Dart 18 Worlds July 29th - 4th August

Published 6:19pm on 4 Oct 2022

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS COMING TO BRIDLINGTON IN 2023

The Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club has been chosen to stage the Dart 18 Catamaran World Championships which take place from 29 July to 4 August 2023. This prestigious event will be based at the RYYC clubhouse and facilities at their Blyth Park, Wilsthorpe site.

Take a look at the Dart 18 website or get more information from the Dinghy Section

Time was back in the late 1800s and early 1900s when members owned large yachts grossing more than 100 tons and these splendid craft were moored alongside the south pier. How times have changed with fewer fixed keel yachts sailing from the harbour pontoons and today much more activity from the dinghy section clubhouse and beach launching at Blyth Park!

To date 129 entries have been received from a total of 10 countries: UK, Ireland, France, Holland, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland South Aand New Zealand. Others are anticipated including one from Thailand. Originally a cut-off at 120 competing boats had been envisaged, but this has had to be extended to 160, - the like of which has not been seen before!

The Dart 18 Catamaran is constructed from fibreglass with aluminium beams and a trampoline connecting the twin hulls. They are fast, agile boats that can be sailed single-handed whereas for these championships they will be raced 2-up. Boats are easily moved around by trailer and launched from the beach.

There will be ten races across the week counting towards the overall trophies with 2 discards allowed. These World Championships also incorporate the UK Nationals. Joe Franks, Vice Commodore of the RYYC is the principal organiser for the week's activities and he is supported by a Race Officer and other Club officials. 10 RIBs will act as safety boats during racing and a full international panel of jurors has been assembled to determine any protest.

Arrangements for visiting competitors at the on-site camping field as well as in local accommodation have been made. In addition to sailing a full social programme has been developed so as to showcase Bridlington and its coastline. Sponsors of the World Championships host the first night, followed on successive nights by a live band, a bbq, champagne cruises aboard the 'Yorkshire Belle', and a fish and chip supper evening all leading up to the final prize-giving event.

RYYC yachtsmen have previously competed with distinction at the Dart 18 Worlds held in France, Germany and Thailand. The Club also hosted UK National Championships in Bridlington in 2012 and 2019 and the success of those events has influenced the decision to attract World Championships to our town.

In the absence of a marina at Bridlington unlike other harbours on the Yorshire coast, yachtsmen are restricted by the tides as to when they can sail their boats. No such problem for those at Blyth Park as sailing can be enjoyed at pretty well any state of the tide.

Enthusiasm for this milestone is building and should individuals locally be interested in sailing Dart 18s and dinghies they are encouraged to apply to the RYYC: sec@ryyc.org.uk

Last updated 11:42pm on 18 August 2023