2026 Update: Soak Insure continues sponsorship of the Tide Ride at Hayling Island Sailing Club
Soak Insure is pleased to confirm that we will once again sponsor the Tide Ride, hosted by Hayling Island Sailing Club on Saturday 26th to Sunday 27th September.
Following the success of last two year’s events, we are proud to continue supporting a competition that has quickly become a highlight of the dinghy sailing calendar. The Tide Ride combines fast racing, close tactical battles and a strong community atmosphere, bringing together some of the most competitive sailors in the country.
For Soak Insure, supporting events such as the Tide Ride reflects our ongoing commitment to the marine and sailing community.
Why the Hayling Island Sailing Club Tide Ride stands out
The Tide Ride is known for its high intensity racing format and demanding tidal conditions.
Set against the unique sailing waters surrounding Hayling Island, the event challenges competitors to combine speed, tactics and local knowledge. With direct access to Hayling Bay and the entrance to Chichester Harbour, Hayling Island Sailing Club offers one of the most respected dinghy racing venues in the United Kingdom.
The Tide Ride attracts a range of high-performance classes, including the RS800, 29er, and Wingfoil fleets. This mix of fast boats and boards ensures dynamic racing across multiple disciplines, with competitors pushing their speed and tactical decision-making in the challenging tidal conditions around Hayling Island.
RS800 racing delivered thrilling action in the 2025 Tide Ride
The 2025 edition of the Tide Ride featured a competitive fleet of RS800 skiffs, with fifteen boats competing across a weekend of fast paced racing.
The RS800 fleet produced spectacular racing, with a series of qualifying heats followed by a winner takes all final. This format ensured that the outcome remained uncertain until the final race.
Conditions over the weekend added further drama. Saturday saw sunshine and lighter winds, while Sunday brought stronger breeze and more challenging conditions. Capsizes, tactical decisions and rapid changes in position kept both sailors and spectators on edge throughout the racing.
The final race saw Tom Morris and Guy Fillmore deliver an outstanding performance to secure the overall victory, demonstrating exceptional boat handling and speed under pressure.
The event captured exactly what the Tide Ride is known for: tight racing, fast boats and a fantastic sailing atmosphere. Read about last year’s event on YachtsandYachting.com and RSSailing.com.
Looking ahead to the next Tide Ride
With the next Tide Ride approaching, anticipation is already building within the sailing community.
Competitors can expect another weekend of fast, tactical racing on the waters surrounding Hayling Island, while spectators can look forward to watching some of the best RS800 sailors compete in a demanding tidal environment.
We look forward to supporting the event once again and wish all competitors the very best for the upcoming racing.
2025 Update: Soak Insure are proud to support Hayling Island Sailing Club’s Tide Ride event again this year
Following the resounding success of the Soak Tide Ride in 2024, Soak Insure is delighted to announce its continued sponsorship and support of the Hayling Island Sailing Club’s (HISC) Tide Ride event in 2025. The 2024 revival of this iconic regatta marked a significant milestone, bringing together over 100 sailors and riders for a weekend of exhilarating competition and camaraderie. Take a look at last year’s prize winners here!
The Tide Ride, originally a hallmark event in the early 2000s, was renowned for its dynamic short-course, slalom-style racing, attracting high-performance dinghies and garnering coverage from major sponsors and media outlets. Its successful return in 2024, under the auspices of Soak Insure, Salcombe Gin, and Sandy Point Water Sports, re-established the event’s prominence in the sailing community.
Building on this momentum, Soak Insure reaffirms its commitment to HISC and the broader sailing fraternity by sponsoring the Tide Ride once again in 2025. This partnership underscores Soak Insure’s dedication to fostering sailing initiatives and supporting events that resonate with both seasoned sailors and newcomers alike.
Simon Tonks, Founder of Soak Insure, shared his excitement about continuing the partnership with HISC, saying: “We had an incredible time working with Hayling Island Sailing Club last year, and the Tide Ride was a real highlight. It was fantastic to see so many sailors coming together for such an exciting event, and we loved being involved. We can’t wait to do it all again this year and build on that success.”
The 2025 Tide Ride is scheduled for the weekend of November 8th and 9th at HISC’s esteemed facilities. Participants and spectators can anticipate a continuation of the event’s signature high-adrenaline races, set against the scenic backdrop of Chichester Harbour.
In addition to event sponsorship, Soak Insure’s collaboration with HISC encompasses several initiatives aimed at enriching the club’s offerings. Notably, Soak Insure sponsors various youth regatta events and junior prizes throughout the year, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing the next generation of sailors. Furthermore, during the first year of partnership, Soak Insure pledges to donate 5% of members’ premiums back to the club when insurance cover is obtained through their services.
Soak Insure’s involvement extends beyond sponsorship; the team brings a wealth of maritime experience and a genuine passion for sailing. Founder Simon Tonks, with over 25 years in marine insurance, has an extensive sailing background, having raced dinghies, keelboats, and yachts globally. His personal connection to HISC, where he sails with his family, further solidifies the synergy between Soak Insure and the club.
As the 2025 Tide Ride approaches, Soak Insure and HISC eagerly anticipate delivering another memorable event that celebrates the spirit of sailing and community. Sailors and enthusiasts are encouraged to mark their calendars for November 8th and 9th, as HISC once again becomes the centre of activity of high-performance sailing action.
