The 2026 Welsh Youth and Junior Championships brought 95 sailors to Plas Heli at Pwllheli for a weekend shaped by markedly different weather conditions. RYA Cymru Wales reports an entry of 85 across the fleets for the 12–13 September event, which combined racing in Cardigan Bay with structured coaching ashore.
Strong wind and heavy rain dominated Saturday morning before conditions moderated enough for racing later in the day. On Sunday, lighter wind and persistent sea mist disrupted the main fleet even as the coached regatta fleet managed additional races nearer the beach.
Saturday's forecast forced a different plan
The organisers had prepared alternative activity programmes for the changing conditions, and the forecast 24–30-knot winds kept sailors ashore initially. Coaches ran class-focused sessions, a 29er and ILCA rigging talk, splicing instruction, fitness work and sailing-related games while waiting for a safer racing window.
By mid-afternoon winds had eased to approximately 14–20 knots on the course, allowing the fleets to launch. The organisers then held races for several ILCA, Topper, RS Tera, Optimist and handicap groups, with sailors and parents helping to manage launching and retrieval at low tide.
Fog interrupts the second day
Sunday began with very little forecast wind, but a gentle breeze eventually allowed the regatta fleet to complete five races close to shore. Main-fleet competitors were preparing to launch when thick sea mist arrived and remained long enough for their racing to be cancelled.
The contrasting conditions illustrated how club and youth events need realistic decisions around wind, visibility and launch arrangements. Race numbers and course details should be read in the context of the actual weather rather than assuming the original programme was completed unchanged.
Recognition beyond race results
RYA Cymru Wales also recognised sailors for endeavour and contribution, including an Impact Award for Wilf Tovey and an Endeavour Trophy for Zac Allsopp and Max Attrill. The latter pair persevered in their 29er despite not finishing a race on Saturday.
The organisation thanked the hosts and 30 volunteers for adapting the programme and helping participants make use of the available sailing windows. For LBG, the event demonstrates the value of coaching and volunteer-led racing within the under-12m dinghy and youth-sailing community.