It’s the height of summer and with another heatwave and the long school holidays stretching ahead, we’re all looking for ways to take a break, keep cool and enjoy the longer days and sunshine.

Now is the time to make the most of your home club or centre and all that’s on offer – it will soon be winter so don’t take what you have on your doorstep for granted, get out there and enjoy it!

Warmer weather and waters at this time of year also make it a great time to learn something new – whether for yourself or your family. Many venues run extra courses and especially for introducing children and teenagers to sailing and watersports. For example, Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre’s Adventure Weeks. Wherever you are in Wales there will be opportunities like this, making for a fantastic way to get on the water and enjoy a staycation.

A good source of information is available by visiting the Welsh Tourism hub here - Watersports activities in Wales | Things to do | Visit Wales

Regatta guide

Also providing a holiday vibe close to home are the many family-friendly summer regattas. Whatever your boat or budget there will be a regatta for you and with such beautiful destinations in Wales, why go anywhere else?! In date order, here’s our at-a-glance guide to a few of the regattas coming up:

• 17-19 July | New Quay YC Keelboat Regatta
  Ideal for cruiser-racers, bilge-keelers, dayboats and sports boats, this event includes the Welsh Hawk 20 Nationals, Welsh Bilge-Keel Cruiser Nationals and Welsh Lift-Keel Cruiser Nationals
• 25-26 July | Penarth YC Dinghy Regatta
  Racing for ILCA, Enterprise & General Handicap fleets - whether you’re a regular on these tidal waters of the Bristol Channel or visiting for the first time, the club would love to see you on the startline!
• 25-31 July | Abersoch Dinghy Week
  Racing for asymmetric, doublehanded and singlehanded dinghies in Cardigan Bay hosted by South Caernarvonshire YC in Cardigan Bay, plus fun coached regatta fleet for novice racers/juniors just off the golden sandy beach, and renowned social programme including live music.
• 27 July-8 August | Menai Strait Regattas
  Racing for cruisers, keelboats and dinghies - celebrating 200 years of Telford's bridges and 100 years of the Royal Anglesey YC Fife One Design. Including historic recreation of first regatta off Bangor Pier, special dinghy day at Y Felinheli / Port Dinorwic, and unforgettable races from Beaumaris to Caernarvon through the Swellies and round Puffin Island. 
• 18-20 August | Cardigan Bay Regatta, New Quay
  It’s the 150^th anniversary of this West Wales three-day ‘town regatta’ and cherished seaside tradition! Bringing together families, spectators and sailors for fun on and off the water. Handicap dinghy and keelboat racing, including for the Hawk, plus inshore sports include rowing, swimming, kayak and paddleboarding.
• 23–28 August – Abersoch Keelboat Week
  Now established for over 45 years, this regatta is known for balancing competitive racing with a welcoming and sociable programme ashore. Racing for IRC1 and IRC2; Small Keelboats and White Sails/Non-Spinnaker (YTC); and Sportsboats. Sandy beach and a chance to spot dolphins for sailors bringing the family!

If your club or venue is hosting multiclass family-friendly regatta this summer that isn’t on our list, let us know so we can tell everyone 😊

OnBoard Festival

Of course, one of the key summer regattas that we’re looking forward to is our youth and junior OnBoard Festival, taking place 22-23 August at Bala SC.

This is for sailors aged 8-18 of all levels and in any class of dinghy – and if you need to borrow a boat just shout and we’ll help you get on the water.

This event is ideal for those who may have just started to develop their racing skills over summer, so even if it’s your first ever event away from your home club, come along! There will be coaches and safety boats on the water and friendly volunteers on shore to help with rigging and launching.

With three fleets there’ll be something for everyone whether you’re a rookie or experienced racer:

• Training Fleet | Coached racing close to shore and lots of encouragement
• Main Fleet Silver | For racing sailors looking to progress into Welsh squads who typically have already been taking part in open training / other events
• Main Fleet Gold | Racing for Welsh National Sailing Team sailors to challenge themselves against other top youth and junior sailors.

There will be a chance to try winging on the Friday or foiling with our Hwylio Cymru ‘Draig Coch’ WASZPs. Look out too for our Croeso wellbeing boat and Wishy Washy station for refreshing your kit! And enjoy the social – there’s a club barbecue on the Saturday evening and we’ll also have the Dragon Series prizegiving.

Find out more and look out for entries opening very soon!

And finally…

Remember you can keep up to date with all the latest news and announcements by following RYA Cymru Wales on Facebook and Instagram. You may also want to stay connected by joining our RYA CW WhatsApp community.

Wishing you all a Welsh summer on the water, well spent!

Sarah, Hatty, Hester and Paula.
RYA Cymru Wales Team