ISO National Championships 2025 at Royal Torbay Yacht Club

The ISO Class Association held their National Championships at the Royal Torbay Yacht Club on 7th and 8th June preceded by a training day on Friday 6th June.

The event took place together with the Hornet, D-One and Laser 4000 Class Associations, a good combination for these high-performance dinghies. The wind didn't disappoint either with a good Force 4 to 6 blowing for all three days making for exciting conditions and a really good test of sailing.

Rob Howlett and regular crew, Henry Collings from Poole YC dominated the event but didn't have it all their own way with challenges coming from a French contingent in Arnuad Eluere and Xavier Broise from SNL Larmor Plage; the French pairing winning R2 in challenging conditions and just prior to experienced Race Officer Bob Penfold abandoning racing for the day as conditions deteriorated. The Race team did super well to achieve even two races given the Met Office yellow weather warning for thunder and lightening.

On the Friday night, the whole fleet went out for a meal together to exchange tips and advice ahead of the formal racing. On Saturday night, the Royal Torbay YC hosted a Championship meal for all 4 Classes. Long standing friendships renewed and new friendships formed, both occasions were great events and enjoyed by all.

On Sunday 7th June, the conditions were perfect with sunshine and a breeze that built throughout the day. The Race Team clawed back the lost race from Saturday and pushed for four races so it was all to play for.

Whilst Rob Howlett and Henry Collings led from the front, the French pair continued to put the pressure on together with David Poupard and Rachel Hughes (Calshot SC) who pressed hard and delivered second places in the last three races.

A huge thank you to Bob Penfold, his race team and all the volunteers from RTYC. The venue, the support and the welcome were outstanding. What an event!

The ISO remains unique as an exciting double-hander that has a single trapeze and a large asymmetric spinnaker and works for a wide crew weight range (not just for teenagers...). The new Mk2 hull (30kgs lighter) is now produced by GOAT Marine securing the future of this high performance, uncomplicated and affordable skiff.

For anyone looking for an entry into, or a return to high performance sailing, the ISO is a super option and there are some very affordable boats available right now. Check out the ISO Class Association Facebook page for advice and details of this seasons events.

The next event is at Grafham SC on 28th & 29th June and then the Euro Cup at Biscarrosse in France from 27th-29th July.

Overall Results: