The waters off Abersoch and Pwllheli produce a great range of sailing conditions - from the relatively sheltered conditions in the bay that are ideal for learning and recreational sailing - to more demanding conditions offshore. Add the magnificent backdrop of Snowdonia and it's not difficult to see why so many top sailing events are held in Abersoch and Pwllheli. Recent events in Abersoch have included the Laser Nationals in 2000 won by Olympic gold medallist, Ben Ainsley, European 1720's and European 505's. Abersoch dinghy week is one of the largest in the UK with in excess of 400 boats taking part. Pwllheli sailing Club recently hosted the prestigious One Ton Cup, attracting competitors from around the globe.

Dinghies are often left on Abersoch Main Beach overnight in the season and this is where the dinghy racing in Abersoch takes place. There are two main access points - the slipway at the yacht club end of the beach which is not suitable for vehicular access directly onto the beach, or from the Golf Road slipway, where you can tow your boat onto the beach. Parking of cars on the beach is forbidden; however, the various car parks are in easy reach.


Larger yachts are to be found moored off the shore in well organised moorings. Access to the yachts is via a launch service from S.C.Y.C. (www.scyc.co.uk). Alternatively, there is an excellent Marina (www.hafanpwllheli.co.uk) at Pwllheli, with superb facilities. The beach at Abersoch faces east, hence the prevailing winds are often cross or cross offshore. 

Moorings can be laid by Meirion Lloyd-Jones - www.moorings-abersoch.co.uk or by Abersoch Boatyard Services - www.abersochboatyardservices.co.uk.

Where To Learn:
Abersoch Sailing School (www.abersochsailingschool.com) (01758 712963 / 07917 525540) - an RYA accredited school, provides instruction and hire for adults and children. Basic training is typically carried out in a special fleet of sail craft, renowned for their safety and ease of handling, although mono, multi-hull and keelboats are also available. They also offer one to one coaching on your own boat and can tailor a programme specifically to suit your needs - this may include heavy weather sailing, racing, tuning or just overall improvement. The school also provide RYA Powerboat courses in your own boat or one of the School's fleet of Ribs. The School will also develop a personal programme tailored to your own needs... and for windsurfing - its an RYA accredited school, providing a range of beginner and advanced windsurfing lessons and courses using 'wide-style' boards. Windsurfing hire is also available.

Various courses are also run by the Yacht Club in Abersoch during the season - especially for youngsters - on Optimists and Toppers. For more details contact the Club on 01758 712338.

 

Services and Where To Buy:
Abersoch Boatyard Services has a full range of Rib-X ribs and a selection of brokerage - yachts and powerboats. They are also Yamaha main dealers and service centre. They also offer repair work, winter storage and launching. Contact them on 01758 713900.

Abersoch Boatyard in the village centre has a well stocked chandlery where you will find all those essential spares and have a large selection of well known sailing clothing brands. They can be contacted on 01758 712213.

Sailing Clubs:
South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club: positioned on a headland overlooking the bay in Abersoch - the setting is easily described as idyllic. Good facilities and racing calendar with a lively social scene! Pwllheli Sailing Club: based alongside the Marina in Pwllheli - provides all the facilities you might expect from a newly built and large sailing club.

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