Summer on the water with North Devon Yacht Club

One true sign that summer is on the way comes with the sight of boats, big and small, taking to local waters.

The members and guests at North Devon Yacht Club, Instow, are gearing up for a spectacular 2025, with events planned through the summer, as evidenced by the publication of their 2025 Handbook.

Led by Commodore Sam Heaton, Vice Commodore Barry Hews and Rear Commodore Hugh Kingdon, NDYC is a fantastic place for sailors of all ages and abilities, including the Young Pirates Youth Squad. Contact youthsquad@ndyc.org to make a splash!

As well as fun on the water, members enjoy a superb clubhouse and it is all made possible by voluntary work from the people inside NDYC.

The Handbook states: “All members are expected to play an equal role and do duties to support the club, not just those who store boats ashore. We all need to pull together to make the club work, and we can provide experience and training.”

The 2024 Volunteer Hall of Fame at NDYC saw Commodore Awards handed out to John Barnett, Jim Brown, Celia Braun, Maddie Slater, Will Slater, Nick Lee, Pat Hughes, Liam Bunclark, Keith Sellers and John Farr.

For new members, Follow On Sailing (FOS) 2025 is a mentoring transition programme to enable them to practice their newfound skills and learn more about the estuary sailing conditions in a mentored environment with dedicated safety cover.

FOS 2025 is open to all those who undertook RYA Adult Level 1,2 and 3 courses in 2023/2024 and any new member who joined in 2024 and who can sail but wanted a refresher on sailing and knowledge of the local conditions. It comprises a season’s worth of sailing (12 FOS sessions) free of charge.

When it comes to NDYC events, mark some dates in the diary, including a marvellous May. On May 4 & 5, The Dart 18 TT2 & South West Area Championships will be a weekend packed with thrilling races on the water

This acts as the perfect appetiser for the NDYC Regatta Weekend on May 10 & 11, with fleets of Dinghies, Cats, Cadets, YS, FOS and JS racing from 4.30pm on the Saturday and 5pm on Sunday. Open to members and visitors, this is a great way to sample the sailing scene.

In the summer holidays, the NDYC Open Week from August 2 – 8 brings a full week of competitive racing and social events, with fleets for Cats, Monohulls, Gaffers and Youth. Not to be outdone, the NDYC Pelican Week from August 18 – 22 is designed for U18 sailors.

As you can see, there is plenty to be excited about at North Devon Yacht Club. Visit www.ndyc.org for the full picture.