On this page you will find the results and reports for the DF TT events from 2026 and any other reports that we get sent.

DF TT Overall scores to Round 2

Rain, Rain, Go Away: Initially soaked but Spirited DF TT Weekend at Southport – Report kindly written by Nigel Barrow.

Southport, UK — Competitors arriving for the DF Traveller Trophy weekend at West Lancashire Sailing Club (WLSC) were greeted by a familiar companion: relentless February rain. For many, the journey north on Friday was a tour of Britain’s saturated landscape, with flooded fields stretching across Oxfordshire and the Midlands. By the time sailors reached Southport, the downpour showed no sign of easing.

Event organiser Alan Tickle, dressed appropriately in full offshore waterproofs, welcomed competitors with characteristic warmth despite the cold, wet conditions. One of WLSC’s many advantages quickly became apparent: motorhome power points, allowing visitors to stay on site without burning through fuel to keep warm.

WLSC once again proved why it is considered one of the premier venues for radio sailing in the UK. The club offers expansive flat parking, a well‑equipped clubhouse, free tea and coffee, excellent homemade cakes, hot showers, and a comfortable viewing area for supporters. With the clubhouse perched directly beside the lake and a patio leading straight to the water, it is an ideal setting for competitive model yacht racing.

DF65 — Saturday

After Friday’s deluge, Saturday delivered a welcome reprieve. Patches of sunshine broke through as Alan Tickle opened proceedings before handing over to Race Officer Tim Long, who briefed competitors on the course and promotion/demotion procedures. A mischievous moment followed as Tim set the windward mark so far away it was barely visible—before sensibly moving it closer.

Seeding races were won by John Tushingham and Peter Baldwin, with Craig Richards and Simon Clark close behind. As the heats settled into rhythm, Craig and John began to assert control at the front. Dave Adams, Peter and Paul Robson delivered steady performances to secure the next group of positions.

The author, however, endured a morning to forget—complete with a last‑minute rig change and a late arrival to the start. Lunch in the warm clubhouse provided a brief respite, though the author opted for a sulk in the van.

The afternoon brought no change in wind direction, but a shift in fortunes. Craig and John continued their dominance, with Craig ultimately taking a comfortable win. Dave’s consistency earned him fourth, followed by Paul and Peter. A revived author, fuelled by tomato soup, posted a strong 1‑1‑3‑2 run but could only climb to third overall after the morning’s setbacks.

The DF65 once again proved why it is regarded as one of the most technically demanding classes. Precision in setup, steering and trim is essential; a moment’s lapse or a poorly timed tack can bring the boat to a standstill. Yet this challenge is exactly what makes the class so rewarding.

At the prize‑giving, presented by the club’s Vice Commodore, Craig Richards thanked the race team, volunteers, kitchen staff, and WLSC members for hosting a memorable event.

Saturday winner – Craig Richards

DF95 — Sunday

Sunday arrived brighter and warmer, lifting spirits across the boat park. A fun run around the lake added an unusual soundtrack to the morning, with music drifting across the water and runners occasionally appearing along the banks.

With the wind swinging almost 90 degrees from Saturday’s direction, the course was reset with ease thanks to the lake’s layout. John Tushingham took over as PRO and, after a briefing that included a stern black‑flag warning, racing got underway.

Seeding races went to Craig Richards and Derek Priestley, and Craig—despite one trip to B fleet after collecting weed—continued to show the form of a global champion. The author, determined to improve on Saturday’s performance, matched Craig race for race through the morning, leaving the pair levelish at lunchtime.

The duel continued into the afternoon and ultimately came down to the final race—and the final leg. The author rounded the leeward mark in second but slipped to third at the finish. Believing Craig had secured the title, he walked away—only to later learn that Craig had dropped three places in the closing metres, triggering his second discard. With both sailors tied on points and tied on first‑place finishes, the author’s additional second place secured the overall win on countback.

Paul Robson, Buzz Coleman, Peter Baldwin, and David Rose completed the top six. The results sheet reflected the day’s tricky conditions, with nearly every sailor carrying at least one poor score.

At the prize‑giving, hosted by the WLSC Commodore, thanks were extended to all volunteers—especially Alan Tickle, who had been on site from Friday morning until the final pack‑down. The DF organisation was so impressed with the venue that WLSC has been selected to host the 2027 DF65 European Championship in May.

Sunday winner – Nigel Barrow

Looking Ahead

The fleet returns to Southport in a month for the first IOM Ranking Weekend of 2026, offering the British team a valuable opportunity to sharpen their skills ahead of the IOM World Championships at Datchet, 15–23 May. Spectators are encouraged to attend and witness some of the world’s best International One Metre sailors in action.