Title Sponsor secured for 50th Anniversary Sonata Nationals

Goodall Roofing Sonata Nationals © Sonata Class Association

The National Sonata Class Association is delighted to announce Goodall Roofing as the official Title Sponsor of the 2026 Sonata National Championships, taking place from 16th to 19th August 2026.

In the Sonata's 50th Anniversary Year, the National Championship will be hosted by the Royal Southern Yacht Club on the Hamble, bringing together top Sonata sailors from across the UK and Ireland for four days of competitive racing, camaraderie, and celebration of the iconic one-design class.

As Title Sponsor, Goodall Roofing, an award-winning, Isle of Wight-based roofing specialist, will support the event both on and off the water. Passionate Sonata supporter and owner Luke Goodall commented, "The One Design element of the Hunter Sonata is the thing that keeps the racing super close and exciting. As a company with strong ties to the community and a passion for supporting British sporting excellence, Goodall Roofing is proud to support the Sonata in its 50th Anniversary year. We had a great time supporting the 2021 Nationals in Cowes, and I look forward to competing against many other teams from around the country back on the Solent." Goodall continued, "As the roofing specialist for English Heritage in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, racing in front of an iconic building like Osbourne House will bring work and pleasure under one roof."

Sonata Class Association Chairman Alistair Bolton commented, "We are thrilled to welcome Goodall Roofing back as our Title Sponsor for the 2026 Nationals. Their commitment to the Sonata Class Association truly helps us to deliver a great Championship, and we look forward to racing around their very own racing mark that is out in the Solent."

Goodall Roofing Sonata National Championships at Cowes - photo © John Green

From the 16th - 19th August, Teams will compete for the coveted Pimms Trophy and Sonata National Champion title. Reigning National Champion Joe Cross, [Having just retained his Endeavour Keelboat Trophy crown representing the Sonata.] will return with his Duette Team. Set to challenge Duette, multiple (19) times National Champion Steve Goacher with his 'Eric the Boat' Team and 2021 Nationals winner Max Richardson on board 'Little Scarlet' will no doubt mount a strong challenge.

"Team Duette are looking forward to defending our Title at the 50th Anniversary Nationals, along with one of my crew who can boast competing in the fourth Nationals back in 1980." Commented Joe Cross "Serial Champion Steve Goacher will be gunning to regain the title, along with multiple top teams from across the country, so it looks set to be a hotly contested championship! There are strong local fleets in the Solent, Poole and Weymouth, which could deliver a bumper turnout. Hopefully, the 50 boat target will be achieved, it would be great to see so many Sonatas on the start line!"

Racing in the Solent teams will have to battle the strong currents and localised weather patterns that make the Solent a unique racing venue for the event. The 2026 Goodall Roofing Sonata National Championship promises an exciting programme of competitive fleet racing, social events, and opportunities for sailors of all experience levels to connect. Entry details, information and Notice of Race can be found at www.sonata.org.uk

The Sonata Association is also providing three free entries and a small bursary to Under 25 youth teams (One member of the crew may be over 25). To enter the competition, a short video submission is required - Closing date for the competition is 1st May 2026 - for more information, head to www.sonata.org.uk