Irish Flying Fifteen Western Championship 2026 at Rossaveel, Connemara

 

Flying Fifteens Connemara hosted a cracking Western Championships. On Friday evening the visiting sailors were invited to race a pair of legendary Galway Hookers setting up a weekend of tight racing and good company.

Saturday began under a dead-flat mirror finish. Race Officer Brian Matthews had his work cut out, but his patience paid off.

Race 1 was a bit one-sided but getting a score banked early was key. As the breeze settled into decent sailing conditions for races 2 and 3, local pair Niall O Brien and Dermot Flaherty (4092) found their stride, stringing together back-to-back bullets.

Race 4 was held with the breeze falling away, Ian Mathews and Keith Poole (4093) snatching the win just before the course was shortened.

Back on shore, Rossaveel and Carraroe proved to be a fantastic host venue. Saturday's championship dinner was top-class, giving everyone a chance to catch up and enjoy proper Connemara hospitality.

A brief postponement on Sunday morning gave way to a light breeze with the fifth and final race going to Emma Pierce and Ian Smyth (3892) - sealing the Silver fleet victory.

Overall Western Championship honours went to local hosts Niall O'Brien and Dermot Flaherty (4092) Andrew McCleery and Colin Dougan (4120) second overall, with Lee Statham and Andy Paul (4070) in third.

The Bronze Fleet victory went to Niall Bradshaw and Rory Scullion (3895).

A highlight of the prize-giving was the presentation of the Ben Mulligan Trophy which was awarded to TJ Clarke.

VX Air Test Sail - Thrills without the Spills

 

The VX Air is a high performance two-person, single-trapeze dinghy designed by Brian Bennett, Ross Weene, and Mackay Boats. The hull is 4.78 metres long, that's 15 foot 8 inches, and has a beam of 1.74 metres, or 5 foot 9 inches.

The main sail is just over 10 metres squared, with a 4.61 metres squared jib and a 15.75 metres squared asymmetric spinnaker, which provides exceptional lift downwind.

The asymmetric hoist system is via a soft chute, which exits around 30 centimetres from the bow and runs all the way back to the central controls, allowing a wet sail to drain.

The main is sheeted off the boom and taken by the crew upwind and the helm downwind, while the jib is a self-tacker a track, making manoeuvres simplicity itself.

The spars and asymmetric pole are carbon, with a mast height of 6.75 metres, while the foils consist of a daggerboard with a 1.11 metre draft and a kick-up rudder, combined with a carbon one-piece rudder stock and tiller.

The boat is incredibly stable upwind, and the pitching was minimal sailing on Portland Harbour in a short chop and around 12-16 knots of wind, making for an easy ride for the crew on the trapeze. With the efficient hull form it was only when you looked at the pace of the chase RIB we had out that you realised just how quickly we were travelling.

The ideal crew weight is between 125 and 150 kilograms, but Sam Pascoe and I had a good 20 kilos over this and the boat in no way felt sluggish or weighed down, as you can see, so I would put the weight range at wider than this suggestion. With the centrally led control lines the rig felt easy to depower, and downwind if you're light you can simply go a little deeper.

Where does the VX Air sit in amongst the range of dinghies already on the market? I think it'll appeal to those who sail high-performance dinghies but want something with lighter sheet loads and a simple deck layout, while it will also appeal to youth sailors who are coming out of boats like the 29er and want to sail fast, but aren't going into an Olympic class like the 49er or 49er FX.

The single trapeze monohull dinghy is a sector that hasn't had many modern designs. Alternatives are the Laser 4000, which was designed in 1994, and the RS500, which was announced in late 2005.

The VX Air certainly makes high-performance dinghy sailing more accessible, due to its stability. I remember many years ago being blown away by the VX One's speed when I sailed it for a day at Cowes Week, and the Air has that same vibe, just without the keel and in a much smaller package.

It's the kind of boat I'd love to sail in a winter series event, as you'd be quick round the course and I had the feeling that I'd really have to mess up to capsize, which during the colder months when I'm out on the water less is a big plus.

To find out more about the VX Air contact Ovington Boats: Email rob.richardson@ovingtonboats.co.uk or Phone 0191 2576011.

Light winds at Largs Regatta Festival for the opening weekend

 

It was a very light weather weekend for the opening races of Largs Regatta Festival 2026 sponsored by Saturn Sails. A unique event mixing One Design classes, handicap keelboats and dinghies all racing in the Largs Channel, it brings a wide variety of racing, experience and ages together.

This year both the Etchells OD and Hunter 707 OD competed for their Scottish championships attracting healthy fleet numbers and close action at all times. Saturday at least had variable breeze up to 10 knots wind allowing all classes to sail the first race, a delay followed,during the lack of wind mid afternoon, to then finish with some champagne sailing conditions. 3 races were completed by everyone after a long day on the water.

Unfortunately the traditional Round Cumbraes Race on Sunday was cancelled due to a hot windless day and so the results from Saturday's efforts stood for the overall awards. Thanks due to the considerable number of volunteers from Largs Sailing Club and Fairlie Yacht Club supporting the sailing activity.

Yacht of the Weekend was won by Scott Chalmers on Sunrise (CYCA Class 3)

Dinghy of the Weekend was won by James and Andrew Reekie in their Feva

Scottish Etchells Champion - Eccentric (Colin MacDonald)

Scottish 707 Champion - Seasword (Dara O'Malley)

Saturn Sails Largs Regatta Festival 2026 continues with mid week racing and concludes with the Scottish Two Handed Race around Arran on 29 August.

For full results please see largsregattafestival.com/lrf-noticeboard

 (scroll down to the results section)

Pathfinder Homes B14 National Championship 2026 at Mumbles Yacht Club

 

The Pathfinder Homes B14 National Championship 2026 concluded at Mumbles Yacht Club after the weather had the final say.

Following an excellent day of close racing, sailors arrived on Sunday hopeful that a forecast sea breeze would deliver a fitting conclusion to the championship. Unfortunately, despite a patient wait ashore, the breeze never developed sufficiently for racing, and the Race Committee was left with no option but to abandon the day's programme.

That meant the results stood as they were at the end of Saturday's racing, capping off a highly competitive championship that showcased exactly what makes B14 racing so special.

Saturday had provided four superb races in beautiful flat-water conditions, with the fleet enjoying tactical, shift-filled racing and no fewer than four different race winners. Mark Barnes and Jack Kilburn, Seavolution opened the day with a dominant victory before Nick Craig and Pete Gray, Harken responded with a win in Race 2. Ben Cutler-Sharp and Tesni King, Ceto then took victory in Race 3, before Paul Roberts and Lucy Loughton, Squirrel rounded off the day with a race win in the final contest.

The variety of winners highlighted the depth throughout the fleet and the incredibly close margin separating the leading teams. Consistency ultimately proved decisive and, after five races, Seavolution and Harken finished level on seven points apiece. With racing abandoned on the final day, the championship was decided on countback, giving the National Championship title to Mark Barnes and Jack Kilburn in Seavolution. Nick Craig and Pete Gray in Harken were a very close second, while Paul Roberts and Lucy Loughton secured third overall in Squirrel after an excellent final race win on Saturday.

A huge thank you goes to Pathfinder Homes for their continued support of the class and to Mumbles Yacht Club, its volunteers, race team and catering staff for delivering a fantastic championship both on and off the water. Competitors enjoyed excellent racing, warm hospitality and a memorable social programme throughout the weekend.

Whilst the sailors would undoubtedly have welcomed one final showdown on Sunday, the championship had already produced a worthy champion. The B14 fleet now looks forward to their next TT at Whitstable and then the Final Fling in Plymouth.

Congratulations to Mark Barnes and Jack Kilburn, the 2026 Pathfinder Homes B14 National Champions.

Overall Results:

Pos Boat Name Sail No Helm Crew Club R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 Pts

1st Seavolution North Sails 799 Mark Barnes Jack Kilburn Whitstable YC 1 1 ‑3 2 3 7

2nd 801 Nick Craig Pete Gray Frensham Burgfhield 2 2 1 ‑3 2 7

3rd Squirrel 774 Paul Roberts Lucy Loughton Starcross 3 ‑4 2 4 1 10

4th Ceto 775 Ben Cutler‑sharp Tesni King Syc 4 ‑5 4 1 5 14

5th 786 Geraldine Fermor Leaky Fermor mote park ‑6 3 5 5 4 17

6th Captains Bunk 770 Simon Hadley Nikki Hadley Whitstable Yacht Club 5 6 6 (RET) DNC 25

7th PSB repairs 798 James Gardner Anne gardner HISC (DNC) DNC DNC DNC DNC 32

GP14 Midland Bell at Trimpley Sailing Club

 

Trimpley Sailing club opened its door to GP14 sailors on the 11th July, for their annual contribution towards the long-running Midland Bell series.

Race Officer (and Trimpley Commodore) Allison Blakeway welcomed visiting boats comprising Oliver Goodhead & Katie Keith (South Staffs), Mike and Alex Homer (Midland), Richard Binns & Charles Saunders (Nantwich & Borders / Staunton Harrold) and David Baldwin and Rich Moss (Winsford Flash SC). These 4 boats combined with 7 home boats gave a fleet of 11 on the water, a good turnout for this small club.

The weather contributed in delivering consistent winds, an unusual feature for this glorious but notoriously shifty location.

After a race briefing, race 1 got under way without delay. Early into the lead were Gold Fleet sailors Oliver and Katie, with locals Lesley Freeman (H) and Sue Webb (C) battling the Homer's for second place, the home boat just pulling ahead in the final lap to claim the second slot.

A break for a fabulous lunch followed with the Trimpley galley team outshining themselves once more. The atmosphere in and around the clubhouse was convivial and relaxed, a key feature of many GP14 Midlands Bell events and indicative of a supportive and welcoming community.

Two further races commenced back-to-back in the afternoon with the South Staffs duo insurmountable in pole position. Second position was hotly contested throughout with a second and third for each Lesley and Sue and Mike and Alex. 4th place also contested between David (with Rich) and Richard (with Charles).

Final results:

1st place: Oliver and Katie (South Staffs)

2nd place: Sue and Lesley (only Home Boat in the top 5)

3rd place: Mike and Alex Homer (Midland)

4th place (on count-back): David Baldwin and Rich Moss (Winsford)

5th place: Richard Binns and Charles Saunders (Nantwich and Borders / Staunton Harrold)

To round-off this superb day of sailing at this small and wonderfully friendly club, a barbecue and overnight camping had been arranged for visitors to extend their stay in this idyllic location. Visitors were then able to join in more Trimpley fun on the Sunday before waving goodbye for another year.

A collection of photos is available at www.trimpleysailingclub.co.uk/gallery/288485

Bart's Bash is back 12-13 September 2026

Bart’s Bash is back, bringing sailors and watersports enthusiasts together for a global celebration on the water - and you can be a part of it. 

Whether it’s a yacht, dinghy, windsurf, paddleboard, canoe or kayak, if it floats, bring it!

How you can get involved...

Take part

Sign up as a venue or individual and see how you rank against participants from across the globe.

Make a difference

Fundraise for the Andrew Simpson Foundation, or raise money for your own club, venue or community project.

Be part of a global event

Join participants from around the world for a weekend of fun and friendly competition.

Ready to join the bash?

 

Sailing for a cause: Russell-Cooke Silicon Cup Regatta returns for 2026

 

The IT industry's biggest charity sailing event, the Russell-Cooke Silicon Cup Regatta, returns on 15-16 September 2026. This year marks an exciting new chapter for the event as competitors gather at its new home in Ocean Village, Southampton, creating an enhanced experience for participants, sponsors and guests alike.

Far more than a sailing competition, the regatta has earned a reputation as one of the technology community's most distinctive annual events, combining competitive yacht racing with customer entertainment, networking, team building and charitable fundraising in an environment unlike any traditional business event.

Open to experienced sailors and complete beginners alike, every yacht is accompanied by a professional skipper, ensuring every participant can experience the teamwork, challenge and camaraderie that have become synonymous with the Silicon Cup.

The organisers are delighted to welcome back top 100 law firm Russell-Cooke as Headline Sponsor for the 2026 regatta, now in its fourth year of partnership. Russell-Cooke advises a broad mix of commercial, regulatory, not-for-profit and private clients across a wide range of disciplines.

Members of Russell-Cooke's corporate and commercial team, led by partner Peter Jeffery, who has more than 20 years' experience advising technology businesses and entrepreneurs, will once again be taking part in the regatta.

Peter Jeffery, corporate and commercial partner at Russell-Cooke, said: "We're delighted to be supporting the Silicon Cup Regatta again this year. The event has built a fantastic reputation for bringing together professionals from across the technology sector. Alongside the networking and sailing, it also raises significant funds for some truly worthwhile causes, which aligns closely with our commitment as a responsible business to supporting our communities. We're looking forward to spending time with clients, contacts and fellow participants, and to another successful event both on and off the water."

Every team that takes to the water helps create opportunities for young people, supports children and families facing extraordinary challenges, and contributes towards protecting the marine environment through the event's four charity partners. This year, the Silicon Cup is proud to support The Genie's Wish, The Andrew Simpson Foundation, Greig City Academy Sailing Programme, and The Final Straw Foundation.

Through the generosity of sponsors, participants and supporters, the Silicon Cup community has raised more than £1 million for charitable causes over the lifetime of the event, demonstrating the positive impact that can be achieved when businesses unite behind a shared purpose.

Shaun Frohlich, chairman of the Silicon Cup Regatta, said: "The Silicon Cup has always been about bringing people together through shared experiences. Every year we see colleagues become stronger teams, customers become friends and new relationships are formed both on and off the water. We're delighted to welcome everyone to Ocean Village for the first time and look forward to another memorable regatta while continuing to support four charities that make a genuine difference."

Melges 15 UK National Championship at Warsash Sailing Club

 

GP Watercraft are delighted to announce the Melges 15 UK National Championship will now be held at Warsash Sailing Club between the 18th and 20th September.

There is an excellent and growing local fleet, as well as many nearby in Lymington, which will ensure a good entry.

The entry is £150, which includes three days of racing in the central Solent and a social at the club on Saturday evening.

For those set to compete in the Endeavour Trophy, this is the ideal chance to practice in the Melges 15, and with a special Charter and Entry package available for £495 it's great value as well. The number of charter boats available is limited, so give Shaun and the GP Watercraft team a call on 07908 796419 or email shaun@melges.uk to secure your place.

The Melges 15 is incredibly easy to jump into as a newcomer, with a clean deck layout and easy to use controls. The Reichel/Pugh design is quick to plane and highly responsive, making it a rewarding and exhilarating sail. If you haven't tried the dinghy yet then the Nationals is a great time to give it a go. The charter package provides incredible bang for your buck, with the boat ready for you to sail!

The event is supported by GP Watercraft, Zhik and Seldén Mast.

Graham Bailey wins 2026 Edinburgh Cup and UK Dragon Grand Prix

 

Graham Bailey, alongside Julia Bailey, Killian Boag, and Will Bedford, secured the 2026 Edinburgh Cup and UK Dragon Grand Prix aboard GBR192 Bluebottle, achieving victory with a race to spare. The event took place from 18-21 August 2026, hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, UK.

The regatta concluded with two final races in challenging light winds. Graham and Julia Bailey’s team dominated race six, which sealed their title. This victory marks Graham’s fourth win of the prestigious Edinburgh Cup, and for Bluebottle, it is a historic first win of the trophy, despite its impressive past podium finishes in the 1950s and 60s. Julia Bailey also celebrated her fifth win, having sailed with Graham for all his victories.

In his post-race comments, Graham expressed the emotional weight of the win, noting the pressure and unpredictability of the conditions. He highlighted the significance of Bluebottle’s victory, linking it to its historical ties with the Duke of Edinburgh.

The competition for the remaining podium positions was fierce. Christoph Toepfer, Jan Secher, and Andy Beadsworth were all in contention heading into race seven. Beadsworth led race seven but Toepfer’s consistent performance secured him second place overall, leaving Beadsworth in third.

In the Corinthian Division, Martin Byrne’s team claimed the title after a thrilling final race, capitalising on Denis Bergin’s misfortunes in the light winds. Byrne’s team, comprising his brother and Adam Winkleman, achieved a remarkable turnaround to secure their championship.

Laura Schewe won the Seagull Trophy for the first female helm, while Richard Blickman’s restored Cobweb, built in 1964, made a notable performance in the last race, finishing second.

The regatta concluded with a celebratory gala dinner at the Royal Yacht Squadron, where trophies were presented, and special recognition was given to Ron James for his decades of dedication to the Dragon class. The event showcased the spirit of the Dragon sailing community and the camaraderie among competitors.

You can catch up on all the reports, photos and videos from the event and further Dragon sailing news at:- British Dragon Association Website – https://www.britishdragons.org/edinburgh-cup-2026/

2026 Edinburgh Cup & UK Dragon Grand Prix

Overall Top Five

1.       GBR192 Bluebottle – Graham Bailey – 6, 2, 1, 6, 11, 1, (50) = 27

2.       GER11 Aurora – Christoph Toepfer – 3, (22), 9, 7, 3, 6, 5 = 33

3.       TUR12 Provezza Dragon – Andy Beadsworth – 13, (18), 5, 1, 2, 14, 1 = 36

4.       POR49 Jupiter – Andrew Lawson – 9, 11, 2, 10, 6, (34), 4 = 42

5.       SUI355 Ginkgo Racing – Jan Eckert – (20), 9, 15, 4, 1, 10, 6 = 45

Corinthian Top Five

1.       IRL201 Jaguar Sailing Team – Martin Byrne – (25), 6, 22, 14, 22, 7, 21 = 92

2.       BEL79 Corso – Dries Van den Abbeele – 8, 24, 7, 24, 14, 15, (30) = 92

3.       BEL 88 White Pearl – Guy Celis – 31, 8, 25 (50), 18, 9, 7 = 98

4.       GER1151 Lilibeth – Magdalena Gründt – 26, (34), 3, 17, 26, 23, 10 = 105

5.       IRL161 Sir Ossis Of The River – Denis Bergin – 19, 26, 10, 5, 13, 33, (34) = 106

The next Edinburgh Cup is set for 13-16 July 2027, as the Dragon class continues to thrive with upcoming events, including the Marblehead Trophy and the World Championship in Hong Kong.

France Smashes SailGP Speed Record

 

France has shattered the SailGP speed record after hitting 107.63 km/h during a high-octane opening day of the ROCKWOOL Germany Sail Grand Prix in Sassnitz on Saturday.

DS Automobiles Team France eclipsed the previous championship record of 103.93 km/h, set by Denmark's ROCKWOOL Racing at the same Baltic venue last year.

The landmark run came during the sixth and final race of a dramatic opening programme featuring six races, five different winners and several teams exceeding the previous speed record.

France driver Quentin Delapierre said the record-breaking run came during a particularly demanding bear-away.

“I was definitely on the edge and it was quite scary on that last bear-away,” Delapierre said.

“I guess that’s where we broke the record. It was quite a slow bear-away, so we were going really fast. I was just focusing on not putting too much pressure on Jason’s foil so he could stay on the foil. At this speed, the first boundary comes up very quickly.”

Denmark also exceeded its former record, reaching 106.79 km/h, before suffering a high-speed nosedive. Spain's Los Gallos recorded 106.55 km/h.

With strong Baltic winds driving the F50s, teams raced with the smallest 18-metre wingsails and high-speed rudders and boards.

Cuba Sailing Adventure

 

For a 7-day sailing holiday in Cuba, I would suggest the south coast from Cienfuegos, rather than trying to circumnavigate the island. You get a lovely combination of sailing, deserted beaches, snorkelling, wildlife and—most importantly—time ashore in Trinidad.

There are established sailing itineraries from Cienfuegos through the southern cays, and the area is well suited to catamarans because many of the cays have very shallow water.

Day 1 — Cienfuegos

Cienfuegos → Punta Gorda / overnight aboard

Fly into Havana and transfer to Cienfuegos, or arrange your trip around Cienfuegos if flights work.

Spend the afternoon exploring the wonderfully preserved French-influenced city before boarding your catamaran.

Highlights

Cienfuegos historic centre

Palacio de Valle

Punta Gorda

Welcome dinner aboard

Short evening sail if conditions allow

Cienfuegos is a particularly good starting point because it gives access to both the southern coastline and the offshore cays.

Day 2 — Cienfuegos → Guajimico → Casilda

A beautiful coastal sailing day.

Stop at Guajimico, where you can:

snorkel

swim

explore caves

have lunch ashore

Then continue towards Casilda, the port serving Trinidad.

Overnight: at anchor near Casilda.

This is broadly the route used by established Cuba sailing itineraries.

Day 3 — Trinidad

This would be my big cultural day.

take a taxi or organised excursion into Trinidad, one of Cuba's great colonial towns.

spend the morning and afternoon:

wandering the cobbled streets

visiting Plaza Mayor

exploring the old churches and mansions

having lunch in a local paladar

visiting the Valle de los Ingenios if you want an excursion

Then return to the boat for a swim and sunset.

Evening: I'd definitely arrange a night in Trinidad for Cuban music and dancing.

Day 4 — Casilda → Cayo Blanco de Zaza

Now the holiday changes character completely.

Leave civilisation behind and sail towards the small offshore cays.

Cayo Blanco de Zaza is ideal for:

deserted beaches

snorkelling

kayaking

swimming

paddleboarding

a barbecue or seafood dinner aboard

Spend the night at anchor beneath the stars.

This section of the south coast is particularly attractive because it receives relatively little cruising traffic. One experienced Cuba sailing account describes sailing roughly 250 nautical miles around the southern coast in a week and encountering remarkably few other sailboats.

Day 5 — Cayo Blanco → Cayos Machos de Fuera

A relaxed sailing day between the cays.

I'd deliberately keep the schedule flexible rather than trying to cover huge distances.

Spend the afternoon:

snorkelling over reef

exploring the beach

kayaking through mangroves

looking for iguanas and other wildlife

fishing from the boat

Then enjoy a sunset dinner on deck.

Day 6 — Cayo Machos → Cayo Blanco de Casilda

Another relatively short sailing day.

This is your "Caribbean paradise" day—no sightseeing agenda whatsoever.

I'd spend the morning sailing, then anchor somewhere beautiful for:

swimming

snorkelling

paddleboarding

lunch aboard

beach walk

afternoon nap!

The Cuban government tourism site highlights the excellent snorkelling, coral reefs, beaches and private-charter possibilities around its northern cays; similar shallow-water conditions are found throughout Cuba's island cruising grounds.

Day 7 — Cayo Blanco → Cienfuegos

Set sail early for the return to Cienfuegos.

Make the most of the final morning with one last swim or snorkel before heading back.

Arrive in Cienfuegos in the afternoon, allowing time for:

a final wander around the city

dinner overlooking the bay

Cuban music

final night aboard or in a hotel

Then transfer back to Havana the following morning.

The real attraction is the combination: you get one fantastic Cuban town (Trinidad), one interesting colonial city (Cienfuegos), and five days of increasingly wild islands and beaches.

⛵ Catamaran or monohull?

I'd choose a 40–45 ft catamaran for this trip. The shallow water around the Cuban cays makes a shallow-draught catamaran particularly practical, while giving you much more space for swimming, eating and relaxing.

One caveat: Cuba requires a little more logistical planning than Greece, Croatia or the Seychelles. Provisioning can be unpredictable, and customs/coastguard formalities are part of sailing there.

For weather, the traditional cruising window is roughly November–April, with December–April generally regarded as the strongest period for chartering.

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Bassenthwaite set for September double-header

 

September is shaping up to be a busy month at Bassenthwaite Sailing Club, with two open meetings attracting youth sailors and asymmetric racers from across the North.

Youth One Design Weekend and Northern Championships (5-6 September)

The action begins with the club's inaugural One Design Youth Weekend, which incorporates the Optimist and RS Tera Northern Championships alongside racing for the Feva class and an Under-19 Handicap Fleet for boats with a PY below 1247.

Eight races are scheduled across the weekend, with competitors benefiting from on-the-water coaching as well as competitive championship racing. Combined with camping on site and Bassenthwaite's welcoming atmosphere, the event promises a great weekend for junior and youth sailors.

Trident Great North Asymmetric Challenge (19-20 September)

Later in the month, the Great North Asymmetric Challenge, sponsored by Trident UK, returns to Bassenthwaite.

A fixture on the northern racing calendar, the event forms part of both the RS200 and RS400 Travellers Series, alongside racing for a range of asymmetric classes. Fast downwind action, tactical (shifty?) lake racing and Bassenthwaite's renowned hospitality continue to make the event a favourite in the northern sailors calendar.

Whether chasing northern championship honours or competing on the asymmetric circuit, September offers two excellent reasons to visit Bassenthwaite Sailing Club. Entry for both can be found at webcollect.org.uk/bass-sc

IRC Welsh National Championships at Pwllheli Sailing Club

 

Pwllheli Sailing Club is once again proud to host the IRC Welsh National Championships on the 4th to the 6th September 2026. As part of our Celtic Regatta it also offers YTC cruiser racing so there is truly something for everyone.

The IRC Skippers briefing is at 09:30 Friday (YTC at 10:00) with a first warning signal 11:15, allowing plenty of time to get out to the start area. Sunday provides an earlier start with last warning signal no later than 13:00 to allow visiting boats time to pack up ready to head home.

IRC classes, can enjoy a variety of racing including Windward Leeward and round the cans racing, while the YTC class will race round the cans and enjoy short coastal races around the picturesque Tremadog bay. With no commercial traffic or strong tides to worry about, it truly is a delight to sail at Clwb Hwylio Pwllheli Sailing Club with the Snowdonia range as a backdrop.

Daily prize-giving will be held each day after racing with sponsorship by Partington Marine, Firmhelm marine services, Feucht Engineering and Tudor Estate Agents. But before you go there is the famous après sail party by our event sponsor Gimblet Rock Holiday Park and of course the final prize-giving sponsored North Sails and Royal Dee Yacht Club.

If coming from Ireland, why not join the ISORA feeder races from Dun Laoghaire on the 29th August, returning 12th September. The Plas Heli pontoons offer a sheltered safe haven for your stay. More information about the club, Plas Heli and ISORA can be found at www.PwllheliSailingClub.co.uk, www.PlasHeli.Org and www.ISORA.Org

Late entry fees have been removed and entries will now be accepted up to the 29th August 2026. More information and entry forms can be found at www.IRCWelshChamps.Com Please contact us if you have any questions at Flag.Officers@PwllheliSailingClub.co.uk