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