Dinghy Section

The Dinghy Section is essentially a "club within a club" in that it runs all its own events and also controls the storage of dinghies in the compound.

There are approximately 100 spaces in the dinghy compound and we expect people to use their boats at least six times a year to qualify for a berth. The policy is designed to encourage active sailors and is rigorously enforced. The participation of members who race is monitored via the results for each of the series run throughout the year whilst the ‘cruising’ members who sail for fun are require to record their activities in log books which are kept in the General Office and bar. In addition, we expect people to help at least once a year with the safety boat for Club and Open events and also the odd working party throughout the season.

The boats currently sailed within the Club cover the most popular dinghy classes, notably the Optimist, Topper, Laser and Laser 2000. There is also a Flying Fifteen classic fleet and a range of catamarans, prominent among them being the Dart/Sprint 15. We welcome all types of dinghy and smaller keelboats and have two wide slipways with a winch on one of them for the larger dinghies or keelboats.

Sailing is normally within the barrage, which covers approximately 500 acres and is fed by fresh water from the rivers Ely and Taff. Cardiff Bay stays at a fairly constant level all the year round and is not affected by drought or flood unlike most other inland lakes. Boats can be sailed at any time but there will only be rescue cover during Club and Open events. However, there are always harbour barrage personnel on duty 24 hours a day.

Racing, which is organised in association with the Cardiff Yacht Club, is held on Sundays from February to November and is based on three series (Spring, Summer and Winter.) In addition, there is a New Year’s Day pursuit race. In the summer, there is also evening racing on Wednesdays from May to September. All dinghy owners are encouraged to race and there is always advice on hand from experienced members to help newcomers. In addition, we are experimenting with racing outside the Bay and hold the Two Islands race around Steep Holm and Flat Holm in the Bristol Channel, which is quite an experience in a dinghy! We have close links with the Yacht Cruising section and have some combined races with them.

There are normally a number of Open events held throughout the year which everyone can enter plus other Class Open events. These are well-supported and usually include a social programme. There are also other social events during the year and an annual Dinghy Section Dinner is held at the conclusion of the Winter Series.

The Dinghy Section members are some of the most active and social sailors in the Club, which is not surprising given the fantastic water and easy access at all times. For further information, please contact

Idris Dibble (Dinghy Chairman) tel 029 2025 2973/email idris_dibble@hotmail.com).