were happy. Our 18.00 pontoon party started early, and went on with similar enthusiasm until it was time to board the river taxi, which made several trips to the landing for us. Once at The Inn, 33 of us were comfortably seated at two large tables in our own alcove. Their method of order-taking on the spot (by boat name) proved a winner, and somehow, the very efficient staff

Cruising log/blog competition

managed to get us all tucking in at pretty much the same time. The food was good too. Bravo! Having eaten our fill, we took the laterunning taxi back to our mooring, in some cases for a postprandial beverage on a friend’s boat. The following morning, the cobwebs were cleared by our traditional boat race. For once, we had the correct amount of wind, the bad news being that it was blowing ACROSS the river. This prompted ever-helpful Dave to volunteer his taxi as the start line & launch boat from halfway across, which proved highly successful and very fair. Of the 6 starters, the happy winner of a large bag of chocolates was none other than our Cr Committee Chair, Pat. Sadly, having supplied them, I am unable to vouch for their quality, as I didn’t get one! Ah well, there’s always next year. (Already booked!).

The Read Challenge Trophy is awarded annually to the best Log or Blog of an event or cruise undertaken by a member. There are no stipulations on the format of the Log/ Blog. For example, the entry may take the form of an extract or copy of the actual yacht’s log/blog, pilotage notes, or be a magazine type article, or annotated photo book. Last year there was a log submitted from a member who did a cruise in Scotland in her motorboat so it was decided to award another trophy for a member doing a cruise in a motorboat – The Broken Screw Trophy. Last year’s winners were Mike Lithgow for his cruise mostly single handed to Brittany and Steph Merry for a cruise in Scotland. In 2026 the trophies will be awarded at the Spring Cruiser Supper on Friday 1 May.

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Monaco Yacht Club presentation of the annual energy boat naval innovation challenge based on sustainability and energy transition.

ICOYC CONFERENCE 2025 By Lisa Rochford From ice buckets to acid-free boxes: what the world’s best yacht clubs are quietly doing better

he chandeliers at the Royal Thames Yacht Club have seen plenty: medals pinned, martinis poured, arguments settled with a handshake and a tide chart. But for five days in late May, the talk under those ceilings was not about who won what, or who owned which boat. It was about the hard question that now sits behind every successful club: how do you keep an institution modern, solvent and relevant without losing its soul? Amongst the small and large delegations from around the world there was a good turnout from the Royal Southern Yacht Club comprising the Commodore Matthew Richardson and his wife Kerry, Karen Henderson-Williams and Mark Ingster (past Commodores) and myself. We had delightful social attendances by current Rear Commodore Sailing Mark Greenaway and David Mead (Past Commodore). This was my first ICOYC conference and I was

amazed by the friendships which all our other delegates had formed over the years and in the comradeship of the group. This, in essence, was the International Council of Yacht Clubs (ICOYC) in action. It is an association of leading clubs designed not for pomp but for collaboration; members, leaders and professional staff comparing notes so that each club can return home sharper, more resilient, and more useful to the sport. The week at the Royal Thames (26–31 May 2025) offered a kind of operational truth serum. Strip away the burgee swapping and you are left with a simple theme: the clubs thriving are the ones treating the club like a living enterprise, and treating the members like stakeholders, not customers. The topics, ideas and views which I set out below are not the Royal Southern Yacht Club’s views but they represent some of the relevant issues, diverse views and the way in which a number of clubs are tackling the issues.

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Conference participants at the Royal Thames Yacht Club.

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Sustainability: make it tangible, make it visible Sustainability (which has become increasingly important at the Royal Southern Yacht Club in recent years) can become a slogan, easy to applaud and easier to ignore. The more interesting discussion was how to turn it into participation. The best ideas were almost disarmingly practical. One club has focused on the small daily rituals that add up: saving water in ice buckets. Another runs children’s competitions, not as token gestures, but as a way of embedding habits through family life (a “Splash” style challenge: show us your idea, show us the impact). There was talk of guest chefs, not for theatre, but to demonstrate how “sustainable” can also mean “better”: local supply, less waste, smarter portioning. And then came the honesty that every club will recognise: “Our recycling isn’t great, what can we do?” The answer for some clubs was the operational drill: publish a sustainability page on the website, make announcements, and most importantly show results. Members respond when they can see the beforeand-after. If you want behaviour change, demonstrate progress. Even the infrastructure questions had a similar flavour. When replacement cycles come round, do you choose composite docks rather than wood? Do you add electric vehicle hook-ups? Sustainability, the room agreed, is best treated as a series

of decisions that quietly shift a club’s default settings. Preserving history: “start now, before the stories disappear” If sustainability is about the future, history is about the fragility of the past. And one of the most arresting lines of the week was delivered without sentimentality: get the history before members die. Archive management sounds like a back-room hobby until you consider what is actually at stake: the club’s memory, its legitimacy, and practically, its assets. Trophies, paintings, logbooks, magazines, photographs: these are the raw materials of identity. They also require stewardship. Clubs shared what they spend. The range was striking: £15,000 a year at the Thames, £100,000 over three years at Hong Kong, £3,000 at the Royal Cork. The numbers mattered less than the structure. The successful approaches had a driver (a named lead), a history working group, and clear ownership, often via trophies and paintings committees. They set a policy: preservation, accessibility, goals. They choose tools, sometimes nothing more glamorous than Excel, sometimes dedicated archive software and storage. They invest in basics: acid-free boxes, controlled conditions, a plan for photo storage that doesn’t rely on someone’s personal hard drive. And crucially they mobilise the membership. “Assess member contributions” meant creating avenues for people to

help: lending materials, recording oral histories, curating a category at a time, contributing to “Heritage News” online. There was a simple idea: create a display with explanation cards. Put the artefacts where members can see them; let the story do the persuading. One practical recommendation came through clearly: first, find out what has already been done (including work by people such as Pat Aspinall); then build forward rather than starting again. Governance and benchmarking: facts over folklore Plenty of clubs have a strong sense of what they are. Fewer have a strong handle on what they are becoming. The more rigorous discussions were about benchmarking: elevating fact over fiction. The recommended discipline was almost corporate in its clarity: build a 10-year vision, translate it into a 5-year plan, then commit to 1-year objectives. Make it data-driven and positive. One speaker described a “theory of three”: understand change management, look at marketing, make the change, and tell the members. Some clubs favoured a specific complaints policy, complaints go to the

GM and are dealt with within 48 hours; they do not touch the board. They believe it is about protecting governance from becoming a customer-service desk. The board looks outward; management runs the day-to-day. That fed into an uncomfortable question many clubs share: why can’t we keep or find a good GM? Is it structure? Is it micromanagement? Do boards know what they are measuring? Do they know what “good” looks like? Food, fees and the tyranny of rotating committees Food and beverage is where strategy becomes tangible. The recurring advice was to vary the menu a lot, quality, price, service, so members have reasons to eat at the club more often. A club that only offers one type of “club meal” trains members to dine elsewhere. But F&B also exposes a classic governance weakness: constant churn of board members who do not internalise that the goal is to deliver an excellent service. Committees can become substitute jobs for the under-occupied. The most effective clubs, it was noted, recruit busy people precisely because they want decisions, not distractions.

Commodore’s Cup, Queen Mary Reservoir, with our Commodore in the foreground

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Gala dinner Underneath the menu discussion sat the more serious subject: capital. Capital planning: depreciation is not a suggestion Many clubs are proud of avoiding capital levies. Some clubs made a persuasive argument that this “virtue” can become a deferred maintenance trap. That led to a practical checklist: do we have a fixed asset register? Have we listed all assets worth more than £2,500? Do we understand what needs replacing, and when? And then the strategic twist: don’t simply replace tired assets like-for-like. Replace them with aspirational, futureproof things, the kind of improvements that make members proud to belong, and prospective members keen to join. Joining fees featured heavily. The suggestion was not merely to raise them, but to link them credibly to maintenance and development, so that members understand the bargain: you are buying into an institution, and institutions need reinvestment. Hong Kong’s experience was instructive: the fundraising only worked because the marketing was excellent, feedback was gathered, and the process was transparent. Members were treated as stakeholders. That shift in posture matters. The GM’s perspective: staff are not a line item If there was one segment that landed

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with particular force, it was the view from the general manager’s chair. Staff and labour typically make up around 40% of the cost base of running a club. But the point was not that staff cost money. It was that staff are one of the most important parts of the club. Retention, especially among younger seasonal team members, is harder than it used to be. The solutions discussed were not gimmicks; they were signals of respect. Pay that is appealing. Welcome photos of new staff so members know the staff. Stay-to-the-end bonuses over summer. A staff fund, service awards (five years, ten years). GStaff outings and small reward mechanisms such as gift cards. If you want loyalty and pride, give people a place to sit, eat and feel valued. Add locker rooms that feel fit for a professional operation. Train front-of-house staff in fine-dining skills. Put a training budget into every budget, every year. Upskill your own staff; invest in succession planning as if it matters, because it does. There were also practical ideas to widen the recruitment pool: hire overseas staff (and solve the housing challenge, sometimes via member lodgers); exchange staff with clubs in opposite seasons; build partnerships with superyacht schools, chef schools and internship programmes. But the most important counsel to commodores and boards was governance,

again: empower your team to lead; don’t micromanage; let managers do their job. Youth and the membership cliff at 30–39 Every club knows the problem, but the best clubs are confronting it with design rather than nostalgia. Engagement drops in the 30s: cost pressures, children, time. Sailing risks being labelled “inaccessible”, even culturally caricatured. One model (from Melbourne’s Sandringham Yacht Club) centred on an organised youth pipeline: dinghy to keelboats, coaching and mentoring, and an advanced programme that includes fitness, boat maintenance, tactics and goal setting, on and off the water. Create a youth channel on social media. Measure outcomes (one club cited a 10% increase in youth membership). Make the first step easy: a 30-day sail-pass programme. Then make it social, without apology.

Youth-driven events. Friends allowed. Past junior sailors welcomed back. “Rock up and race, no boat, no problem.” Get young members onto race committee boats. Teach practical skills: packing spinnakers, flaking sails, servicing winches. Identify the best communicators and turn them into ambassadors. Offer formats that fit modern life: spring sailing, offshore clinics for 16–30s, under-19 match racing with a coach. Women’s skills weekends were singled out as a high-impact initiative. And then, a wonderfully simple clubwide idea: a “100% Day” where everyone gets out of the marina for one day, one race, handicapped, with prizes for best dressed and best boat. It is hard to overstate how powerful shared participation can be for culture.

Punta del Este, 2026

The Council is not done. The next regional meeting was planned for Punta del Este, Uruguay (27 March to 1 April 2026), with a $550 delegate fee, accommodation options including The Grand Hotel or Remoniso Hotel, and racing costs quoted at around $1,000 for J/70s. The Thames week provided a chance to see how excellent clubs are rebuilding themselves, decision by decision, so that the next generation inherits not a set of problems, but a platform. Not every initiative and not every idea will work in every club but the exchange of views and ideas was very welcome. The strongest clubs are not those with the grandest trophies. They are the ones prepared to do the unglamorous work: measure properly, invest in people, fund depreciation, tell the truth early, and preserve history with the urgency it deserves. Even the ice buckets, it turns out, are part of the story. So not forgetting the Houses of Parliament cocktail party on the Thames, happy hours spent in the Thames bar, the London restaurants and The Gala dinner, this was a memorable event.

Cocktail Party on the terrace at the House of Commons

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MOTORBOAT, GOLF, AND SPORTING CLAYS REVIEW Motorboat Rallies and Events 2025

The Motorboat Committee organized a rally every month during the summer season. Rallies were well supported by members and for the first time we decided to include a couple of mid-week rallies. With weekend berths being difficult to secure in popular harbours this seemed to be the logical solution.

Haslar Rally - Tim Roe

Six boats and 16 members visited Haslar mid-week for the first time in April. We received excellent hospitality with a great meal in the Lighthouse and we plan to return in 2026. Some members, for various reasons, returned by night passage to Hamble after the meal. I am pleased to say all arrived safely.

Haslar Rally Yarmouth Rally

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Yarmouth Rally 2025 - Peter Fullbrook

May 15 2025 was the Motorboat Committee’s second midweek rally and my first attempt to organise one. Yarmouth was chosen. The harbour team were very accommodating to the eleven vessels attending, both sail and motor. Weather turned a little chilly in the evening so all 22 members were welcomed aboard Diamond Girl for pre-dinner drinks and nibbles. The Royal Solent Yacht Club were extremely welcoming with their Commodore greeting us on arrival. Food, views and company were excellent. As a midweek rally some chose to stay on and others went across to Lymington to extend their trip. A successful rally with two more midweek rallies to follow in 2026

Bembridge Rally

Lymington Rally - Doug Fisher

Beaulieu Rally - Mike Norton

On Saturday 10th June 10 boats made the trip to Lymington for our rally and we were well looked after by Lymington Yacht Haven who grouped us together as best they could. We enjoyed a very pleasant pontoon party on Pamanti, Peter and Anne Smith’s boat before heading to the Mayflower Inn for dinner where we were made very welcome.

Beaulieu in August with 16 boats and 33 members was another popular venue where we very pleased to welcome four boats that arrived under sail. We were assisted by very helpful Bucklers Hard Marina staff. In the evening we enjoyed a fantastic steak BBQ provided by chef Tom Bull. We have already booked Tom and the marina for next year.

Bembridge Rally - Mike Norton

Cowes Rally - Doug Fisher

Bembridge proved very popular in July. Twenty boats with 45 members enjoyed perfect weekend weather and a catered BBQ provided by our chef, Kevin Webber. Unusually Seastart was called to provide some much appreciated support for a couple of boats. Helpful Bembridge Harbour staff made us very welcome and we plan to return in 2026. Fred and Di set the standard with a candle lit BBQ.

On Saturday 13th September we organised a rally to Cowes with berthing in Cowes Yacht Haven. Originally 9 boats booked but in the event due to a combination of weather, break downs and health ,only 4 boats made the. However, Cowes Yacht Haven managed to berth us all on the same short pontoon which resulted in an extremely sociable event starting with very merry lunch for all at the Pontoon Restaurant on the quay, followed later by dinner at the Island Sailing Club, who looked after us well as always, before we braved the weather to return to Hamble.

A Race to Deauville - Tim Roe

Beaulieu Rally

Back in the warm days of May 2025 Malcolm Knox and I decided to enter the Deauville race in his new Princess 45 foot motor yacht. In keeping with proper preparation we departed armed with huge amounts of food and wine for the distant foreign port. The total distance was 20 miles less than estimated so we were unable to enter at low tide and decided to go to Le Havre to refuel.

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Deauville

At 20 knots and in lovely weather we estimated we came first in the race by a margin of at least eight hours. A great deal of time was spent completing French and UK customs and immigration control forms but in the end we saw nobody in France and the UK declined to visit on our return. We enjoyed 2 days of outstanding hospitality both in local restaurants and

at the new Deauville Yacht Club facilities. The clubhouse is most welcoming and served an excellent buffet lunch prepared by volunteer members. As Malcolm had tickets booked for Spain we set sail in the early morning for our return journey to Hamble. The weather was horrendous and forced us to reduce speed to 16 knots greatly increasing the passage time.

Golf Society by Paul Scott

The society runs events throughout the year and offers members of the Royal Southern Yacht Club and their families the opportunity to test their golfing skills against a variety of the excellent courses available in Hampshire. This year the society visited parkland courses at Alresford, Bramshaw, Hockley, Lee on the Solent, Cams Hall, Skylark, South Winchester and Corhampton. The highlight of the year was a round

Golf Society Crowns New Champions A tightly contested 2025 championship went down to the wire at the final event at Alresford, with Ian Dawson putting in another strong performance to take the overall championship just ahead of Patrik Koppamen & Trevor Matthews. Meanwhile L-J Nicholson won the ‘Mcpherson’ Ladies Champion trophy. Both are first-time winners.

Ready at the first at Cams Hall in June.

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at the excellent links course at Hayling Island, where the course starter treated our society to a generous dram of vintage port at the first tee to get us into the swing of things. Last year’s champion, Andy Bates, marked his return to the society following a long layoff after a serious winter sports injury by chipping in from well off the green for a birdie 3 and no less than 5 stableford points! The winner of each event is presented with a bottle of Champagne, with prizes also available for nearest the hole and longest drive. More than 1800 stableford points were achieved across the year, including 132 pars and 12 birdies. The Champagne winners this year were Peter Nicholson, Mike Walters, Trevor Matthews, Patrik Koppamen and Ian Dawson. The highest score for the season of 47 points was achieved by Patrik at Skylark, who narrowly edged out Ian on 45

points in favourable August conditions. The society operates its own simple handicap system aimed at ensuring an even chance of success for all. The society was blessed with excellent weather throughout the season, with only one event needing to be postponed in July due to the highly untypical scenario for England of an Amber heatwave warning! The Golf Society reflects an emphasis upon relaxed social enjoyment both on and off the fairways. The competition element adds a little fun and focus but nothing is taken too seriously. New members at all levels of ability are warmly welcomed and looked after. Dust off those clubs and come and join in the fun! Contact Paul Scott on recoswim@btinternet.com to receive details of upcoming golf society events or simply download the QR code to our Whatsapp group.

Paul Scott presenting L-J Nicholson with the Ladies Champion Trophy. Trevor Matthews winning at Hayling Island in October.

Paul Scott presenting Ian Dawson with the Championship Trophy. The annual Golf society dinner at the RSrnYC.

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HAMBLE CYCLE GROUP Another fun year for the Cycle Group Sailors can be cyclists. And why not? It’s a good way of toning those leg muscles and enhancing stamina so that you can enjoy lazy, sedentary days aboard your boat guilt-free! The Hamble Cycle Group, set up 8 years ago, is very much Royal Southern Yacht Club based, but welcomes anyone, members and nonmembers, who want to enjoy the great outdoors under their own steam on two wheels. We are “social” cyclists, supportive of each other, mutually helpful, enjoying each other’s company and fostering lasting friendships. Lycra is not essential! Our youngest member is 10 and our oldest is 90+, and together we enjoy a whole host of events, activities and adventures. Every Wednesday morning throughout the year is “Wake up Wednesday”, when those who feel like it meet in the village square opposite the co-op at 09.00 for a 10 to 12 mile circuit. By 10.15 we are back at Jenny’s Cafe for coffee and gossip. During the winter months, away from the sailing season, on the 3rd Sunday of the month from October to March, we take our cars with bikes attached, sharing lifts when we can, to

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By Peter Halliday

one of the many delightful Hampshire pubs, park up, cycle for a couple of hours, then return to the pub for a slap-up Sunday Roast. Once a year, in April, we go “on tour”, staying at a hotel for 3-4 days, cycling the chosen area. This is a mini-holiday break interspersed with pub lunches, dinners, and all sorts of fun and games. Recent trips have included Salisbury, Oxford, and in 2026, we will go to St Malo. Our fundraising “Gala Dinner” is at the Royal Southern Yacht Club in November each year and is accompanied by prizegiving, tales of cycling glory, the “big reveal” of our April destination and even in-house music making! Many of our Group members enjoy “ad hoc” cycle rides and larger adventures around this program. In 2025, for example, members have completed the South Downs Way, the Hampshire Sportif and the spectacular “White Villages” ride from Malaga to Cadiz, as well as regular day cycles in our own backyard. So what are you waiting for? Contact Peter Halliday 07976289650, peterhalliday5@icloud.com Join the fun!

SPORTING CLAYS by George Atkinson Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a newcomer to the world of sporting clays, it offers an experience that tests both skill and strategy. It combines the thrill of shooting with the dynamic challenge of simulated hunting scenarios with clays designed to mimic the flight path of birds, offering shooters a diverse array of targets that fly through the air in various directions, speeds, and angles. But there is nothing more exhilarating and addictive than seeing those clays break! The group meets on the second Thursday of each month, come rain or shine, although in the last 12 months we have had no sight of rain, and the venues are only around 40 minutes from Hamble so easily accessible. The group includes experienced and novice shooters with a cross section of abilities. Novices and newcomers are given tuition from a professional instructor. Some novices who have had no experience often surprise themselves and the tutor with their performance. Join our WhatsApp group or contact George Atkinson 07860 342333.

THE BRIDGE SOCIETY By Nicky Gardner

he Bridge Society meets every Tuesday evening from 6.30 to 9.30, and Thursday afternoon from 2 to 5 pm. The charge is £2.00 per game. The money is spent on replacement cards, score sheets, etc and Bridge Suppers which are held over the year and are free for paying members. After supper we play bridge for an hour. We are always looking to welcome more

players at all levels. In 2026 we are running a beginners course and we are hoping to also run an improvers course. Come and join us to play ACOL Rubber Bridge in a friendly and relaxed environment. For more information contact Pat Aspinall who runs the Tuesday bridge – pataspinall@gmail.com, or Nicky Gardner who runs the Thursday session nicky.gardner44@btinternet.com for more information.

LECTURE SERIES By Elizabeth Peddley

he 2025 2025 lecture series has been a vibrant and varied programme from personal stories from club members to guest speakers. Taking place on Wednesday evenings, the series is well supported, with many members enjoying dinner afterwards.. The 2026 series is well underway. The organisers are always keen to welcome contributors and ideas which will be of interest. The lecture programme can be found on the Events section of the Club website and can be booked through the booking system.

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CLUB SOCIAL CALENDAR

t is an understatement to say the Club’s 2025 social calendar was hectic, with something for everyone from our four-year-old Splashers to our distinguished Ancient Mariners, from traditional events to new ideas, from black-tie to informal. The Club’s events team, member committees and societies collectively create a spirit of shared enjoyment throughout the year. We welcomed to the Club some of the world’s top yachtsmen, yachtswomen and seafarers to speak at our events. Celebrating Women Sailors on International Women’s Day featured Annie O’Sullivan interviewing the inspirational Hannah Diamond, Emma Westmacott,

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By Richard Konarek

Lucy Davis and Miranda Merron. Also in attendance were Tracy Edwards and members of the Maiden crew that created history when they became the first allfemale crew to win the Ocean Globe Race in 2024. Joining us for Fitting-Out Supper were Shirley Robertson, double gold medal Olympian, and Lesley Ryan, America’s Cup Event Director, whose insights into elite sailing, competition and teamwork set an inspiring tone for the season ahead. Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Shelley Jory-Leigh entertained the Motorboat Society Dinner with anecdotes of their partnership, friendship and friendly rivalry, proving that sail and power can live together.

Commodore Marcus Hember, Deputy Director of Maritime Capability and Force Development, spoke at Trafalgar night and, as tradition demands, enthusiastically took a sword to the chocolate galleons. Finally, the audience of the seasonending Laying Up Dinner were captivated by the extraordinary experiences of Vendée Globe skipper Oliver Heer. Other notable events included the remembrance service led by our Club Chaplain on the 80th Anniversary of VE-Day, the party to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the opening of the Prince Phillip Yacht Haven and YachtFest which built on last year’s success with its blend of sailing, creativity and live music. The year was rounded off in high spirits with the Splash Christmas Party, a record attendance at the Club’s masqueradethemed Christmas party and lastly an evening of Christmas Carols led with gusto by the Royal Southern Singers.

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THE BUILDING OF WETWHEELS HAMBLE By David Mead and Dick Long

etwheels was conceived and founded by disabled yachtsman Geoff Holt MBE. The first boat, Wetwheels Solent, based in Portsmouth, made her debut at the Southampton Boat Show on 2011 to a terrific reception. Several months later Geoff took the boat to Jersey in the Channel Islands. The boat made such a great impression that funds were raised (around £160,000) in a very short space of time from local businesses and Wetwheels Jersey was duly built and launched in 2013. The journey started in June 2014 at the Commodore’s Summer Charity Ball when it was agreed by the ball committee that the proceeds from the event would go towards the building of a Wetwheels Hamble Boat to be operated from the Royal Southern Yacht Club and for disabled facilities for the Prince Philip Yacht Haven to be donated through the Royal Southern Yacht Club Charitable Trust. Having known Geoff for a very long time (and as a member of The Royal Southern Yacht Club) we suggested to him in 2015 that we raise the funds to build a Wetwheels Hamble boat.

On the 19th June 2015 we officially launched the fundraising campaign at the Club and 44 days later a party was held again at the Club to announce that sufficient funds had been raised to instruct Cheetah Marine to schedule the building of the third boat for launching in the Spring of 2016. This was made possible by the very generous donations from Club Members and friends who support and admire the great work carried by Geoff Holt. After many fund raising functions and events at the Royal Southern Yacht Club and the help of very generous members and friends, money was raised to build the boat. The ladies committee at that time deserve a special mention for their tremendous support. The boat was built at Cheetah Marine in Ventnor, Isle of White, in 2015. In addition to our generous members there were several other kind and supportive people who just wanted to help such a brilliant concept and liked what we were doing. The events included sponsored charity dinners at the club with top bands and auction items. trips on classic boats, and

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on Royal Navy vessels plus a visit to the Kings Royal Hussars Tank Regiment in Tidworth, Wiltshire. Wetwheels Hamble CIC (Community Interest Company) and a non-profit making concern was officially formed in the Spring of 2015 with Geoff Holt, Dick Long and David Mead as Directors. The Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire at the time, Dame Mary Fagan DCVO, kindly named the boat at the club launching on Saturday 14th May 2016. See right, framed letter from Buckingham Palace sent to the club via Dame Mary Fagan dated 8th March 2016. It was signed ‘Philip’ but unfortunately over the years The Duke Of Edinburgh signature has somewhat faded. There are now eight fully operational boats in the UK with the Hamble boat proving popular and very busy since she was launched. Wetwheels helps to build disabled people’s confidence by providing the opportunity to access the sea in a safe, stimulating and rewarding way using specially modified, fully accessible powerboats. Our research tells us that more than 80% of Wetwheels’ participants have never been on the sea before. When asked why, the reason given is that the opportunity had not existed before. Thank you, Geoff for the idea and all the Club Members who helped us raise the funds to build and operate the Wetwheels Hamble boat. All very exciting and a big thank you to all those who have kindly helped us raise the funds to build the Hamble boat and who continue to support us.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

On 14th November 2025, it was announced that the King’s Award for Voluntary Service has been given to WetWheels Hamble. This prestigious award is regarded as the highest recognition given to local volunteer groups in the UK for exceptional, sustained community service. The Kings Award for Voluntary Service will be presented on the 10th Anniversary of the launch of Wetwheels Hamble at an event taking place at the Club on 14th May 2026.

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ASHORE

ocated in the centre of the historic village of Hamble, the Royal Southern Yacht Club offers an unrivalled combination of shore and waterbased facilities, all within easy reach of London and main road, rail, air and sea links. It is also possible to arrange helicopter landings a short distance from the Club. The variety of facilities and their flexibility enables the Royal Southern to support a range of events from an intimate dinner party for 10 to a wedding for 200, as well as trade exhibitions, conferences, training facilities, film and TV locations, and shore-based support for any on the water activity. All our facilities are available to hire to Members and non-members. For further details contact Events on 02380 450 312

(events@royal-southern.co.uk) and our staff will be happy to discuss your needs and assist in organising your event.

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THE CLUBHOUSE

The Clubhouse consists of a large, modern building overlooking the river Hamble with views to the Isle of Wight, alongside a collection of listed 18th century cottages which form an integral part of the historic Hamble foreshore. Most facilities are located in the newer building, while the modern and recently refurbished bedrooms are in the cottages, most with river views.

BRITTANIA BAR & RESTAURANT

Situated on the upper floor, with its bar, dining area and large wraparound balcony. It is open for lunch throughout the year and in the evenings in the summer and was recently refurbished and modernised. While usually the Club’s main bar it can also be used for receptions prior to formal dinners in the dining room.

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MEMBERS BAR & RIVER ROOM RESTAURANT

Located in one of the listed cottages, this distinctive, traditional bar was recently renovated and fitted with a log burner and is the place to retreat to during the long winter evenings. Its unique atmosphere also makes it an attractive venue for drinks before dinner in the adjacent restaurant. During the winter months the River Room

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restaurant is open for dinner each evening from Wednesday to Saturday and is also available for private functions. With river views on two sides and doors opening on to the South Terrace, the restaurant and Bar make a suite of rooms for entertaining.

DINING ROOM

This large, multifunction room has recently been refurbished with dramatic yacht images. It has river views and direct access to Den’s Deck which overlooks the river and the Prince Philip Yacht Haven. It is used for the very popular Sunday carvery and can seat up to 160 for weddings and formal dinners. It also has a dance floor which can be laid and, if greater capacity is needed, it is possible to link the room to a marquee in the car park. It can also be divided into two smaller rooms and used for exhibitions or training sessions.

DEN’S DECK

YEOMAN ROOM

The Yeoman Room, with its unique memorabilia of the Aisher family’s sailing achievements, can be used for meetings for up to 20 or as an intimate dining room for up to 12 people.

CHART ROOM

The Chart room, located in the historic cottages, can be used for meetings of up to 10 people or as a breakout room during conferences or training sessions.

DEN’S DECK

Den’s Deck is the Club’s largest outdoor area and can be accessed directly from the dining room. Constructed as part of the

Prince Philip Yacht Haven development, this spectacular area with views of the river can be used on its own for barbecues or other outdoor events, or linked with the dining room as an area for pre-dinner..

SOUTH TERRACE

Adjacent to the Members Bar & River Room restaurant, this sheltered area is an ideal location for pre-lunch drinks for private parties.

JOHN BEARDSLEY PIER

The pier adjoins the South Terrace and Den’s Deck and, with its windbreakers, provides shelter on those less than sunny summer days, for parties and barbecues.

YEOMAN ROOM / 103

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WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU WEAR

INSIGNIA

Available from the Royal Southern Yacht Club reception. 02380 450300 Photography, Judi Kerr. Models, George East and Freya Anderson.

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COMMITTEE ADVERTISERS’ MEMBERSHIP INDEX Executive Committee

Commodore Matthew Richardson Vice Commodore & Chair Lisa Rochford Rear Commodore Sailing Mark Greenaway Rear Commodore House Richard Konarek Treasurer Ian Richardson Board Members Caroline Barber Bronwyn Curtis Bob Llewellin Charlie Russell

Finance Committee

Chair Andrew Webster Elleanor Draper Samantha Love Ian Richardson John Rutherford Paul Scott Demian Smith

Sailing Committee

Chair Judith Tann Rear Commodore Sailing Mark Greenaway Sailing Manager Caroline Barber Ellen Catherall John Danby Peter Hughes Hannah Le Prevost Oliver Love Mike Norton James Ripley-Giles Ian Wilson

Fund Raising Team

Co-Chair Debera Clark Co-Chair Angela Godfrey Co-Chair Lisa Bradbury-Knight Secretary Fiona Konarek Christmas Fayre Coordinator Sheila Hulme Treasurer Jane Pyle Publicity Jane Atkinson Insignia Helen Thwaites Committee Members Angie Janssen Nicky Gardner Lynn Fisher Sylvie Bennett Motorboat Committee (Subsection of Sailing) Chair Mike Norton Committee Members George Atkinson (Sporting Clays Society representative) Douglas Fisher Julie Fulbrook Peter Fulbrook Richard Konarek Tim Roe Paul Scott (Golf Society representative) Cruising Committee (Subsection of Sailing) Chair Pat North Vice Chair Ann Arscott Committee Members Rebecca Butler Adam Greig Dex Hall Bryan Hughes Kenneth Munro Dudley Stock Margaret Widdop Youth Committee (Subsection of Sailing) Chair Caroline Barber Splash Lead Charlie Russell Junior Academy Lead Peter Hughes Academy Lead Samantha Love

Societies

Co-chair Bridge Society Ann Hardy Co-chair Bridge Society Annie Campbell-Walter Captain Golf Society Paul Scott Captain Sporting Clays Society George Atkinson

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