Get ready for an exhilarating journey as we celebrate three decades of Blaze sailing!
A Thrilling 30-Year Legacy
2025 has been an incredible year for the Blaze sailing community, with events spanning from the picturesque Porthpean SC in Cornwall to the Scottish Champs in Helensburgh. Our fleets are growing, attracting top talent from various classes, and keeping the front-runners on their toes.
The Blaze Class Association has wrapped up its events for the year, offering a well-deserved break for the committee and sailors. It's time to tend to those overdue boat repairs, rest those weary bodies, and refresh the sailing gear after a grueling season. But for those with energy to spare, there's no shortage of winter sailing adventures to keep the Blaze spirit alive.
A Year of Growth and Excitement
HartleyBOATS has been buzzing with new Blaze orders, and the affordable price of preloved Blazes has made high-performance sailing accessible to newcomers and experienced sailors alike. This has contributed to a thriving and diverse class within the challenging dinghy sailing environment.
The Blaze Class Association committee has worked tirelessly to ensure all Blaze sailors feel supported and represented. The solid membership numbers reflect the class's prosperity and the hard work put in by the committee. With a focus on great locations, quality race teams, and off-the-water camaraderie, the BCA aims to deliver events that cater to both seasoned Blaze travellers and new faces.
2025 Event Recap: A Season of Champions
Let's dive into the highlights of the 2025 Blaze season:
The Blaze Open at Burghfield SC: Kicking off the season with moderate winds, this non-championship event saw a strong turnout. Chris Smart emerged as the first winner, setting the tone for a competitive year.
Sailing Chandlery Blaze Eastern Championship: Preceded by a training day led by multi-Nationals winner Ben Harden, this championship event at Royal Corinthian YC offered excellent racing conditions and high-quality victuals. Alan Harris mastered the challenging tides and winds to claim his first Blaze championship win.
Blaze FIRE National Championship at POSH: Eleven Fires enjoyed a lively weekend at the Paignton Open for Single Handers, with Chris Smart once again taking the top spot.
Battle Brewery and HartleyBoats Blaze National Championship 2025: Sponsored by Battle Brewery, this Nationals event saw brutal winds and mechanical casualties. However, thanks to the dedicated safety and beach teams at Pevensey Bay SC, all sailors returned safely. A 1940s-themed fancy dress and a hilarious raffle kept the spirits high ashore. Ben Harden, in a close battle with Alan Harris, secured his fifth consecutive Nationals win, becoming the most crowned sailor in Blaze Nationals history.
Blaze Western Championship at Porthpean SC: Cornwall's scenic venue hosted the Western Championship, with Alan Harris claiming victory on his home turf, despite the best efforts of travelling competitors.
Marine13 Blaze Scottish Championship at Helensburgh SC: Supported by long-time sponsor Marine13, this expanded format championship included the inaugural BCA Blaze Nations Cup. Stacey Bray, after a long journey from Porthpean, emerged victorious, but it was Wales that took the team bragging rights, led by Chris Smart.
LOMO Blaze Inland Championship: Despite a windless forecast, 17 determined sailors ventured out and were rewarded with unexpectedly raceable conditions. Both hiking racks and knee pads were utilized over the weekend, resulting in competitive racing. Alan Harris, with his consistent performance, secured his third Blaze championship win.
The Blaze Traveller Series 2025: A Newcomer's Triumph
The hard-fought 2025 Traveller Series crowned Alan Harris, a 2024 Blaze newcomer, as the top spot holder. His consistent skill and progress are a testament to the rising challenge within the class, keeping racing fresh and unpredictable. A total of 81 different Blazes competed across all Traveller events, showcasing the class's vibrant community.
Looking Ahead to 2026: A Milestone Year
As we anticipate the 2026 Blaze Class events, we have a packed calendar thanks to the tireless efforts of Lee Marriott, BCA Events Coordinator. The year 2026 marks 30 years of Blaze sailing, and the BCA is gearing up for a bold Blaze Nationals party, celebrating this milestone with all the fanfare it deserves.
2026 BCA Programme:
- February 21st-22nd: Join BCA at the Dinghy Show at Farnborough International, courtesy of HartleyBOATS.
- March 27th: Blaze Training Day at Burghfield Sailing Club.
- March 28th: Burghfield Blaze Open at Burghfield Sailing Club.
- April 25th-26th: Blaze Western Championship at North Devon Yacht Club.
- May 16th-17th: Blaze Eastern Championship at Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club.
- June 12th-14th: Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze National Championship at Lee-on-Solent SC, followed by the Blaze Class Association AGM.
- July 11th-12th: Marine13 Blaze Scottish Championship at Helensburgh Sailing Club.
- August 15th-16th: Aberdeen and Stonehaven YC Blaze Open.
- September 5th-6th: Blaze FIRE National Championship at Warsash Sailing Club.
- October 3rd-4th: LOMO Blaze Inland Championship at Draycote Water Sailing Club.
- November 21st-22nd: Blaze FIRE Inland Championship at Draycote Dash, Draycote Water Sailing Club.
Keep an eye out for updates on the Scottish Blaze Traveller Series, which will run throughout 2026.
Blaze FIRE Sail Demo Scheme: A High-Wind Alternative
The FIRE sail is designed for lighter/smaller helms or as an alternative to the powerful Blaze sail in high winds. It can be set on a regular Blaze mast and boom with minor adjustments. The FIRE sail is a popular choice for winter sailing, offering an exciting option for many sailors. Blaze Class Association, with sponsorship from HartleyBOATS, is delighted to continue offering FIRE sails for free, allowing sailors to experience this high-performance sail on their own boats and at their leisure.
So, whether you're a seasoned Blaze sailor or a newcomer, there's a world of opportunity to explore and celebrate the awesomeness of the Blaze Class. Join us as we navigate the waters, create memories, and continue building a thriving, socially focused sailing community.
