Squib National Championship 2026 at South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club - Midweek Update

South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club © Charlotte Pinnington

As most squibbers were packing for the 2026 Squib Nationals at the South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club, few would have been thinking that the most important piece of kit was the sunscreen. However Abersoch has not escaped the heatwave hitting the country and this report is being written in the shade as we patiently wait for wind.

Patience has been a virtue as wind has been temperamental but the club and the PRO have managed this magnificently and as we stand we are only one race behind schedule.

Day 1

After some delay on day 1 as we waited for the wind, the practice race was ultimately won by Steve Allso and Dave Leather in Nimbus, using local knowledge to keep hold of the fading wind to get round the course without too much incidents. Second was Firecracker (Steven Bridges and Brian Kelly) whilst the remaining podium position was taken by Lady Penelope (Malcolm Hutchings and Andy Carley).

Many were observed doing turns as the lack of wind at the top mark (along with the tide) resulted in a few getting up close and personal with the big cylindrical mark.

Unfortunately that was all that could be achieved on day 1 as the wind chose not to make any more of an appearance and the fleet retired back to the bar and a delicious Italian meal hosted by the Cove.

Day 2

Day 2 and again no wind...again some sheltered from the sun whilst others played a competitive game of skittles. However the PRO made the decision around lunchtime to get us on the water and started as the wind crept up to 6knots.

Unfortunately the first race of the day was abandoned as the fleet got to the first mark due to a significant shift of 35/40 degrees but the team were quick to reset and the race recommenced.

Quick off the mark was Flame (Richard Smith and Graham Reeve) who held the lead all the way to the finish however nearly fell foul of the Charlie board shortening the distance to the windward mark which they initially thought was shortening to finish. Thankfully the spinnaker came down quickly and the quick thinking team were able to keep ahead of the fleet. Second place RicO'shea (returning champs, Tom Jeffcoate and Mark Hogan) had to wriggle their way through the fleet finally overtaking 3rd place Bachhante (Gez Brown and Harvey Worden) and pushing Ray Apthorp and Ian Simons into 4th.

And then again the wind started to die so the the decision was made to head back to the moorings to await further instructions. However as the fleet headed that way, wind started to appear (albeit from the completely different direction) and it wasn't long till the fleet were heading back out (much to the chagrin of the boats who got back to the moorings and started to derig).

Even better the wind had built to 12knots so the sensible amongst us who had brought waterproofs were able to put on the second layer. Those of us less sensible continued as was but sweat was replaced by the dampness of the waves hitting the boats.

The first attempt at the start resulted in a general recall as the boats battled the tide pushing them over and resulted in the U flag being put into play for the second start however this time the fleet got off and revelled in the stronger breeze. It was RicO'Shea and Spoof (Micky Wright and Alex Porteous) who got to the windward mark first and started to pull away from the fleet.

Behind them, a battle ensued between Chequemate, Astron III (Matt Taylor - youngest helm of the fleet - & Mike Taylor) and Cariad Bach (Nick Whipp & Rob Eldridge). Whilst the first beat saw boats benefit on the left, it was the right that paid for the second and third beats as the crews enjoyed hiking out after many hours on the leeward seat.

Final results as the fleet headed home at nearly 7pm was 1st RicO'shea, 2nd Spoof and 3rd Astron III. Thankfully only two days after the summer solstice, nav lights were not required but paddles were as the fleet made their way back to the moorings avoiding the dustbin sized jellyfish.

So back to day 3 and there is hope of breeze... keeping fingers crossed.

www.scyc.co.uk/event/squib-nationals