Spiritfilled Coastal Challenge 2026 - Shoreham Outrigger Club

Welcome to The Spiritfilled Coastal Challenge Cup #4 Ocean Race, from Littlehampton to Shoreham by Sea, Sussex.

This is the fifth race in the 2026 GB Ocean Race Series, A GB Ocean Racing Team assessment race for selection to both the European and World Championship.

The coastal challenge Cup is a grade 3 A to B downwind race running along 20km of some of the finest and safest South Coast beaches of the UK. Open to Surfskis (SS1 and SS2), and Outriggers (OC1, OC2, V6). This race offers the competitors a chance to test their skills, knowledge and racing spirit of open ocean racing, maximising the swell, wind and tide, specifically designed to suit advanced paddlers that are competent at handling a long distance fast paced paddle in up to 25 mph running wind or 15mph head wind.

Jon Ellman-Brown
Race Director
Chairman of Shoreham Outrigger Canoe Club
Director of Paddle Sports Sussex yacht Club

Event Details

This is the fifth race in the 2026 GB Ocean Race Series, a GB Ocean Racing Team assessment race for selection to both the European and World Championship.
Set as a grade three course A to B course, suitable for advanced level competitors (depending on athlete competency and conditions on the day), approx 12.5 miles / 20 kms.

Open to Surfskis (SS1 and SS2), and Outriggers(OC1, OC2, V6).

Age group / classes follow ICF categories: U18, U23, Open, Masters (35-54), Veterans (55+) Open Doubles, Para.

To qualify to race ski paddlers must have completed one of the following:
• 3 laps of Exe Bay 26 or Rhoose 26

(Any entries from athletes who have not completed the above races will be considered by exception, dependent on places being available and confirmation of racing competency at the discretion of the GB Ocean Racing Committee.)

This is the fourth year of the Coastal Challenge and the second under the Authority and governance of the Paddle UK (PUK) Ocean Racing UK Committee (ORUK).
This event is being hosted by Shoreham Outrigger Canoe Club.

The Event follows the specific Paddle UK guidance for Ocean Racing as published on the Paddle UK Ocean Racing Website page.
https://paddleuk.org.uk/ocean-racing/

https://paddleuk.org.uk/shared-files/40009/Ocean-Race-Course-Grading.pdf

In the event of the race being cancelled due to adverse conditions, entry fees will be refunded, less an admin fee.

Race organisers reserve the right to refuse entry if paddler competency is in doubt, including for the conditions on the day. Entry fees will be returned, less an admin fee.

Race Schedule

Saturday 20th June – V6 and Surfski

10.30 – 11.30 Registration (Littlehampton)

12.00 Race Brief

12.45 Marshall Outriggers

13.00 Marshall Surfski

13.20 V6 Start

13.30 Surfski Start

18.00 Prize Giving

18.30 Live music and party

Sunday 21st June – OC1 & OC2

11.00 – 11.30 Registration (Littlehampton)

12.00 Race Brief

12.45 Marshall Outriggers

13.00 Outrigger Start

16.30 Prize Giving

18.00 Event Closes

Registration & Start

Registration takes place at The Beach Club Sea Rd, Littlehampton BN16 2NA.

Parking – There is a public carpark opposite at the Littlehampton Wave (what 3 words method.flag.middle) which is adjacent to the start beach. Bibs, Trackers and boat numbers will be handed out at registration.

The race start is between two flags in front of The Beach Club. V6 will be in shallow water ready, held by seats 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and a Le Mans style start for the steerers who will be standing 20 metres up the beach. SLS water start for Surfskis knee deep in water standing to the left of their craft.
OC1 and OC2 will also be a Le Mans style start with boats on the shoreline and paddlers standing on a line 20 metres up the beach.

Race Finish and Sussex Yacht Club

A deep water finish between a Orange marker buoy and Race Control boat located 1 km off shore and 1km West of Shoreham Harbour. The finish line is approximately 1 km ealier than last year keeping our finish away from other yacht races but the trace is still 20km distance. Once over the line, participants will then proceed immediately into the harbour and up the river to the Sussex Yacht Club. The race distance is 20Km, with an additional 2.5km to the yacht club.

All V6, OC1, OC2 & Surfski’s off the water via the slipway and will be directed to storage areas for Surfski & V6, OC1 & OC2.

Parking – The Tarmount Lane Carpark: (what 3 words speak.transmit.novels)
Co-op Supermarket Carpark: (what 3 words interrupt.headsets.eradicate) (pay & display / no height restriction).
Riverside Carpark on Shoreham Beach (What 3 words: puppets.adopters.opimists) (pay and display / height restricted)
There is also free roadside parking on Shoreham Beach and some around the town.
There is ramp access for wheelchair users to the Yacht Club and it is fully accessible internally with a lift and toilets.

Please Note: There is no car parking at Sussex Yacht Club. Pick up only after the race.

Results and Paddle Paddle Party!

Upstairs in the main room at Sussex Yacht Club are beers, wine, cold drinks and hot food will be served from 4.00pm onwards. After the prize giving there is live music and DJ’s as the party rolls on into the night!

Parking – The Tarmount Lane Carpark: (what 3 words speak.transmit.novels)

Co-op Supermarket Carpark: (what 3 words interrupt.headsets.eradicate) (pay & display / no height restriction).

Riverside Carpark on Shoreham Beach (What 3 words: puppets.adopters.opimists) (pay and display / height restricted)
There is also free roadside parking on Shoreham Beach and some around the town.
There is ramp access for wheelchair users to the Yacht Club and it is fully accessible internally with a lift and toilets.