Rock Up & Race – Dinghy Racing in Southampton
Weekly informal sprint racing at Southampton Water Activities Centre (SWAC)
Looking for fun, friendly dinghy racing in Southampton? Rock Up & Race is SWAC’s weekly evening sailing session for anyone who wants to try racing, improve their boat handling, or enjoy short, fast-paced races without the complicated rules.
Whether you are new to sailing racing or already know your way around a start line, Rock Up & Race is designed to be accessible, sociable and fun.
What is Rock Up & Race?
Rock Up & Race is a relaxed weekly dinghy racing evening at SWAC, based on short sprint-style races.
Each session starts with a briefing from one of our instructors. They will explain the course, the start sequence and the simplified racing rules for the evening.
Then it is time to get afloat for a series of short, sharp races with coaching and safety cover provided.
We provide:
- Dinghy
- Buoyancy aid
- Race management
- Safety boat cover
- On-water coaching
- Simple racing format
All you need to do is rock up and race.
Friendly Dinghy Racing for All Levels
You do not need previous racing experience to take part.
This session is ideal for:
- Adults wanting to try dinghy racing
- Improver sailors looking for more time afloat
- Club sailors wanting extra practice
- Beginners who want a simple introduction to racing
- Experienced sailors looking for fun, informal evening racing
We have reduced the racing rules to keep things simple, clear and enjoyable.
What is Sprint Racing?
Sprint racing is short-format dinghy racing. Each race normally lasts around 10–15 minutes, with several races run back-to-back.
The benefit of sprint racing is that one bad start or one poor race does not spoil the evening. Within a few minutes you are back on the start line with another chance to improve.
At Rock Up & Race, we aim to run 4 or 5 short races each evening.
The Boats
You will race in our single-handed dinghies;
- RS Zest (11 boats)
- RS Quba (10 boats)
These boats are ideal for informal racing, confidence building and improving boat handling.
Evening Timings
17:30 – Arrive, get changed and rig boats
18:15 – Evening briefing
18:30 – (or shortly after). Racing starts
4–5 short races – Back-to-back sprint racing
20:15 – Debrief ashore, often in a local pub
Why Try Rock Up & Race at SWAC?
Southampton Water Activities Centre is a great place to enjoy evening dinghy sailing and racing in Southampton. Based on the River Itchen, SWAC offers quick access to sheltered sailing water, changing facilities, safety cover and a friendly training-centre environment.
Rock Up & Race is a simple way to sail more often, meet other sailors and build confidence on the water.
Book Rock Up & Race
Join us for one evening, a few weeks or the full season.
No racing experience needed. (minimum Level 2 sailing ability). IF you can sail upwind a nd down wind we will help you get round the course.
Just bring suitable clothing, a sense of humour and a willingness to have a go.