Weekend Sailing Races in Southampton Water
Friendly racing to make the most of your summer weekends. Join us for weekend sailing races in Southampton Water. After completing an annual entry form you can join in any or all of the 10 Bert Drought series of races on a Saturdays and Sundays across the summer. Your annual SWSA fee covers as many races as you wish, and there are trophies to be won.
times
Races start late morning or early afternoon to include boats on tide-restricted moorings. 2 hour time limit.
We start off Hythe and use 8 pre-set courses (displayed at the start) to give good racing in each wind direction and avoid crossing the deep water channel.
fair Competition
We use the Byron Cruiser Handicap System and allow 2 discards from 6 races, so you have a fair chance even if you cannot make every race.
Join our friendly races
Just complete our simple entry form, pay your Race Fee for the year and you’re ready to race. We’re looking forward to meeting you!
Our full race series includes weekend and passage racing, rallies and even a Saturday single-handed race.
Try a race with us. See the full programme of racing.
Trophies
Class 1 boats compete for the the Gibb Winch trophy and Class 2 for the Gibb Sheet Block trophy.
The Bert Drought Cup is awarded to the sailing club with the most entrants.
More about the SWSA Weekend Bert Drought series
Our weekend races have a long history, with the Bert Drought Cup first awarded in 1973 to Marchwood Yacht Club. The Saturday and Sunday races are convenient for those who cannot sail during the week, and since there is no obligation to sail every race this series provides a practical solution for those who are just starting out in yacht racing.
Saturday & Sunday Races
These weekend races starting either side of midday are slightly longer (time limit 2 hours) than our evening races. Each course has relatively short legs, making for close racing, and allowing the faster yachts to sail an extra lap to make best use of the time.
The races are run in fairly sheltered water off Hythe, with a selection of pre-set courses designed to provide a good balance of beating, reaching and running to give a fair chance to the wide range of cruising yachts which take part.
Competitors range from 18 feet to 40 feet: the split between Class 1 and Class 2 is based on handicapped speed according to the entry list or there may be a single class, depending on entry numbers. The water around all marks at the time of racing is adequate for the deepest draught boats and even boats on tide-restricted moorings should have ample time to take part and get home.
The Bert Drought Trophy
