Report by Vicky Cox and Mark Thompson, photographs by Carol Twells.

The weather forecast for the Spinlock IRC Welsh Championships indicated it was going to be heavy weather on at least one of the three days.

Friday started with a lumpy 18-24 kts from the south west and race officer Mike Butterfield was keen to get all three races in as quickly as possible in the tricky conditions.

The building wind saw some challenging sailing and some spectacular broaches by Liverpool based Prima38 “Max Too” who opted for white sails during the first race.

As the fleet settled more kites went up and there were plenty more broaches as a result, with few boats hoisting spinnakers in the last race with gusts of 29kts seen on “Sgrech”

Rush/Howth based J109 “Storm” battling against “Triple Elf” for the Celtic cup, struggled during the first race to come in 6th and top spots were taken by local boat and RC35 class member “Imposter”, Scottish RC35 class boat “Triple elf” and Pwllheli based J125 “Jackknife”

However as “Storm” settled into the racing and regained their form, they took the next two races with convincing 1sts but with consistent performance by First 35 “Triple Elf” who lead the series after day one.

In IRC2 just two races were completed in the difficult conditions, with Impala National champion “Checkmate” taking two fine wins, from Paraiba in race 1 and West Lancashire based “HRT” in race 2, a very impressive performance by them.

Cork 1720 Luvly Jubbly took two wins in IRC3, after “Mayhem” blew its jib out.

Friday Cruiser race was won by the single handed “Theia” racing an offshore race to Eurwyn Buoy and back, with all 5 Cruisers completing this race in very demanding conditions, with big seas and wind over tide out at Eurwyn.

Daily Prizegiving with free Jugs of beer and a prize draw sponsored by Partington Marine followed racing, with a BBQ at Plas Heli

IRC 1 start

Saturdays forecasts was for 15-20 kts and with much heavier winds forecast for Sunday there was talk of trying to fit in extra racing, but the fleet were quickly met with 21 kts as soon as they left the channel and it soon build to 25-28 kts.

The sustained wind and building chop proved challenging for the fleet with “Valkyrie” losing their pulpit, Dun Laoghaire based ISORA boat “Yoyo” with an injury onboard and “Storm” breaking their spinnaker pole - but despite their difficulties, “Storm” took all three races in IRC 1 to lead the series, with “Checkmate” again taking two wins in IRC 2. 1720 “Mayhem” took both wins in IRC 3 and Darling XX IRC 4 Cruiser Class

Competitors were greeted by the Jac Dobson a’r band playing in Plas Heli after racing, with impressive dancing by the “Max Too” team! with Saturday prizing draw and jugs of beers and goodies sponsored by Firmhelm. This was followed by a crew dinner, in Plas Heli’s Gorwel restaurant.

Sunday soon found the overnight gale “Ernesto” subside and winds soon dropped off to 17kts for the start of racing, further dropping to 6-8kts by the end of the last race. With the chop left from the previous nights winds, the fleet experienced equally challenging conditions.

In IRC 1 “Storm” one of three highly competitive RC35 class racing in the event managed another convincing day with two firsts and a third to win the overall IRC Class 1, and take the inaugural Celtic Cup with wins here at Pwllheli Wales, the Scottish Series at Tarbert back in May, a second at the Bangor town regatta, and first at the Kip Regatta. IRC2 was won by Impala 28 “Checkmate”, IRC3 class was by Cork 1720 “Mayhem” and IRC 4 Cruisers by DarlingXX

Triple Elf and Mojito

A great three day championship, with race management by Clwb Hwylio Pwllheli Sailing Club and Royal Dee Yacht Club, and social events by Plas Heli, who thank all helpers and competitors, with a special mention to the RC35 class, and all Scottish, Irish and Liverpool boats for making the journey to Pwllheli. We are very pleased to be part of the Celtic Cup, and delighted that the result was confirmed at this event.

'Celtic Cup'  and 'Spinlock IRC Welsh National' Champions “Storm”

 Read the article in AFLOAT.ie here

Read the article in Yachts and Yachting here

Results 2018

1. The scheduled time of the warning signal for the first race each day will be later than 10.55 – this changes SI 5.3
2. The Exclusion Zone in charts P and P2 is removed. There is no exclusion zone.

Friday 17th August 2018

{besps}/PlasHeli{/besps}The social programme for the 2018 Spinlock IRC Welsh National Championships start with a Commodore's reception on Thursday evening taking in the spectacular views over the bay from the Sailing Academy balcony.

There will be a short prize-giving every day afyter racing to celebrate the day winners.

The BBQ after racing on Friday and the Crew Dinner on Saturday night with a live band is a must for all competitors and friends.

After racing on Sunday - Prize-giving carvery baps.

The social programme for the 2019 Spinlock IRC Welsh National Championships start with a Commodore's reception on Thursday evening taking in the spectacular views over the bay from the Sailing Academy balcony.

There will be a short prize-giving every day afyter racing to celebrate the day winners.

The BBQ after racing on Friday and the Crew Dinner on Saturday night with a live band is a must for all competitors and friends.

After racing on Sunday - Prize-giving carvery baps.

Thursday 8th August

Commodores reception 18:30 - 20:30

The flag officers of Clwb Hwylio Pwllheli Sailing Club invite all competitors to a drinks reception on the deck adjacent to the bar in Plas Heli, to enjoy the stunning views of Snowdonia and a complementary drink and canapés.

Friday 9th August

BBQ with live music on the deck at Plas Heli. The BBQ will start early at 17:00, and run until 20:00 due to the early start on day 2!

Prize-giving - Sponsored by W M Partington Marine, and will follow racing and be held in the Plas Heli Bar, with jugs of beer and daily winners prizes. There will also be the “lucky shots” - what will you get!

Saturday 10th August

Crew supper in the restaurant, with a Celtic themed buffet showcasing food from all of the Celtic Nations. Whilst we can’t promise a deep fried mars bar, this will include some great food prepared by the excellent Plas Heli catering team.

Prize-giving - Sponsored by Firmhelm Marine, and again to be held in the Plas Heli Bar, with jugs of beer and shots as above.

Off the water once again, the iconic Jac Dobson a’r band will entertain us playing great classic hits.

Sunday 11th August

Prize-giving - Sponsored by Rowlands Marine, and again to be held in the Plas Heli Bar, with jugs of beer and shots as above.

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The social programme for the 2020 Spinlock IRC Welsh National Championships start with a Commodore's reception on Thursday evening taking in the spectacular views over the bay from the Sailing Academy balcony.

There will be a short prize-giving every day after racing to celebrate the day winners.

The Hog Roast and Live Music after racing on Friday and the Dining on Saturday night is a must for all competitors and friends.

After racing on Sunday - Prize-giving carvery baps.

Thursday 13th August

Commodores reception 18:30 - 20:30

The flag officers of Clwb Hwylio Pwllheli Sailing Club invite all competitors to a drinks reception on the deck adjacent to the bar in Plas Heli, to enjoy the stunning views of Snowdonia and a complementary drink and canapés.

Friday 14th August

Skippers Briefing 08.30 hrs

Hog Roast With live music on the deck at Plas Heli.

Daily Prize-giving

Saturday 15th August

Crew supper in the restaurant, with bar and restaurant Dining.

Daily Prize-giving -

Sunday 16th August

Prize-giving -

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The social programme for the 2023 IRC Welsh National Championships will start with a Commodore's reception on Thursday evening taking in the spectacular views over the bay from the Sailing Academy balcony.

Thursday 11th May - 1730Hrs to 1900hrs

The Flag Officers of CHPSC alongside the Plas Heli directors, invite you to a “Commodores’ Reception” generously sponsored by our hosts Plas Heli and Pwllheli Sailing Club

This will be held on the west facing deck at Plas Heli, where we will have complimentary drinks and nibbles for skippers and their crews. 

This is a great opportunity to chat to fellow competitors, and the event management team.

Friday 12th May

After racing, there will be the daily prize giving on the Plas Heli deck, with jugs of beers, with a choice of food from the restaurant/bar menu whilst you enjoy live music.

Saturday 13th May

Prizegiving after racing on the deck, with jugs of beer!  there will be  a BBQ on one of the three balconies with Live Music to entertain us.

Sunday 14th May

After racing the final prizegiving will be held in the main hall, with carvery baps available – these can be pre-booked at the bar. Please join us to celebrate our 2023 champions.

2022 IRC Champion at the Sunday Prize Giving

Breakfasts. 

If pre-ordered via Sean and Kellie, these will be available all three days, as will packed lunches. Please make these arrangements directly with Sean and Kellie at the bar

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Updated 1st May 2023

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