Parhelion Sailing Report - Spring 2026
Published 11:53 on 3 May 2026
The Portsmouth Sailing Club Parhelion Spring 2026 Series has been completed very successfully, with 5 weekends of racing for a fleet of 21 boats.
The racing was entirely conducted between Portsmouth and Ryde, which provided easy access from the harbour entrance.
We have revamped the Official Noticeboard, which is our primary hub for information. PSC Noticeboard
A minor restructuring allowed racing in 4 divisions, 2 for day boats and 2 for yachts. Our rating and handicapping systems try to level the playing field to make for fair racing for all. Our club handicap systems allow us to apply a personal handicap for each boat individually. It does take a series or so to learn, but the idea is to keep the costs low for us ordinary sailors in whatever boat and crew they choose to bring to the start line.
We are always keen to find new boats to race with us, if you're not already racing with us, please consider it, and ask your friends. For newcomers, we have added an introductory newcomers guide to the notice board, to allay the understandable concerns for new racers. Our yacht fleet has boats from 20 feet to 40 feet. And we would love to expand our day boat fleet. We will be trying to get skippers from other local clubs to come and share in the fun. Our first race starts at about 10:30, and we are usually back through the harbour entrance by 14:00.
During the series we raced in everything from a F2 to F6, which kept the crews on their toes. Heavy wind sailing requires one set of skills, light wind sailing a very different set. With 9 races, the overall fleet (yachts and day boats combined) had 6 different winners. It's great to see the development of our most recent joiners. Racing really does help understand your boat and co-ordinate your crew, which in turn makes sailing a real joy for all. Our friendly racing isn't shouty or too pushy, although we did have our first (ever?) general recall, much to the amusement of many.
After racing, crews are invited back to the Sailing Club in Old Portsmouth. A 'taxi' RIB providing a free service from local marinas. The banter in the club afterwards is a key part of our racing.
Following the final days racing, presentations took place in a busy Club. Commodore, Maxine Reeves and Rear Commodore, Phil Duff were on duty for the presentations.
- Division 4 winners: Zilch, John Scammell, Victory,
- Division 3 winners: Allegria, Charles Hawkins, Tempest
- Division 2 winners: Mistress, Colin Eales, Folkboat
- Division 1 winners: Challenger, Adam Ballard, First 40.7
- Day boat winner: Allegria, Charles Hawkins, Tempest
- Yacht winner: Mistress, Colin Eales, Folkboat
- Overall 3rd: Challenger, Adam Ballard, First 40.7
- Overall 2nd: Mistress, Colin Eales, Folkboat
- Overall winner: Allegria, Charles Hawkins, Tempest
Up and coming events include:
- A fun race to Yarmouth and back, May 16/17, see the official noticeboard
- Portsmouth Clubs Regatta: https://www.portsmouthregatta.co.uk/
- Round the Island Race: PSC awards for PSC boats, and PSC crew on non PSC boats - free entry ticket on PSC website
- Cowes Week: https://www.cowesweek.co.uk/
- PSC Autumn Parhelion, starting September 19th.
And finally, a massive shout out of thanks to all the volunteers and staff operating behind the scenes. We are completely dependent on them for the success of our racing. We need some new volunteers, so if you have some free time and are interested, please get in touch with a committee member or via email sailing@portsmouthsc.co.uk. We can offer shadowing and training to get you started.
Here are a selection of photos from the prize giving day, winners are grinners !
