2026 Keel Boat Regatta

Hosted by jointly by New Quay Yacht Club and Aberaeron Yacht Club

Friday 17th to Sunday 19th July 2026

Due to tidal and possible weather constraints, the event will take a flexible approach this year. The racing format for each day will be decided 12 hours in advance and communicated to competitors via the event WhatsApp group.

Laid-mark courses, including windward/leeward or triangle-sausage-triangle formats.
Fixed-mark coastal courses.

Depending on the weather and overnight forecast, sailing may comprise:

Up to two races on the tide, allowing sufficient time for boats to return safely to their inner moorings at Aberaeron and New Quay; or
A full day of sailing across the tides, with at least three laid-mark races and/or two coastal races, with boats able to anchor off or return to their moorings on the evening tide if required.

Laid-mark courses will be set between Aberaeron and New Quay, away from the reef. Fixed-mark courses will use the standard NQYC marks, plus a buoy positioned approximately 400 metres off Aberaeron and its outer distance mark.

The committee boat will be Rodmar, assisted by one or two mark-laying support RIBs, depending on the course sailed that day.

Berths in Aberaeron for approximately six boats have been agreed with the Harbour Master.

Programme

Thursday 16 July: Registration and Entry at Aberaeron YC

Event registration will take place at Aberaeron YC on Thursday 16 July from 19:00. All competitors are asked to attend.

The entry fee is £25 per boat, please book on SmartClub. The entey fee includes the BBQ on Saturday and vouchers that can be exchanged for beer or wine at the Saturday evening event on New Quay Pier.

Friday 17 July: Buffet and Live Music with Jemma Krysa at Aberaeron YC

All competitors, members, and guests are welcome to attend the KBR buffet at Aberaeron YC on Friday 17 July Bar from 17:00 and Live Music 20.00.

The optional buffet is £14.50 per person. Please contact Chelle’s Catering AYC by Wednesday 15 July to book the Buffet 07986 980841 / 01545 570077 or chelles.catering1@gmail.com

Guests are welcome to attend on the evening.

Saturday 18 July: BBQ on New Quay Pier

All competitors and members from New Quay and Aberaeron are invited to the KBR BBQ on the top of New Quay Pier on Saturday 18 July.
This is a BYOB event, and entry vouchers can also be redeemed.

Please let Sarah Skinner by Wednesday 15 July if you plan to attend by phone on 07791 569175 or by email at clubmanager@nqyc.club so that numbers can be estimated for catering.

Guests are welcome to attend on the evening.

Prize-Giving

Prize-giving will take place on Sunday 19 July from 15:00 at the top of New Quay Pier, as the tide will be going out.

Thank you to Cambrian Marine Centre for kindly sponsoring the event. Based in Aberaeron, they are a family-run marine business offering boat sales, servicing, repairs, outboards, chandlery, kayaks, paddleboards and winter storage.

Entry Form