Sailing Highlight: Robert Shaw and Ian Little Triumph at Osprey Scottish and Northern Championship 2026

The annual Coniston Regatta was recently transformed into a battleground of competitive spirit, skill, and strategy, marking the stage for the Osprey Scottish and Northern Championship 2026. The competition was fierce as 80 dinghies took to the water, with Ospreys representing 10% of the entries.

Organised by the Coniston Sailing Club, which will be celebrating its diamond anniversary next year, the event was a roaring success. Coniston SC hosted a fabulous weekend that saw seasoned sailors and meticulous crew battling both the elements and each other, on and off the water.

Weather conditions in Coniston are known to be unpredictable, with capabilities to go from calm to stormy in the blink of an eye. However, perhaps the winds favoured our indomitable mariners this year. The sun was generous, winds blowing straight and steady from the south—providing distinct warmth and surprisingly even conditions for our waterborne protagonists.

Among the thrill, there was excitement of another kind—the fleet welcomed two newcomers, ‘Desperado’ and ‘Public Enemy’, the latter gracing the competition after a 25-year break. However, not everyone was able to set sail. Paddy Lewis and Mike Priddle, due to be part of the lineup, fell prey to unfortunate circumstances with a car breakdown, and were missed on the glistening waters, as well as at the popular shoreside hog roast.

Robert Shaw and Ian Little distinguished themselves, right through the event—despite stiff competition. Both teams entered the final race neck-to-neck—a thrilling display of sailing prowess ensued, and rightly so, culminating in Shaw and Little’s boat 1349 claiming the championship and pushing their rival team into a close second place.

While Shaw and Little held fast to their crowning glory, the contest was heated among the other competitors too. A more than honourable mention goes to Alec Mamwell and Arthur Butler whose boat 1349 sailed an extremely consistent series. Unfazed by the competition, they seemed to have somewhat of a flight of the phoenix, managing to claim a perfect set of thirds.

Overall, it was a sail to remember—with fierce competition, adventure at sea, and camaraderie on the shore. And for those who couldn’t make it this year—mark your calendars now for the next showdown in 2027!