British Keelboat League event at Rutland Sailing Club - Preview
by British Keelboat League 8 Jul 16:54 BST
8-9 August 2026
#rockupandrace in RS21s with the BKL at Rutland © Rutland SC / BKL
The British Keelboat League is returning to Rutland Sailing Club for another weekend of fast and fun racing at the premier inland venue on 8th and 9th August 2026.
Find out more and enter at www.rutlandsailingclub.co.uk/event/bkl-event--1
Also note the EARLY BIRD Discount if you enter before 12 July 2026.
A BKL bonanza at Rutland in February 2026 saw 13 University and Club teams battling it out over two days of intense short course racing in 6 RS21s. The popular national keelboat series is now getting set for a second qualifier to be hosted by the club on 8th and 9th August 2026
The aim is to run a packed schedule of about 40 races of around 15 minutes over the weekend, giving up to 15 teams a chance to compete in around 20 races each in the club's six RS21s.
As Event Director David Wilkins explains: "The beauty of it is that if you get one start or your first beat wrong, there'll soon be another race. We often see teams pulling up through the results as their tactics and boat handling develop over the weekend in the RS21s, which are an ideal keelboat for any good club racer.
"Our British Keelboat League winter event in February was sold out with 13 teams smashing out a non-stop weekend of hugely competitive tight racing. We're looking forward to more of the same at our upcoming summer BKL event! On 8th-9th August 2026"
The #rockupandrace format is suitable for all racing sailors from any discipline.
An optional, free afternoon of sailing in the RS21s will be available at the club on the Friday before the event weekend for teams to practise and get up to speed in the RS21s.
Entry also include a three-course Saturday evening meal for all competitors. With affordable on-site accommodation options, including Rutland SC's bunk rooms and a campsite opposite, it is set to be an amazing sociable BKL event.
The BKL events are noted for their friendly, sociable and supportive atmosphere both on the water and ashore, and welcomes entries from teams representing their club, class association, school, university or group of friends.
The top two teams from the Rutland event will be invited to the 2026 BKL final, which will be hosted by the Royal Southern Yacht Club in September, and from there could win a place to compete in the European SAILING Champions League 2027.
Find out more and enter at www.rutlandsailingclub.co.uk/event/bkl-event--1
Remember the EARLY BIRD Discount if you enter before 12 July 2026.