Dinghy Sailing at the Royal Solent Yacht Club
While renowned for its prestigious keelboat regattas, the Royal Solent Yacht Club (RSYC) in Yarmouth also fosters a vibrant and active dinghy sailing scene. Catering to a range of ages and abilities, the club’s dinghy activities are highlighted by dedicated racing series, training weeks, and a welcoming atmosphere for both seasoned sailors and developing juniors.
Spence Willard Wednesday Evening Racing Series:
The cornerstone of dinghy racing at the RSYC is the Spence Willard Wednesday Evening Racing series. Running from April through to September, this popular series sees dinghies take to the water alongside the club’s keelboat fleets for competitive racing in the picturesque Western Solent.
The summer months feature two key events that are a focal point for the club’s dinghy sailors:
RSYC Laser Training Week
Held in late July, this five-day event offers intensive training with an RYA-qualified instructor, providing a fantastic opportunity for Laser sailors to hone their skills. The 2026 dates are scheduled from Thursday 30th July to Monday 3rd August.
RSYC Dinghy Week
This is the premier dinghy event at the club, held over four days in August. The 2026 event is scheduled from Monday 10th to Thursday 14th August. It’s a family-friendly regatta with a lively social programme. Racing is typically held for a variety of classes, including:
- Pico (with both trainer and race sails)
- Feva (2-up)
- ILCA (Laser) with 4, 6, and 7 rigs
- Scow
IW Youth & Dinghy Champsionship
The RSYC, with the Yarmouth Sailing Club, host the Yarmouth leg of the Isle of Wight Youth and Junior Dinghy Championship. This series welcomes young sailors (under 18 by end of the year) from across the island competing in classes such as the RS Tera, RS Feva, ILCA 4, and ILCA 6.
In summary, dinghy sailing at the RSYC offers a comprehensive program that includes regular club racing, specialized training opportunities, and a flagship annual regatta, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Western Solent.
Please get in touch if you wish to join in; sailing@royalsolent.org
