JOG Offshore Series

Be half the crew

It’ll be you and me aboard Bossy Boots. Before the start, we’ll look at the course, the weather and the tide and make a plan. Once we’re racing, we’ll share the jobs and adapt as the conditions change.

One of us might be on the helm while the other sets up a sail change. Next time, we’ll swap. Over the weekend, you’ll get involved in all of it.

• Helm and trim. Take the tiller, work the main and headsails and feel what gets the boat moving.

• Foredeck and manoeuvres. Set up sail changes, put in a reef and handle the spinnaker together.

• Navigation and tactics. Read the tide, see what the fleet is doing and help decide where to put the boat.

• Night watches. Take your turn keeping a lookout and hand over with a clear picture of what’s changed.

I’ll coach you as we go. If you spot the breeze filling in first, I want to hear where you think we should go. After the finish, we’ll talk through which calls gained us time and what we’d do differently next time.

Our first offshore race aboard Bossy Boots

We’d barely left the Solent when the wind disappeared. Will and I spent nearly three hours drifting at the back of the fleet. We came close to turning for home.

We kept going. A cold night on watch, plenty of tea and one last push under spinnaker. By the time we reached Deauville, we’d caught boats that had been hours ahead of us.

We crossed the line after more than 30 hours and checked the results. Second in the double-handed class. That first beer ashore tasted pretty good.

Read the full Deauville race report

Choose your race weekend

30 April–3 May - Cowes to Deauville, then Deauville to Cowes (Additional cost of £750 plus VAT as its two races)

21 May - Cowes to Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue

25 June - Cowes to Alderney

13 August - Cowes to Fécamp

27 August - Cowes to St Peter Port, Guernsey

3 September - Cowes to Cherbourg

The Deauville dates cover both races. The other dates show the scheduled race start. I’ll confirm joining times, overnight arrangements and the return plan for your chosen weekend before you book. Dates and courses are subject to the organisers’ race documents and any subsequent changes.

About JOG

The Junior Offshore Group—better known as JOG—has been organising competitive yacht racing since 1950. It was originally formed to give smaller yachts the opportunity to race offshore and continues to make high-quality coastal and offshore racing accessible to a broad range of sailors.

JOG racing combines close competition with destination sailing and a friendly, supportive club atmosphere. Its programme includes shorter coastal races around the Solent and south coast, alongside longer offshore races across the English Channel. Races are sailed under the World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing, the IRC Rule and JOG’s own race documents and sailing instructions.

The Navaia Offshore Series will enter the 2027 JOG Offshore Series double-handed aboard Bossy Boots.. Navaia is an independent sailing company and is not part of, endorsed by or affiliated with the Junior Offshore Group. Visit the official JOG website

What you will gain

Racing accelerates learning.

You begin to notice details that are easy to miss when cruising: changes in pressure, the shape of a sail, the cost of a slow tack, the effect of tide across a course and the importance of clear communication.

During the race we will likely work on:

• Starts and positioning

• Upwind boat speed

• Sail trim and balance

• Tidal strategy

• Spinnaker handling

• Mark roundings

• Efficient tacks and gybes

• Navigation and tactical decision-making

• Communication under pressure

• Reviewing performance and improving between races

You do not need to arrive as an experienced racer.

You do need to be willing to participate, learn and commit to the adventure.

The boat

Bossy Boots — Contessa 32

A small boat with a serious reputation.

The Contessa 32 is one of Britain’s best-known offshore designs: balanced, responsive and immensely rewarding to sail well.

Bossy Boots has been extensively upgraded, including a new mast, new rudder, modern electronics and a competitive sail wardrobe.

She will not disguise poor sailing behind unlimited speed.

Every clean tack matters.

Every good start matters.

Every small gain is earned.

That makes her an exceptional boat on which to learn how to race properly.

What’s included

• Skipper and hands-on race coaching throughout the weekend

• Bossy Boots and her running costs, including fuel and mooring

• Meals and drinks aboard

• Onboard safety equipment and use of lifejackets and waterproofs

Travel to and from the boat and any accommodation ashore are separate.

What to bring

Bring your passport, warm layers for night watches, waterproofs, deck boots or shoes, a headtorch with a red setting and a sleeping bag. Pack in a soft bag so it’s easy to stow. Let me know in advance if you’d like to borrow waterproofs.

Frequently asked questions

Can this be my first offshore race?
Yes, if you already have yacht sailing experience and are ready to take an active role aboard. Tell me what sailing you’ve done and we’ll talk through which race would suit you.

Can I book just one weekend?
Yes. Each weekend is booked individually. You can also enquire about more than one race.

What happens if the weather changes?
JOG may alter the course, postpone the start or cancel the race. I’ll also make my own call as skipper about whether conditions are suitable for us to race. If plans change, I’ll talk you through the options.

Join me aboard

Tell me which weekend you have in mind and a little about your sailing experience. I’ll confirm availability and talk you through the plan for the race.