JOG (the Junior Offshore Group) has published its 2010 race programme - including the 365 mile Illingworth Challenge race to La Trinité.

JOG organises two distinct series of races throughout the season. The 10 race Offshore series features mainly cross-channel passage races to destinations in France or the Channel Isles. Typically they are of 75 - 120 mile length and time usually allows for a social gathering at the destination before the cruise home.

The Inshore series features races along the south coast of England, normally one each day of the weekend, again with a social on the Saturday night. Spotted the theme yet?

The Illingworth Challenge race (named after one of JOG's illustrious founders, Captain John Illingworth) is a relatively new addition to the programme in "non-Fastnet" years. Starting in Cowes on 17 July it features a 365 mile course, passing through both the Chenal de Four and the Raz de Sein en route to La Trinité and promises to be a test of both navigational and sailing skills.

To race with JOG you will need an IRC rating certificate for your boat. IRC at its basic level is a self measurement system and it can cost as little as £100 to obtain a rating (handicap) for a 10m boat.

Club member Charles Whittam is an enthusiastic proponent of JOG. He says: "The JOG fleet are a very welcoming and friendly bunch and we found it very easy to make friends in our first year. The ethos is definitely race hard, party, then cruise home - which makes for a great weekend."

If you are interested, as either skipper or crew, in trying your hand at racing Charles would be very happy to share his experiences in more detail and help to get you started. Just contact him via this site.