Tideway Dinghy Derby Video
by Mark Jardine & Loreto Rodriguez
It's been a long, long time since this race was last held! It's been a long, long time since this race was last held. 1977 in fact when 300 boats took part during the Queen's Silver Jubilee.
Posted on 25 Jun Seven decades of B&G innovation
by Mark Jardine
The Past, Present and Future of Marine Instrumentation 70 years is a long time for any company, but in marine electronics it's extraordinary. B&G was founded in 1956, and has been a pioneer in the sector ever since.
Posted on 23 Jun History-making Tideway Dinghy Derby
by Mark Jardine
On Saturday in London, 80 dinghies raced ten miles up and down the River Thames On Saturday in London, 80 dinghies raced ten miles up and down the River Thames as part of the Tideway Dinghy Derby supported by Laing O'Rourke, celebrating a cleaner tidal Thames and supporting a life-changing sailing programme for young people.
Posted on 22 Jun Inaugural X-Yachts Spanish Gold Cup Video
by Mark Jardine
Stunning conditions for three days of racing and celebration The Bay of Palma has become a natural mecca for Mediterranean sailing events. The central location, with easy access from mainland Spain, the French Riviera, Italy, and teams further afield coming across the Atlantic and through the Straits of Gibraltar.
Posted on 19 Jun Inaugural X-Yachts Spanish Gold Cup
by Mark Jardine
Palma provides the X-Factor for a fantastic event I've attended a couple of X-Yachts Gold Cups in Denmark, one in Aarhus and one in Haderslev, which has been the obvious location for the Danish boatyard to host events, but the yachts, and their sailors, have naturally ventured further afield.
Posted on 17 Jun At the mercy of the elements?
by Mark Jardine
Forecast fear, broadcast windows, and even mountains Possibly more than any other sport, sailing demands the right conditions to take place, specifically with the wind. Both too much and too little cause their own issues, but there are more factors at play...
Posted on 10 Jun The New York Sail Grand Prix Start Collision
by Mark Jardine
Video Analysis and Reaction On Sunday at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix there was a collision involving three teams in the final seconds before the Race 3 start.
Posted on 2 Jun Video: Bizarre first day at the New York SailGP
by Mark Jardine
Swirling Winds, Crane Issues, 3 Boats Racing Swirling winds in New York caused major problems launching the fleet of F50s at the Mubadala Sail Grand Prix, so only 4 boats made it on to the water, and that was rapidly reduced to just 3 when the Bonds Flying Roos nosedived, causing significant damage.
Posted on 31 May Championships shine, AC wakes, SailGP adapts
by Mark Jardine
So much has been going on that it's tricky to even know where to start What a week for sailing! So much has been going on that it's tricky to even know where to start. There have been so many highlights, both in terms of the events I attended in the UK and what has been happening further afield.
Posted on 26 May The Same, But Different
by Mark Jardine
A packed schedule coming up with a diverse range of events I am so enjoying reading all the event news now the season has begun in earnest in the UK. The sun has been plentiful throughout April and May, encouraging everyone to get back out on the water.
Posted on 12 May Rotters and Colanders
by Mark Jardine
Initiatives which blow preconceptions about sailing out of the water In these times it's all too easy to fall back on old adages about sailing, saying the costs are too high, it's elitist and things are in decline, but there are some incredible bright spots which blow preconceptions about sailing out of the water.
Posted on 28 Apr SailGP Venue vs. Revenue
by Mark Jardine
In 'Grandstand' sailing the race area is defined well in advance of the event SailGP finally got to land in South America, with the inaugural Rio Sail Grand Prix taking place over the weekend.
Posted on 13 Apr Setting Sail at the Sofia Season Opener
by Mark Jardine
So much sailing to celebrate at the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca There's so much about the Bay of Palma that works for sailing, and has turned it into one of the main Mediterranean destinations for both regattas and training.
Posted on 30 Mar On the right wavelength
by Mark Jardine
The rise of Radio Sailing While model yachting has been around for a very long time, dating back to the early 1800s with vane steering yachts raced in The Queen's Basin at Green Park in London, it has surged in popularity in this century.
Posted on 17 Mar Clipper Race Stage 7 Video Review
by Mark Jardine
An extraordinary welcome in Qingdao The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race arrived to a huge ceremony in Qingdao, China at the end of Stage 7.
Posted on 12 Mar Shows, Spectating and Season Highlights
by Mark Jardine
The Dinghy Show, Sydney SailGP and upcoming JJ Giltinan Trophy make for a packed schedule It feels like my feet didn't hit the ground at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show. The event, held on the penultimate weekend of February in Farnborough, traditionally fires the starting signal for the UK season, and was as busy as I ever remember it.
Posted on 3 Mar Sam Goodchild and Henri-Lloyd Ocean PRO
by Mark Jardine
His rise in the IMOCA class has made him one of the most highly respected stars of offshore sailing Sam Goodchild has spent nearly as much time sailing as he has ashore in the past few years. His rise in the IMOCA class has made him one of the most highly respected stars of offshore sailing.
Posted on 3 Mar Anniversary Classes at the Dinghy Show
by Mark Jardine
We speak to a number of classes celebrating significant anniversaries The RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2026 saw over 9,000 people visit Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre in the UK over the weekend of 21st & 22nd February to take in the feast of boats on display.
Posted on 1 Mar Pom Green: Born into Boatbuilding
by Mark Jardine
The Switch revolution, and the ethos behind Element 6 Evolution Pom Green has a family heritage in boatbuilding, growing up in the heyday of Green Marine, and has gone on to establish Element Six Evolution. While he has learned from legendary designers such as Doug Peterson, he has gone on to define his own legacy.
Posted on 25 Feb Rooster's 25th Dinghy Show
by Mark Jardine
Mark Jardine chats with Steve Cockerill about the beginnings and the new Aquafleec Rooster have been a staple of the dinghy scene since 1999, and have attended the Dinghy Show every year since 2001. Mark Jardine chatted with Steve Cockerill to find out about the journey, and the newly-updated iconic Aquafleece.
Posted on 24 Feb Micky Beckett on the appeal of the Switch
by Mark Jardine
ILCA Olympian chooses the foiler when he's not campaigning his ILCA Mark Jardine chatted with ILCA Olympian Micky Beckett at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2026 about why he sails the Switch One Design foiling dinghy when he's not campaigning for the LA 2028 Olympics.
Posted on 23 Feb Le Mare has the Midas touch
by Mark Jardine
To win the Concours d'Elegance at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show The Concours d'Elegance at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2026 has been won by Richard Le Mare's Hadron H2 'Midas'.
Posted on 21 Feb The World's Toughest Race?
by Mark Jardine
Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Update after Stage 6 The Clipper Round the World Race is what many regard as true ocean racing. Exposed to the elements on deck in traditionally shaped displacement yachts.
Posted on 20 Feb Growing Pains
by Mark Jardine
The SailGP event in Auckland this weekend was extraordinary on many fronts The SailGP event in Auckland this weekend was extraordinary on many fronts. Thirteen F50 foiling catamarans on the startline, wild conditions with unpredictable gusts, and possibly the worst crash we've seen on the circuit since its inception.
Posted on 16 Feb Video: Gitana 18 launched at Lorient La Base
by Mark Jardine
The incredible new Ultim is in the water and the mast is stepped Gitana 18 is the trimaran which has been designed and built to take the great offshore records, including the Jules Verne Trophy for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe, to another world.
Posted on 15 Feb How can clubs thrive?
by Mark Jardine
While a sailing club exists primarily for its members, it also needs to break even financially While a sailing club exists primarily for its members, and must first and foremost serve their interests, it also needs to at least break even financially to remain viable.
Posted on 3 Feb A Splash of Colour at boot Düsseldorf 2026
by Mark Jardine
I was very much looking for things which brighten up a cold and wet January At boot this year I was very much looking for things which brighten up a cold and wet January.
Posted on 27 Jan Generation JOG x Henri-Lloyd
by Mark Jardine
For the Journey and the Destination The Junior Offshore Group, more commonly known as JOG, is a thriving and growing community of racing sailors who love what they do. Most importantly, they are attracting younger sailors to the sport, with 36% of their membership now under 30.
Posted on 20 Jan Perfect Perth for SailGP Season Opener
by Mark Jardine
Spectacular racing, damage, collisions and injuries The Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix saw the kind of conditions that SailGP sailors and the fans relish. Small rigs, high speeds, a tight racecourse, and some spectacular racing.
Posted on 18 Jan Inside Contest Yachts
by Mark Jardine
How the luxury performance bluewater yachts are built Discover the craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation behind Contest Yachts in this exclusive behind-the-scenes tour.
Posted on 14 Jan The complete package
by Mark Jardine
A thriving clubhouse leads to higher racing attendance, and visa versa I'm a great believer in starting things on the right foot. Be that in the morning, going for a run (even though it was damn chilly this morning) to set yourself up for the day, or preparing ahead for a meeting so that you've got the figures to hand.
Posted on 5 Jan Merry Christmas and Thank You!
by Mark Jardine
A time to celebrate sailing I'd like to start by wishing you all a Happy Christmas, and hope that however you are celebrating, you are having fun with friends and family.
Posted on 25 Dec 2025 The highs and lows of campaigning
by Mark Jardine
Interview with Cameron Tweedle Cameron Tweedle began sailing at age six and gradually transitioned to racing, from the Topper class initially, moving all the way up to an Olympic campaign in the Finn.
Posted on 18 Dec 2025 Could the decline of Linear TV benefit sailing?
by Mark Jardine
The rise of YouTube has changed how we watch sport I really enjoyed the highlights of SailGP this season. When there's wind it is exciting racing with some of the best sailors on the planet battling it out on identical boats. The problem was, I didn't watch any of it live.
Posted on 9 Dec 2025 Sailing in Paradise - escape the winter blues!
by Mark Jardine
Thailand's stunning Royal Varuna Yacht Club offers incredible sailing throughout the year During the winter months in the northern hemisphere, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club can give visiting sailors some of the best warm water sailing available and the club welcomes guests from around the world.
Posted on 9 Dec 2025 The extraordinary Gitana 18 Ultim trimaran
by Mark Jardine
Timelapse video of the construction and a look at the main design differences Over the past two years at CDK Technologies on the West coast of France, the most advanced offshore sailing yacht ever built has been taking shape.
Posted on 6 Dec 2025 Switching Classes - Advice from Ben McGrane
by Mark Jardine
Getting the decision right takes thought and a bit of research Getting the decision right takes thought and a bit of research. Will the class suit you? Are you the right weight? What boat should you get in that class? All questions which could decide where you make the right choice.
Posted on 3 Dec 2025 First Look: Seldén CXr at Metstrade 2025
by Mark Jardine
Patented ratchet design and innovative 'nail' terminal Code sails have revolutionised sail handling on yachts, and Seldén's second generation of furlers, called CXr, have a patented ratchet design, as well as an innovative 'nail' terminal to connect to the torsion cables.
Posted on 2 Dec 2025 Video: All-female crew start their record attempt
by Mark Jardine
The Famous Project CIC aim for the Jules Verne Trophy The all-female crew on The Famous Project CIC have set off on an attempt to capture the Jules Verne Trophy and break the round the world record.
Posted on 1 Dec 2025 The Two Million Dollar Move
by Mark Jardine
SailGP Grand Final Video Analysis We take a look at how the starts were won in the light winds on Day 1, and then see who won the start in the three-boat Grand Final itself, and then what the winning move was that sealed the 2025 Season title.
Posted on 30 Nov 2025 Passion, Precision and Innovation at Metstrade
by Mark Jardine
If you want a positive outlook on the marine industry then there's no better place to be If you want a positive outlook on the marine industry then there's no better place to be than Amsterdam in mid-November.
Posted on 25 Nov 2025 Coaching, Over-Coaching, Coaches Sailing and Fun!
by Mark Jardine
A topic of discussion in many of my recent chats A topic of discussion in many of my recent chats, and when I've been out and about at events, has been coaching. How it's done, and the impression it leaves on those learning, has profound ramifications on success and participation.
Posted on 11 Nov 2025 Join the Etchells Youth Academy 2026
by Mark Jardine
Open up a whole new world of sailing The Etchells Youth Academy fills a vital role in helping young sailors transition from dinghies to keelboats and learn the skills necessary to compete at the highest level, regardless of the type of sailing they do.
Posted on 11 Nov 2025 Two Sides of a Sail
by Mark Jardine
Brutal start to Transat Café L'or, while some start their sailing journey at the Pittwater Sail Expo I'm focusing on two very different events today, on different sides of the planet, and with a very different focus, but linked by the adventure of going sailing.
Posted on 28 Oct 2025 Watching the growing sailing scene in China
by Mark Jardine
A fun weekend at the 2025 Lake Fuxian Regatta I've become fascinated with the growing sailing scene in China. I had so many preconceptions ahead of my first visit to the country in 2024, which were blown out of the water on that trip, and this was reaffirmed at the Lake Fuxian Regatta.
Posted on 24 Oct 2025 A Day at the Allen Factory!
by Mark Jardine
New and innovative products, cutting-edge manufacturing techniques The Allen factory, based in Southminster, Essex in the UK, makes many of the deck hardware and fittings that we use in our sailing, be that on dinghies or keelboats.
Posted on 16 Oct 2025 The Winner-Takes-All Race
by Mark Jardine
Event format at the 49er, 49erFX & Nacra 17 Worlds could be the best option for the Olympics The 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 World Championships just held in Cagliari, Italy, could well be the most important held in the class. Not just that, it may influence how sailing happens at the Olympics.
Posted on 14 Oct 2025 Crossroads Moment for Olympic Sailing
by Mark Jardine
Many changes to scoring over the last 20 years - it looks like it's all going to change again Perceived lack of attention span, confusing scoring systems, the need for TV to have an understandable format and grandstand' moment has led Olympic sailing to experiment with various formats over the past 20 years, and it is now looking to change again.
Posted on 29 Sep 2025 Growing Female Participation in Sailing
by Mark Jardine
Success Stories in the Flying Fifteen fleet It's been an incredible summer of sailing in the UK, and one of the highlights for me has been talking with competitors at major events, learning how they started sailing, what they love most about the sport, and their visions for the future.
Posted on 16 Sep 2025 Carbon or Steel?
by Mark Jardine
Moth Foil Evolution with Alex Adams Foils have been shrinking for years as sailors continually try to reduce drag and increase speeds, but designers were reaching the limit of what they could do with carbon, so the latest foils have turned to steel for some parts.
Posted on 7 Sep 2025