2026 Update: Soak Insure Proud to Sponsor Itchenor Sailing Club Keelboat Championships 2026
Soak Insure is pleased to confirm that we will once again be sponsoring the Itchenor Sailing Club Keelboat Championships in 2026. Following the success of last year’s event, as reported on by YachtsandYachting.com, we are proud to continue our support for one of the most established and respected fixtures in the classic keelboat racing calendar.
Our return as a sponsor reflects a long-term commitment to supporting sailing communities and the clubs that play a vital role in sustaining the sport. This year, our sponsorship is strengthened through a joint partnership with McClarrons Affinity.
Event Overview and Dates
The Itchenor Sailing Club Keelboat Championships 2026 will take place from 15th to 19th June 2026 at Itchenor Sailing Club on Chichester Harbour. The Championships are a flagship event for the club and are widely recognised for combining competitive racing with a strong social programme throughout the week.
The event typically attracts a large and high calibre fleet of classic keelboats, with classes such as XODs, Sunbeams and Swallows forming a central part of the racing schedule. Crews often include highly experienced sailors, including national champions and Olympians, creating a competitive but welcoming atmosphere that appeals to both participants and spectators.
For those interested in revisiting the atmosphere of last year’s Championships, highlights from the 2025 event are available to view below. A selection of short reels captures the racing on the water as well as the social side of the week, offering a glimpse into the competitive spirit and community feel that make the Keelboat Championships such a popular fixture in the sailing calendar.
Partnering with McClarrons Affinity
For 2026, we are proud to be sponsoring the Championships in partnership with McClarrons Affinity. McClarrons Affinity is a specialist division of McClarrons, focused on delivering tailored insurance solutions for private clients whose insurance needs extend beyond standard policies.
The team at McClarrons Affinity works closely with clients to understand the full scope of their personal circumstances, assets and lifestyle requirements. This enables the design of carefully structured insurance programmes that provide appropriate protection across a wide range of high value risks, including private homes, contents, fine art, jewellery, vehicles and specialist collections.
This partnership aligns closely with Soak Insure’s own approach, combining specialist expertise with a commitment to helping protect the individuals’ lifestyles we serve.
About Itchenor Sailing Club
Founded in 1927, Itchenor Sailing Club is located in West Itchenor, West Sussex, on the shores of Chichester Harbour. The club has a long-standing reputation for organising high quality racing across a wide range of classes and for fostering a welcoming and active membership.
The Keelboat Championships are a cornerstone of the club’s annual programme and remain one of the most anticipated events of the season for classic keelboat sailors across the United Kingdom.
Soak Insure and McClarrons Affinity look forward to another memorable week of racing and social events and wish all competitors every success. Further information about the Championships, including entry details and the event programme, can be found on the Itchenor Sailing Club website here.
To learn more about our specialist marine insurance solutions for the types of vessels taking part in events such as the Itchenor Sailing Club Keelboat Championships, please get in touch with us on 01653 609107 or at info@soakinsure.co.uk. You can also explore our services via our website, where we offer a comprehensive range of boat insurance solutions tailored to keelboats and other sailing craft, alongside travel insurance designed to support owners on and off the water.
2025 Update: Soak Insure Proudly Sponsors Itchenor Sailing Club’s Keelboat Championships 2025
Supporting Classic Keelboat Racing at Itchenor
At Soak Insure, we are committed to championing the sailing community and ensuring that competitors can focus on racing with confidence and clarity. We are therefore proud to announce our sponsorship of the Itchenor Keelboat Championships 2025, hosted by the esteemed Itchenor Sailing Club from 9th to 13th June.
This prestigious event brings together around 60 classic keelboats, including XODs, Sunbeams, and Swallows—representing over 120 sailors. With current and former national champions, ex-world champions, and Olympians among the competitors, the Championships promise an exhilarating week of elite-level racing and spirited camaraderie on and off the water.
As one of ISC’s flagship events, this year’s Championships are set to be the biggest and most exciting yet. The daily competition for individual trophies and the coveted Benson Platter ensures that every race counts, drawing out the very best from an already world-class fleet.
Why We’re Sponsoring the Itchenor Keelboat Championships
The Itchenor Keelboat Championships embody the traditions, skill, and sportsmanship at the heart of British sailing. By sponsoring this exceptional event, we aim to contribute to the continued success of one of the UK’s most vibrant and historic sailing communities. Our support helps ensure that Itchenor Sailing Club can continue to deliver top-quality racing experiences while fostering a strong, inclusive sailing culture.
We also recognise the invaluable role that classic classes like the XODs, Sunbeams, and Swallows play in preserving sailing heritage. By supporting events such as these, we help sustain the fleets and the communities that surround them.
Our Founder, Simon Tonks, commented: “We’re honoured to support the Keelboat Championships and help ensure that events like this continue to thrive. Supporting classic racing isn’t just about preserving the past—it’s about celebrating the skill, dedication, and spirit that define the sport today.”
About Itchenor Sailing Club
Itchenor Sailing Club, nestled on the idyllic shores of Chichester Harbour, has long held a distinguished place in the UK sailing landscape. The club is renowned for its exceptional keelboat racing, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere. Itchenor is home to some of the most competitive one-design keelboat classes in the country, and its members include champions at national and international levels.
The annual Itchenor Keelboat Championships serve as a highlight of the club’s calendar, showcasing the depth of talent within the fleet and providing an unforgettable experience for sailors and spectators alike. Alongside the racing, the event features a lively programme of social events, fostering the unique community spirit that defines Itchenor.
Our Commitment to the Sailing Community
Our involvement in this year’s championships underscores our broader mission: to support the sport of sailing at all levels, from grassroots youth programmes to top-tier regattas. We understand that sailing is more than a pastime—it’s a passion that requires dedication, precision, and the right protection.
As a specialist marine insurance provider, Soak Insure offers bespoke cover tailored specifically to the needs of sailors, clubs, and events. Whether you’re racing a classic keelboat on Chichester Harbour, cruising the coast on your superyacht, or preparing for international competitions, we’re here to safeguard your journey with policies built around the realities of the sport.
Join Us This June
The 2025 Itchenor Keelboat Championships promise to be a thrilling celebration of classic keelboat racing, bringing together the best of competition, tradition, and community. We invite sailors, members, supporters, and enthusiasts to join us at Itchenor Sailing Club from 9th to 13th June for this landmark event.
To learn more about our specialist marine insurance solutions, please get in touch with us on 01653 609107 or at info@soakinsure.co.uk. You can also explore our services via our website, where we offer a comprehensive range of boat insurance, travel insurance, and personal accident insurance policies.
