OneSails Next Generation Class Comes to the Hamble Winter Series

Hamble Winter Series 2025 Race Week 2 - Jump 2 It, J99 © Paul Wyeth / HWS

The 'OneSails Next Generation Class' expands to a new fleet and a new season, building on its launch at Dartmouth Royal Regatta

OneSails GBR South is bringing its Next Generation Class initiative to the Hamble Winter Series, building on the class first launched at Dartmouth Royal Regatta earlier this year and extending its commitment to supporting the next generation of competitive sailors into a new fleet and a new season.

How It Works

The Next Generation Class was created to recognise and reward young sailors competing in mixed-age fleets. Open to sailors aged 16 to 25*, the class runs alongside the Winter Series' existing divisions rather than replacing them: any boat entered into the Hamble Winter Series with at least one crew member in the eligible age range is automatically entered into the Next Generation Class, at no extra cost and with no separate registration required.

Throughout the series, OneSails GBR South will present awards recognising standout Next Generation Class performances, building towards an overall trophy presented at the end of the Winter Series. Further details on the awards and judging will be confirmed in due course.

Additional Benefits for Next Generation Sailors

Beyond the racecourse, participating sailors will have access to two hands-on educational sessions hosted by the OneSails GBR South team at their Hamble Point loft.

A Sail Repair & Construction Workshop will cover how racing sails are built, how to assess damage, and how to carry out repairs both in the loft and on board.

An On-Water Sail Trim Workshop will offer live trim coaching afloat aboard a Grand Soleil 50, followed by an in-loft debrief with the OneSails team.

Both sessions are fully hands-on, open to sailors of all experience levels, and designed to give young competitors practical, transferable skills, as well as greater insight into sailmaking and the wider marine industry.

Building on Dartmouth

The OneSails Next Generation Class was first launched at Dartmouth Royal Regatta in 2026 to recognise, reward and inspire sailors aged 18 to 29 racing within mixed-age fleets. Bringing the initiative to the Hamble Winter Series develops the concept further, combining recognition on the racecourse with direct access to the skills, knowledge and people behind the equipment.

"We saw firsthand what the Next Generation Class meant to young sailors when we launched it earlier this year, and we're really pleased to bring it to the Hamble Winter Series. It's a simple idea — reward the sailors who are the future of the sport and give them real access to the skills and people behind their equipment. The Winter Series is exactly the kind of fleet where that makes a difference." - Nathan Steffenoni, Director & Loft Manager, OneSails GBR South

The initiative reflects OneSails GBR South's broader commitment to supporting the next generation of sailors, sharing technical knowledge and creating opportunities for young people to develop their skills within competitive sailing and the wider marine industry.

"We are delighted that OneSails are joining with the Hamble Winter Series to promote youth keelboat sailing. Our relationship with OneSails spans two decades, and we welcome the opportunity to help youth develop their skills in keelboats." — Trevor Pountain, Commodore, Hamble River Sailing Club

Dates for the Winter Series Next Generation Class awards and workshops will be confirmed in due course.

*Participants must not be older than 25 years old throughout the duration of the series.

www.hamblewinterseries.com