5 year partnership provides programme to develop sailing skills at Whitstable Yacht Club

Whitstable YC's CadetFest 2025 was supported by holidaycottages.co.uk © Jo Wyles

Whitstable Yacht Club is delighted to continue to work with holidaycottages.co.uk as a major sponsor in 2026, our fifth year of partnership.

The sponsorship will support a range of sailing activities through the 2026 season including our premier racing event Whitstable Week, community outreach events linking with local schools and Discover Sailing, a 'have a go' day open to the town, and CadetFest a summer week-long fun event for young people. The sponsorship will also support WYC's innovative 'Transition to Racing' programme aimed at bringing more competent learners of all ages into the club's racing programme.

A key part of the programme will be provision of bursaries to promote the development of sailing skills for both adult members and for children. 2026 is the fourth year holidaycottages.co.uk have provided bursaries with previous recipients going onto become competent racers, sailing instructors and in one case having a career in the marine industry.

Serena Clarke, Regional Communities Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk commented, "We are committed to supporting causes close to the hearts of local communities where guests holiday. From sponsoring local charities and organisations to promoting environmental initiatives, leaving a positive impact through responsible tourism is one of our key values.

"We are proud to support Whitstable Yacht Club by providing bursaries for sailing courses, helping both new adult members and children discover the joy of being on the water. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire more people of all ages to take up sailing and experience the thrill of this rewarding sport.

"Whether setting sail for a weekend regatta or enjoying a coastal getaway, we have the ideal accommodation. From charming fisherman's cottages to stylish sea-view apartments, our carefully curated collection provides the perfect base for your next sailing adventure.

Whitstable Yacht Club Commodore David Figgis added, "We are thrilled to work with holidaycottages.co.uk for a fifth year. I am particularly pleased to see the legacy created by the bursaries awarded in previous years with members now actively involved in water sports at the club. The 2026 partnership builds on that success with a programme designed to promote sailing and expand membership across all ages."

First race of the season at WYC

An enthusiastic band of sailors gathered for the first race of the 2026 season on March 15th in sunny but windy conditions and a forecast of stronger gusts to come!

Two Toppers and eight Lasers made the start with Joe Barton leading mum Louise round for two laps until both retired in the building breeze. Matt Crockett in a Radial led the Lasers to the gybe mark before taking a swim, with others perishing on the run to the gybe which encouraged the more cautious/sensible to granny tack round.

The survivors set off on a second lap led by Andy Provan, Nick Stephens, and Dave Sansom - others followed but eventually the intrepid three finished in that order despite the odd capsize and more frequent challenge of getting stuck in irons.

Whitstable YC's first race of the season - photo © Steve Gray