The 2026 UK 29er National and Open Championships were held at Hayling Island Sailing Club (HISC) from 15–21 August, attracting a strong UK and international fleet. Over six days, sailors experienced a wide range of wind strengths and sea states, competing through qualifying before progressing to Gold and Silver fleets for the final 3 days.

Royal Lymington Yacht Club (RLYC) was strongly represented, with several teams achieving excellent results.

Freya Hutchinson and Joanna Macalister, sailing Jolene, were the top RLYC team, finishing 3rd overall in Gold and 1st Female, with 45 net points. Their consistent final series included a 2nd-place finish in the final race.

Dirk Rogers and William McEwen, sailing Musto, finished an impressive 5th in Gold, including 1st and 2nd-place finishes in the final series.

Jonny Rogers and Will Ahlheid, sailing Roxanne, finished 13th in Gold

The strong RLYC junior contingent included Isla Hutchinson and Olivia Macalister, sailing Robin, who finished 30th in Gold, while Ben McEwen and Felix Howe finished 4th in Silver.

RLYC also performed strongly in the championship’s crew race. Isla Hutchinson and Olivia Macalister finished 8th overall and 1st Female, while Will Ahlheid and Jonny Rogers finished 10th.

Overall, the Nationals were a highly successful event for RLYC, highlighted by Freya Hutchinson and Joanna Macalister’s Gold-fleet 3rd place podium and Female title, Dirk Rogers and William McEwen’s 5th place, and strong performances across the club’s junior squad.