Match Racing in many ways is the simplest form of racing - one on one competition in any one design boat
The reality is an extremely challenging duel that test, tactics, strategy, rules knowledge and application, boat handling and teamwork.
Rock up and race! No need to own your own boat, at match racing events, a set of matched boats are provided, allowing teams to swap in and out throughout the day.
RYA National Match Racing Championship
The series consists of several qualifier events, including a Youth (U23 & U19), two Women’s events. The winning GBR team from each is then invited to the Championship Finals in October.
The 2025 Notice of Race, Amendments, Damage Addendum and Damage charge guidance documents are now available.
To enter you need
- Minimum - club racing experience (dinghies or keelboats)
- Some rules knowledge
- A team of like minded sailors - 3 to 5 sailors depending upon the boats/weight requirements.
- To be registered with a World Sailing ID.
If you are new to match racing, on the water coaching is provided at RYA qualifier events.
UK Match Racing dates for 2025
|
Date - 2025 |
Event |
Venue |
Event details |
| 18 - 19 Jan | RYA National Match Racing Qualifier 1 (Elliotts) |
WPNSA |
|
| 08 - 09 Feb | RYA/BUSA Women's Winter Match Racing Championships (Elliotts) |
WPNSA |
|
| 15 - 16 Feb | RYA National Match Racing Qualifier 2 (Sonars) – Hosted by RTYC | QMSC | Enter here |
| 28 - 30 Mar | BUCS/BUSA University Match Racing Championships - enter through BUCS only - (Elliotts) |
WPNSA |
|
| TBC | RYA National Match Racing Qualifier 3 (707s) - Hosted by RCYC |
RCYC, Burnham | |
| 28 - 29 June | RYA Harken Youth Match Racing Championships (U23) including U19 Championships (Elliotts) |
WPNSA |
|
| TBC | RYA National Match Racing Qualifier 4 (RS21s) – Hosted by Rutland SC | Rutland SC | |
| 13 - 14 Sep | RYA Marlow Ropes Women's Match Racing Championships (Elliotts) |
WPNSA |
|
| 27 - 28 Sep | RYA National Match Racing Qualifier 6 |
WPNSA |
|
| 4 - 5 Oct TBC | RYA National Match Racing Qualifier 7/Ceilidh Cup (Sonars) – Hosted by RN&CYC | RN & CYC | |
| 17 - 19 October | Championship Finals |
QMSC |
Please note event entry is online only.
Each event will require a new login (this can be the same one), as the entry system does not share information between events. Crews are also required to enter online once the skipper has had their entry accepted.
Any sailors under the age of 18 are required to ask their parent/guardian to complete the consent form.
The Championship Grand Final is for British teams by invitation only. Wildcards - see NOR for details for how to apply.
Find out about the starting procedure, the course, penalties and other aspects of Match Racing
See the full results for all RYA Match Racing events since 2018 on Match Racing results
For teams wishing to charter an Elliott for additional training, you can now request to book.
Explore all upcoming RYA racing events including Match racing and other Sailing events.
