Harbour Dash 2025: Riding the Swell for the Will Houghton Foundation

By Emma Maguire.

The top three, the winner of The Harbour Dash Dan Harris is flanked by Kev Greenslade to his left who came third and to his right Scotty Stallman who came second.

The Harbour Dash has always been a test of nerve and speed, but this year it meant something even more. Windsurfers, kiters, and foilers gathered at Weymouth Harbour not only to pit themselves against the elements, but also to raise money for the Will Houghton Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping young people experience the thrill and challenge of life on the water.

And nature delivered. As founder of The Will Houghton Foundation, Will's dad Richard Houghton reflected afterwards:

“Wow. The strong Easterly wind kicked up plenty of swell and breaking waves, making this year’s dash an exciting one for all the participants! Thank you to everyone who sailed, kited, or foiled; came along to support and of course, the OTC team who made it possible. We raised over £300, which we will use to help young local people get a taste of the buzz that only being on the water brings. Will would have loved every minute of it.”

The Easterly blast turned the usually straightforward sprint across the harbour into a raw battle with gusts and chop. Boards bounced, foils flew, and kites sliced across the whitecaps, as competitors fought their way to Portland Harbour and back again. From the shoreline, it was a spectacle of spray and colour, cheered on by families, friends, and passersby drawn in by the action.

Despite the testing conditions, the mood was one of exhilaration. For many, simply crossing the finish line was a triumph. For others, the thrill came in pushing their kit to the absolute limit. But beyond the competitive spirit, everyone shared a deeper purpose—supporting a cause born out of love and resilience.

The £300 raised during the Harbour Dash will go directly towards introducing young people to the water, giving them the same sense of freedom and joy that Will Houghton himself cherished. It was a day not just about racing, but about legacy—celebrating life, community, and the transformative power of watersports.

As the sun dipped behind the harbour walls and tired but grinning sailors packed away their gear, one thing was clear: this was more than a race. It was a reminder of why we sail, and why we come together—to challenge ourselves, to support one another, and to honour a spirit that lives on every time someone feels the rush of wind and water.

The Harbour Dash was all in aid of the Will Houghton Foundation, above is pictured Will, Will Houghton (24.07.95 - 29.01.16) was an intelligent, loving, inquisitive and motivated man with a love of family, the outdoors, sea and cycling. He was killed in a road accident.

Winner of The Harbour Dash 2025, Dan Harris said: "Lumpy seas made for challenging racing but it was good to see smiles all round at the finish, followed by a post race wave session. A great day out!"

Here at The OTC you can learn to Wing, Windsurf and Foil with our awesome team of instructors, iron out any niggles with some 1:1 tuition, join a RYA course or try a new discipline with a winging taster, our centre is located within The Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, call the centre on 07817 717904.