Ogston 2026 Report
On 13–14 June 2026, the dominant Ogston Enterprise fleet hosted the third event of the Cock of the North Northern Series, in the Enterprise Class’s 70th year.
The weekend celebrated a growing and resurgent Enterprise Class, attracting some of the region’s strongest fleets alongside visitors from the Midlands and the Scottish Bluebell fleet. With 21 boats competing, including four former National Champions, the event felt like a mini-Inlands and showcased the strength of the northern circuit.
Ogston marked the first single-day racing format of the series, with a combined training and social day on Saturday creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere as sailors arrived throughout the day and made full use of the club’s excellent facilities.
Saturday brought sunshine—but also strong winds. The training session, coordinated by myself with support from multiple National Champions Tim Sadler and Richard Sault, was intended to focus on roll tacks, gybes and boat handling. The conditions quickly turned survival mode, forcing plans to adapt into intensive tacking drills, setup advice and capsize practice. Sailors received coaching on sheeting angles, kicker control and downwind pole work before retreating ashore for recovery.
The afternoon offered tuning support, free sailing and a technical workshop led by Tim, who shared his Nationals-winning settings. Matt Rawson headed out for a windy club race with Luke Hartshorn crewing, while others stayed ashore comparing rig settings and tuning setups.
As the wind eased, the BBQ brought everyone together for food, laughter and stories on the terrace. The evening concluded with an insightful interview featuring Tim, Salty and Ges Brown, who shared lessons from the front of the fleet on winning, recovering from setbacks and racing at the highest level. Advice and conversation continued late into the night, helped along by an impromptu acoustic set from Phil, Nick and John.
Sunday brought sunshine and much lighter winds. After breakfast prepared by Phil and Rosie Wilson, sailors collected Boatworld welcome packs and rigged for an 11:30 start. Race Officer John Mellors set a course in the most stable breeze he could find in tricky 7-knot north-westerly conditions.
Race 1 saw Matt Rawson start aggressively and lead from the first windward mark to the finish. Light, patchy conditions caused constant place changes behind, with Andy Short narrowly edging Chris Fry in a dramatic finish. Four Ogston boats finished in the top five.
After lunch, the fleet opted to continue despite challenging conditions.
Race 2 featured even lighter and more unstable breeze. Andy Short won the start and converted it into a commanding victory, while Tim, Salty, Martin and Ges fought closely behind.
There was still appetite for a final race, and Race 3 delivered another competitive start. Despite recalls for Andy and Chris, both recovered well through the fleet. Matt Rawson again rounded first and held on to win, confirming the pattern of the day: whoever won the start and rounded first was difficult to catch. Russ Short finished second ahead of Tim Sadler in third.
A tired but happy fleet returned to the clubhouse for drinks and prizegiving, generously supported by Peak Dinghy, Allen and North Sails, alongside prizes from Boatworld and Ogston SC.
The event highlighted the strength and depth of the Ogston fleet. Six of the top ten boats were from Ogston, including four parent-child teams. Notable performances included Matt & Phoebe Rawson, Russ & James Short, Andy & Ben Short, and Chris & Leo Fry. Standout awards went to 14-year-old Ben Short, who won Race 2 in his first open meeting, and Scammonden’s Oli Boocock, who delivered an impressive top-five finish in Race 3.
The fleet also benefited from support across the club, with sailors from the D-Zero and Supernova fleets joining the action and boosting entries.
Special thanks go to Rosie Wilson for the huge amount of behind-the-scenes work that helped make the event such a success, from breakfasts and BBQ to prizes and hospitality. As my first event as Fleet Captain, her support was invaluable. Thanks also to John and the Race & Safety teams, Andrea and Kerry for the catering, and Simon, Matilda, Zoe and Rosie for their work behind the bar.
The weekend perfectly captured what makes the Enterprise Class special: close racing, strong friendships, developing young talent and real momentum for the future.
Top 3 Overall
1. Matt & Phoebe Rawson, Ogston SC – GBR 23450 (2 pts)
2. Tim Sadler & Richard Sault, Yorkshire Dales SC – GBR 23384 (4 pts)
3. Russ & James Short, Ogston SC – GBR 23219 (5 pts)
Written by: Chris Fry
Photos by: Duncan Willoughby, Leo Fry, Glyn Rawson, Luke Hartshorn
