![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
After 10 successful years at the helm of the United Kingdom Firefighters Sailing Championship, Mick Norman and team have stepped down, with new chair, Mark Coupar and his team now preparing for a new era in 2024.
The Championship is open to all firefighters, past and present, along with regular entries from police, ambulance and RNLI crews, the event is held every spring in the Solent and has raised over £130,000 for many charities.
Highlighting the health and wellbeing benefits, the team behind the Championship said that sailing builds camaraderie, offers friendship, boosts self-esteem, improves confidence, and reduces tension and stress. ‘This event celebrates unity and builds cohesiveness among crews. It’s the highlight of the sailing calendar.’
Over 250 fire service, police, ambulance and RNLI personnel competed in the 2023 championships, it is the largest UK-based emergency service sporting charity event.
The 19th United Kingdom Firefighters Sailing Championship 2024, sponsored by WH Bence, will take place from Monday 29 April to Thursday 2 May starting at Cowes on the Isle of Wight.