Apply now for the Carmela Cup 2025 - RYA Two-Boat Keelboat Team Racing Championship

Keelboat team racing for the Carmela Cup © Simon Winkley Marine

Requests for Invite for the RYA Two-Boat Keelboat Team Racing Championship for the Carmela Cup are now being accepted. The Royal Thames Yacht Club will be hosting the Championship at Queen Mary Reservoir, West London, over the weekend of 5-6 April 2025.

Once again the event will take place in the club's popular Sonars but with a plan to have three races happening at once so teams should expect more racing than ever.

Mixed teams of eight sailors are encouraged to request an invite ASAP. Even with places available for up to 12 teams, the event is expected to be oversubscribed.

Full details can be found on the Official Noticeboard. Requests must be submitted by midnight on Sunday 16 February and invites will be issued by Friday 21 February 2025.

Those looking to get some practice in the Sonars may want to check out the club's Hot Rum Random Pairs Team Racing on Sunday 2 March 2025, also at Queen Mary Reservoir.

RYA Keelboat Development Manager Richard Moxey said: "The RYA is pleased to be working with the Royal Thames Yacht Club to deliver this top level event. Last year's Carmela Cup was fantastic and I know we are in for some great team racing again this year."

Jack Fenwick, Sailing Development Manager for the Royal Thames Yacht Club, commented: "The Carmela Cup has evolved a lot in recent years and we see more and more dinghy team racers cutting their teeth in keelboat racing at this event.

"Adding spinnakers to the mix really challenges the sailors and means there is always a route back into a winning combination. I'm lucky enough to have competed in this event on multiple occasions and I have never failed to have a great time."

Scott Wallis, winning Co-Skipper from the Elmside Neighbours in 2023 and 2024, said: "The Carmela Cup is one of the highlights of our team racing year and the competition just gets tougher every time we go. I am really excited to see who we'll be lining up against and hopefully, things will go our way again this year."

Winners of the championship will be invited to the Royal Thames YC Prize Winners' Dinner, one of the social highlights of the year, where they will be presented with the elegant Carmela Cup.

For any questions about this or the Hot Rum Random Pairs please contact Jack Fenwick or find further information at Royal Thames Yacht Club.