Gill joins Firefly's landmark 80th Anniversary Championship

70th Anniversary Firefly Nationals day 5 © Alistair Mackay

The apparel pioneer joins the Firefly's youngest and biggest fleet in over 50 years at Tenby, 8 to 14 August 2026

The National Firefly Association has named Gill Marine as the official apparel partner of the Tideway 80th Anniversary Firefly National Championships, held at Tenby Sailing Club from 8 to 14 August 2026.

Nick Gill founded the brand in 1975 with a single aim: to get more people on the water, more comfortably, more often. Fifty years on, Gill joins the fleet that shows exactly what that looks like. The 2026 championship is the biggest Firefly Nationals since 1974 and the youngest in living memory: 61% of helms are under 30, a quarter are newcomers to the championship, and close to half of all competitors are female.

It is a natural fit. Gill designs technical apparel for sailors across every level of the sport, from ocean racers to weekend club sailors and those just starting their journey on the water. At Tenby, Gill will provide prizes across every division, from the youth and ladies fleets through to the gold fleet, and feature in the coverage throughout the week.

The partnership brings together two milestones in British dinghy sailing. Gill recently marked 50 years, and the Firefly, designed by Uffa Fox and first sailed in 1946, marks its 80th anniversary. Two names that have helped shape the sport, meeting at a championship built around its future.

Dr Jenny Smallwood, Chairman of the National Firefly Association, said: "It is a fantastic moment for the class. Eighty years on, the Firefly is drawing its biggest and most diverse fleet in over fifty years, with more young sailors than ever. Gill has spent fifty years getting people on the water, so having them alongside us as we welcome the next generation could not be a better fit."

Sacha Kemp, Communications and Marketing Director at Gill Marine, said: "For 50 years, Gill has been committed to helping more people enjoy their time on the water. The Firefly class has built an incredibly strong and welcoming fleet, with more young sailors than ever taking to the start line, alongside some of the class's best-known names. We're delighted to support the 80th Anniversary Championships and look forward to being part of what promises to be a fantastic week at Tenby."

Racing runs from 9 to 14 August over eight races. Alongside Tideway Wealth and Gill Marine, the championship is supported by Craftinsure, whose Craftinsure Buddies scheme welcomes the newcomers who make up a quarter of the fleet, and Marlow Ropes, with class supporters Seldén, Hyde Sails and Sailboat Trailers.