Scarborough Yacht Club Regatta 2026
by Helen Baker 5 Aug 13:30 BST
23–26 July 2026
A moody shot from the Scarborough YC Regatta © Simon James Smith
Scarborough Yacht Club's Annual Regatta once again proved to be one of the highlights of the Yorkshire sailing calendar, delivering four fantastic days of competitive racing, varied sailing conditions and outstanding shoreside hospitality.
This year's decision to move the regatta from its traditional August Bank Holiday slot to a weekend with more favourable tides proved to be a great success, creating ideal conditions for both racing and the club's social programme.
A fleet of 30 boats competed across three classes - YTC 1, Sonata One Design and YTC Club - ensuring exciting, competitive racing across the fleet. The regatta also incorporated the Sonata Northern Championship. Although only three Sonata yachts contested the title, the racing was exceptionally close, with every race fiercely fought until the finish.
Competition in the YTC 1 fleet was just as close. Finish times were often separated by only seconds, with several boats regularly in contention for race wins. The fleet featured an impressive mix of yachts, from Sigma 33s and Impalas through to a Mini Transat and a Phuket Sports 8.
The overall YTC 1 series was decided in dramatic fashion, with two boats finishing the six-race series level on points. The winner was determined on countback, while two further boats finished just one and two points behind, underlining how closely matched the fleet was throughout the regatta and demonstrating just how well the RORC/RYA YTC handicap performed across such a varied fleet.
The weather tested sailors across the four days, with conditions ranging from a gentle 5 knots on the opening day to over 30 knots on day two. These contrasting conditions gave every boat the opportunity to perform in its preferred weather, making for exciting and varied racing throughout the regatta.
Commodore Rudi Barman said: "This year's regatta showed everything that's great about sailing at Scarborough. We had a fantastic mix of conditions, close racing across every fleet and, as always, plenty of laughs ashore afterwards. It's been brilliant to welcome so many visiting crews to the club, and I want to thank everyone who raced, volunteered and supported the event. Regattas like this simply wouldn't happen without the commitment of our members, sponsors and volunteers."
Racing may have been the main attraction, but the regatta is just as much about the people as the sailing. From the daily BBQs, pie and peas, buffet, prize-giving's and evening entertainment, competitors and members enjoyed everything that gives the SYC Annual Regatta its unique atmosphere and keeps sailors coming back year after year.
The regatta was once again made possible thanks to the generous support of local businesses. Scarborough Yacht Club extends its sincere thanks to our principal sponsors, Castle Group Ltd, The Leeds Arms and Luna Park, together with supporting sponsors Whitby Web Design and Fred Tiles Photography.
We were delighted to welcome visiting competitors from THYC, Grimsby and RYYC, all of whom embraced SYC's renowned hospitality and contributed to another fantastic regatta.
A huge thank you also goes to the many volunteers whose hard work made the event possible. We are also grateful to Scarborough Port Authority for providing discounted berthing for competitors.
Special thanks go to our Race Officer, Imogen Gibb, ably assisted by Susan Griffiths. Their excellent race management and sound decision-making ensured safe, fair and enjoyable racing despite the ever-changing conditions.
The SYC Regatta marks another milestone in what has been an outstanding season for Scarborough Yacht Club. Having already hosted the Yorkshire Cup, the North Sea Yacht Race to Holland, the Jaunt North flotilla and now the Annual Regatta, attention now turns to the 707 National Championships, which begin on 3rd September. With another major championship on the horizon, 2026 is shaping up to be a memorable year for sailing at SYC.
Congratulations to our 2026 Regatta winners:
- YTC 1 - Firebird
- Sonata Northern Champions - Sting
- Club YTC - GiGi
- Overall Leeds Arms Regatta Trophy - GiGi
A special mention goes to the crew of Big Bear, who visited SYC during our regatta as part of their remarkable Big Bear Voyage 2026. Skipper Jonathan Brewin, his wife Jackie and their crew are sailing more than 2,200 nautical miles around the entire UK coastline, visiting 35 coastal communities to raise £70,000 for BBC Children in Need, with a particular focus on supporting children's mental health.
Their inspiring voyage is about far more than sailing - it's about bringing communities together while raising awareness and vital funds for children and young people facing some of life's toughest challenges.
During their stop in Scarborough, members of SYC enjoyed a fascinating presentation about the voyage and the motivation behind this extraordinary challenge. It was a privilege to meet the crew, hear their story first-hand and support such a worthwhile cause.
We wish Jonathan, Jackie and the entire Big Bear crew fair winds and every success as they continue their journey around Britain, and we encourage everyone to support their fantastic fundraising campaign.