Abersoch Mirror Week 2026 Day 3
by A Suitably Enthusiastic Spectator 19 Aug 16:38 BST
17-21 August 2026
Perfect Conditions & Perfect Chaos (the good kind)
Day 3 dawned with conditions so perfect that even the most weather-obsessed sailor couldn't complain.
Yes, really. No wind shifts, no surprise squalls, no "character-building" drizzle.
The Race Team fired off two exemplary starts, the fleet behaved itself (mostly), and by 13:30 every Mirror was ashore — a miracle so rare it should probably be commemorated with a plaque. Mirror Week officially came alive.
And the spectators? We were thrilled, sunburnt, and impressed.
Race 6: Breeze
The wind and tide continued to "play ball" — a phrase we spectators use when we don't really know what's happening but it looks impressive.
A solid 17-knot turned Race 6 into a glorious mix of:
- controlled speed,
- occasional chaos,
- and the kind of spray that makes photos look heroic.
Speaking of photos, Pete Hawkins was out on the Committee Boat capturing every dramatic moment. Expect at least one shot where a sailor looks unintentionally majestic.
Ted Dobson: The Young Gun Who Stole the Show
The overall standard this week has been ridiculously high — but today one youngster decided to remind everyone that age is merely a number. Ted Dobson sailed Race 6 like he'd been secretly training with Team GBR. Yes, Dad (Ian Dobson) is quite handy... but Ted, you were excellent.
A proper performance. A proper win. A proper "Dad trying not to look too proud" moment.
Leaderboard Shenanigans
The top of the table is now tighter than a Mirror's mainsheet in 17 knots.
- McGovern family (South Staffs) - a tidy 4th and 2nd today, now leading overall.
- Hayden family (Pocket Rocket) - still holding 2nd, still fast, still smiling.
- Ally & Nicole Potts - up to 3rd, just one point ahead of the
- Kearneys (RNIYC) - who are definitely plotting tomorrow's comeback.
It's spicy. It's close. It's everything Mirror Week should be.
Gold & Silver Fleet Update
The fleets were officially split after Tuesday's Race 4. The results... well... They're nearly ready. Almost. Expect the full breakdown tomorrow — once the scorers have decided how to do it..
Thank you Penny you have once again been a star..
Wooden Wonder: Chickaletta
The first gaff-rigged wooden boat is Chickaletta, sitting proudly in 51st place, sailed by Malcolm Marsden and an assortment of younger relations: Joshua, Charlotte & Oliver — who have clearly inherited the "keep the family boat going" gene.
A proper achievement. A proper wooden boat. A proper bit of Mirror Week magic.
Special Mentions: The Heroes of 68th & 69th
Some sailors win races. Some sailors win trophies. But some sailors win our hearts by completing every single race.
Huge applause for:
- Leo Mitten & George Haines in Pink Rainbow
- Tango Charles & Alexander Hinton
Consistency is king.
And they've been royally consistent.
A (Very) Short History of Mirror Week
For newcomers, nostalgics, and anyone who wonders why 70 red dinghies suddenly appear on Abersoch beach each August...
Mirror Week began in the 1990s when a few parents noticed Mirrors sitting unloved on trailers.
Their solution? A Le Mans-style beach start, a couple of buoys, and a finish line back on the sand. It was chaotic. It was brilliant. It was the birth of a regatta.
By 1997, Mirror Week was official — 31 boats entered, and the beach hasn't been quiet since.
From Black Adder winning the first event, to Nicky Birrell becoming a Paralympic champion, to the legendary Holly Oaks bikini trophy presentation of 2002 (the dads remember it; the teenagers wish they didn't)...
Mirror Week has become a rite of passage. It's family. It's fun. It's fiercely competitive.
And it's still the beating heart of SCYC's summer.
See You Tomorrow. Day 3 delivered... Tomorrow promises even more.
Find out more at www.scyc.co.uk/event/mirror-week-2026