Royal Southampton YC Racing Practice Day Saturday 25 April 2026
Published 11:28 on 26 Apr 2026
Its going to be a long slog out to the Western Solent, then the wind will die and well end up motoring home. Those were my thoughts the night before the training day and I couldnt have been more wrong.
Instead, we were treated to an absolutely gorgeous day. Sunshine, flat water and a steady easterly breeze ranging from 8 to 12 knots provided nearperfect conditions for shaking off the winter cobwebs.
Royal Southampton YCs Racing Practice Day (RPD) took place off the Beaulieu River, with the breeze oscillating between 6 and 14 knots throughout the day ideal for crews to practise manoeuvres, boat handling and race starts. The RPD has become a wellestablished fixture in the clubs programme and once again proved to be a valuable warmup for the season ahead.
The format was deliberately punchy: three practice starts, two windwardleeward races, followed by a RoundtheCans race to round off the day. That meant six starts in just over three hours excellent, intensive training for helms and crews alike.
The Race Management Team, Guy and Zoë Darby, assisted by Remy, kept everything running smoothly and awarded bottle prizes for notable performances:
- Contessa 32 Fleet Jemima of Farley
- RSYC Fleet Second Chance
It was great to see Carinosa, Connie, Coric, Jemima of Farley and Musketeer II out on the water, enjoying a busy and lively Solent. Many thanks to everyone who took part, and especially to the Race Management Team, for delivering such an enjoyable and worthwhile day on the water.
Last updated 11:35 on 26 April 2026