Sanders Sails Yachting World Dayboat Week 2026 at Poole Yacht Club

Sanders Sails Yachting World Dayboat Week at Poole © Wendy Davies

On Saturday, 25th July, 36 Yachting World Dayboats with their helms, crews and accompanying family, friends and guests assembled at The Poole Yacht Club for the Sanders Sails Dayboat Week.

Two fleet meals, five days of racing, a quiz and much socialising lay ahead. After registration Tim Edom, commodore, gave a short welcoming speech. The chairman of the YWDB, James Hewitt, said a few words during which he thanked Sanders Sails for their sponsorship, celebrated the number of entrants and commented on the wide range of competitors - mid eighties to eleven-year-olds.

Newcomers were welcomed to the event and returners acknowledged with great pleasure. All the boat numbers were entered into a raffle to win the main prize of a donated Sanders jib, with 6 other prizes of Sanders' vouchers. Tim and Gerry Wilcock were the lucky winners of the jib.

Sanders Sails Yachting World Dayboat Week at Poole - photo © Wendy Davies

Race 1 of Dayboat week on the committee boat by Wendy Davies DB649

Sunday, 26th July. Race 1: Very windy, gusty conditions and several competitors decided to stay ashore.

Sunday morning with the wind promising to be 18 knots gusting 25 knots; I as helm and my crew decided not to race. However, the committee boat needed an extra recorder and flags operator.

Armed with camera I set off with the team on New Horizon. There was a real chop in the harbour with wind against tide. Setting the anchor with those conditions and a start line of a good length ready for the racers took a while, but we were ready for the racers and the warning signal. The wind was swinging 20 - 30 degrees and the bias on the line was the committee boat end.

The start involved a lot of bunching and calling with 28 boats vying for a good start resulting in a General Recall. The line was adjusted and the Race Officer employed the Uniform flag. With the next countdown under way there was similar bunching in the rough conditions, boats were trying to stay back from the line and getting pushed over. This finally resulted in 8 boats getting U-flagged (UFD). This was a great race to watch with a lot of close roundings.

It was ideal conditions for a hobby photographer, I had a 300mm lens which enabled me to catch some close shots. However, the continual waves, rolling and the need to steady myself wrapped around the forestay or shrouds did create some issues. All in all, it was an interesting experience being on the other side; appreciating the difficulties the race team had setting a course in difficult conditions and watching the fleet coping with the gusty winds on the day with a capsize and then me trying to keep on my feet.

Race 2 report by Tim Wilcock DB664

Monday, 27th July. Two races, back-to-back, second and third points races.

Race 2 took place 10 knots of steady breeze with 3 laps of triangle, sausage set. Jack and Nigel Young in 665 led around the windward mark with a few in pursuit including Andrew and Stan Hewitt 639, Simon and Georgie Bullingham 642, Mark and Sue Ross 674 and Tim and Gerry Wilcock 664. Positions remained fairly constant but Tim and Gerry in "TiGer" roared past Andrew and Stan into 2nd on the last upwind leg. Final standings were Jack & Nigel 1st, Tim and Gerry 2nd, Andrew and Stan 3rd and Simon & Georgie 4th.

Sanders Sails Yachting World Dayboat Week at Poole - photo © Wendy Davies

Race 3 report by Peter Kay DB634

After a certain amount of delay as the breeze swung around, the second race of the day got under way in a light south westerly (ish) of about 4 knots. With around a minute to go, the wind swung hard left, making it difficult to lay the line on starboard tack. This resulted in a mass tack on to port at the start gun.

Those at the pin end had the advantage with Pa Pa II, Magic Roundabout, and Piu Mosso gaining an early break. The majority of the fleet pressed on to the right with the early leaders tacking over later on the beat. The wind was very patchy, Magic Roundabout, Piu Mosso, and Instant Sunshine carried on out to the left in slightly better breeze which meant that despite the wind veering, Magic Roundabout could tack in under the lay line, clear of any opposition from the right, Piu Mosso pushed all the way to the lay and followed in.

These two led at the windward mark, Magic Roundabout rounding first, about 8 boat lengths ahead of Pui Mosso, followed by IS. A broad reach to the wing mark saw these two hold their positions as the fickle breeze saw some place changing behind. A tighter second reach in a dying breeze saw the two leaders locked together, and about 3/4 way down the leg, Pui Mosso locked into a micro puff and managed to sail over Magic Roundabout to lead at the leeward mark where a shortened course flag sent the boats on short reach to the finish - Pui Mosso just holding the lead from Magic Roundabout and a fast-finishing PaPa II.

Opportunity Races

In the afternoon the opportunity races which consist of the Ladies' race for lady helms who are not entered in the series, the Crew's race and Cadet/Junior helms race were held.

Crews' Race: Winner Nigel Young

Cadet Race (under 19) report by John Bullingham

The fleet left the harbour following little wind in the morning to receive a message from a retiring ILCA sailor to say that the wind was over 20 knots outside the breakwater. This did not deter the YWDB Cadet crews and once outside the protection of the marina, it was clear that it was very breezy. John Bullingham managed to get ahead of Rebecca Crang and Hugh Straker and the crews finished in this order.

Junior Race (Under 15) notes from William Hewitt, (age 11) DB676: Loved the Cadet race but was a bit nervous about how windy it was. I planed for the first time in Dayboat which was really fun. Glad we didn't capsize like Grandad did the day before!

Ladies Race report by Simon Bullingham DB642

The ladies race started in very challenging conditions with JJ Randall making the windward mark in first place closely followed by Georgie Bullingham and Marcia Lynall. Georgie hit the mark and the managed to hit her head whilst doing her turns. The three boats charged together towards the gybe mark and Marcia managed to get the lead. Georgie snuck through at the gybe mark and managed to hang on the line. A special mention must go to Margaret Campbell the youngest lady to compete in the race in challenging conditions.

Tuesday, 28th July. Very light winds so the Rowing Race was held ahead of the Long-distance race.

Rowing Race. Report by Rosie Frost DB648

After many years the rowing race was reinstated for 2026 and proved a popular decision with 14 boats entering the fray. 'AP' was flying for the series racing so conditions were perfect for rowing with a glassy sea. Discussion ashore ensued about whether or not two rowers would be better than one and then resulted in last minute alterations to crews (the rules allowed either, plus a cox). The spectators lined the club breakwater to cheer on their teams. On board our boat, there was a conference about tactics, rowing technique and strategy. The gun went and off we set.

Two boats powered into the lead on the first leg with Blue Belle rounding the mark first, closely followed by Genevieve who then managed to get the inside line at the second mark. The stakes were high on the final leg with Genevieve still in front and for a moment it looked as though Blue Belle would power back into the lead. Luckily the finish line was just there. It proved that a three crew team was most advantageous with Puddleduck in third place and Hullabaloo in fourth. Congratulations to Sue and Emma for being the first two crew boat. Sore muscles were then soothed by an energetic water flight to end the proceedings!

The Long- Distance Race (not part of the points series), as remembered by Stan Hewitt, helm of DB639: We had a terrible start but made up a lot of ground and were close to the leaders by the windward mark. We overtook Jack in Papa II, although we did drag the centreplate. It was a challenging race, and at one point we thought we had taken the lead. However, Jack in Papa 11 and Chris Habgood in DB608 overtook us after Dad made a navigational error. I really enjoyed it. PS from Andrew: The Russells and Lynalls pulled well ahead to take first and second places.

Sanders Sails Yachting World Dayboat Week at Poole - photo © Wendy Davies

Wednesday 29th July. Points races 4 and 5

Race 4 report by Simon Bullingham DB64

In light and changeable conditions, and after a general recall, the race officer managed to get the race under way with the black flag flying. Andrew Hewitt managed to get a good start and maintain a good lead closely followed by Jack Young and Nigel Russell. Colin Blewett and David MacFarlane finishing not far behind.

Race 5 Wednesday pm. Report by Tim Wilcock DB664

Perfect racing conditions were set for race 5 with a steady 14 knots and full fleet of Day Boats on the line. At the first windward mark 619 Anthony and Marcia Lynall rounded ahead of Jack and Nigel Young 665 who recovered brilliantly from a poor start. The Russells 672 rounded third followed closely by Andrew and Stan Hewitt 639. The order remained until the next upwind leg when Jack and Nigel sailed into the lead. On the final lap Andrew Hewitt slipped through to 2nd and while Nigel and Isabelle pushed the Lynalls to the wire. The finishing order was 1st Jack Young 665, 2nd, Andrew Hewitt 639, 3rd Anthony Lynall 619 and 4th The Russells 672.

Thursday, 30th July Race 6 was run in light conditions which got lighter and shiftier. There were some big changes of position in both directions, depending on the chosen route up the beat, The race was shortened and finished at the second windward mark on lap two and was won by Jack Young 665, 2nd Rosie Frost 648, 3rd Andrew Hewitt 639.

Chess on Water by Sue Clayton 650

The wind forecast for race 6 was W/SW and this was just about what we had when we sailed out to the start line. After a bit of settling down the windward mark was laid at 280°.

I can never explain my decision making, I just go by instinct, on this occasion it felt right to continue on starboard tack after the start. Jack Young in PaPa II, Rosie Frost in Shamal and Chris Habgood in Blue Horizon also took the same approach to the windward mark. As the lead boats rounded the mark and set off on a broad reach to the wing mark the distinctive sound of the rest of the fleet closing in could be heard.

By the time the lead boats started on the second beat the wind was becoming lighter, and this is where the game of chess started - do we tack on this shift? Is the wind going to come back? On the run to the leeward mark PaPa ll and Shamal had pulled ahead and I was joined by Michael Hewitt in Groovie and Andrew Hewitt in Magic Roundabout for a race to the inside berth at the leeward mark.

Having rounded the leeward mark, the three of us continued up the beat on port tack. At some point Hullabaloo was headed and the decision was made to tack on this. Initially this seemed a good move as we were heading 280°, but, unfortunately this good fortune did not last. By the time we tacked back onto port a lot of ground had been lost.

As the lead boat rounded the windward mark the wind was dropping so the race committee shortened the course to finish at the wing mark. Murray Glenister in Lyberty had been keeping out of the way in clear air, and we were unable to get the better of him. Pete Hewitt in Merlin was creeping up on my port side, but I was just able to hold him off crossing the line just in front.

In such light winds places could be won and lost in the blink of an eye, fortunately for me this was my best result. I love playing chess on the water.

Cruising

Phil Quirk, DB330, with his beautifully restored wooden dayboat, joined us, not to race but to cruise in Poole Harbour. A veteran PYC dayboater, Gerry Philbrick, took him under his wing and, together they explored the sailing area, including a sail out to Old Harry Rocks.

Prizegiving and dinner

The prize-giving was held in the early evening and led by our chairman, James Hewitt. After the customary and very important thanks to all those whose involvement made the event so successful and enjoyable, the distribution of the silverware and prizes took place. As the YWDB class is so long established there are many trophies, for a variety of achievements, to be awarded. Richard Cake, who has a long family history of association with the YWDB, presented the prizes to the top three winners.

1 Jack and Nigel Young, Royal Cork Yacht Club (son and father)
2. Andrew and Stan Hewitt, Spinnaker SC (father and son)
3. Nigel and Isabelle Russell, Bosham SC (couple)

An excellent three course meal, (prepared by PYC's catering staff) for the 90+ attendees was consumed. The evening was rounded off with a rendition of The Dayboaters' song led by Nick Crang on guitar, supported by Rebecca Crang and Cora Straker, with everyone joining in the chorus.

Sanders Sails Yachting World Dayboat Week at Poole - photo © Wendy Davies

Nigel Young's reflections on the week. Crew in the winning boat PaPa11 DB665

Three generations, one class: Jack and Nigel Young return to Poole to race together again in Papa 11.

It had been seven years since I last went sailing in the Dayboat Woodworm with my son James. 2019 was Woodworm's first outing, and it took us a while to get in the groove, as she had never raced before.

Fortunately for me, it didn't take as long to get back in the groove this year with my eldest son, Jack, and Papa II. Sailing with the family is always special, and this was my first Nationals crewing for Jack — a very special treat for me.

As many of you know, Papa II was built by my father so I could teach my children to sail. He had a great vision for them, and the foresight to choose the YW Dayboat as the platform for that task: learning to sail. It has worked perfectly and Jack is now fully hooked on the sport. Papa II is now officially Jack's boat and he has taken part in seven Dayboat Weeks, as far as I can remember...

Having first raced the Dayboat at Poole YC in 1980 with my own father, Don Young, it was very fitting to be back in Poole to race with Jack in 2026. Those forty-six years have flown past, and in that time, I have sailed many different types of boat and competed in multiple championships.

But having said that, there is always something very special about Dayboat Week! It's a combination of the boat, the people, the class ethos and the general feeling of friendship that comes from the class. Families learn to sail in this boat, then they learn to race and finally — if all goes to plan — they get their names on one or two of the class trophies!

Like many one-design dinghy classes, the Dayboat is very easy to sail and, at first glance from the outside, might appear a little "soft" compared to a more modern boat. But join us and you'll quickly find out how many good sailors are part of the class. It's far from soft, and is a great test for any team. One of the best things about the class is the family teams — husbands and wives, parents and children, and every combination in between.

There is something special about having been involved all this time, watching how the class ebbs and flows as new family members move through the ranks. Once you have sailed a Dayboat, it's hard to escape — like the famous song says: "You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave!

A great week was had by all........

Sanders Sails Yachting World Dayboat Week at Poole - photo © Wendy Davies

The Dayboat Week is best summed up in the words of some of the participants. "Thank you to all for making our first Dayboat week so enjoyable. Look forward to next year." "What a great week. Thanks to all who organised, volunteered, attended and participated. It all came together brilliantly. Looking forward to the next get together." "Thank-you everyone for a great week, my first. See you next year!" "Once you have sailed a Dayboat, it's hard to escape - "You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave!" This last quote comes directly from the report above, submitted by Nigel Young, the champion crew.

View from the Back by Ali Rees crew in DB565 - an extract

I will say the racing at the back of the fleet was closer than those at the front probably imagine. We pipped Emma DB655 over the line in one race, she pipped us in the next. There was a 5 point spread between the last 4 boats.

We finished 34th (out of 36) but we had fun.

An observer's perspective by Alexandra Baily, observer and Tally girl - an extract

Onshore, the week was filled with culinary excellence from home-baked cakes to an abundance of biscuits which provided a sweet treat to Dayboaters post-race. The accidental setting off of the fire alarm provided a memorable talking point for participants. Despite the small interruption, the support of volunteers who went above and beyond ensured both an enjoyable and functional week.

The closing meal brought the event to a fitting conclusion. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere warm and celebratory. The evening ended with a singalong, whose contribution added a relaxed and enjoyable final touch to the week's proceedings. It was a moment that encapsulated the community spirit that underpins Dayboat Week.

What a Week! by Gerry Wilcock, DB665 - an extract

A huge thank you to Poole Yacht Club for hosting a fantastic Nationals. Of course, what makes Dayboat Week so special is the Dayboat community itself. The racing is always excellent, but for me it is the friendships, the laughter and the time spent with so many wonderful people that make the week unforgettable. From the chance campers we became part of, to friends old and new from Dayboat fleets across the country, every one of you helped create something very special.

In our busy lives, Dayboat Week has become a precious time when we can forget about the everyday "stuff", enjoy each other's company, and have fun on and off the water.

Thank you, everyone, for making this year's event one to remember.

Roll on Brixham — we can't wait to see you all again!

Dayboat Week 2027 at Brixham, July 24th - 29th. All welcome. Several have already booked their accommodation.

Interested? Contact Steve Wilson via our website www.ywdb.co.uk and look for contact organiser.

Sanders Sails Yachting World Dayboat Week at Poole - photo © Wendy Davies

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