Racing

Blithfield offers an excellent blend of competitive yet social racing – serious but friendly, typically with 20 boats racing. Currently there are Solos, Ospreys, Merlin Rockets, Supernovas and ILCA’s with growing fleets of Zeniths and Waszps; there are often Byte’s, Flying Fifteens and a mix of others. We have an Officer of the Day and manned Safety boat support for all races. The large deep unrestricted water area, provides excellent race courses and plenty of tactical opportunities.

 

Our main racing day is Sunday, with racing starting from 12:00hrs throughout the year - unless the water is frozen! During the spring and summer there is a Wednesday evening race. The bar is usually open after racing allowing you to relax after a day on the water! The Clubhouse has great facilities, a galley, good changing rooms and hot showers, and a terrace overlooking the water, for when you are ready to relax. After many races in the summer the BBQ grill is fired up to foster the camaraderie.

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The quality of our facilities are recognised as we host a series of National Events in  Osprey, Merlin and Supernova Classes – as well as the famous Blithfield Barrel during the winter

Racing is generally split into 'fleets' with individual class competitions, All race starts use the sequence 5-4-1 minutes, and then +2 minutes when fleet racing.

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The Fast and General Fleet will start together to increase the competition on the water.

The last start is a Regatta Fleet for juniors or beginners or the less competitive sailors which will usually finish after 1 lap, it's aimed at bridging the gap between lessons, recreational sailing and starting to race, so don't be intimidated, give it a go!

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Recreational sailing can also take place throughout the week (traditionally it has been over four days per week and it is possible our Landlords may ask us to revert to that). Training occurs twice a month on Saturday mornings and there is also a Ladies Sailing Group (Ladies that Launch) – please check the calendar for full details.

When you join as a Family, Single or Senior member you are entitled to engage in any of the water sports of the club – paddle boarding, foiling and windsurfing... according to the wind, and your interest. Club boats and boards are available free of charge except when not needed by the club – (though there is a daily charge for Foiling equipment). Take the chance to widen your experience and pleasures, and take a paddle board out when the wind has dropped!  

For those racers who join as family members, and who have partners or children ready to be involved in sailing, there are a wide range of RYA approved courses to cover beginner dinghies, starting to windsurf, and to learning to wingfoil. These courses are heavily discounted for members. We hold Family picnics, and for 2026, we are planning family sailing days going from the Clubhouse over the water to a moored boat for ice creams and treats. 

 

If you have not been before do please drop an email to enquiries@blithfield.org.uk or message on 07817 143088 so that we can arrange a good time for you to call in and we can show you round. We do hope that you come to join us and enjoy the club as much as we do.