After three character-building winter rounds held across November, December and January, the final round of the Blithfield Barrel Winter Series arrived with a forecast that at last promised something more decisive. That optimism was enough to draw 35 boats to the line, contributing to an impressive 56 different boats that competed across the full Blithfield Barrel winter series. The forecast suggested a southerly breeze veering west, with talk of gusts touching 23 knots. In reality,...

Blithfield Barrel Series – Round 2 – December 7 th 2025 Twenty-seven boats lined up for Part Two of the “Blithfield Barrel”, once again kindly sponsored by Hartley Boats. Under grey skies, persistent drizzle and light but steady breeze, Steve and Gill Leney and their team hunkered down aboard the committee boat to run the day’s racing. Despite the damp conditions, the fleet – a lively mix of single-handers and double-handers – enjoyed competitive sailing throughout. Boats included Merlins,...

Blithfield Barrel – Round 1 16th November – Report by Andy Edmonds November at Blithfield Reservoir in Staffordshire can only mean one thing: the opening round of the Blithfield Barrel . This popular winter series—sailed over four Sundays in November, December, January, and February—once again attracted an excellent turnout, with 33 boats and more than 50 sailors braving the first truly wintry event of the season. The Barrel is kindly sponsored again this year by Hartley Boats , who have...