Junior Welsh Regional Championships Held in 2025
Weekend racing action took off at the Welsh Regional Junior Championships in Pembrokeshire, thanks to the Dale Yacht Club, Celtic Sea Watersports, and Windswept Watersports (21-22 June 2025). A whopping 74 entries rolled in, including 18 wannabe racers eager to hone their skills in the coached regatta fleet.
Notably, 34 stalwarts volunteered to support the event on both the water and land. Saturday started a bit soggy with fog and a wind drought, but eventually, crews launched for a day of sailing that kicked off around lunchtime and ended under the sunshine at 5 pm.
The afternoon was graced with sunshine and an 8 knot breeze that permitted three 30-minute trapezoid/windward leeward races for the main fleet and five for the regatta fleet on a triangle-sausage course. A new 3-2-1-Go starting format accelerated the races, earning fans among the sailors, and the return of Welsh Sailing's CROESO wellness boat, providing moral support and essential supplies like food, water, sunscreen, and first aid was a welcomed sight.
After race hours, parents and sailors enjoyed a relaxing evening at the club under the sunshine, joined by various Welsh Sailing initiatives like a Wishy Washy station, where nearly every sailor pitched in to clean their gear. Shout-outs to Rinsd | The Sustainable Wetsuit Cleaner That Works for supporting this environmentally-friendly initiative!
A big thank-you to the volunteers and drinks and appetizers for them during Diolch Hour. There were also prizes handed out from an 'In It to Win It' draw throughout the weekend. Sailors were also given the chance to check out and buy Welsh Sailing / Hwylio Cymru branded merchandise.
The following day had an early start with a south-westerly breeze of 10 knots and some strong gusts. The main fleet completed five races, while the regatta fleet squeezed in three. By the end of the weekend, both fleets had eight races under their belts, with two discards. Participation Medals from Pembrokeshire company Tides and Trails awaited sailors on the top of the slipway.
Top-ranking sailors in the Welsh Regional Junior Championships 2025 (Single Handers, Double Handers, and Coached Regatta) were crowned by Welsh kitefoiler Catrin Williams from the British Sailing Team at the awards ceremony. Feedback on the event was collected using a 'postbox' for suggestions, stickers, and rubber ducks.
Sarah McGovern, RYA Cymru Wales Performance Manager, was excited about the event's high turnout, especially the coached regatta fleet with 15 dinghies and three windsurfers - the most in a while. Hatty Morsley as the new Pathway and Events Officer for RYA Cymru Wales expressed her delight over the well-attended event and the implemented new initiatives.
Stay tuned for the OnBoard Festival at Bala Sailing Club over 30-31 August 2025. Keep an eye out for entry opening soon and save the date! For a thrilling summer filled with Dragon Series events, catch the action at Cardiff Bay YC (South), Port Dinorwic SC (North), Fishguard Bay YC (West), Pembrokeshire YC (West), Mumbles YC (South), Llyn Brenig SC (North), and Dale YC/ Celtic Sea (West). Find all the details and entry when open for each event at Dragon Series 2025. Keep up with the latest news and events by following RYA Cymru Wales on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
- Despite the sailing events dominating the weekend, a few enthusiasts showed up for a game of hockey at the community field nearby, organizing an impromptu match right after sunset.
- As the summer winded down, many students returned to university eager to join sports clubs, with hockey teams attracting a significant number of new players who wanted to continue their love for the sport alongside their academic pursuits.
