Cardiff Bay Yacht Club Dinghy Section

 The Dinghy Section runs 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 race results whilst the ‘cruising’ members who sail for fun are required 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 club runs the following Fleets;

CBYC Asymmetric Fleet

The Asymmetric Fleet racing, organised jointly between CBYC and Cardiff Yacht Club, is open to any asymmetric boat, single or double-hander and having any PY number. The club’s “adopted” asymmetric boat is the Laser 2000, chosen because it is easy to sail, and has a family-friendly, popular and growing class association, with 5 boats racing regularly in Cardiff. However, there are an increasing number of RS200s in the fleet, and the closest racing is to be had for a boat in the PY range 1050 to 1090.

The Asymmetric fleet has its own start on alternate Sundays from April to June, to allow people to take part in open meetings for their class through the summer. At other times, members are encouraged to join the General Handicap fleet, and the timing of series means that sailors can qualify for prizes in either fleet.

The Dinghy Section boasts two qualified racing coaches, both of whom are asymmetric specialists and keen to share their knowledge and skills

CBYC Flying Fifteen Fleet

With over 3700 boats built, the Flying Fifteen is the largest keel boat class in the world. This 15' water line, 20' overall 2 person keel boat represents some of the best that sailing has to offer. Weighing in at little over 300kg the planing hull fixed keel design is attractive to the performance enthusiast and novice alike. Capable of 14 knots plus off the wind in flat water with no trapeze to worry about, few if any boats in its category can match its ultimate performance. An efficient rig and fine entry also provide for good performance and exhilarating competition upwind. This combined with a boat that has the stability and safety of a fixed keel together with the practicalities that come from being trailerable, makes for a unique combination.
The club has a very competitive fleet of Flying Fifteens that regularly race. The fleet is mainly made up of Flying Fifteens of the ‘classic’ type. They enjoy close racing on the water. The fleet also has strong connections with the Flying Fifteen Association which hold open meetings at the club.

CBYC General Handicap Fleet

Don't fancy sailing in one of our adopted classes? Already hooked on your favourite class? No need to worry there is a healthy general handicap fleet at the club, though you might want to get your dinghy spot quick as there are very limited spaces for un adopted classes. Turnout is on the increase and all non asymmetric boats currently have the same start making the racing exiting and challenging. There are a wide variety of boats that race on a regular basis including contender, Finn, Firefly, RS600 and 420 to pick a few. Please be aware that for faster more unstable boats the launching area is quite confined so you might want to take a look before you go and buy that 49er you've always wanted!

Racing and Events

Racing, which is organised in association with the Cardiff Yacht Club, is held on Sundays from February to November. There is also evening racing on Wednesdays from May to September. There is always advice on hand from experienced members to help newcomers, and the section is planning to organise a number of race training events throughout the year to encourage members to join in club racing.
There are a number of Open events planned, including the club Regatta, an Asymmetric Open and a Flying Fifteen open.
We aim to have an informal social evening at the end of each series, together with a laying-up supper at the end of the year. In the spring, we will organise a “try a boat” day with an associated social event to allow members to try boats in the adopted fleets.
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