RACING NEWS – Spring 2024

First of all, wishing Andrew and Sam Hall (and crew) on Pata Negra good speed on the final leg of the Caribbean 600. With just 80 miles to go, they are looking well placed for a top spot in their class.

And now, back to the sailing year ahead... It’s a busy year in the racing calendar this year with a significant increase in events both closer to home and further afield. Our Pwllheli racing calendar has been updated to work around these events so that we don’t spread the fleet out too much and compromise sailing in the bay. Please make sure you download the up to date program as it has changed from that issued at New Year.

We’ve also been working closely with South Caernarfonshire Yacht Club further along the coast, to try and bring boats together for even better racing during the summer. As soon as we have more information we’ll update you with details. For now though, lets looks forward to sailing in the spring.

As always we’ll get together gently with a tuning weekend over Easter. Weather permitting, many boats will be aiming to launch from mid March onwards so they can tuning up and check running rigging - all the more important for skipper of the many new boats on the scene. Good Friday or Easter Saturday give opportunity for an impromptu line up before the first official race so keep in touch with other skippers, either in Plas Heli or on the racing and berth holders WhatsApp groups to see if anyone else is interested.

The first official race of the season is a coastal race on Easter Sunday. With longer legs between manoeuvres, this is the perfect time to get reacquainted with the boat and to train new crews. Skippers are always looking for more crew so if anyone is interested in getting out on the water, just come into Plas Heli and have a chat. I’ve never known a skipper that doesn’t enjoy a good chat about sailing so come in and join us and find out more.

As always, our Pwllheli sailors love a good party and what better time than straight after the Easter coastal race where we can discuss the days experiences and enjoy some refreshments. Don’t forget to book tickets to the Easter party in advance directly with Sean.

If anyone still has sea legs on Easter Monday, there’s time for a couple of short races before heading home. Warning signal at 1100 with race comms on VHF channel 17 and back in time for a late lunch.

Spring racing then continues with two weekends in April, both consisting of a coastal race on the Saturday followed by two round the cans shorter races on the Sunday. The last weekend of the Spring Series is the 11^th and 12^th May with round the cans racing both days to get everyone prepared for the Welsh IRC Nationals the following weekend. The 11^th May also sees the arrival of the ISORA fleet from Dun Laoghaire to take part in the event.

As always, keep an eye on the club website and WhatsApp groups for up to date racing information.

Happy Sailing!

Hwyl