2026 Contessa Challenge - Glorious Sunshine and (just) enough wind

Published 10:34 on 28 May 2026

What a cracking weekend for the Spring Rally and Contessa Challenge! Glorious sunshine and just enough wind (read: very little) meant we all drifted gracefully into The Folly in plenty of time and were even lucky enough to be offered an outside table.

A special mention must go to Muscadet dHavelet, who ensured things stayed lively by providing a proper Dark & Stormy pontoon party.

Sunday morning brought the challenge, set this year by last years winners, Finnock. Ten very clever tasks had crews scratching their heads, second-guessing themselves, and occasionally resorting to some creative alternative answers!

We regrouped at Itchenor Reach, where Itchenor Sailing Club hosted us superbly and treated us to a fantastic fish and chip dinner many thanks to them for their warm welcome and excellent hospitality.

The ceremonial passing of the Mutiny decanter saw it briefly rest with last years winners, Finnock, before being swiftly (and perhaps reluctantly!) handed on to this years champions, Connie. A fantastic result and thoroughly well deserved, very well sailed!

A gentle reminder that this isnt purely a Solent affair; the challenge is designed so others can join in from further afield too. The more the merrier.

All in all, a brilliant weekend: good sailing, great company, mild confusion, and an excellent opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new crews.

Huge congratulations to all involved:
Caramor II, Firefly, Ripple of Kyle, Saavedra, Red Herring, Connie, Carinosa, Coric, Panache, Toucan, and Finnock.

Last updated 10:35 on 28 May 2026