OneSails Next Generation Class Comes to the Hamble Winter Series
Published 13:21 on 29 Sep 2026
Hamble, UK
The 'OneSails Next Generation Class' expands to a new fleet and a new season, building on its launch at Dartmouth Royal Regatta
OneSails GBR South is bringing its Next Generation Class initiative to the Hamble Winter Series, building on the class first launched at Dartmouth Royal Regatta earlier this year and extending its commitment to supporting the next generation of competitive sailors into a new fleet and a new season.
How It Works
The Next Generation Class was created to recognise and reward young sailors competing in mixed-age fleets. Open to sailors aged 16 to 25*, the class runs alongside the Winter Series' existing divisions rather than replacing them: any boat entered into the Hamble Winter Series with at least one crew member in the eligible age range is automatically entered into the Next Generation Class, at no extra cost and with no separate registration required.
Throughout the series, OneSails GBR South will present awards recognising standout Next Generation Class performances, building towards an overall trophy presented at the end of the Winter Series. Further details on the awards and judging will be confirmed in due course.
Additional Benefits for Next Generation Sailors
Beyond the racecourse, participating sailors will have access to two hands-on educational sessions hosted by the OneSails GBR South team at their Hamble Point loft.
A Sail Repair & Construction Workshop will cover how racing sails are built, how to assess damage, and how to carry out repairs both in the loft and on board.
An On-Water Sail Trim Workshop will offer live trim coaching afloat aboard a Grand Soleil 50, followed by an in-loft debrief with the OneSails team.
Both sessions are fully hands-on, open to sailors of all experience levels, and designed to give young competitors practical, transferable skills, as well as greater insight into sailmaking and the wider marine industry.
Building on Dartmouth
The OneSails Next Generation Class was first launched at Dartmouth Royal Regatta in 2026 to recognise, reward and inspire sailors aged 18 to 29 racing within mixed-age fleets. Bringing the initiative to the Hamble Winter Series develops the concept further, combining recognition on the racecourse with direct access to the skills, knowledge and people behind the equipment.
"We saw firsthand what the Next Generation Class meant to young sailors when we launched it earlier this year, and we're really pleased to bring it to the Hamble Winter Series. It's a simple idea reward the sailors who are the future of the sport and give them real access to the skills and people behind their equipment. The Winter Series is exactly the kind of fleet where that makes a difference."
Nathan Steffenoni, Director & Loft Manager, OneSails GBR South
The initiative reflects OneSails GBR South's broader commitment to supporting the next generation of sailors, sharing technical knowledge and creating opportunities for young people to develop their skills within competitive sailing and the wider marine industry.
"We are delighted that OneSails are joining with the Hamble Winter Series to promote youth keelboat sailing. Our relationship with OneSails spans two decades, and we welcome the opportunity to help youth develop their skills in keelboats."
Trevor Pountain, Commodore, Hamble River Sailing Club
Dates for the Winter Series Next Generation Class awards and workshops will be confirmed in due course.*Participants must not be older than 25 years old throughout the duration of the series.
About OneSails GBR South
OneSails is a global sailmaking network of 52 sail lofts worldwide with an international headquarters in Italy and two lofts in the UK (Ipswich and Hamble). Run by a group of passionate and experienced sailors, OneSails has a wide range of products for boats ranging from dinghy classes to ocean and offshore sailing yachts.
OneSails is the exclusive manufacturer of 4T FORTE , a continuous yarn composite delivering quality, durability, and performance. The glues, resins and solvents used in the sailmaking process have been replaced by heat fusion, and the base polymer is 100% recyclable in a standard waste separation process. Launched in 2013, 4T FORTE sails and accompanying sail recycling process were awarded ISO 14040 Life Cycle Assessment Certification. 4T FORTE are the only fully recyclable sail membranes on the market today.
Located in Hamble-le-Rice in Hampshire, the OneSails GBR South sail loft is part of the global OneSails group. Overseen by experienced sailors Nathan Steffenoni and Wilf Chaplin, the team at OneSails GBR South specialises in custom sails and covers for boats ranging from dinghies up to superyachts. Alongside its sailmaking work, the loft supports the next generation of sailors through practical training, technical knowledge and opportunities to gain greater insight into the marine industry.
More information: www.onesails.co.uk
About Hamble River Sailing Club
Hamble River Sailing Club is located on the west bank of the River Hamble, upstream of Hamble Point Marina and downstream of the public jetty. As the oldest surviving sailing club in the village, Hamble River Sailing Club was originally founded in August 1919 by a group of nine Hamble men "to encourage the sport of small boat sailing and racing". They were determined that the club would provide sailing opportunities for all those who lived and worked in all the parishes along the banks of the Hamble River. This included the many men who worked on the yachts as paid hands and were considered as professional sailors and therefore excluded from participating in many sailing races.
Today's membership enjoys the comforts of a pleasant clubhouse with modern facilities, has regular club racing with the chance to compete with the best at special events, and includes a growing band of youngsters who want to participate in dinghy sailing. The Founders' aims to promote sailing to all are still very important and valid.
The Hamble Winter Series is organised by Hamble River Sailing Club and managed by the Winter Series Team.
More information:
www.hamblewinterseries.com
Media Enquiries
OneSails GBR South
Cat Platts
Email: cat.platts@outlook.com or
Tel: 023 80458213
Hamble Winter Series
Gemma Payne
Hamble River Sailing Club
Email:
admin@hrsc.org.uk
Tel: 023 80452070
ENDS
Last updated 15:51 on 29 September 2026
