Scottish sailors show strength at 2026 Eric Twiname Championships

Scotland’s next generation of sailors delivered a series of strong performances at the 2026 Eric Twiname Championships, with podium finishes and multiple top‑10 results across several fleets at Rutland Sailing Club from 2-4 May 2026.

Podium success & depth across the fleets

Scotland’s top result came in the RS Feva fleet, where Cameron and Finlay Ritchie (Aberdeen & Stonehaven YC) produced an excellent regatta to secure second overall. Their series included race wins and consistent top finishes, keeping them firmly in contention throughout the weekend.

Fellow Scottish sailors Morven Dunn and Alexander Hepplewhite (Loch Lomond SC) also delivered a solid performance to finish 12th overall, competing well in a highly competitive 35‑boat fleet. 

A strong result too for Joshua Brotherstone in the Techno 7.8 fleet, finishing fourth overall.

In the Optimist fleet, Scotland demonstrated encouraging depth, with multiple sailors finishing inside the top 15.

Leading the way was Hamish Pawson-Munro (Aberdeen & Stonehaven YC), who secured an impressive third overall, consistently scoring across the series to claim a place on the podium.

He was closely supported by Maisie MacIntyre (Loch Tummel SC) in eighth (and a podium finish as second girl overall) and Charlie Tait (Aberdeen & Stonehaven YC) in ninth, giving Scotland three sailors inside the top 10.

Olivia Cleary (Clyde Cruising Club) also posted a strong result in 12th overall, rounding out a solid showing from the Scottish Optimist squad.

Solid results across the board

With strong wider results across Topper and ILCA 4 fleets, it was a strong performance for RYA Scotland’s Performance Pathway sailors as a collective, and a valuable opportunity to build championship experience in large, competitive national fleet. These events continue to provide an important opportunity for sailors progressing through the pathway to test themselves against the best from across the UK.

Full results can be viewed online.

The Eric Twiname Championships remain a key fixture in the junior racing calendar, combining high‑quality racing with a strong sense of team spirit and camaraderie.

Reflecting on the event, RYA Scotland’s Head of Sport and Performance Pathways Jamie Rogers said:

“Events like the Eric Twiname Championships are a vital part of the development journey for our young sailors. It’s fantastic to see Scottish sailors not only gaining valuable experience in large national fleets, but also delivering strong, consistent performances at the front of the fleet.

"These results reflect the depth of talent coming through the pathway and provide a strong platform to build on as sailors progress.”

For RYA Scotland, the 2026 results underline both emerging podium potential and growing depth across the pathway, with foundations continuing to be built for future success at national and international level.

A reminder on Clean Sport

With the Championships taking place just ahead of this year’s Clean Sport Week, it’s a timely moment to highlight UK Anti‑Doping’s 2026 theme: “Built not bought. 100% me.”

The campaign reinforces the importance of fair play, integrity and drug‑free sport - celebrating those who succeed through hard work, talent and commitment. As concerns continue to grow around the availability and promotion of image and performance‑enhancing substances, it is more important than ever for the sailing community to stay informed and play their part.

By making positive, informed choices, we can help protect both individual wellbeing and the values of our sport. Find out more by searching Clean Sport Week 2026.