Enter now for the British Keelboat League at Rutland 2025

#rockupandrace RS21s with the BKL at Rutland in 2024 © RSC

Entries are live for teams to #rockupandrace at Rutland Sailing Club with the British Keelboat League.

The club will be welcoming teams from across the Midlands and beyond over the weekend of 15-16 February 2025 for the next British Keelboat League (BKL) event.

Among those already entered are three teams keen to sharpen their skills after qualifying with last year's BKL to compete in the 2025 SAILING Champions League in Europe.

Also looking forward to the BKL at Rutland are teams from local Midlands clubs, along with students as the event is also part of the University Sailing League.

BKL Director Peter Ward said: "Entries are rolling in for Rutland already but there's still time for teams to sign up to come along and enjoy the BKL's fast-paced format and a sociable and fun weekend. You don't have to be a keelboat sailor to join in as the boats can be sailed by any good dinghy racer so if you've never tried BKL racing before, give it a go!"

Enter now for the British Keelboat League - Rutland

As well as a busy schedule of quick turnaround racing, the entry fee includes a three-course Saturday evening meal and for those who are not local, budget accommodation is available on site.

The BKL is providing events earlier in the year for 2025 as well as in summer for those who might otherwise not be able to take part in the traditionally busier main season.

Teams at Rutland will be racing RS21 keelboats which are sailed with 4 to 6 crew including the helm. Entries may represent their club, class association, school, university, or group of friends.

The top three teams will be invited to the BKL grand final in Cowes at the end of the season and from there could win a place to compete in the European SAILING Champions League.

SAILING Champions League

Teams from the Royal Thames Yacht Club, Marconi Sailing Club and Burnham Sailing Club will be competing in the SAILING Champions League Final in Kiel, Germany, 11-13 July 2025.

All three teams won their places after achieving top results in the 2024 BKL Final and are now in training to take on other National Sailing League champions from across Europe.

As explained by Anke Nowak, Managing Director of the SAILING Champions League: "The best clubs from 25 countries all over the world compete against each other in the SAILING Champions League, with India, China and the USA this year joining the competition.

"This year, the SAILING Champions League Final will take place in Kiel at the traditional Hotel Kieler Yacht Club, sailing right in front of the Kiel skyline. The top clubs from the UK have already signed up and we're looking forward to seeing exciting and tight racing."

Could it be your club or university competing in Europe next year?

Enter now for BKL Rutland and find out more at British Keelboat League.

#RockUpandRace RS21s with the BKL at Rutland - photo © GS Photo UK