The 2023 Sailing Instructions for the IRC Welsh National Championships is published - see below.

Please Note Amendments :

• Notice of Race:

Introduction, 2.3 and 5.5 amended to remove reference to YTC and revert to NHC Progressive

8.9 removed

10.3 – time changed from 16:00 to 16:30.

• Sailing Instructions:

1.3, 5.2 amended to read NHC progressive instead of YTC

5.5 amended to read 16:30 instead of 16:00 for the last warning signal

Clwb Hwylio Pwllheli Sailing Club and the Royal Dee Yacht Club, will again host the 2024 IRC Welsh National Championships which are scheduled between Friday 17th May to Sunday 19th May 2024.

A change from our traditional mid-summer dates to May last year proved a great success, allowing competitors an early opportunity to test crew set up and boat performance, before enjoying more regattas in Cardigan Bay and further afield later in the year. 

This  open event will use the facilities of Plas Heli - The  Welsh National Sailing Academy and Event Centre, and will draw on the skill and experience of the Plas Heli, Royal Dee Yacht Club and Pwllheli Sailing Clubs race management and event teams, who have a long and excellent record of hosting World, European and UK National Championships. 

The racing will take place on the world renowned sailing waters of Cardigan Bay with the dramatic scenery provided by the mountains of Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula and is only a short sail from the Marina. Minimal tidal influences and being open to the prevailing winds will provide superb championship quality racing conditions.

The Plas Heli pontoons, and the Hafan Marina berths forms part of the excellent Pwllheli Harbour, with chandleries, boat yards, sail makers.

Plas Heli has ample free parking and spaces for camping and  motorhomes/caravans in our two secure sites - the compound or quayside. All our plots have hook up electricity.

There is plenty to do ashore before or after the event (or for shore crew during the event). Please visit the great selection of boutique, shops and facilities in the market town and taste and experience the offerings of the new and refurbished bars, cafes and restaurants. A train ride to the Castle in Criccieth - or onwards to Porthmadog where you can catch the steam train to Caernarfon with the majestic castle or to the quarries in Blaenau Festiniog in the Snowdonia National park - all delightful experiences.

Whilst here with the boat why not explore the coastline and anchorages of Abersoch and an exploration sail up the river to Porthmadog.

The Academy facilities will be used for the Championships including the  pontoon berths. 

The Academy building incorporates a café/restaurant and bar, serving freshly cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients, with superb views of the beach and the mountains of Snowdonia and mid Wales which provide a spectacular backdrop for all events.

We know you will have a memorable IRC championship in Pwllheli – both on and off the water – and we  look forward to greeting you all.

Mark Thompson - Commodore Pwllheli Sailing Club

Vicky Cox - Rear Commodore and Racing Captain Pwllheli Sailing Club

Stephen Tudor - Chairman Plas Heli Cyf

- The Notice of Race is now published here - 

Any amendments will appear here:

- The Notice of Race is now published here - 

Any amendments will appear here:

 Amendment Number 1

The social programme for the 2024 IRC Welsh National Championships has been designed to allow boats time to travel to the event on Friday morning before racing in the afternoon. Although the main entertainment starts on Friday, anyone arriving earlier can enjoy a selection of food and refreshments on offer at Plas Heli while taking in the spectacular views over the bay from the Sailing Academy balcony.

Friday 17th May

Come and meet the flag officers after racing, where 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 18th 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 19th 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 2024 champions.

2022 IRC Champion at the Sunday Prize Giving

Breakfasts. 

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

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Updated 15th November 2023

The social programme for the 2025 IRC Welsh National Championships has been designed to provide something for everyone throughout the event.

Thursday 1st May 

1700hrs - 1900hrs Registration in the bar. Full menu available at the bar.

Although the main entertainment starts on Friday, anyone arriving earlier can enjoy a selection of food and refreshments on offer at Plas Heli while taking in the spectacular views over the bay from the Sailing Academy balcony.

Friday 2nd May

0900hrs - Skipper briefing in the bar - Bacon bap and Coffee served at the bar.

1600hrs - 1700hrs - Welcome drink and canapés, on the Plas Heli Pontoons, sponsored by Gimblet Holiday Park, Dougherty and Allen.

Come and meet the flag officers after racing, where 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.

1730hrs Prize Giving sponsored by Rowlands Marine Electronics - on the Plas Heli deck with jugs of beer. Prosecco prizes sponsored by View.

Evening Entertainment - two piece live musicians Tinker Tailor - smoky jazz club sound. 

Evening Meal - Full menu by Sean Devlin Catering at the bar.

Saturday 3rd May

0900hrs - Bacon bap and Coffee served at the bar.

1730hrs Prize Giving sponsored by Partington Marine - on the Plas Heli deck with jugs of beer! 

Evening Entertainment Live Band TBA Music for everyone on the deck. Bar until late!

Evening Meal - BBQ on the deck. Three meats burger / chicken 1/4/ handmade local sausages. £15 with all the usual salads. Tickets for sale at the bar from Thursday. Help us by booking in early for this meal.

Sunday 4th May

0900hrs - Bacon bap and Coffee served at the bar.

1200hrs to 1500hrs - Sean's Famous Sunday Carvery

1800hrs - Daily Prizegiving Spospored by Firmhelm and Mustang with more jugs of beer! Followed by:

Main Prize Giving for the event, to celebrate our 2025 Champions, Sponsored by Gimblet Holiday Resort Park.

Evening Entertainment LDJ music by DJ Phil with old and new club classics.

Evening Meal - Hog Roast for all.

The party will Rock on into the night. - Monday is a Bank holiday so make the most of the evening with friends.

2022 IRC Champion at the Sunday Prize Giving

Breakfasts. 

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

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