Commodore John Mason reported a busy season of good sailing conditions, increasing participation, successful training and important structural improvements at the Club's Annual General Meeting, where 2026 subscription rates were agreed and the Executive Committee was elected to continue to manage the club.

Four new DInghy Instructors (“DIs”) have been trained and qualified at LSC this week including our very own Guy Davison - RYA Instructor Trainer, Hannah Cockle course-leader, says that she's impressed with the trainee DIs and the facilities at the Club.  

Above: RYA Instructor Trainer, Hannah Cockle (red hat), with trainees Dom, LSC's Guy Davison (2nd left), Rob, Ellie and Gethin (all three from other Welsh sailing clubs), and RYA's Trainer Moderator, Pete Muskett (far right).

The Paintbrush Trophy - the last main event of our season and so named dating from the time when all boats had varnished wooden decks and had to be rubbed-down and re-varnished over winter - was won by David Morgan and Rachel Duncan in a Flying Fifteen. Johnny Craddock and Frankie Devereux, and Robert Dangerfield and Claire Ellis piped-in second and third respectively - also sailing Flying Fifteens.

Three races were held in extremely flukey, breezy conditions - managed by Race Officer, Richard McCulloch.

Members are invited to take part in the Club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), when you and your family can enjoy our Laying-Up Lunch and take part in the annual Working Party - all on 29 November.  

“Members will hear reports from the Treasurer, Membership Secretary and Sailing Secretary and from the Training team – as well as my Commodore’s annual report,” says Commodore, John Mason. “These add-up to a state-of-the-nation assessment of the club, our challenges and our priorities looking forward.”

"The young learn best from the young," says Chief Instructor, Richard McCulloch as six teenage sailors gained their qualification to be Assistant Instructors in dinghy sailing at Llangorse Sailing Club. "They are now an essential part of our RYA Recognised Training Centre (RTC) team, which delivers dinghy sailing courses meeting the highest RYA standards."

New Llangorse member – and newcomer to sailing, Rachel Duncan reports on her week of dinghy sailing in the warm sunny waters of Minorca, at the resort devoted to sailing.

For those wanting sailing all day – every day, then Minorca Sailing is the place to go. It is based in a large, enclosed bay only half an hour’s drive from the airport. Well fitted-out with a range of boats available to swap-in-and-out-of - just as you choose. 

"As autumn approaches, members should ensure their boats berthed on-site are flood-ready," says Beachmaster and Vice Commodore, Robert Dangerfield. "In October last year, we experienced two storms which flooded the lake causing some damage. Some boats were difficult to recover because they hadn't been tied-down, transom-bungs tightly in, and sails were left inside the boat."

Robert continues: "I'm calling on all members to flood-proof their boats. Members should also ensure they're able to remove their boat(s) if need-be. Make sure your trailer is accessible and ready."

Challenging conditions and hot competition greeted sailors in the Flying Fifteen Open Meeting 2025 at Llangorse. David Morgan and Lorina Walden won all 5 races from Nick and Claire Taylor (Dovestone SC and Llangorse SC), and Peter and Alan Hogg from South Cerney SC.

Guy Davison writes about his trip to the Firefly National Championships (the 79th!) - a great competitive event and a great holiday in Lyme Regis, in August.

Llangorse Sailing Club is delighted to welcome the Classic & Vintage Dinghy Racing Association (CVDRA) for their Open Meeting at the Club on 4th-5th October.

Event Race Officer, Robert Dangerfield says, "We see some beautifully kept classic boats at this event - most raced by seasoned sailors. Some of the entrants can be heading for half a century old - and are still highly competitive."