The Colander Cup 2026 Preview
by Isaac Marsh 22 Apr 19:21 AEST
9-10 May 2026
The Colander Cup © Mark Jardine
With less than a month to go, excitement is building for what is probably the UK's most eagerly anticipated sailing event - the 2026 Colander Cup.
Boats have already begun arriving at Northampton Sailing Club in preparation for racing on Saturday 9th May.
This year follows the same tried-and-tested format: four sprint races in the morning, followed by a double-points, non-discardable long-distance race in the afternoon (and yes - the Le Mans start is staying!). Once again, Miles Odell will take on the role of race officer, keeping the fleet honest on the start line and conducting scrutineering to ensure all boats comply with the event's unique ethos.
As always, 2026 promises something for everyone, with plenty of prizes on offer alongside the £313.51 cash prize.
Fan favourites return, and there is an all new fancy dress prize:
- The Leakiest Sieve Award - last year claimed by the 2025 Solo & OK National Champion, who took home the beers. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough to match the volume taken on by the Firefly that required six people to haul it out after a dramatic death roll - compounded by the absence of bungs on the final stretch to what could have been Olly's greatest victory.
- The Cowboy of the Cup - celebrating ingenuity and the sailor responsible for the most ambitious (or questionable) budget hack or bodge to make it onto the water.
- Win or Swim - awarded for the most spectacular capsize in pursuit of glory.
- The But you can roll it in glitter - Awarded to the best buy that takes part in the colander cup.
- The Tea Strainer - For the first junior.
- Dress to Distress - get your glad rags on, this is the prize for the most questionably fashionable sailors!
The Colander Cup is a true celebration of everything we love about sailing. Whether you're looking for a Top Gear-style challenge or simply an excuse to race within the £313.51 price cap, we'd love to see you on the water.
Entries, Sailing Instructions and booking for camping are now open via the FM Sailing website (link below).
Charter boats will once again be available and can be booked during registration. Camping is encouraged on-site, and the bar will be open late - perfect for refuelling after racing ahead of the traditional Colander Cruise on Sunday.
We look forward to seeing you out on the water!
www.fmsailing.co.uk/colander-cup