RUM RACE A Great Start to the Sailing Year

Published 09:43 on 13 Jan 2026

Keyhaven Yacht Club launched the new season in style with its annual Rum Race, attracting a fleet of 30 boats on a bright but chilly day, sailed in a brisk north-westerly wind.

Taking the conditions into account, the race team set a club pontoon start line and divided the competitors into two fleets: Scows and Open Class. The course led out from Hawkers into the Solent before returning down the main river to finish at the club pontoon. The Scow fleet completed one lap, while the Open Class sailed two, with plenty of excitement provided by a turning mark positioned close to the club pontoon.

In the Scow fleet, Mark Jardine claimed first place sailing a Keyhaven Scow, while Ashton Dray secured victory in the Open Class in his Laser.

After racing, competitors were welcomed ashore with a hearty lunch kindly provided by Jayne Rother, a volunteer member of KYC, helping to warm everyone up after a cold day on the water.

True to tradition, all competitors were rewarded with a tot of rum on finishing, followed by a post-race presentation where the winners received the customary bottle of rum.

Photos courtesy of Nick Boxall