The HISC x The SUP Company Round Hayling Challenge returned on 12 September, bringing together paddlers, foilers, windsurfers and rowing crews for a demanding day around Hayling Island. Hosted by Hayling Island Sailing Club, the event attracted 140 craft across its approximately 14-mile circumnavigation and shorter Bridge & Back course. Conditions favoured the wind-powered fleets, producing record times for foilers and a tough test for the SUP paddlers.
Paul Drake leads full-course SUP finishers
Paul Drake recorded the fastest SUP circumnavigation in 3 hours 31 minutes 57 seconds. Padhraic O’Connor also completed the full route, finishing in 3 hours 43 minutes 50 seconds, according to the published results.
On the Bridge & Back course, Mark Rose led the SUP finishers in 1 hour 58 minutes, followed by Rob Dimond in 2 hours 23 minutes 50 seconds. Lorraine Grant was third overall and the first woman home in 2 hours 25 minutes.
Wingfoilers set the pace
Kuba Staite set a new course record of 43 minutes 36 seconds on a wingfoil, while windfoiler Charlie Baker completed his lap in 46 minutes 1 second.
Twelve-year-old Zac Carveth was the youngest full-course finisher. The event also celebrated its first female wingfoil circumnavigations, completed by Rowena Hammal, Holly Bassett and Rachel Dobrijevic.
Back for 2027
The challenge returns on Saturday 4 September 2027, with entries already open. Results and event photography are available through the links below.