In early October, RAF Gibraltar’s Flight Lieutenant Owen Sparks and Sgt Arron Gaskin, both members of the United Services Sailing Club at Four Corners, attended the RAF “Brady” Sailing championships at Rutland Water in the UK.  

A statement from British Forces Gibraltar follows below:

Competing in the double-handed RS (ex-Laser) 2000 boat, Owen and Arron were competing  as a pair against sailors from across the RAF. In a very competitive fleet of 14 boats, the pair  were due to complete 8 races across two days with a variety of different trophies up for  grabs. Day one started with light winds and after the initial regatta briefing to all crews the  start was delayed until forecasted stronger winds moved in. 

Racing eventually got underway in 4-8 knots of breeze, which was not ideal conditions for  the Gibraltar crew, being used to stiffer winds in the Strait, but none the less managed a  respectable 7th, 8th, 8th and 5th across the four races for the day. This placed the RAF  Gibraltar team in 7th place overall going into day two, putting them at the top of the “silver  fleet”. 

The start of day two brought a more welcome stronger breeze, in the region of 15-20 knots,  and much more suited to the Gibraltar sailors who have been conditioned to the gusty  Levante winds in the bay. With no postponements, the racing got underway at 1000am and  immediately the Gibraltar crew’s ability in the stronger wind was evident, placing 3rd and 4th  in the two races before the break for lunch.  

Climbing up the leader board, the pressure was on to sail well in the afternoon session and  continue the morning’s form. Gaining a respectable 6th place in the first race after lunch only one race remained. In the final race the RAF Gibraltar team got off to a strong start and  rounded the top mark in third position and then misfortune struck. A disastrous gybe saw the  Gibraltar crew capsize into the cold, muddy October waters of northeast England. From the  chilly Rutland water, the Gibraltar crew could only watch as the rest of the fleet sailed away  into the distance. Despite the disappointing end to the last race of the Regatta, RAF  Gibraltar placed 6th overall and won the Silver Fleet trophy for 2025. With the team back on  the Rock and out on the Mediterranean, training begins in earnest for the 2026 season. 

If anyone would like to get involved with Dinghy sailing in Gibraltar, search for United  Services Sailing Club on Facebook.