Racing Opportunities 2026

Prometheus Round the Cans Racing

Each year, Prometheus runs a series of 5 weekend races around the cans in the Solent, based on its race-modified Beneteau 40.7, culminating in a follow-on final in October. 

Each boat can comfortably accommodate 8 crew members (an ideal number). Our aim is to build on our participation, where we have occasional weekend successes, to more frequent racing, where we ultimately win the series.

Prometheus has announced dates for its 2026 Round the Cans weekend series as below.

14-15 March

11-12 April 

9-10 May            

13-14 June     

17-18 October 

Finals TBC

To build a successful first team will entail participation in several race weekends alongside some practice racing. We would like to build a skilled second team, to provide match racing opportunities. We do not expect anyone to make all six weekends, and it will require effort to coordinate which of the races we go for. 

We have two racing skippers who are keen to help build strong teams, as well as Keith Harding, who has been behind some of our past wins, as a professional skipper. Once we have your survey returns, we will then establish which dates are most popular, with a view to securing boats.

Longer Distance Racing

Some members have expressed interest in longer races. 

The Round the Island Race, while great fun and the occasional challenge, is becoming increasingly expensive. Your response to the survey will help us understand the potential demand for a HOEOCA boat in 2026. There are many other options, which we are researching for best value. 

Keith Harding of Reach4theWind will likely be running a Cowes Week (1-7 August) boat in 2026.

A number of HOEOCA members have raced with Richard Oswald on Emily of Cowes, his Elan 450. Details of his offerings for 2026 (including JOG & RORC races) are now available on his website here. 

All still have places available, but we would like to have a strong HOEOCA presence in at least one of the long distance races on offer. Therefore, if you are interested in joining Emily in a race, please first email Stuart Jones (RC Racing)  to identify any commonalities with other HOEOCA members.

One of the survey questions focuses on Fastnet 2027, where members come together as a team in one of the more demanding long distance races.

There is nothing (aside from money and interest) to stop us chartering boats for racing or race practice from Prometheus, Fairview or other companies. 

Survey

Once we have received your replies to the survey below, we will seek to bring team togethers together for the Prometheus weekends, RTIR, JOG & RORC races, according to demand. We will also get the group together early in the year to create a strong team spirit, built on your own racing desires and aspirations.