Try Match racing today

Match Racing in many ways is the simplest form of racing - one on one competition in any one design boat

The reality is an extremely challenging duel that test, tactics, strategy, rules knowledge and application, boat handling and teamwork.

women and men Match racing on the open water
women and men Match racing on the open water
keel boat with open sailing on a lake

Rock up and race! No need to own your own boat, at match racing events, a set of matched boats are provided, allowing teams to swap in and out throughout the day.

RYA National Match Racing Championship

The series consists of 9 qualifier events, including a Youth (U23 & U19), two Women’s events.  The winning GBR team from each is then invited to the Grand Finals in October. 

The 2024 Notice of Race, Amendments, Damage Addendum and Damage charge guidance documents are now available.

To enter you need

  • Minimum - club racing experience (dinghies or keelboats)
  • Some rules knowledge
  • A team of like minded sailors - 3 to 5 sailors depending upon the boats/weight requirements.
  • To be registered with a World Sailing ID.

If you are new to match racing, on the water coaching is provided at RYA qualifier events.  

UK Match Racing dates for 2024

*External events – subject to change

Date - 2024

Event

Venue

Event details

20 - 21 Jan RYA National Match Racing Qualifier 1 (RS21s)
QMSC                                    

17 - 18 Feb
RYA/BUSA Women's Winter Match Racing Championships (Elliotts)
WPNSA                    

 24 - 25 Feb BUCS/BUSA University Match Racing Championships - enter through BUCS only -  (Elliotts)* WPNSA                    

 

9 - 10 Mar RYA National Match Racing Qualifier 2 (707s)
Burnham-on-crouch

04 - 06 May  Euro Match Tour at Royal Southern YC* Hamble  
15 - 16 Jun  Royal Southern YC Match Cup at Royal Southern YC* Hamble  
29 - 30 Jun RYA Harken Youth Match Racing Championships (U23) including U19 Championships (Elliotts) WPNSA                     

 

20 - 21 Jul RYA National Match Racing Qualifier 4 (707s) Burnham-on-crouch

 

14 - 15 Sep RYA Marlow Ropes Women's Match Racing Championships (Elliotts) WPNSA                     

 

28 - 29 Sep RYA National Match Racing Qualifier 5 (RS21s) QMSC                              

 

TBC RYA National Match Racing 6/Ceilidh Cup (Sonars) RN&CYC, Scotland               

 

05 - 06 Oct Women’s Euro Match Tour at Royal Southern YC, Hamble* Hamble  
18 - 20 Oct RYA National Match Racing Grand Finals (RS21s)

QMSC

 

 

Please note event entry is online only.

Each event will require a new login (this can be the same one), as the entry system does not share information between events.  Crews are also required to enter online once the skipper has had their entry accepted.

Any sailors under the age of 18 are required to ask their parent/guardian to complete the consent form.

The Championship Grand Final is for British teams by invitation only.  Wildcards - see NOR for details for how to apply.

A keelboat competing in a match race

How to Match Race

Find out about the starting procedure, the course, penalties and other aspects of Match Racing

Woman smiling while she match races

Recent event results

See the full results for all RYA Match Racing events since 2018 on Match Racing results

British international team

Elliott charter

For teams wishing to charter an Elliott for additional training, you can now request to book.

Explore all upcoming RYA racing events including Match racing and other Sailing events.