As anticipated, August was packed full of exciting action that fans around the world could enjoy. After an incredibly impressive performance Richard Palmer’s JPK 1010 Jangada took the win at the 2022 Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race, a feat made even more remarkable by the fact that the boat was being sailed double-handed. America’s Chris Poole claimed victory at the Chicago Grand Slam, bouncing back after a slow start in the round robin to take victory 3-0 in the final against New Zealand’s Cole Tapper. Finally, after day 1 was abandoned due to a lack of breeze, Pete Burling and his New Zealand SailGP team took their second consecutive win at Rockwool Denmark SailGP. Importantly as August draws to a close, September is shaping up to be equally exciting with competition across a variety of different classes and disciplines. In this article we will be giving sailing fans a quick rundown of the sailing events in September 2022. To find out more visit Fixture Calendar and make sure you don’t miss a single start, first beat or finish.
Cherbourg Race, Cowes to Cherbourg, 2nd September
The Cherbourg Race marks the end of the RORC British domestic offshore season and sees teams take on a short dash across the English Channel to Cherbourg. The 75nm race is typically won and lost during the difficult and tidal escape from the Solent. However, the tide can also play a big factor on the approach to Cherbourg and the race epitomises the phrase ‘it isn’t over until it’s over’. Being the last race of the season, the entry list is packed full of experienced teams and fast boats. Offshore regular Lance Shepherd’s Telefonica Black, the former Volvo Ocean Race boat, is a sure-fire favourite to claim line-honours. However, as has become the case in the last few years, the number of entries in the double-handed class surpasses that of any other class. Can Jangada take another win this season, albeit in a much shorter race?
France SailGP, Saint-Tropez, 10th – 11th September
SailGP returns to the French Riviera in September for the France Sail Grand Prix which will take place in the Mediterranean waters of Saint-Tropez. Saint-Tropez boasts a rich maritime history and some of the finest sailing waters in the world, with the Gulf hosting a number of famous sailing events including the iconic and prestigious Voiles de Saint-Tropez. The talent on the New Zealand team has finally come to the fore after a slower start to their SailGP journey than everyone expected, with the team winning the last 2 events. Can they win 3 on the bounce or will we see season leaders Australia at the front again?
British Keelboat League Series Final, Royal Southern Yacht Club, 30th September – 2nd October
The British Keelboat League gives sailors from around the UK the unparalleled opportunity to go up against one another in a series of events in matched boats. After qualification events in Cardiff, Hayling Island and Ullswater, amongst other venues, the series final will be held at the Royal Southern Yacht Club in a fleet of the new and exciting RS21s. Who will deal with the tricky and tidal waters of the Solent best and be crowned the winners? Only time will tell, but there is no doubt that the British Keelboat League Series, founded in 2016, is helping to improve and develop the quality of keelboat sailing in the UK.
