From Watching to Racing My Better Sailor Journey at Abersoch Dinghy Week 2026

Published 08:35 on 12 Aug 2026

This time last year I was standing on the beach watching everyone else sail.

I'd gone to Abersoch Dinghy Week to see what all the fuss was about, helping launch from the shore (and if you've never witnessed a beach launch in a decent sea, you're missing quite a spectacle!) as well as paddle boarding. I was even lucky enough to crew for Flora while Sean enjoyed a well-earned day off. That one sail was enough to leave me wanting more.

Another unexpected bonus was discovering that fellow Better Sailor Fiona had a GP14 and was looking for someone to sail with. Result!

So, I left Abersoch determined that next year I wanted to be part of it properly. Fast forward twelve months and Budworth arrived with an incredible ten boats the biggest club turnout of the week with a fantastic mix of experienced racers and Better Sailors. Chris, Wendy and Bill were volunteering from race control, Andy was on rescue duty, and there was plenty of Budworth support both on and off the water. As always, it felt less like attending an event and more like arriving with family.

Sunday "Maybe tomorrow..."

The first race day greeted everyone with... wind. Lots of it.

I spent the morning helping launch the Budworth single-handers from the beach while doing my best to look reassuringly optimistic. Just beyond the shoreline, optimism quickly gave way to reality as boats capsized left, right and centre before many had even reached the start area.

The single-handers and Fireflies headed out into seriously challenging conditions. Quite a few sailors made it as far as the start line before wisely deciding that discretion was the better part of valour and turning back towards the shore. Andy certainly earned his keep on his first rescue boat duty. It was a busy morning, and watching the rescue crews in action showed just how demanding sea sailing can be.

As for me... I quietly decided that perhaps tomorrow would be a better day for my first outing!

Monday First taste of the sea

Monday morning wasn't much kinder, with most of the Budworth team and much of the fleet deciding to give the morning racing a miss.

Thankfully, by early afternoon the wind had eased enough for more boats to head afloat. Then it was my turn.

Jon Chapman gave me a quick coaching session just off the beach, showing me how to launch, gybe and fly the spinnaker. I was beginning to feel a little more confident. It was basically... now or never.

At 1.30pm we headed out onto the sea. It's difficult to describe the feeling if you've only ever sailed inland. The sheer space is incredible. The beats seem to go on forever, the downwind legs are exhilarating and the constant sea breeze means the boat just keeps going. The speed under spinnaker was unlike anything I'd experienced before. I stepped ashore with the biggest grin on my face and a serious addiction beginning to develop. Who knew salt water could be quite so addictive?

Tuesday Adrenaline... followed by swimming

The morning remained windy enough for several people to wisely award themselves a rest day. By the afternoon the breeze had eased just enough for Jon and me to head back out.

What a day.

Hiking almost continuously, flying downwind under the spinnaker, spray everywhere and the unmistakable hum of a boat really getting up to speed... I don't think my smile disappeared once.

Unfortunately, in my excitement I became just a little too enthusiastic during one tack. I launched myself enthusiastically across the boat......and straight out the other side. Sorry Jon! Let's all agree to pretend that never happened.

We recovered and carried on, although a spinnaker malfunction eventually forced us to retire. Even so, I'd learnt more in one afternoon than I could have imagined.

Wednesday Shore support (and aching arms)

The single-handers and Fireflies had an absolute blast, with windy conditions producing some unforgettable downwind rides. Everyone returned buzzing after an exhilarating morning on the water.

The afternoon was a little beyond my comfort zone, so Fiona and I swapped sails for paddleboards. Who knew standing still on water could make your arms hurt quite so much?

Thankfully, the RS200's spinnaker had now been repaired and was ready for another attempt tomorrow.

The evening brought the now legendary Budworth dinner at The Cove. With our ever-growing fleet, we'd officially become too big for one table, so dinner was split into two sittings. A brilliant evening with plenty of laughs.

Thursday What a finish

Blue skies. Lighter breeze. Smiling faces everywhere.

Every Budworth boat seemed eager to squeeze every last minute out of the final series races. The smiles coming ashore were infectious.

To top it all off, Jon and I managed to finish second in the afternoon race.

I don't think either of us stopped smiling.

Friday A grand finale

Friday's format includes two races, with everyone starting together in a mass start each session an impressive sight both on and off the water.

Fiona joined Flora while Sean enjoyed some family time. As a fellow Better Sailor, it was her first taste of sea sailing and, judging by the smile on her face afterwards, I think it's safe to say she's now hooked! I have a feeling Flora might just be running her own unofficial "Sea Sailing Conversion Programme!"

In the afternoon, I was lucky enough to be back out sailing with Jon and we finished third in the RS200 fleet, which felt like the perfect way to round off my week on the water.

The week finished exactly as it had started with lots of laughter both on and off the water. Prize giving was a proud moment for Budworth, with several of our experienced sailors collecting well-deserved trophies. To round things off perfectly, Budworth also claimed first and second place in the Dinghy Week sticker competition.

Not a bad way to end an unforgettable week.

Why every Better Sailor should experience Abersoch

People often ask what sailing at Abersoch is like. Honestly?

Words don't really do it justice.

The turquoise water. The constant sea breeze. The long beats. The huge downwind legs under spinnaker with the boat humming beneath you. Waves splashing over the bow. Looking up from the start line to see nothing but open sea behind you and the Welsh coastline stretching into the distance.

It's completely different from sailing at Budworth. But perhaps even more important than the sailing are the people. Everyone is welcoming, encouraging and willing to help, whether you're a seasoned racer or you've only recently completed Learn to Sail.

I was incredibly fortunate that Jon gave me the opportunity to crew for him throughout the week. His patience, encouragement and willingness to share his knowledge taught me more than I could have imagined, and I'm genuinely grateful for the opportunity. If someone offers you the chance to crew, grab it with both hands. It doesn't matter what class of boat it is or how experienced you think you are. Every sail is another opportunity to learn, build confidence and enjoy being on the water.

I learnt more in one week than I ever expected simply by saying "yes".

Abersoch is about far more than the sailing. It's the people you meet, the friendships you make and the atmosphere both on and off the water. You don't have to sail every day either. Sail when the conditions suit you, spend time ashore, volunteer, explore Abersoch or simply enjoy the week. Many people bring their families (and dogs) and turn it into a proper holiday.

If there's one thing Better Sailors has taught me, it's that confidence doesn't come from waiting until you feel ready. It comes from saying yes, giving it a go and learning from every sail.

If you're a Better Sailor wondering whether Abersoch is "for you", my advice is simple...Give it a go.

Last year I was standing on the beach watching everyone.

This year I was on the start line. Who knows where next year might take you?

Abersoch Dinghy Week 2027 is already in the diary 2430 July. Hopefully we'll see even more Better Sailors there!

Report written by Sam Bethell