Racing Events
SCYC Racing Results
We offer a strong calendar of racing events in a wide range of racing disiplines
View Racing Results
Squib Welsh Open
04/08/2024 
 - 09/08/2024
Dragon Northerns 2024
7th July 2024 
 - 8th July 2024
Edinburgh Cup 2024
9th July 2024 
 - 12th July 2024
Abersoch Dinghy Week 2024
20th July 2024 
 - 26th July 2024
Abersoch Mirror Week 2024
12th August 2024 
 - 16th August 2024
Abersoch Keelboat Week 2024
19th August 2024 
 - 23rd August 2024
On The Water
On The Water
Find out more about learning to sail at SCYC, visiting our club with your own boat.
News/Socials/Accommodation
Keep Upto Date
Here you will find our latest updates from the Commodore and news from around the Club.
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Local Accommodation

Screenshot 2024 01 13 at 17.34.16We are delighted to announce that SCYC will be hosting another tribute evening after the incredible success of last years event! On Saturday 17th February, The Right Stuff Live will be performing their Time After Time show - 3 BRILLIANT SHOWS IN ONE!

Retro 80s - From the iconic decade of white jeans, denim skirts and vibrant colours... Plenty of fun and energy as the band, in full authentic costume, performs hit after hit to keep the party going!

70s Disco - Turn the clock back to 1976... This fabulous and funky set covers the best hits from the disco era of the 70's that's guaranteed to get your guests up on the dance floor for a boogie...

Right here, Right now! - The best party songs from today's charts, along with a few gems from the 90's and 00’s. Finish the night in style with a more current set filled with superb tunes that will certainly keep everyone up on the dance floor until the end of the night!

Tickets £25 per person to include supper from The Cove

Meat or vegetarian lasagna, served with salad, chips & garlic bread.

Fancy dress encouraged, but of course optional.

Please email or phone Stacey to book and pay for tickets.

Charlotte Pinnington
Shoreside Events

As we weather the elements through the month of November, I am delighted to bring you the latest updates on the exciting developments at our Yacht Club. We have been working tirelessly to enhance our facilities, plan extraordinary events for our centenary celebration, and establish a new and meaningful affiliation that will further elevate our club's racing credentials, particularly within dinghy fleets.

Yacht Club Refurbishment
Our club refurbishment project is well underway, and I'm pleased to report significant progress. The renovations include improvements to the clubhouse bar, upgraded ladies toilet facilities, and enhanced electrical wiring (to comply with our electrical safety certification). These enhancements aim to provide our members with a more comfortable and enjoyable experience both on and off the water.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period of transformation. Our goal is to create a modern, inviting space that reflects the rich history and spirit of our yacht club.

Centenary Celebration Events
As we approach the momentous occasion of our yacht club's centenary, we are planning a series of memorable events to celebrate this incredible milestone. The festivities will include regattas, a club Centenary race, with a special trophy kindly donated by the Williams family, plus numerous social gatherings and a gala dinner. The Edinburgh Cup will also be a highlight of the year as our only planned championship in 2024, with the Dragon fleet being synonymous with the club and its history.
Stay tuned for detailed announcements and invitations as we unveil the full schedule of events. Your participation and enthusiasm will play a vital role in making our centenary celebration a truly unforgettable experience for everyone.

New Affiliation
I am thrilled to share that our yacht club has entered into a new affiliation with Abersoch Sailing Club. This partnership opens up exciting opportunities for collaboration and joint events. The affiliation aligns with our commitment to providing all members with access to diverse sailing experiences and fostering a greater sense of community within Abersoch.
We believe that this affiliation will enrich our members' experiences and contribute to the continued growth and success of our yacht club. More details about the affiliation will be shared in the coming weeks.

Save the Date

Waterside
• Centenary Pursuit Race: 9th June 2024
• Shoot Out Trophy (Open Team Racing Event): 3/4th August 2024
• W&G Williams SCYC Centenary Fun Race for all classes: 11th August 2024
• SCYC Champion of Champions: 31st August
• Centenary Open Events: throughout the year

Shoreside
• New Year’s Eve Party: 31st December 2023
• New Year’s Day BBQ: 1st January 2024
• Bar closed for refurbishment during the month of January 
• Bar Re-opening & 6 Nations: 2nd February 2024
• Tribute Evening Party: 17th February 2024
• Fitting Out Supper: 2nd March 2024
• Easter Egg Hunt: 30th March 2024
• Assorted quiz nights, supper nights & comedy evenings: March/April TBC

These dates reflect the plans for the 1st four months of next year, more detailed information with regards to each event will be communicated shortly. There are many more events scheduled throughout the year, which will be communicated nearer the time. 

We look forward to your active participation and support as we embark on this remarkable journey of celebration, growth, and affiliation.

Thank you for being an integral part of SCYC. Here's to a fantastic centenary year.

See you in the New Year,
Mark Thompson 
Commodore

It is with immense pleasure that I introduce myself as the newly appointed Commodore of this esteemed yacht club. 

With over 55 years of uninterrupted membership of SCYC, my connection to this club runs as deep as the ocean itself. It was here, at the tender age of eight, that I first set sail and discovered the enchanting world of boat racing with Dave Best in his Cadet, up against the formidable Peters and Allso families. Those early days were marked by the thrill of the wind in my hair and the salt on my lips, (together with the verbal abuse received from a competitive helm) igniting a lifelong passion for Abersoch and the sea.

In my odyssey through the maritime world, I have cast anchor in numerous clubs across the globe. From the pacific waters of the San Francisco Bay to the rugged coastlines of Dublin, I have been fortunate enough to share my love for sailing with kindred spirits from all walks of life. Each port of call brought with it new challenges, fresh horizons, and an opportunity to learn from the diversity of seafaring characters and traditions.

It is with great pride and excitement that I step into the role of Commodore at South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club. In the coming two years, I envisage a yacht club that not only stands as a bastion of maritime excellence but also embraces innovation and inclusivity. We will build on the foundations laid by those who came before us, while also setting sail towards new horizons.

As we approach our centenary year, I am filled with a sense of duty and determination to ensure the next two years are marked with celebration, progress, and of course a party.

The upcoming centenary is a momentous occasion for us all. A hundred years of rich maritime heritage, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments on the water deserves nothing short of an extraordinary celebration. I am committed to orchestrating a series of events and regattas that will not only honour our past but also set a resounding tone for the next century.

One of my foremost ambitions is to foster a spirit of inclusivity both within the club and the wider community. Our club has always been a sanctuary for seasoned sailors and novices alike, and I aim to amplify this sense of belonging. Through sailing opportunities, and social events that cater to all skill levels, we will forge a stronger, more tightly knit community of seafaring enthusiasts.

In tandem with inclusivity, I am dedicated to bolstering our family sailing programs. Our families are the lifeblood of our club's future, and it is imperative that we provide them with the tools, guidance, and experiences that will shape them into the next generation of accomplished sailors and responsible stewards of our beloved waters.

Furthermore, I am committed to modernizing our facilities and services. This includes improvements in our clubhouse and racing facilities. A club that embraces the latest in technology and amenities will be better poised to serve its members and inspire the next generation of sailors.

Lastly, in the true spirit of exploration, I aspire to expand our horizons beyond our familiar shores. Collaborations with neighbouring clubs and the organisation of inter-club regattas will not only invigorate our members' competitive spirits but also strengthen our bonds with the wider sailing community.

As we embark on this exciting journey, I invite each and every one of you to join us at SCYC and share your ideas, dreams, and aspirations for our club's future. Your voices will be the wind in our sails, propelling us towards a new era of excellence.

Here's to a century of unforgettable memories, cherished friendships, and endless adventures on the open sea. 

“Fair winds and following seas, my fellow sailors!”

Smooth and happy sailing,

Mark Thompson

Thank you you Malcolm and his team for the installation of the weather station.

This can either be viewed live in the Members Bar or from anywhere in the world via the Club website.

Direct link here

My first experience of The Yacht Club was ordering a pint and being formally asked to remove my cap whilst in the bar, but hey, that was forty years ago!

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Photo courtesy of Pete Hawkins

This year I was asked by Michael Cope and Graham Price to be part of the crew on Raissa. She is a beautiful and complicated lady, she has sails, no engine and demands three men to look after her!  I was very pleased to accept their invitation and I signed up for the full season on the foredeck.  I confirmed with Michael that the foredeck was at the front of the boat and that the ‘helm’ was at the back, he politely pointed out that I would not be required on this part of the boat. 

My first day’s sailing was wearing shorts in light winds and glorious sunshine. The next, I was fully togged up in very windy conditions and getting slapped in the face by too many waves. 

At times it was difficult to know who was ‘The Captain’ and I found myself trying to put the pole up and take it down at the same time.  All in all a great experience, even with two Captains!  I am pleased to report that The Dragon fleet’s competitive racing spirt is alive and well.

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Photo courtesy of Pete Hawkins

At the end of each sailing day it was always great to retire to the bar, without my cap of course!

Nigel Lloyd 

If you’re interested in sailing with the Dragon Fleet, either as crew or as a boat owner, please contact the Dragon Class Captain, Tim Saunders for help and advice.

1. Yacht club from front

As a precursor to the sailing season at Abersoch, on Monday 15th May 3 Abersoch Dragons headed off to glorious La Baule, just slightly north of Nantes. Crew and other halves were looking for fun on and off the water, so the journey to and from was important and taking the night ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo allowed for a nice dinner and good sleep before a short but pleasant tour through Brittany the next day. We arrived refreshed and ready to rig and were warmly welcomed, although had a small delay while the team doing the launching had their obligatory 2 hour lunch with wine, so we duly got into the French spirit and did the same!

2. Yachts moored

La Baule Yacht Club and its moorings are at the mouth of an incredibly tidal waterway that leads to an extensive area of marsh and salt flats so start times were all over the shop and determined entirely by when the tide had finished its initial surge in and had abated sufficiently to allow us to get out, usually by tow. Although a bit strange, this meant that with starts ranging from 2.00pm to 4.00pm there was plenty of time for exploration and a spot of lunch in and around the area.

PHOTO 2023 05 21 11 05 13

On the water it was glorious but tricky with constantly shifting winds and the tide seeming to come from all angles, as it swirled in and out of the bay with some force. All of the Abersoch boats had their moments with some great legs and some less so, although the Knucker also suffered badly with its spinnaker halyard that kept jamming and didn’t come free until being de-rigged the last day. Highlights for Knucker, with Jamie Peters on helm and Grant Edwards and Rob Eldridge crewing was a dazzling 3rd (2nd Corinthian) on day 1; for Vixen, with Tim Saunders on helm and George Davies and Carol Saunders crewing it was a 7th (4th Corinthian) on the last day; and for Tsunami, with Colin Brereton on helm and Graham Price and Chris Mills crewing it was probably being in the top half of the leader board at the end of day 1.

PHOTO 2023 05 21 11 05 14

Overall Vixen finished 24th (17th Corinthian), Tsunami 28th (21st Corinthian) and Knucker 29th (22nd Corinthian). Congratulations have to go to Stavros (aka Martin Payne) and the fabulous Bakker boys who never put a foot wrong and won the event with a day to spare.

Finally, on Sunday we broke the journey back with an overnight stay in the stunning Medieval walled town of Dinan and all arrived home late Monday night promising that we would unhesitatingly do the same again another year and will ensure that the Ed Cup, which we are hosting in July next year (2024), is every bit as much fun for all the visiting boats and their entourages.

Graham Price

John has been part of the Seabird family for more years than he would care to say. His father, the highly respected Nibbs Wallace sailed Ruddy Duck for many years. John then took over the mantel, lovingly keeping Ruddy Duck afloat, not an easy task as we all know.

John Wallace 1

John has been part of the Seabird Association Committee representing SCYC for many years, and has calmly and quietly given us his great insight into sailing matters during many a lively debate.

John has also represented the Club in numerous Interstation Races and he continues to be a great source of inspiration for us all here in the Abersoch Seabird community, with his wonderful sense of humour and soft gentle manner.

The iconic red hull and red sails are synonymous with John and his beloved Ruddy duck. John fully deserves this honour for his lifetime of service to the Seabirds.

Ruddy Duck 2

This award has only been given on a few occasions over the many years of the Association.

The Seabirds are a unique class of well loved, and admired, classic yachts that started racing in the 19th century, and are still racing. In 1924 the newly formed South Caernarvonshire YC offered races in June for Seabirds. The first race at SCYC was held on the 9th of June between 5 boats of the seabird class (four of them new). 1979 saw recognition by the Guinness Book of Yachting that the Seabird Half Rater is the oldest OD Class still racing in Britain. They have been sailing here ever since, adding to the Club’s rich history and strong racing tradition.

Well done John.

Mike Crummy

Mike is probably best known as the owner of Conspiracy as well as for his "slow" racing exploits in Keelboat Week and using his boat as a Committee Boat. What people might not know about are his cruising exploits to Iceland, Faroes, Shetland, Scilly Isles, Ireland and the West Coast and Islands of Scotland. He is a two times winner of the SCYC Oddie Plate, awarded for the best log.

He has been the editor of the annual Cruising Association Almanac for West Coast England and East Coast Scotland sections for a few years now. Updating and checking everything according to Admiralty Chart amendments and Marina changes during the winter months and making sure that everything printed in the new almanac is up to date in his areas. 

Since Covid, he has also been involved in the collation of data for the newly launched “CAptain's Mate” cruising App in which members can find and enter details of any anchorage, port, harbour, and marina throughout the world. The App includes things that are not normally in an almanac or pilot book, like local restaurants, pubs and unexpected hazards within an anchorage, as well as local navigation knowledge. Mike is responsible for collating and entering for the areas of East Coast Scotland, Faroes and Iceland.

There have been a few that have made a significant difference to the quality of the location-based cruising information through their work editing the Almanac, CAptain's Mate and the Cruising Guides. Mike has been one of these people hence him being awarded the Polaris Award in recognition of all his hard work and valuable contribution.

Well done Mike.

SCYC Squib May Day Series

SCYC Squib sailors gathered at Pwllheli Marina ready for Nicholas Butterworth of Firmhelm to crane in ready for racing this Bank Holiday weekend. 

Race 1
Saturday brought an unusual mist and no wind. Gradually the sun burned off the mist an a SW sea breeze established at about 2.30. The first best saw RicOshea sailed by Mark and Tom leading at the windward mark followed by Harry and Grayling. Great to see Banshee sailed by Nigel Harris and John Stevenson back on the water enjoying the light conditions. The second beat was tricky, with more breeze in shore and plenty of shifts. The top three maintained their positions with Banshee 4th and Panni Munta 5th.

Race 2
Grayling set off from centre and carried on inshore. Panni Munta got out of the gate second and tacked to windward of the pack. The breeze was now very shifty and full of holes. Getting inshore was the key, Grayling had taken the long tack in from the start and rounded the windward mark first followed by RicOshea and Panni Munta. A sensible call to shorten the course at the 2nd windward mark saw Grayling take the honours followed by RicOshea and Panni Munta. 

Sunday at SCYC was misty but a decent SSW breeze greeted the sailors.

Race 3
Tide flooding, breeze shifting and SSW mark a tricky mark to call. The fleet were close, 11 boats all converged on the mark. There was more carnage than a Wetherspoons on a Saturday night. First RicOshea bayed out gybing out of a tricky spot, then Grayling and Panni Munta followed suit.Alexa sailed by 
Mike Hughes and Gary Catterall judged the tide to perfection and rounded in the lead followed by Moonstone Malcolm and Dave Shiel. As the boats sailed up the second beat Moonstone were closing in on Alexa. Despite calling Mast A beam Moonstone got through to take the win followed by Alexa and Harry. The results show how close the Squib racing is at SCYC this season, any mistake is very costly.

Race 4
RicOshea joined the racing after finishing there 3 course lunch and set about taking a few places.
Very close again but with the knowledge of the shifts at SSW boats we’re giving themselves room. The final beat saw Harry and RicOshea fighting it out for the win. Mike and Grebo took the win. Tom and Mark sailed impressively to take 2nd followed by Dave Best and Glenn in 3rd.
Racing today was challenging, close and more importantly a hell of a lot of fun. Good few beers in the bar ensued.
Different wind tomorrow so all up for grabs.

The Final day of the May Day series at SCYC.
The NW breeze and ebbing tide were a different challenge for Squibs this morning.

Race 5
Starting at South and beating to M, the fleet were keen to get out of the gate first. Moonstone got away and rounded the windward mark in the lead. Some boats decided to gybe to get out to sea on the run. Close quarter down wind gybing made for some position changes but Moonstone maintained their lead. The final beat RicOshea put the hammer down to pip Moonstone to the win. Grayling took advantage of boats over standing the finish to take 3rd spot.

Race 6
The breeze was lighter and full of holes now. Grayling were gate boat, RicOshea were 1st out of the gate. These two boat arrived at the windward mark together. Had the tide changed out to sea 2 hours early? Alexa were in the mix with Harry and Panni Munta behind. The final beat RicOshea managed to hold off a charging Grayling, according to Mark Thompson 2 inches made all the difference. Alexa held their nerve to take 3rd from Harry.

Overall
After some fantastic racing in varied conditions the top three were
1st   RicOshea Tom and Mark.
2nd Grayling Richard and Mark…… on count back the last race being the decider.
3rd. Harry Mike and Grebo.

The SCYC fleet has again offered outstanding racing. 
Thanks to Firmhelm Pwllheli Marine centre for continuing support craning boats in and out.
Great launch service thanks to the team on the water and brilliant social at the Club thanks to Dave Pilling and Stacey for the results. 
More sailing next weekend

Results - https://scyc.co.uk/race_results/squibs-may-day-series-2023/

It's Live - Our new Cove Restaurant is ready to open!🥳

Our new catering partner, John Palmer of the Abersoch Spirit Company, opened the doors on Thursday 9th March 2023.

For March 2023, whilst the finishing touches are being put to the restaurant opening, The Cove will open on Thursday, Friday Saturday all day and on Sunday for breakfast and lunch only. Further opening days will be released in due course

Opening Times:

www.thecove-abersoch.co.uk

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