The RWYC Lonely Rock Race is already synonymous with the 608 miles original Fastnet racecourse starting from Ryde and Finishing in Plymouth. In just 10 days a new race will start and finish in Plymouth. Previously known as the Plymouth Lonely Rock Race, this new race will round the Eddystone Lighthouse to Starboard and then round the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse...
Following an update on COVID-19 compliance and revised restrictions, the Royal Western Yacht Club postponed the MailaSail OSTAR & TWOSTAR race. The 60th Anniversary Race Entry List will officially re-open on May 9th. The date is particularly symbolic as it was going to be the start day for the race. The new start date is confirmed as Sunday 15th May...
The Royal Western Yacht Club is very pleased to announce B&G as its Technical partner for the key offshore races in 2021, namely the Plymouth Lonely Rock Race (PLR) and the Wolf Rock race. The RWYC’s Rear Commodore Oceanic, Adrian Gray said, “it is great to be able to announce our partnership with B&G for the second season running. We...
We have re-opened! Our summer opening hours are: Tuesday: Open from 0900 – 1700 Lunch from 1200 – 1400 Wednesday: Open from 0900 – 2200 Lunch from 1200 – 1400 1884 Yacht Racing Series Sailing Supper from 1900 Thursday: Open from 0900 – 2100 Lunch from 1200 – 1400 Friday: Open from 0900 – 2200 Supper...
Start Date: July 4th 2021 The Royal Western Yacht Club is happy to inform all that the early entry rate will continue up to June 1st for the Plymouth Lonely Rock Race 2021. Following numerous requests for this race to be formed, the PLR will start and finish in Plymouth, rounding the Fastnet Rock to port and leaving the Isles...
Following an update on COVID-19 compliance and revised restrictions from the Newport Yacht Club, the Royal Western Yacht Club have made the very reluctant decision to postpone the OSTAR & TWOSTAR races once again. Rear Commodore Oceanic and Race Director, Adrian Gray, said, “CV-19 rules for entering both the UK and USA have led to a last-minute reduction of entries...
March/ April 2023 will see the start of a completely new, solo and two-handed challenge. The Round Iceland Race. Rear Commodore Oceanic, Adrian Gray said, “At 2750 Nautical Miles, the Round Iceland Race is set to challenge anyone who takes it on. In time we hope this race will become a true classic, just as the OSTAR is today. The...
The Royal Western Yacht Club is also pleased to announce a partnership with Marco Naninni’s team at The Global Solo Challenge 2023 (GSC 2023). The Event website can be found globalsolochallenge.com Acting Rear Commodore Oceanic, Adrian Gray said “This is a great opportunity for both the RWYC and the GSC to work together in promoting the spirit of Corinthian, short-handed...
As part of our “Virtual Yacht Club’ initiative, The Royal Western Yacht Club invites all members and friends to our new weekly online Q&A, on the topic: ‘A DAY IN THE LIFE…’ For the first edition we are very excited to welcome Tom Cheney. Not only is Tom a senior software engineer for Ben Ainslie’s INEOS Team UK, but he is also navigator...
Start Date: May 9th 2021. The Royal Western Yacht Club of England is pleased to confirm that the 2021 edition of the OSTAR and TWOSTAR races are to go ahead as planned. Following continual communication with the Newport Yacht Club, our Finishing hosts, we are confident that we can provide a COVID safe start and finish to the race. Chris...
It is with much regret, that under the new restrictions imposed by the government, the Club is currently closed. We will await further guidance and will let you know the situation regarding a date for opening up again as soon as we are able. Please direct any queries to the Club Secretary at admin@rwyc.org
Here at the RWYC we are looking forward to a busy sailing season, with something for everyone. Whilst our Saturday afternoon dinghy series is currently suspended due to Covid restrictions, look below at what is coming up this year: 1884 Series Yacht Racing: Wednesdays 14th April – 1st September Falmouth Fowey Triangle: 1st – 3rd May MailaSail Ostar/Twostar: 9th May...
July 4th 2021 will see the introduction of a brand new offshore race from the Royal Western Yacht Club which will run in opposite years to the Original Lonely Rock Race. The ‘Plymouth Lonely Rock Race’ will start in Plymouth Sound, exit via the Western Entrance of Plymouth Sound, round the Fastnet Rock to port, pass the Isles of Scilly...
The Royal Western Yacht Club is pleased to announce the new start date of 9th May 2021 for the MailASail OSTAR and TWOSTAR race. The next edition is set to be the 16th OSTAR and 7th Edition of the TWOSTAR race. With 8 months to go, the Royal Western Yacht Club would like to formally invite all past competitors and...
Based on a strong weather pattern showing a cold front expected on Wednesday following the merging of two low systems Southwest of Ireland and a low pressure of 973mb by Thursday 1200UTC, with a potential average wind of 35-40 knots and 4-5m seas, the decision has been made to shorten the course. The turn will now be Wolf Rock, which...
Our Autumn Series starts on Sunday 6th September, with classes for IRC, NHC and VPRS. Follow the link here for more information https://rwyc.org/autumn-series/
We are delighted to inform members that our club has now re-opened. Initially the club will be open for the following times and we are hoping to extend our offering as the weeks progress and will publish details as this happens: Tuesday: 0900 – 1700 Wednesday: 0900 – 2200 Thursday: 0900 – 1700 Friday: 0900 – 2200 Saturday: 1200 –...
Today (Thursday 11th June 2020) we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the start of the first OSTAR race from Plymouth in 1960. To learn more on the history of this historic Transatlantic Yacht race follow the links or watch the video below. History of the OSTAR race Relive the first OSTAR race
Entry closing date extended to 24th July, qualifying by 7th August. The Royal Western Yacht Club is very pleased to announce the new closing date, now extended to Friday 24th July. We are also pleased to announce the extended qualification date of the 7th August. In light of continuing COVID 19 adaptions, The RWYC is still working to keep the...
General RWYC is aware of the responsibilities imposed on it by the current pandemic and will not act in any way to promote or encourage anyone to take part in activities that break Government instructions or advice. The club will also follow the guidance issued by the RYA, which covers the many issues with returning to boating in general. The...
The RWYC Lonely Rock Race is pleased to announce Spectra Watermakers as our new partner for the Royal Western Yacht Club Lonely Rock Race. Chris Arscott – Commodore of the Royal Western Yacht Club said: “again, we are very pleased to see a pioneering manufacturer supporting the Lonely Rock Race. We are highly aware of the damage that single...
The Royal Western Yacht Club’s Lonely Rock Race https://rwyc.org/lrr/ scheduled to start in August this year (Covid 19 permitting), can be used as a qualifier for the TWOSTAR 2021 as the format allows for a 2 handed division. Remember, to satisfy the TWOSTAR qualifying passage requirements the race must be completed with the same skipper, same co skipper and same...
Welcome Charlene Howard who is our first skipper to re-confirm her entry for the TWOSTAR 21. Charlene entered on Sunday 10th May which was also American Mothers Day. Charlene’s mom sadly passed away recently and this race will be in memory of her mom who was a keen sailor accompanying Charlene on many trips. Charlene’s co skipper will be Asia...
The RWYC Lonely Rock Race is scheduled to start on Sunday August 16th. Despite the current restrictions, work is continuing on all organisational aspects of the race, and the race team remain committed to running the event if at all possible. Chris Arscott – Commodore of the Royal Western Yacht Club said: “We are fully aware of the current situation...
The Royal Western Yacht Club of England announce the rescheduling of their MailASail OSTAR TWOSTAR that was postponed in 2020 due to the Covid 19 virus, to a new date of May 9th 2021. We are extremely grateful to our title sponsor MailASail who will continue to support us for this rescheduled event. The 2021 race will continue to run...
It is with great pleasure that the Royal Western Yacht Club is able to announce ‘B&G’ as our Race Partners for the Lonely Rock Race. “We are delighted to be partnering with this event, B&G has been helping sailors race from Cowes around the Lonely Rock and back to Plymouth since 1955, it has been a big part of our...
Due to the current Government Guidelines on dealing with COVID-19, the Club’s Transition Group has decided today to close the Club to members and guests until further notice. The AGM which had been set for 24th April is postponed until the autumn, subject to review in the interim. The Club Secretary will attend on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during normal working...
Today the RWYC have taken the decision to postpone the MailASail OSTAR TWOSTAR 2020 until next year. The Coronavirus difficulties in each country have made the race impossible to continue with safely. The race will be run instead in 2021. Since this will require compliance to the latest edition of Word Sailing OSRs for Cat 1 yachts, there will be...
Since November 2019 the RWYC have been working tirelessly to pull the ‘Lonely Rock Race’ together. Thanks to all those volunteers involved, we have come a long way in a very short space of time. It is with great excitement that we can now share some news. We have managed to secure a number of backers, partners and sponsors for...
Here is our Sailing Calendar for this year, packed with something for everyone. Whether you like racing around the Cans or fancy a bigger challenge like our new Lonely Rock Race, there’s something here for you!
The Royal Western Yacht Club of England in Plymouth is excited to announce the RWYC ‘Lonely Rock Race’ 2020. In association with The Royal Victoria Yacht Club, this biennial Race will start from the vicinity of Ryde in the Eastern Solent. The course will leave the Isles of Scilly to Port, round the Fastnet Rock to Port, pass the Isles...
We think this is a brilliant photo of Club members Robert Fletcher and Roger Irvine manning our safety boat for a recent event, and we would like a fitting caption to accompany it. Suggestions please (clean ones only) to admin@rwyc.org There will be a prize for the best one.
OSTAR 2020 competitor Tom Amory visited the club last week, seen here at the bar with (l to r) Neil Dunkley, Tom, Committee member Iain Smith, Commodore & Race Director, Chris Arscott. Tom has just completed a transatlantic trip to deliver his boat to Queen Anne’s Battery in advance of next year’s OSTAR. We were delighted to welcome him to...
We were delighted to have hosted the British Keelboat League last weekend (20/21st July). 11 boats made up a very competitive fleet, who were treated to champagne sailing conditions and top quality race management. RESULTS: PLEASE NOTE: RTYC were 2nd and SSC were 3rd overall on count back. Established in 2016, the BKL was introduced with the aim of increasing...
Last week we had a visit from some of the sailors that have just finished the AZAB and are now preparing for the OSTAR TWOSTAR 2020. From left to right – Rupert Holmes, Neil Dunkley (RD OSTAR TWOSTAR), Kass Schmitt, Jesse, Ertan Beskärdes and Susie Goodall.
In an interview published in Tip and Shaft, Conrad Humphreys expressed his disappointment at the move of the Transat start to France. The Transat was part of Plymouth’s 400th anniversary celebration of the sailing of the Mayflower. It was to link Plymouth to Charleston which in turn is due to celebrate its 350th anniversary and its links to England. Some...
The Royal Western Yacht Club of England, the organizing authority of the OSTAR and TWOSTAR confirms that it will again run its transatlantic races in 2020 as it has done every four years since the first race in 1960. These Races from Plymouth to Newport Rhode Island will continue to be sailed as originally envisaged by Cockleshell hero Blondie Hasler,...
Worldwide Entries and Interest for the OSTAR and TWOSTAR 2020 It is now only a year until The Royal Western Yacht Club of England celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first OSTAR (The Original Single Handed Transatlantic Race), this being the first organised singlehanded transoceanic race. 2020 is 16th edition of the OSTAR and the 7th edition of the...
OSTAR competitor Ertan Beskardes visited the club today ahead of the race next May. He’s currently in Plymouth preparing for the AZAB race which starts on 1st June this year. Ertan (the tall one) is seen here with Neil Dunkley, Race Director, Iain Smith, Assistant Race Director and Vianney Searle, PR & Marketing Executive.
For those wishing to take part in the Triangle Race there is an opportunity to crew onboard yacht Gem, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40.3! The Triangle Race is a 3 day race, sailing from Plymouth to Falmouth, Falmouth to Fowey and then Fowey to Plymouth. For more information please contact hannah@rwyc.org.
Due to the various clashes with other events, out of the area, we have decided that this year’s PRW will concentrate on the MOCRA Nationals only. We will therefore not be running any racing for other yachts over that period. With the 2020 celebrations next year, we will have an opportunity to run something along the same lines as had...
We’ve have received our first entry to the MOCRA Nationals being held in May. Hissy Fit ( GBR 788M) a Dazcat 1495 is the first to enter!
The Cruising Dinner was a great success! With a very interesting talk about Isobel and Bob’s Joce’s cruising in Greece as they came close to a ‘real life’ humanitarian experience! It was a really enjoyable evening, Great talk, Photo Quiz and delicious food (and drink) too! This year the prestigious Drake Trophy was awarded to Mo Joce, this trophy is...
Six teams competed at the weekend for the University Yacht Club Open Match racing event. Strong winds on Saturday meant the first day was cancelled but Sunday saw a fabulous day of sailing with a real mixture of weather conditions! The event was won by club member Ben Dodwell and his team. Well done Ben! Results: 1st: Dan Ellis &...
Get your local rating – quickly! Following feedback from the Sailors’ Forum, RWYC has decided to adopt VPRS as a replacement for the Port Handicap. This will take effect from the 1884 series and will be used for the Triangle race. Those boats sailing under IRC ratings are not affected, but are encouraged to also seek a VPRS rating enabling...
We are delighted to be able to announce that we have today received our first lady OSTAR entry! To coincide with International Women’s Day, OSTAR veteran Kass Schmitt has entered with her Humphreys designed yacht, ZEST. This is the 8th entry for this iconic race which starts on Sunday May 10th 2020.
80 people attended our Burns Night celebrations on Friday 25th January. We were treated to a three course feast to include cock-a-leekie soup, haggis and traditional Scottish dessert, cranachan. The haggis was piped in by our piper, Keith Lacey-Nichols and we were entertained by Master of Cermonies, Paul Foran who gave the Ode to the Haggis. Our Vice Commodore,...
We have today received our seventh entry for OSTAR 2020! Markus Moser from Switzerland has entered with his Luffe Yacht 45 – LIFGUN. Entrants so far: Peter Bourke – RUBICON – Outbound 44 Mervyn Wheatley – ARETHUSA of YEALM – Bowman 40 Richard Lett – VELOCITY GIRL – Koopmans 32 Krystain Szypka – HALLELUJAH – Delphia 46DS Ertan Beskardes –...
Today was the Second club Thursday walk,- 14 people and 3 well behaved dogs attended. The weather was good, although cold it was sunny and dry, and the views glorious, we walked approx 4 miles past Vixen Tor, Pew Tor and made our way back to the car park at the top of Peak Hill. We then drove to the...
Mervyn Wheatley has confirmed his entry for the 60th anniversary edition of the Original Singlehanded Transatlantic Race (OSTAR) departing Plymouth for Newport, Rhode Island, on the 10th May, 2020. This race celebrates the anniversary of the first OSTAR sailed in 1960, a race conceived by Cockleshell hero Blondie Hasler and run by the Royal Western Yacht Club of England (RWYC),...
It’s been a brilliant summer with great racing results for some Royal Western members. The RWYC triumphed at the Trebeurden Race. Club member Dan Flanagan with his Mumm 36 Sunburst, and member Adam Littlejohn with his Jeanneau 36.2 Flying Colours, came top in the IRC and PHN classes. Member Andrew Sinclair won the RORC Commodore’s Cup as part of the...
Over 30 classic boats set sail for La Rochelle at the start of their race on Saturday morning. The committee boat manned by RWYC volunteers started their race in light conditions and glorious sunshine.
Every 2 years, this great race revived by Yacht Club Classique, brings together an exceptional fleet of classic yachts to race across the Channel and along the Atlantic coast of France. The first race in 2012 was a great success with 18 boats entered, and that success has continued with the 2014 and 2016 editions with 45 boats entered...
Cariberia (Stephen and Peter Card/Max Pachot) crossed the finish line at the RWYC Clubhouse just after three this afternoon to take line honours and win the 2018 Round Britain and Ireland Race. They had spent the last two days battling with Hissy Fit (Simon and Matt Baker) in very light winds, with the lead changing hands as they went along. Finally Cariberia caught the wind and finished three quarters of an hour ahead of Hissy Fit. Cariberia’s win is especially significant because they are the only boat to sail the complete RB&I course. The remaining boats decided while in Castlebay that, having suffered slow speeds on the first two legs and faced with further weather enforces delays, they would continue on a shorter course omitting St Kilda and Muckle Flugga.
The Competitors had perfect weather for the start of the 14th Round Britain and Ireland Race. Father Sam Philpott fired the starting gun at 1200 and the Competitors followed by many spectator yachts made their way to the Plymouth Breakwater and on to Kinsale, a moderate north easterly wind sped them on their way. The EDGE arrived in Kinsale this...
Update from Lerwick: The Class 40, CARIBERIA, survived sailing around Muckle Flugga whilst storm Hector howled around them, later describing the journey as ‘awful’. They arrived in Lerwick on Friday evening looking surprisingly well rested. Unfortunately for the Lerwick Race Port Officer and Race Director neither CARIBERIA’s Tracker nor AIS was working. After rounding Muckle Flugga they attempted to shelter...
Club members Mr & Mrs Evans have recently visited the Yacht Club Porto Rotondo in Italy, they were delighted to exchange burgees with the clubs president Roberto Azzi. We are pleased to say we now have reciprocal club arrangements with the Yacht Club Porto Rotondo!
Royal Western Yacht Club defends title against teams from across the South West The South West Commodores Challenge Cup was launched 2 years ago by the Royal Dart Yacht Club, a friendly competition between Yacht Clubs, racing under IRC with teams of 3 boats. Racing in Start Bay it was the Royal Western team who took first place to take...
On Thursday, 10th May, the first RWYC Monthly Motorboat outing of the year took place. Artemis took a crew of 7 on a round trip from QAB in mainly sunny weather. Once out of the sound and despite a little breeze, the sea was surprisingly choppy with 1.5 metre waves. Calm up the Yealm, we passed David Southwood’s Summerbird showing...
The Drake Trophy was presented to club member David Southwood at the club’s AGM on Friday 28th April. This presentation was made in recognition of his outstanding cruising achievement during his transatlantic attempt and subsequent detour to the Azores and back to Plymouth. Well done David – seen here with the Commodore and the outgoing Vice Commodore!
On 25th May this year the Data Protection law in the UK will undergo some significant changes with the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulations (commonly referred to as the GDPR). In response to this change the Club has published an updated data policy, please click here to view.
Plymouth yachtsman Conrad Humphreys has joined the OSTAR 2020 team as ‘race ambassador’. Conrad competed in the TRANSAT in 2004 onboard the Open 60 Hellomoto before going on to finish 7th in the Vendee Globe race. He recently completed a remarkable feat of navigation as he piloted a 23ft open boat 3600 miles through the Pacific over 60 grueling days...
The Cruising Workshop went well with 30-35 sailors, planning ‘to boldly go’! A real pleasure to meet the visiting yachtsmen too! A huge thanks must go to Mo Joce and Sue Saunders and their team for organising a very informative (and reassuring) event.. including a delicious buffet! Lots of useful advice and info gained and most importantly… the best restaurants, auberges and...
Members will want to be aware of a safety advisory notice issued by MAIB following a fatal incident in the Clipper Race in which a crew member was lost overboard in spite of being clipped on. The notice can be found at Safety warning on the use of safety harness tethers on sailing yachts – GOV.UK
RWYC member David Southwood has been awarded the ICC Decanter by the Royal Cruising Club for his own personal challenge in the OSTAR 2017 and his subsequent fight for survival. The decanter was originally presented to the RCC by the Irish Cruising Club in 1989 to be awarded for “a cruise of exceptional merit” and will be presented at the...
The Royal Western Yacht Club is pleased to announce that the Round Britain and Ireland, two handed race, will start from Plymouth on Sunday 3 June 2018. This will be the 14th running of the legendary four yearly yacht race which was established in 1966 by the Cockershell hero Major Blondie Hasler. The race comprises five legs totalling approximately 2000...
Over 100 guests attended the University of Plymouth Yacht Club & Sailing Club Christmas Dinner on Friday 1st December. There was plenty on Christmas spirit all around and a good time was had by all, guests included Commodore Charlie Thomson & his wife Babs!
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The Royal Western Yacht Club of England | 1884 Series
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The Royal Western Yacht Club of England which is internationally known as one of the worlds premier yacht clubs and for its major contribution to the development of short handed ocean racing. The Plym...3 months ago
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A very warm welcome to The Royal Western Yacht Club of England which is internationally known as one of the worlds premier yacht clubs and for its major contribution to the development of short handed ocean racing.
The Plymouth based Club is also recognised as one of the finest yacht clubs in the South of England providing the best possible facilities, overlooking Plymouth Sound, for all generations to enjoy both afloat and ashore.
