Abersoch Dinghy Week 2025 at South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club
by Mike Crompton 4 Aug 10:24 BST
19-25 July 2025
A great week of sailing and social activities greeted the many sailors who made their way to this North Wales Regatta many from inland clubs who return year after year for an annual fix of sailing on the sea.
The format has been refined over the years to ensure that all boats are catered for and that it is not only the sailors but also the many volunteers needed to man rescue boats committee boats in order for everything to run safely and smoothly.
The weather steadily improved during the week with the light winds on Sunday and Monday steadily improving to deliver two fabulous days on Wednesday and Thursday with Sun and 15 knots that allowed all the fleets to have fabulous days racing.
The morning is focussed on the single handers and the junior fleets that were slightly depleted by the many Topper sailors away at their Worlds in the Netherlands but still a good fleet of "inters" raced a series of courses that included windward leeward and triangles which were well sailed and competitive with different winners each day in many fleets.
Standout performers were 14 year old Will Taylor from Delph in his ILCA 6 finishing 3rd overall in the combined ILCA 6 & 7 fleet of 25 boats. Malcolm Marsden and Charles Downes taking the other two podium places.
The Solos and Streaker results were close and Andrew Wilde of Ogston in his Solo took the win from Pete Coop in his Streaker 2nd and then Innes Armstrong 3rd in a Solo from Burwain.
We must also mention Andrew Austwick in his Streaker from Dovestones who received a great cheer for winning the Endeavour trophy after completing every race albeit at the back of the fleet.
The Inter fleet is a range of dinghies with a high percentage of juniors participating often crewing for Dad.Alex Robinson sailed particularly well with Dad Chris in their Mirror to take the top spot on count back from Jess Marsh in her Topper from Hollingworth. Delph sailors Wayne and Angela in their Miracle were third a single point behind in a very competitive fleet well done all.
Sailing in the afternoons was split into an Asymmetric fleet a Symmetric fleet and fast single handers. There was much debate and banter on various WhatsApp groups with a demand for reaches from some vocal Fireball sailors whilst the Asymmetrics preferred a windward leeward course. Race officer Phil Snewin and Pete Best principal mark layer did a splendid job of satisfying all and the general consensus was that they had had a great weeks racing.
The 28 strong Assymetrics were won by a very well sailed Laser 2000 with Jonathan and Louisa Ching proving to be the boat to beat whilst the R/S 200 of Brendan Lynch and Ellen Clarke were 2nd and Hamish Gledhill with Alistair Rimmer 3rd.
Symmetrics was another close battle between a Wayfarer sailed by Louise and Nigel from Leigh and Lowton and the Senior's GP14 from South Staffs. Paul Cullen came in 3rd with a a couple of race wins later in the week.
Nick Heginbotham and Justine were the first of six Merlins in 4th overall.
Finally the Fast Single Handed fleet was won by John Harrison's Phantom followed by Olly Hopkins in a Finn.
Philip Worth was third in another Phantom and helped Delph Sailing Club take the prestigious Team Trophy with his team mates Wayne and Angela in their Miracle and Will Taylor in the ILCA 6.
The ladies were represented in many classes but we should mention two girls in an RS200 finishing in 11th place in their first regatta in their boat. Well sailed Millie Hayfield and Lauren Marsh.
While all the main fleets sailing took place out to sea finishing on a club line a junior coached regatta fleet superbly led by Annabelle and Jerry sailed 15 short races close to shore.
The improvements by this group were very clear to see and we expect to see many of them entering the main fleets next year well done to you all.
Social events included curry nights, quizzes and a huge party on Thursday were all well attended and judging by the bar closing times enjoyed by many.
The sponsor yet again was Abersoch Boatyard who managed to persuade Gill, Orca Bay and English Braids to donate many prizes and vouchers for then event.
These were presented nightly in a tally draw..Thanks very much to Nigel Bourne of Abersoch Boatyard for organising.
Helpers, Committee boats,Safety boats and Tally teams are all invaluable and without these volunteers the event would not take place so thanks to all of you.
A drone video of the many races and boats is currently being compiled and will be posted on the Club web site shortly. Thanks to Jerry Ibberson for compiling this.
Photos were taken by many of the safety boat crews and particular mention should go to Charlotte Pinnington and John Davies for their pics.
Next year's event will be from Sunday 26th July to Friday 31st July.
NOR and entry forms will be released in January 2026.
We hope to see you all again next year.
All the Results can be found on the Club web site here.