DINGHY SAILING
About
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.
Boats Sailed
Members sail a variety of old and new design classes, with PYs from 940 to 1200, both crewed and single handed. All types of dinghies are welcomed and the club facilities also allow some smaller keel boats to join in, such as Flying Fifteen, K1 and 2.4mR. Examples of regularly sailed classes at the club include the 2000, Firefly, Laser (Radial & Std), RS100, RS200, RS Aero, Solo, Topaz Magno and Vago dinghies. Events often also include members from the junior racing squads and race training, sailing 29er, 420, Fevas, Optimist and Topper dinghies.
Sailing and Social Activities
Many of the club members sail on the bay for pleasure as well as racing. Cardiff Bay is one of the safest and most scenic stretches of water in the UK, with views from the water of the Wales’ opera house (the WMC) and the National Assembly for Wales. Activities take off in the summer with weather-dependent BBQs and social evenings, the highlight being the Summer CBYC Regatta day with its infamous 2 Rivers and Dragonboat races
Racing
Weekly racing is organised jointly between Cardiff Bay Yacht Club (CBYC) and Cardiff Yacht Club (CYC). There is racing from February to December on Sundays throughout the year plus a Wednesday evening series from April to September. Duties are shared out to help with racing and volunteers are always welcome.
Sailing Restrictions
Sailing and racing is normally within the confines of the bay, but you can go through the barrage if you have an engine. Unusually for what is a large inland lake you can sail at any time but there is no rescue boat cover (outside of organised racing and training) so sailors must be sure the conditions are within their skill levels.
Dinghy Storage
The Dinghy Section assists with the control of storage of dinghies in the busy compound. Therefore to qualify for a berth in the dinghy compound for the following season all boats must be used regularly during the year, with allowances for new members. The policy is designed to encourage active participation and make best use of the limited space available. 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.