Our Sponsored Sailor's Favourite Race Venues - Sailing Chandlery

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March 17, 2026 8 min read

From local club racing to international championships, it is incredible to see the dedication, skill, and sheer joy that our sponsored sailors bring to the water. We caught up with some of our team to find out where they love to compete and exactly what makes those specific race venues so special to them.


Supporting the next generation is at the heart of what we do, and hearing the insights from these athletes helps us understand the diverse challenges they face on the circuit. Read on to discover some fantastic sailing locations and hear firsthand from the talented sponsored sailors that we are beyond proud to support as they prepare for the 2026 season.

the technical edge: how our team prepares

Success at these world-class venues doesn't happen by accident; it requires a rigorous approach to boat prep that all our sponsored sailors share. Whether they are preparing for the shifty inland conditions Adam faces or the high-speed reaches George enjoys at Garda, our sponsored sailors spend hours fine-tuning their equipment to ensure nothing is left to chance. We work closely with our sponsored sailors to identify which hardware and rope setups provide the most reliable control under pressure.


By analysing the performance of our sponsored sailors across various sailing classes, we can recommend the exact same configurations to our customers. This collaborative relationship ensures that the innovations tested by our sponsored sailors on the international circuit are available to every club racer. Seeing our sponsored sailors push their kit to the limit gives us the confidence to say that we provide the best gear on the market. Every success achieved by our sponsored sailors is a testament to the hours of preparation and the quality of the equipment they trust.

our sponsored sailors: adam green

Sponsored Sailors Favourite Race Venues | Sailing Chandlery

SPONSORED SAILOR 

Adam Green: Topper / Transitioning to ILCA

Favourite place to race: Lough Erne, Fermanagh


As one of our most promising sponsored sailors, Adam Green brings a high level of technical focus to his racing. Having been on the water since he was four years old, he has developed an intuitive feel for the boat that few can match. For sponsored sailors like Adam, the challenge isn't just about speed; it's about outsmarting the conditions. Here is what he had to say about his favorite tactical playground:


"Lough Erne will always be my favourite place to sail. It’s where it all began for me back in 2016, when I was just 4 years old, taking part in my very first sailing course. I still remember the excitement of getting out on the water and learning the basics - that’s where my love for sailing started.


Since then, sailing has taken me all over the place, and I don’t get to sail on Lough Erne as much as I’d like because I’m often on the road campaigning in the Topper class. But every time I come back, it still feels special. One of my proudest moments so far was winning the Irish Nationals in 2025. Moments like that make me think back to those early days on the lough and how far the journey has come.


In 2026, I’ll be competing in both Topper and ILCA national and international events, continuing to chase new goals. No matter where sailing takes me, Lough Erne will always be the place where it all started."

george smith - lake garda, italy

Sponsored Sailors Favourite Race Venues | Sailing Chandlery

SPONSORED SAILOR 

George Smith: RS600

Favourite place to sail: Lake Garda, Italy


George is a fantastic example of the calibre of athletes we support through our sponsored sailors program. His focus on international events requires a kit that can withstand diverse climates and high-intensity racing. For our sponsored sailors, finding a venue that offers both world-class racing and a great atmosphere is the ultimate goal. George shares why one particular Italian lake is a standout for him:


"My favourite place to sail has to be Lake Garda in Italy. Its jaw-dropping scenery mixed with famous thermal winds make it truly a special place to go sailing, and once ashore, you’re guaranteed great food and stunning lakeside towns.


Can't wait to go back this year! Has to be on everyone's sailing bucket list."

harry mills: weymouth bay

Sponsored Sailors Favourite Race Venues | Sailing Chandlery

SPONSORED SAILOR 

Harry Mills: Topper / ILCA

Favourite place to race: Weymouth Bay and WPNSA


As one of our most active Sponsored Sailors, Harry knows Weymouth better than most. "My favourite place to race would be Weymouth Bay, it’s home from home for me as I spend most weekends up there training with the RYA or the Performance Academy and then many of the big ILCA events are at Weymouth also.


Thankfully, it takes a little over 2 hours to drive from Cornwall, and there is an epic coastal road across Dorset with amazing views on the way to WPNSA. The venue itself is easy, as it was designed for us sailors, with a big slip, a level boat park, plenty of wash points, a great café, and somewhere to park the sailing van overnight at a reasonable cost.


There are plenty of sailing opportunities; if it's extreme, we can stay in the protected harbour, but once out in the bay, the fun begins with good waves and plenty of space.


There is a reason it is the National Sailing Academy venue, as it is simply the best equipped sailing venue for large fleets with the least amount of hassle for the competitors, and sailing areas for all conditions, and you get to catch up with friends from different classes, so you always bump into somebody you know!"

rebecca knock: WPNSA

Sponsored Sailors Favourite Race Venues | Sailing Chandlery

SPONSORED SAILOR 

Rebecca Knock: Feva / ILCA

Favourite place to race: WPNSA


For Sponsored Sailors like Rebecca, the international circuit is about more than just the race...


My favourite venue to race at is WPNSA. It's not just the bay, which has reliably decent conditions, but also the atmosphere at the club and area. I knew it would be one of my favourite venues from my first visit, when I sailed in the RS Games in 2018. I found WPNSA a big inspiration, having been the venue for Olympic sailing in 2012 and also being able to bump into sailors like Giles Scott when rigging. WPNSA is definitely my favourite venue in the UK. I've even had a pod of dolphins swim on my wake in the Feva Worlds there.


However, one of my favourite things about racing is that I can sail in countries that I would never have visited otherwise, like Sweden and the Netherlands. Each venue is unique in its conditions, and all are enjoyable!

amelie ballantyne: Torbay

Sponsored Sailors Favourite Race Venues | Sailing Chandlery

SPONSORED SAILOR 

Amelie Ballantyne: Laser/ILCA 4

Favourite place to race: Torbay


As one of our recent sponsored sailors for Team SC, Amelie shares her favourite place to sail:

"I am lucky living in Devon as we have lots of great places to sail, beautiful estuaries, a variety of seas, locations and lakes. If I were to pick one area that I’ve loved sailing in the most, it would be Torbay. Not one specific club there, although they are all very welcoming, the water area. It gets big rolling waves which I love sailing on, there is loads of space to practice, there are lots of events held in Torbay, and the dolphins and seals come out to play. I have done both national sailing and training at Torbay over the last few years, and it’s never disappointing. The launching areas at Torbay are also quite varied, from beach launching, slipways, to navigating the tourist boats out of the harbour in Torquay. Torbay is always interesting, especially when the wind picks up. If you’re a fan of waves like me, Torbay can be great fun!"

the next wave: how we support our sponsored sailors

At Sailing Chandlery, we believe in nurturing the future of our sport. Our sponsored sailors program is one way we give back, providing vital support to promising young athletes like Adam, George, Harry, Rebecca and Amelie. We understand the significant financial commitments involved in competitive racing- from boat maintenance to the entry fees for various events across different sailing classes- and we are committed to helping our sponsored sailors reach their full potential.


By partnering with these dedicated individuals, we gain invaluable insights into the needs of modern competitors. The feedback we receive from our sponsored sailors helps us continually improve our product offerings, ensuring we have the latest gear, technology, and expert advice to support every sailor, from grassroots beginners to seasoned racers.


We also offer a wealth of knowledge through our team and website, providing resources for all levels of experience to ensure every member of our community feels as supported as our sponsored sailors.

what's your favourite place to sail?

At the end of the day, our sponsored sailors' favourite venues aren’t just about the scenery- it’s about the unique puzzle each location presents.


George’s choice, Lake Garda, is prized for its rare, high-frequency consistency. When you’re at a major regatta, having a 90% chance of great wind is a luxury that makes for incredible, high-speed racing. Conversely, Adam’s pick, Lough Erne, is the polar opposite. It’s a tactical playground. When our sponsored sailors are racing through a maze of islands, the wind doesn’t behave like it does in the open ocean. You’re constantly fighting gusts, shifts, and shadows. It’s not about how fast your boat can go in a straight line; it’s about how quickly your brain can process the changes.


Sailing is one of the few sports where the "pitch" is constantly moving and changing. You can’t just memorise a course; you have to learn to talk to the water. Whether it’s the grandeur of the Alps or the hidden gems of the Fermanagh lakelands, these spots define the journey for our sponsored sailors.


Learning to master these varied environments is a key part of the development we support within our sponsored sailors program.

why choose sailing chandlery?

We don’t just sell the kit- we live it. When you shop with us, you get expert advice from a team that understands the technical demands of sailing clothing on and off the water. This expertise is fuelled by the real-world testing and feedback we receive from our sponsored sailors, ensuring that every product we stock is capable of performing in the toughest race conditions.


We prioritise transparency and speed, offering actual stock levels on all items so you aren't left waiting, paired with fast dispatch to get your order moving immediately. We know that whether you are a recreational cruiser or one of our elite sponsored sailors, having the right gear at the right time is critical to your success on the water.


As a five-star rated company, we pride ourselves on premium aftercare and a loyalty rewards scheme that gives back to our community of adventurers with every purchase. This includes our full range of technical apparel, allowing you to kit yourself out with the same high-standard gear used by our sponsored sailors while earning rewards for your next adventure.

Sponsored Sailors Favourite Race Venues | Sailing Chandlery

sailing chandlery: get back on the water, faster

The start of a new sailing season is always an exciting time for us, especially for our sponsored sailors, as it is filled with anticipation, new challenges, and the promise of epic moments on the water. It’s a chance to build on past achievements, learn new skills, and connect with fellow sailors. Whether you're aiming for the top of the podium alongside our sponsored sailors or simply enjoying the thrill of being out on the water, there’s a place for everyone in this vibrant community.


As we look ahead, we're incredibly inspired by the passion and dedication shown by our sponsored sailors. They remind us of the immense potential within each individual and the transformative power of sport. We're excited to see what they will achieve in the coming months, and we'll be cheering them on every step of the way. If you are a sponsored sailor looking for great kit, or even a regular competitive sailor or casual club member, browse our selection! We are proud to support the next wave of sailors with high-performance gear for every level.


GET RACE-READY WITH OUR SPONSORED SAILORS:


Want to hear more from our Sponsored Sailors? Check out the Sponsored Sailors Blog here.




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