Weymouth Speed Week 2025: Light Winds, High Spirits

Team OTC
11 minutes ago
3 min read

Another unforgettable Weymouth Speed Week has drawn to a close — and while the wind may have been light, the energy on and off the water was anything but! Across the week, competitors clocked up an incredible 25,000 km of sailing, proving once again the dedication, determination, and sheer enthusiasm that makes this event such a highlight of the UK windsurfing and foiling calendar.

Despite the teasing northeasterly breeze keeping fin sailors on standby, both the wingfoil and windfoil fleets made the most of the conditions, delivering tight competition and some impressive speeds. In total, eight valid heats were completed for the wingfoil fleet and five valid heats for the windfoil fleet — no small feat in a week that demanded patience, precision, and perseverance.

By Emma Maguire.

Wingfoil Fleet: A Battle to the Wire

In one of the closest finishes we’ve seen, Rafferty Read and Denis Gordo entered the final day tied on points and identical best speeds — setting up a nail-biting showdown to decide the 2025 champion. In the end, Rafferty rose to the occasion, winning both final-day heats to clinch the overall title with a best 500 m run of 27.96 knots. Denis took a well-earned second place with 27.34 knots, and Rod Dickinson rounded out the podium in third, clocking 26.45 knots.

Windfoil Fleet: Consistency Pays Off

The windfoil competition was just as fierce, with Scotty Stallman and Henry Bloodworth both showing flashes of brilliance throughout the week. However, it was Michael George who proved the most consistent across all heats, securing first place on points with a best 500 m of 27.64 knots. Garry Connell followed closely in second with 26.86 knots, while Scotty Stallman claimed third despite a counting DNC — testament to his speed when on the water.

Reflecting on the week, Scotty Stallman said:

“Overall Sailboard Champion at Weymouth Speed Week

A tricky week with very light winds but managed to get out for a few runs in between work to put in a 31.28 knots over the 500 m run.

Congrats to @k12urf for winning the overall event on the kite — looks like the guys @maguireboats have found the magic recipe with their foils ”

A superb effort and a well-deserved title in demanding conditions!

Women’s Title: Gibson Back on Form

It was great to see Jenna Gibson back on the foil during the final afternoon, showing her trademark style and control. She stormed to the women’s title with a top speed of 27.77 knots. Not content with just that, Jenna also managed 27.33 knots on fin, making her the second fastest fin sailor of the week, just behind Simon Pettifer, who set the benchmark with a blistering 30.58 knots earlier in the week.

Thank You and See You Next Year!

Weymouth Speed Week simply wouldn’t be what it is without the people who make it happen. Huge thanks go to all the competitors, the dedicated race crew, the ever-patient office team, and the superb media crew — constant_media_uk, watershots_uk, and whiteyk63 — for capturing every moment. And of course, a massive thank you to the sponsors who continue to support the event year after year.

With another successful edition wrapped up, we’re already looking forward to seeing everyone back in Weymouth for Speed Week 2026 — where the wind gods will hopefully turn it up a notch for another epic week of speed, skill, and camaraderie.

For full results and details of the scoring system, visit the UKWA Speed page, click here.