Harbour Dash 2026: Who’s in? A challenge worth coming together for!
An iconic course, a need for speed and a chance to make a difference — the Portland Harbour Dash returns on Saturday 17 or Sunday 18 October 2026, depending on the weather, and the watersports community is being encouraged to get behind this charity challenge.
This week, Emma spoke to The Official Test Centre (OTC) pro rider Scotty Stallman and previous winner Dan Harris about what makes the Dash special. Their enthusiasm captures the spirit of an event that brings riders together to push themselves, enjoy our spectacular coastline and raise money for the Will Houghton Foundation.
By Emma Maguire.
Open to windsurfers, wind foilers and wing foilers, the legendary Dash begins with a Le Mans-style start at Overcombe Beach. Competitors race across Weymouth Bay, enter Portland Harbour through the North Shipping Channel, head out through the East Ship Channel and return to Overcombe.
It is a course that offers plenty to aim for — whether that means chasing the winning time, challenging friends or simply taking part in a fundraiser with a shared sense of purpose.
For Scotty, the Dash is also a welcome marker of the changing season.
OTC Pro-Rider Scotty Stallman said: “So that’s kind of always a good point with the harbor dash is that it makes you feel like you know the the autumn season is about to kick off, but equally it’s still such a great fundraiser for a great charity, and it’s a good way to push yourself, push yourself to the limits, and see how quickly you can do the do the infamous course.”
Previous winner Dan Harris knows the excitement of the Dash firsthand. His winning time of 17.51 gives this year’s competitors something to chase. Could someone go quicker in 2026?
Dan described the event as a “Well run race for freinds to enjoy exploring Weymouth bay and the Harbour. It's a great event for anyone with a need for speed and welcomes any rider of any of wind powered craft.”
That combination of friendly competition and fundraising sits at the heart of the Harbour Dash. Every person who puts their name down helps build the turnout and contributes to the cause.
There is a suggested entry donation of £25, with all proceeds going to the Will Houghton Foundation, supporting young people through sport and education.
The rallying call is simple: let’s get behind the challenge and make this the biggest Harbour Dash turnout yet. Bring your enthusiasm, encourage your riding friends and give yourself something to aim for this autumn.
For those taking part, the start and finish line will be positioned upwind of Overcombe, closer to Weymouth, to avoid issues with the reef.
Save the weekend: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026, with the race day dependent on the weather.
Ready to join in? Call The Official Test Centre on 07817 717904 and put your name down for the Portland Harbour Dash 2026.
Who will chase the record? Who will take on the course for the first time? Whoever reaches the finish first, everyone taking part can help make a difference.
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