Abersoch Keelboat Week 2024: Exciting Racing and Events in Wales
Abersoch Keelboat Week 2024
19-23 August 2024
The annual Abersoch Keelboat Week combines serious racing with legendary parties. Junction 12 provided the music for Friday night after a generous prize-giving supported by our main sponsor, One Sails.
The South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club celebrated 100 years of racing, with various events throughout the summer, including a popular Pursuit race in June and inter-class team racing in Squibs for the Shootout trophy in early August. The winners of the pursuit race were the Dragons, while the dinghy fleet claimed victory in the team racing against a Squib team in the final.
Abersoch Keelboat Week commenced with sunny conditions and wind speeds of 12-14 knots for the practice race held on Sunday, 18th August.
Race officer Malcolm Blackburn set an excellent course for refining boat handling skills, with winners including Xpletive IRC 2 and Only Magic White Sails, both of which went on to secure overall fleet prizes.
The weather forecast indicated windy conditions for the remainder of the week. However, one day was dedicated to relaxation, featuring an impromptu prize-giving and music quiz in the bar.
Throughout the week, competitors faced strong winds averaging 25 knots, with some smaller keelboats like Pandora’s and Beneteau 21’s managing to complete only two races.
Despite the challenging conditions, race officers and mark layers successfully conducted eight races for all other fleets. On Thursday, a significant Spring tide and swell delayed racing, pushing some boats ashore as late as 19:30. Special thanks are due to the launch crews, particularly Bosun Dom Baldwin, for ensuring the safe return of all crews.
During prize-giving, the young launch team received a heartfelt standing ovation for their dedication.
In IRC 1, the competition between Impetuous, Car Gods, and Jackpot was fierce, especially after Mojito dropped out to prepare for the upcoming ISORA race. Impetuous, a Corby 37 owned by Miller, Hodges, and Crompton, showcased outstanding sailing, ultimately emerging as winners, followed by Jackpot in second and Car Gods in third.
Xpletive dominated IRC 2 with seven race wins and a second-place finish, showcasing a crew that has raced together since 2004. Quattro, a newly acquired Beneteau 31.7, finished second, consistently improving as the week progressed. Only Just, a J105, secured third place and received a special award for seamanship as they were the only boat to fly a spinnaker during Wednesday’s second race while facing regular gusts of 30 knots.
The White Sails fleet was again led by the well-prepared J97e, Only Magic Wim Batist, who won every race. Second place went to Marauder, a Sigma 33 sailed by Tim Saunders, while third was taken by Crud y Awel, captained by Peter Driver.
Noteworthy recognition also went to Crackajak, a 40.7 sailed double-handed by visitors Geoff Dutton-Kelly, who won the title of best visiting boat, finishing fourth in the White Sails fleet. A small Westerly Konsort Duo, Lillebolero from Liverpool YC, participated in every race, having sailed over from Pwllheli marina—well done to Alistair Roaf, and we look forward to seeing you again.
A multitude of individuals contribute to the success of this event. The Centenary medals and Champagne for SCYC members involved in the organization serve as a small token of appreciation.
We extend our gratitude to our primary sponsor, One Sails, who set up a mobile sail loft during the event for repairs. Fortunately, their services remained minimally required despite the strong winds. Additionally, the trophy table featured their bags, belts, sunglasses, and caps, which were highly appreciated by all winners.
Other sponsors of the event included Ben Miller Champagne, Ben Hodges, Sun God Sunglasses, and English Braids vouchers for main sheets and halyards.
Next year’s event will take place from Sunday, 17th August to Friday, 22nd August 2025. Notice of Race and Entry Forms will be available online from the end of January.
Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.