IOCA UK Optimist National Championships at Largs Sailing Club
by Sarah Ellis 18 Aug 10:52 BST
3-7 August 2026
The 2026 IOCA UK Optimist National Championships brought together some of the country's most talented young sailors for five days of competitive racing in the stunning setting of Largs, Scotland.
With the Firth of Clyde offering a mix of challenging tides, shifting breezes, and breathtaking scenery, the event was a true test of skill, patience, and determination. The Opening ceremony started the event in style with Bagpipes and a procession before a welcome from Scottish Optimist Sailors declaring the start of the event. A large group of sailors made the trip from Ireland to join the racing prior to their upcoming Nationals too making for a strong fleet.
111 Main Fleet sailors, 28 Racing Regatta Fleet sailors, and 24 Coached Regatta Fleet sailors took to the water for the racing.
Main Fleet - 12 Races, Gold & Silver Divisions
The Main Fleet, under the expert management of Race Officer Nigel Biggs and team, completed 12 races over five days. The first three days formed a preliminary series, after which the fleet was split into Gold (56 sailors) and Silver (55 sailors) divisions for the final two days. Conditions ranged from light and tactical to breezy and exhilarating, ensuring that versatility and consistency were key to success.
Racing Regatta Fleet - 16 Races
The Racing Regatta Fleet, overseen by Race Officer David Baddeley, featured 28 sailors who enjoyed a full racing schedule of 16 races across the week. Shorter courses and quick turnarounds kept the pace high, with plenty of close finishes and opportunities for sailors to sharpen their tactical skills.
Coached Regatta Fleet - 8 Races + Training
Led by Lola Andrews, the Coached Regatta Fleet welcomed 24 sailors for a blend of training sessions and racing. Across the five days, they completed 8 races, interspersed with on-water drills, boat-handling practice, and tactical workshops. The focus was on building confidence and skills, with every sailor making visible progress by the end of the week.
Day-by-Day Highlights
- Day 1: A steady 10-14 knot westerly allowed all fleets to get off to a flying start. With main fleet heading north of the Isle of Cumbrae to reach their course.
- Day 2: South-westerly winds 7-11 knots made tidal strategy an important factor.
- Day 3: The windiest day of the regatta with breeze reaching 17-18 knots, and a short duration of 20-25 knots concluded the Main Fleet preliminaries.
- Day 4: A North Westerly breeze of 6-9 knots with calm conditions, allowed 3 races for main fleet as it split to gold and silver divisions.
- Day 5: With smooth and calm seas a light 6-9 knots were present to set the stage for the final races across all fleets.
Overall Results:
Main Fleet Gold
1. Jonny Rogers
2. Dylan O'Sullivan
3. Charlie Holland
Main Fleet Silver
1. Kit McCarthy
2. James Weir
3. Felicity Knibb
Racing Regatta Fleet Winner: Bear Grube
Coached Regatta Fleet Winner: Bethany Beech - Every sailor celebrated for progress and enthusiasm
Full results can be found here (use the top three links on the page)
From Nigel Biggs' slick Main Fleet race management, to David Baddeley's energetic Racing Regatta programme, and Lola Andrews' inspiring Coached Regatta leadership, the 2026 Nationals were an enjoyable week supported by warm Scottish hospitality from Largs Sailing Club and it's members. Sailors showed determination and skill throughout the week.
The 2026 IOCA UK Nationals will be remembered for its variety of conditions, tight racing, and the bright future it showcased for British Optimist sailing.
Thank you to the Race Committees, Jury, and all the Volunteers who gave up their time to create an excellent event.
Thank you to our sponsors Rooster Kit, Xtremity Sports, Blacksmiths (Sail performance), Altruist Sunscreen, Optiparts, CD Sails, Noble Marine, Geraldo's and Nardini's for supplying event prizes and the ever popular In It To Win It!