Win a Free Entry and Bursary to Compete at the 2026 Sonata Nationals

Sonata Nationals 2024 at Medway YC © Paul Babington

To celebrate the Hunter Sonata Class's 50th anniversary, the Class Association is offering a fantastic opportunity for young sailors to get involved.

With over 400 boats built and 240 still competing around the UK the National Sonata Class Association is offering a fantastic opportunity for young sailors a free entry and £100 bursary to help three under-25 teams take part in this year's Sonata Nationals in the Solent, racing from the Royal Southern Yacht Club between 16th and 19th August 2026.

With active fleets around the UK from Weymouth, Poole Harbour and Cowes on the South coast to Medway, Brightlingsea and Mersea in the East to Scarborough, Windermere in the North and Strangford Loch in Northern Ireland., Whether you're already racing a Sonata or keen to get involved in the class, this is your chance to experience one of the friendliest and most competitive one-design fleets in the country.

How to Enter

We want to see your enthusiasm for the National Sonata class. All you need to do is submit a short video (no longer than 90 seconds) telling us:

• What you enjoy about sailing or the Sonata, and
• Why you'd love to compete at the 50th anniversary Sonata Nationals, which are being held at the Royal Southern Yacht Club between 16th-19th August 2026.

Be as creative as you like we're not looking for professional editing, just genuine passion, personality, and a love of sailing.

Competition Details

Who can enter: Sailors under 25 as of 16th August 2026
What to submit: A video up to 90 seconds long
Deadline: 1st May, 2026
How to enter: Complete Form below
Prize: A Free Entry and £100 bursary to support participation in the 2026 Sonata National Championships

Enter here

Judging and Results

Entries will be judged by a panel from the National Sonata Class Association, who will be looking for enthusiasm, creativity, and passion for the Sonata boat and class.

The winner will be announced by the 1st June 2026, and their video will be featured on the National Sonata Class Association's website and social media.

Quick Rules

1. Open to sailors under 25 on 16th August 2026 and resident in the UK
2. Videos must be no longer than 90 seconds
3. Show what you love about the Sonata and why you want to race at the 2026 Nationals
4. Entries close at 23:59 on 1st May 2026
5. The £100 bursary must be used to support participation at the 2026 Nationals (entry fees, travel, accommodation, etc.)
6. By entering, you give permission for the National Sonata Class Association to share your video and name in promotional materials
7. Entrants under 18 must have parental or guardian consent to enter
8. One member of the crew may be over 25 years of age

The Under 25 Sonata 50th Anniversary Nationals Competition entry form can be found here.

Celebrate 50 Years of Sonata Sailing

The Sonata Nationals promise to be a memorable championship with competitive racing, great socials, and the same strong community spirit that has defined the class for decades.

Don't miss your chance to be part of it!

Let's make the 50 years of the Sonata Class one to remember see you on the start line.