Competitor Information
Common questions about the 2026 race. The Notice of Race is now published and available on the main page. Sailing Instructions will follow ahead of the event.
Entry & Eligibility
How do I enter?
Online entry opens early July 2026. The Notice of Race is published — see the main race page. The entry link will appear there once the system goes live.
Is the race suitable for me?
The race is aimed at sailors who are confident sailing for extended periods, comfortable outside sheltered water, and able to manage their boat and themselves without assistance. It is not a beginner event, but is intended to be more accessible than previous offshore editions.
If you're not sure, email the race manager and arrange a chat — he'd be very happy to talk you through what the race involves. aodr@redwharfbaysc.co.uk
What boats are eligible?
Full eligibility details are in the Notice of Race, including the PY band and excluded classes. The 2026 fleet has been shaped by one constraint above all others: matching the range of boats to the safety cover the club can reliably field. That means a compressed PY range and the exclusion of the highest-performance classes — not as a judgement on those boats or their sailors, but as a consequence of where the race is starting from. We expect eligibility to evolve as the race grows.
Why is my class excluded?
The all-crew-trapeze and foiling exclusions follow directly from safety cover. The club's rescue capability is real but finite — the majority of safety crews are competent sailors, but not equipped to handle the recovery of high-performance dinghies or cats in open water. The 2025 race didn't run because we couldn't put together adequate cover; the 2026 fleet has been deliberately shaped so that we can deliver what we promise. The boundaries are set by what the club can safely support right now, not by any ceiling on ambition.
Race Day
What's the time limit?
Five hours. The planned start is 10:15, with a finish cut-off at 15:15. Boats that cannot reasonably complete the course within that window may be recalled or directed to finish early. Final timings will be confirmed in the Sailing Instructions, published June 2026.
Do I need to sign on?
Yes. A safety sign-on process will operate on race day. Full details in the Sailing Instructions.
What about insurance and liability?
The safety of a boat and her entire management, including insurance, is the responsibility of the helm. Full details will be in the Notice of Race.
Do I need to move between venues?
No. One of the key benefits of the 2026 format is a single venue throughout. No shuttle or retrieval at a separate location.
Making a Weekend of It
August on Anglesey is worth the trip regardless. Traeth Bychan sits on the east coast of the island, within a short drive of Red Wharf Bay, the village of Moelfre, and Lligwy Beach. Camping is plentiful nearby, with several sites within a mile or two of the water. B&Bs, holiday cottages, and caravan parks are well-established in this part of the island. Beaumaris, with its castle and waterfront, is about twenty minutes south. Snowdonia is visible across the strait on a clear day.
The island's 125-mile coastline, its Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designation, and the quality of the east coast sailing water are part of what makes this event worth building into a longer stay.
Notice of Race now published · Sailing Instructions to follow