Two superb days of Mermaid racing delivered very different challenges, but equally memorable sailing.

Published 14:28 on 22 Jul 2026

Delicious sailing conditions greeted two full heats of Mermaid sailors on Saturday 18th July, all out to compete for the prestigious Jade Cup. Final places were hotly contested, with Raymond winning the first heat and Anthony E. taking line honours in the second. A big shout out to Georgia, helming a three-sibling Watson-Smyth boat, who qualified (with aplomb) for her first Mermaid Cup Final.

The breeze then decided to dwindle just as the tide started to sweep, giving the RO a tough decision to make but it eventually returned, allowing a magnificent 14-boat final. A spirited sail put Anna Cockell on the podium in 3rd, Richard Ambler a very worthy second, with Noel managing to offer the rest of the fleet (many less than half his age) yet another masterclass in Mermaid sailing.

Sunday 19th July brought a beautiful day, but with a very fickle wind. Mermaids assembled for the start of the Woodnuts Shackle Race to find a 130-degree wind shift just 11 minutes before their start. Four minutes later, the wind shifted back. A course was set and the fleet faced a tough leg to No. 2 Bruce, followed by a touch of chaos, the winners clearly being those who kept away from the pack.

Out to Bunny, the C flag greeted the fleet. The wind shift was now firm and four more legs followed. The lead was never obvious, with the front few boats match-racing each other around the course before a finish in true Mermaid style close, exciting and impossible to call until the very end. Congratulations to Jimbo and Sophie in 3rd, Jack and Jimmy in 2nd, with the Woodnuts Shackle trophy going to Oli and George.

Congratulations to all competitors across a superb weekend of Mermaid racing.