16 September 2025

Welsh Youth & Junior Championships 2025

More than 80 young sailors competed from across Wales

Big breeze and waves for the 2025 Welsh Youth & Junior Championships saw more than 80 young sailors demonstrating their skills and resilience at Plas Heli, Pwllheli.

Low pressure sweeping in from the Atlantic saw organisers keeping a close eye on whether to go ahead with a forecast for strong south-westerly/southerly winds (13-14 September).

Following a rigorous risk assessment and discussions with the race officer and coaches, racing for both the coached regatta and main fleets was able to take place on the Saturday.

The main fleet saw 58 sailors competing in the singlehanded Optimist, RS Tera Sport & Pro, Topper 5.3 and ILCA 4 & 6 classes, and five doublehanded RS Feva and 420 entries. A determined 15 sailors meanwhile took part in the coached regatta fleet, racing in Optimist, RS Tera (Sport & Mini) and Topper 4.2s.

A small army of more than 45 volunteers provided essential support for the RYA Cymru Wales team and competitors, across roles ranging from registration and tallying to race management and safety boats – including an all-female committee boat.

Saturday saw a south-westerly breeze averaging 20 knots with 24 knot gusts and a rough sea state, with a plan to launch and rotate one fleet at a time on the main course.

The ILCAs and double handers had three races out on the main fleet course.

When it became apparent that sailors were at the upper end of their limits, it was decided to rotate more fleets on the inner regatta fleet course area, where high water at 12:37 provided welcome shelter and flat water inside the breakwater.

The Regatta Fleet had five races tucked in close to shore, two before lunch and three in the afternoon. The Topper and RS Tera pro main fleet sailors completed two races on the regatta fleet race area and then went out to main fleet area for two more races, while the RS Tera Sport and Optimist sailors did two races in the regatta race area and one on the main fleet course.

With the complicated logistics of launching and rotating the fleets successfully completed, in total the Regatta Fleet was able to complete five races; the Topper 5.3 and RS Tera Pro sailors had four races; the Optimist, RS Tera Sport, Topper 4.2, ILCAs and double handers had three.

Hatty Morsley, RYA Cymru Wales Pathway & Events Officer, said: “Saturday turned into a jam packed day. I hope everyone enjoyed their time on the water in some of Pwllheli’s finest champagne sailing conditions. A big thank you to all the volunteers on and off the water who helped us run a successful event. Loved seeing everyone in their Welsh Sailing hats!”

Welsh Sailing initiatives

As part of Merched Y Mor - Women of the Sea – there was an all-female committee boat for the main fleets led by Ella Ashworth, comprising Sharon Davidson-Guild, Sian Reynolds, Emily Cook and Emily Douglas – a fantastic team who had fun and learned lots.

Sport Wales came along to film Merched Y Mor and other initiatives, while Will Horne from Eternal Frame Media captured the day with professional photography.

The CROESO wellbeing boat was on the water to support the sailors and also in action – promoting hydration education and kit care – was the Wishy Washy station to promote hydration and kit care was supported by Rinsd.

Sun protection supported by brand partner Intego Pro saw suncream in the CROESO packs, at the tally station and in the ‘in it to win it’ prize draw.

Prizes including participation medals for all were provided thanks to Tide Design Studio.

With a windy forecast and a Met Office yellow weather warning, an early decision was made to cancel the racing for Sunday, with the prize giving taking place on Saturday at 6:30pm to allow people to get on the road before the wind and rain arrived.

Overall results

In addition to the prize giving for the Welsh Youth & Junior Championships, there was also the prize giving for the overall results from the Dragon Series.

If you took part in three out of four events for the Dragon Series in the North, West or South – which can include entering the Welsh Youth & Junior Championships - remember to claim your free Welsh Sailing T-shirt!

Thank you

Sarah McGovern, Performance Manager Wales / Rheolwr Perfformiad Cymru, said: “A huge thank you to all the coaches, volunteers and staff, these events do not run without your support. And to Plas Heli, who are at the end of a busy summer, a big thank you for hosting.

“Thank you also to our brand sponsors and supporters, Intego Pro sun protection, Rinsd wetsuit wash and Tide Design Studio, all of whom helped to make it a memorable event for our sailors.

“It was a tricky weekend with the forecast but we are glad we managed to get all competitors out racing safely in the conditions. The sailors showed great resilience, and we thank everyone for their patience while we rotated the fleets onto the racing areas. We look forward to seeing you all over the winter.”

Visit the Welsh Sailing hub to find out more about RYA Cymru Wales events and initiatives.