The Solent Forts Weekend will receive a major facelift for 2026 including the introduction of a new race (the Three Forts Challenge) as an alternative to the Solent Forts Race, plus ‘round-the-cans’ racing on Saturday afternoon.
The Solent Forts Weekend will now be a biennial event.
The Three Forts Challenge - New for 2026
The Three Forts Challenge (‘3FC’) is designed to accommodate boats that do not meet the rating criteria for the SFR, or for crews who simply want a shorter race (we recognise that a 5-hour endurance race is not for everyone). The 3FC course will take competitors from the start line at Hayling Ferry SC, around Horse Sands Fort, Spit Sand Fort and No Mans Land Fort. It will be open to multihulls (maximum SCHRS of 1.693) and monohulls (maximum PY 1148). Although not an endurance event on the level of the SFR, the 3FC is still a significant challenge with a course length of more than 10NM along the Portsmouth/Southsea seafront. It will take place on Sunday 19th July in parallel with the SFR.
Course Racing - New for 2026
Depending on the conditions we intend to run 2 or 3 back-to-back races around a laid course off Southsea on Saturday 18th July in the afternoon.
Racing will be open to all boats entered for the SFR or 3CR.
Solent Forts Race
The Solent Forts Race is a well-established long-distance open-water event set in the Eastern Solent, with Hayling Island and Portsmouth to the north and the Isle of Wight to the southwest.
Comprising a number of legs radiating out from a gate (like a star) to predefined marks, the format is very flexible and provides a range of points of sail and a race duration of approximately 5 hours. The SFR is open to multihulls (maximum SCHRS 1.150) and monohulls (maximum PY 780).
Younger Sailors - New for 2026
For the first time sailors aged 16-18 will be allowed to take part in racing on both days providing they have an adult with them on the boat and have approval from their parent or guardian.
On Shore
The entry fee will include camping plus the legendary party on Saturday evening with a bar, live band and barbecue on the beach.
Food and drink will be available to buy throughout the weekend.
Notice of Race
The NOR for the Solent Forts Weekend events will be published in early 2026.
The 2026 edition of this event is scheduled to take place over the weekend of 18th and 19th July at Hayling Ferry Sailing Club.
The Solent Forts Race is a long-distance event set in the Eastern Solent, with Hayling Island and Portsmouth to the north and the Isle of Wight to the west. Originally open to fast catamarans, the race is now open to all as part of the Allen Endurance Series.
The results for the most recent race can be found on the 2023 Solent Forts Race page.
Checkout the results for previous years.