NSC 2025 Online Store now live!

We are pleased to announce that the 2025 NSC Online Store is now live at www.nefynscshop.com

Before placing any order Please Read This First

The store will be online until the end of September 2025 so there is plenty of time to get your merch.

All products are made individually to order which allows us to offer a range of good quality products with several colour and style options, without the club taking the risk of holding large volumes of stock. The aim is to cover costs and make a little for the club, trying to keep prices as low as possible.

PLEASE NOTE that order despatch can take up to 7-10 working days – factor this into your holiday plans!

As all products are made individually by hand to order – it is important to note that items cannot be returned for size changes. The only exception to this is if a product has a fault, in which case it will be replaced in full.

A selection of products and sizes will be available throughout the sailing season to try on for size at the club hut before placing an order online.

If you do decide to place an order before seeing the products in Nefyn, please note that all products have size guides – please double check these before ordering.

If you have any questions then please feel free to reach out on the NSC WhatsApp group, or find me on the beach!

Chris

NSC Commodore, 2025

Rescue Refresher Clinic 2025

This year our friends at Porthdinllaen RNLI have kindly agreed to run a Rescue Refresher clinic for all interested members.

This will take plan on Monday 28th July at 11am at the Club Hut.

If you would like to take part, please let us know in advance via the whatsapp group, this will just help with numbers so we know what to expect. Turning up on the day is also fine!

This is a great opportunity to learn from the best and ask any questions you may have about rescue operations and get the confidence required to help the club out with rescue duties.

If you have any questions or topics that you would particularly like to cover in the session please don’t hesitate to reach out in advance.

Many thanks to Dave Partington for organising this valuable safety addition to our calendar.

See you there!

Chris
NSC Commodore 2025

A note from the 2025 Commodore

Dear Nefyn Sailing Club Members,

As seems to be traditional, I write to you from a Bank Holiday break in Nefyn with a backdrop of heavy drizzle and cloudy skies.  Occasionally it appears to be clearing, encouraging thoughts of a ‘slightly less wet walk to the pub’ before reality sets in (and we walk to the pub anyway). 

I would first like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to our 2025 Members Survey. The feedback was very helpful in shaping our priorities for the season ahead and I’m happy to share some upcoming changes and trials for 2025 based on direct member feedback.

Social Programme Initiatives

There was overwhelming support for trialing a new approach to the Sherry Party, which has previously been held on bank holiday Sunday when many members are back in the real world!  It has always been a great event but we’d like to try something that opens the occasion up to more of the membership, so this year we will trial a new ‘Commodore’s Welcome / Sherry Party’ drinks event held after the first race of the season on Sunday 27th July at 4pm.   This will be a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and get the season started with a glass of Pimms!  Note that any races run after the dinner this year will have trophies presented post race at the club hut. 

We will now run the raffle at the Hog Roast, with tickets available to buy at the Commodores Welcome drinks and at the Hog.  Please remember to bring any raffle prize donations to the club hut a little earlier this year, all gratefully received on behalf of the club. 

A strong theme in member survey feedback was enjoyment of non-sailing events when organised by the club on days where racing is not possible due to weather conditions (too good or too bad!).  Although not easy to plan in advance – we will endeavour to organise rounders, relay/sup races and a mackerel race this year, should the wind not play ball.  Keep an eye on the whatsapp group for updates throughout the season.

I’m pleased to confirm that we will return to the Woodlands Hotel for our annual dinner dance this year, on Friday 8th August.  More details and ticket information coming soon, however I can confirm that quiche will not be on the menu. 

Racing Initiatives

NSC is at its core a sailing club and we continue to explore avenues to get more boats on the water and taking part in our fun and friendly racing program.  This year we will try to run two ‘get on the water’ mornings, open to all ages but particularly aimed at younger members who may be interested in sailing and racing.  Experienced sailors will be on hand, along with sufficient rescue support to help members gain confidence in their boats and have fun on the water!  We will pick mornings with light breeze and better weather so will need to be flexible – keep an eye on whatsapp and social for updates!

On the theme of taking advantage of good weather windows, this year we will try proactive ‘Double Header’ days where we will run two races on days with particularly good conditions.  This should allow us to get further through the racing program in 2025 – these will be communicated in advance across all club channels but please do keep an eye on the whatsapp group for the very latest updates and race schedule.

As ever, the club cannot operate without volunteers to cover Officer Of the Day and Rescue Officer duties. From survey feedback we recognise that many are keen to support the club in these areas but may not have the confidence or knowledge to run a race or operate the rescue boat.  This year we will run a buddy system whereby members who are keen to help out will be paired with a more experienced member to run a race or cover rescue – please message me directly or catch me on the beach if you’d like to take part.

Member News

We mark the sad loss of three members over the past year.  Rodney Garside, a devoted life long member who introduced three generations of his family to sailing at Nefyn, had a wonderful send off with many NSC members in attendance.  Pat Harman, who along with her late husband Don were longtime supporters of sailing events and familiar faces on Nefyn beach from the 1970s through 1990s.  Roger Jones, who many will fondly remember for his warm smile and orange speedboat “Microwave” that was a beloved fixture on our beach throughout the 1990s. Our thoughts are with all family and friends. 

Final Thoughts

As a relative newcomer to Nefyn (this will only be my 15th sailing season!) I am still surprised by the level of camaraderie and friendship that exists among the members of Nefyn Sailing Club.   I look forward to seeing you all on the beach and hope for a good couple of weeks of weather, sailing and fun!

Best Wishes

Chris D’Arcy-Burt

Commodore 2025, Nefyn Sailing Club

A note from the 2024 Commodore

Dear Nefyn Sailing Club Members,

I had held off writing the Commodore’s letter to avoid the cliche of “as I sit looking out of my window at the rain……..”, however there was also a part of me wondering how long it would take before I got a text from Pippa or Susie demanding an update!

Thankfully the sun came out before that happened (although I am told there were some murmurs in the background and communications exchanged!) and I can now begin with….. As I look at the sun beating down on the paddling pool full of inflatable toys, hear the happy squeals of Fergus and Matilda (and Nicky obviously!) splashing in the, slightly murky, sun-cream-filled water; my mind turns to thoughts of Summers in Nefyn. I am filled with a renewed sense of anticipation for what this year holds. Our beloved corner of Wales, with its breathtaking views, tranquil surroundings, calls to us once again—not just to the sailors among us, but to all who seek family-fun-time and respite in its many joys.

An Evolving Club for Everyone:

Nefyn is more than a sailing club; it’s a vibrant community that comes together once a year, where every member, every family, and every visitor brings their own unique flavour to our shared times. This year, we aim to celebrate the diversity of interests that makes our club truly special. Whether you’re here to hoist sails, paddle through waves, build sandcastles, or simply relax and soak in the serene beauty of our surroundings, you are an integral part of our story.

As such, we’re hoping to expand our repertoire of activities to include something for everyone. Whether it is a cheeky leg glance off the bowling of [Insert a Johnson] (Ric Johnson is only allowed to bowl spin!!) in a tightly fought game of beach cricket, or a throng of voices chanting “Rounder, Rounder…. as Jim Spencer rounds third base, heart pounding and legs pumping as he races for home in Nicky Dymock’s Rounders Cup, Phil Hammett thrusting his hips in his unique paddleboarding style as we hold paddleboard races off the coast, or even your very own Commodore rolling his trusty travel BBQ to the Breakwater to compete against Mssrs Higson, Hammett, Greenhalgh and Halloway for the inaugural NSC BBQ competition (just an idea!!) where culinary skills can shine as brightly as the summer sun, or maybe you are brave enough to take part in an open water swim to the Ty Coch where the winner can bask in the sun with a pint before getting a lift back to the Bay in one of our growing fleet of paddleboards and various fast and slow craft!!

Invitation to Collaborate and Create:

This year is about building on the joy of shared experiences. I encourage each of you to bring your ideas to the table—no suggestion is too small, no vision too grand. Together, we can weave a tapestry of activities that reflect the passions and pursuits of all our wonderfully diverse community. I will use the NSC Whatsapp group to generate ideas and we can vote on which ones to try and deliver this year.  

Club News and Announcements:

As we make room for new traditions, we also honour the milestones among us. From celebrating new births and nuptials to commemorating the lives of members who have passed, we remember and rejoice in all facets of our community life. These moments, both bittersweet and joyous, are what bind us together.  James Partington and his partner Salome welcomed the arrival of one their son, Axel William Partington in July last year and November saw Dan and Victoria Partington celebrating the birth of Jasper Partington as NSC’s latest member. Sadly we also lost NSC member, Cynthia Bevan, who died in February 2024, our thoughts are with her family and friends.

Upcoming Events and Activities:

Mark your calendars for the schedule of events this summer. Each activity is an opportunity to connect, compete, and celebrate in the spirit of togetherness. The race card is attached but stay tuned for additional activities which will be announced via Whatsapp. Typically these will be last minute as the result of racing being cancelled for good or bad weather!!

Volunteering and Club Needs:

As we broaden our scope of activities, the need for enthusiastic volunteers grows. If you don’t know what you are doing, then don’t worry at all, there will be someone on hand who also doesn’t know what they are doing to give you advice (sometimes you will get advice from someone who comes across as though they really do know what they are doing; beware of this kind of advice).

Final Thoughts:

Nefyn Sailing Club is a special place, loved by everyone for different reasons. What brings us together is the overlap of our shared passions and joys. Picture a Venn diagram of what we love, what we enjoy doing, and the people we cherish – where they meet is our club’s sweet spot.

Let’s make this season full of fun, friendship, and a bit of friendly competition. Whether you’re a long-time member or a first-time visitor, your presence makes our community richer. I can’t wait to see all the familiar faces and welcome new ones to our little corner of paradise.

Here’s to a summer packed with laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories. Cheers to another fantastic season at Nefyn Sailing Club!

Warmest regards,

Alex Dymock
Commodore 2024, Nefyn Sailing Club

A note from the 2023 Commodore

Dear all

I trust you are all well and looking forward to the season ahead.

I am sure the Hon. Secretary has asked me to write this earlier than normal in the hope that this will reach you on time, with the knowledge that I do often leave things to the last minute.

As I write this, Storm Dudley (or Dud Lie if you’re from the Black Country) is fast approaching Nefyn Bay with Eunice (Yow Niss) close behind. I have it on good authority that Mac and Davey Philips have donned their sou’westers and are camped on the beach ready to ‘tidy’ up anything the storms may throw up!!

I am pleased to report that the crowdfunding organised by Sue Cookson to raise money for a defibrillator was a great success and the target reached. As a club we were keen to support following an approach from Pat Haley and donated £500, I also know that many of you personally contributed so, thank you. Sue and her husband have kindly agreed for it to be affixed to their wall, just below the beach café and supply the power required to maintain it. Nigel Daly’s family were ever so grateful and are going to organise an appropriate plaque. No doubt you will all agree this is a very worthy cause and a vital addition to the beach.

Following the sad news of the passing of James Bell at the end of last year, he had a truly wonderful send off, with a large presence of NSC members in attendance and also online. Many of us also got to experience the amazing sunsets Bracklesham Bay has to offer, which JB so fondly took many pictures of.

It seems (fingers crossed) that a ‘normal’ NSC summer awaits, and I don’t mean little wind and lots of rain. The full social calendar is back on and due to the golf club hosting a number of functions, the dinner is reverting to Nant Gwrtheyrn. It is being held on Thursday 11th August to try and avoid change over days and some of you making the long journey home the following day after a night of partying to the sounds of DJ Stretch (yes, that is his name) so, please pencil it in the diary and further information will follow.

I have had a gentle reminder from our treasurer that 100 Club numbers are strong but we are always happy to welcome new members, just email Mervyn. He has also asked that, where possible, if members could pay online in the season for BBQ and dinner tickets it does make his and Lynne’s life a bit easier.

Ali last year had the news of the new breakwater ladder to report, unfortunately for me there is nothing quite so exciting, however!!!! One of the bigger discussions at the committee meeting last season was the new role of Social Media Officer which was assigned to the Junior Vice Commodore’s duties. I gather Alex Dymock is using this role to his advantage in order to boost his followers on TikTok under the username #OprahWindFury.

I am looking forward to seeing you all over the coming months and, more importantly, in August and I hope that we will be blessed with perfect sailing conditions.

Best wishes

James Swash

NSC Sundowners Presentation Evening

Friday 13th August 2021, Nefyn Sailing Club Hut, 5.30pm 

A scaled down Annual Dinner, will, for this year only, become…..

“The Sundowners Presentation Evening”

This will provide a chance to award the well-earned trophies and brief speeches.

You do not need to purchase a ticket for the event, just come along on Friday at 5.30pm.

Keeping the event outdoors generates a more ‘Covid Safe’ platform and thus will increase the numbers who attend, therefore creating a more inclusive, enjoyable event.

A note from the 2021 Commodore

A very warm welcome to the 2021 season. We have made slight changes to allow the club to run this year, thereby ensuring we can have the best of both: an opportunity to sail and socialise, in the safest environment possible. In order to achieve this:

  • Take responsibility to do lateral flow tests twice a week. If you need some there are some available in the hut, or you can get them at Nefyn pharmacy.
  • Anti-bacterial spray will be on the rescue boat, simply spray and go at the end of your duty.
  • Anti–bacterial spray and gel will be available in the hut please spray things down after your duty and use hand gel on arrival to the hut.
  • Notices will be displayed in the hut window and on the doors to minimise traffic within the hut.
  • Where possible we would like to avoid cash.
  • A £10 per week sailing fee has been introduced. This covers all races that week, however many you choose to race!
  • Nefyn Sailing Club HSBC Account Number: 91061062 Sort Code: 40-37-30. In the ‘subject’ please put your name and race fees.