Splash and Dash for the National Champions (and anyone who wants to join)
by Andy Rice 15 Nov 19:40 GMT
22-23 November 2025
Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash © Tim Olin /
www.olinphoto.co.uk
A number of big-name sailors have signed up for the Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash, the first event of the Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series coming up next weekend. Sign up to join them for some close competition...
"To be a champion you must act like a champion." Lou Ferrigno, former Mr Universe and Incredible Hulk actor
If you want to act like a sailing champion, get your entry in for Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash, which takes place on the weekend of 22 & 23 November at Draycote Water Sailing Club.
'The Dash' is Event No.1 of this season's Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series and there are quite a few proven winners already signed up to compete at the two-day handicap racing event.
Here are some former or current class National Champions already entered:
- Megan Pascoe - 2.4mR
- Simon Hawkes - K1
- Tom Morris & Guy Fillmore - RS800
- Sam Knight & Chris Bownes - RS400
- Paul Hignett - Moth Lowrider National Champion, all the way from Loch Lomond
- Tom Gillard & Rach Gray - Merlin Rocket - and last season's winners of the Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series in their Scorpion
Tom Morris made a great video from the 2023 Dash from on board his RS800. You can watch that here:
Entry closes sooner than most events, and to get a spot you need to have completed online entry by 1159pm on Tuesday 18 November.
Enter here
Three-Time Winner Coaches Again
As the only three-time series winner (racing in a 2000 with wife Katie), Simon Horsfield brings invaluable expertise back to his coaching role, this time supported by new series sponsor, insurance company Navigators & General.
Horsfield joined circuit organisers Simon Lovesey and Andy Rice for an online chat where they preview what's to expect this winter.
Watch the Video Preview here.
While his main role will be to support other competitors with expert coaching input, Horsfield said he looked forward to squeezing in a few events as a competitor.
As with last year, Horsfield's primary focus remains on providing accessible coaching, an often-overlooked aspect of dinghy sailing outside of youth and Olympic squads. His coaching philosophy is rooted in practical advice using video footage from a rib, offering insight into what "good looks like" at the front of the fleet and identifying opportunities for mid-fleet sailors to gain five or ten places. Horsfield also mentioned the importance of having the coach on site to provide alternative entertainment and boat-park tips on days when conditions are too light or too heavy for racing.
Horsfield says the busy start lines and mixed-fleet racing environment are fantastic for keeping skills sharp during the off-season.
Enter for this Season for £20 off Magic Marine Kit
Entries are open for all eight events, starting with the Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash. Technical clothing specialist Magic Marine, after their sponsorship of last summer's Sailjuice Challenge, are offering a £20 voucher for anyone who enters two or more events before the Draycote Dash weekend. As usual, the handicapping will be run under the Great Lakes Group, a well established set of handicap numbers, a variation from the standard RYA Portsmouth Yardstick numbers.
Enter the series here
The Events
The following events are in the Seldén SailJuice Winter Series 2025/26:
- Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash, Draycote Water Sailing Club - 22 & 23 November 2025
- Datchet Flyer, Datchet Water Sailing Club - 6 & 7 December 2025
- Polar Chase, Chase Sailing Club - 13 December 2025
- Yorkshire Dales Brass Monkey, Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club - 27 December 2025
- Gill Grafham Grand Prix, Grafham Water Sailing Club - 4 January 2026
- GJW Direct Bloody Mary, Queen Mary Sailing Club - 10 January 2026
- John Merricks Tiger Trophy, Rutland Sailing Club - 31 January 2026 & 1 February 2026
- Oxford Blue, Oxford Sailing Club - 14 February 2026
Prizegiving at RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, Farnborough - 21 February 2026
You can find out more about the Series at www.SailJuiceSeries.com