Welcome to the April Solent newsletter. We hope your sailing plans for 2026 are coming together, as spring establishes itself. Much like boat preparation, most of the committee work has been under the covers recently, but we’re almost there for the new season. There is lots of sociable sailing on offer for 2026. We hope to see you on the water.
The full 2026 calendar is available here. Do mark the dates and keep a lookout for further details as plans develop.
All members should be receiving emails from us, but have you signed up to our Facebook and WhatsApp groups?
Use the contact form to get in touch.
Recent highlights:
Around 20 Solent Gaffers enjoyed the hospitality of Christchurch Sailing Club on a soggy February Sunday. We were treated to a viewing of the club gaffer, Ianthe, and a talk about the history of the club. There followed a most excellent Sunday lunch, all rounded off by sea songs and shanties from local group “Buoys and Gulls”.
The club was most hospitable and is recommended for a visit, although access by sea is limited by shallow water.
High Speed Launch (HSL) 102, commissioned in 1936, is the only 100 class high speed, air-sea rescue launch to survive. A group of 9 gaffers enjoyed a high speed history lesson on a perfect sunny Solent morning.
Coming soon:
A gentle start to the new sailing season is just round the corner, with our first on-the-water meeting at Newtown in early May. There’s nothing to book, but do let us know if you’re planning to come along.
Yarmouth Gaffers Regatta
This is the biggest event of our year, not to be missed! 68 boats have registered so far and there’s still time to join them. You can sign up on the Yarmouth page and see a full list of boats that are already booked in.
Have you booked all your meals and polo shirts?
Just a week after Yarmouth is Cowes Spring Classics. This is a low key start to the Solent’s classic racing season. The gaffer class is small and friendly. Just 4 gaffers entered so far, but hopefully a few more will join in.
Perfect for anyone who has travelled to Yarmouth and isn’t ready to go home yet!
Looking further ahead, there’s something for everyone from quiet rallies, to cruising in company to France and assorted racing events around the Solent.
The full 2026 calendar is available here.
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