There is a strong J boat challenge with Storm from Howth Yacht Club ready to do battle with the local Pwllheli J109 fleet; Sgrech, Jeepster and Jetstream. The Dún Laoghaire boats include Cri Cri, Gringo and Tsunami who return to Pwllheli again this year after enjoying their visit last year.

We also welcome competitors from South Wales; Forward Thinking from Cardiff and Dark Angel from Swansea.

Local contenders from neighbouring SCYC include Richard Fildes' Corby 'Imposter' and J97 'Ingenious' both usually on the podium.

Liverpool Yacht Club entries include Diva, Legless Again, Eazi Tiger, Badabing, Di Rich and Kerageous.

The races will have the latest tracking for shore crew to follow the racing - or for analysing in the evening whilst enjoying the social activity that has been arranged.

The socials start with a Commodore's 'On The Balcony' reception on Thursday evening, taking in the spectacular views over the bay from the recently completed Plas Heli iconic building. The Crew Dinner on Friday is a must for all competitors. After racing on Saturday, in addition to the BBQ and other dining experiences we have a spectacular 75 strong Welsh male voice choir.

Plas Heli – The Welsh National Sailing Academy and Event Centre have already hosted the Optimist European and Optimist Nationals, 29er Nationals and this week the 29er Worlds with almost 200 competing boats from all over the world. The opening ceremony was on Saturday night with over 500 competitors, guests’ friends and supporters attending.

Racing in the IRC Welsh National Championship will be professionally orchestrated by Royal Dee Yacht Club’s race management team led by Michael Butterfield who aims to provide the fleets with a great racing experience. The Royal Dee are represented on the water by the 2014 overall winner Guy Cowper in his Corby designed Stratisfear.

A warm welcome is also extended to competitors from Conwy Yacht Club, Holyhead Sailing Club, Royal Cork Yacht Club, Courtown Sailing Club and Rush Sailing Club.

The IRC Welsh National Championships is building up to a most memorable event on and off the water.

It is not too late to enter - and we can still accommodate more on the event berths (free to competitors for the duration of the Championships).

I also wish all the best to ISORA boats taking part in this years Fastnet Race which starts at 1200hrs Sunday 16th August