Frequently Asked Questions
Information is given here for guidance, and we make every effort to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date. However in the event of any discrepancy, the official noticeboard, signals and race documents take precedence.
Q: What is the programme for the sailing races?
Q: Do I need any qualifications or experience to enter?
Q: Do I need my own boat to enter?
Q: When can I enter?
Q: What is the entry fee?
Q: Which class can I enter?
Q: How can I check which class or division I’m in? And who else is there?
Q: I’m not happy with the division I’ve been allocated (in the Yacht & Dayboat Series). Can this be changed?
Q: My sail number has changed. Who should I tell?
Q: How should I deliver my dinghy and where can I park my trailer?
Q: Where can I moor my yacht?
Q: What is the timing for a typical day’s racing?
Q: What happens if the weather is bad?
Q: When and where is the competitors/skippers briefing and the prize-giving?
Q: Where can I get medical assistance?
Q: Where can I get something to eat?
Q: What entertainment and social events will there be?
Q: Where can I get cash?
Q: What is the programme for the sailing races?
A: See the Races and Events page for an overview of the sailing programme. Nearer the time, the Calendar page will give further details of timings. Back to top
Q: Do I need any qualifications or experience to enter?
A: There are no specific requirements, but these races and events are not suitable for sailing novices. For the yacht races and for the dinghy races at Dittisham, a season’s experience of club racing is recommended, and for the informal competitions (White Sail and Gaffers) a standard equivalent to RYA Coastal Skipper is recommended. For the Junior (under-16) dinghy races, some training may be given to those unfamiliar with racing. If you’re a newcomer to regatta sailing, don’t worry as help & advice will be available. Back to top
Q: Do I need my own boat to enter?
A: As an entrant, you would be responsible for providing a suitable boat (and crew). If you do not own one, you may be able to charter, or borrow from your club. If you want to join the crew of a yacht, you can look for opportunities though our crew search page, and some sail-training companies offer places for individuals to join the crews on their yachts. Back to top
Q: When can I enter?
A: Full entry with payment is now open (with early-bird discounts available until the end of July). Late entries are accepted until 17:00 the previous day for the Yacht and Dayboat races, until midnight of the previous day for the Dinghies, or on the morning for Gaffers and White Sail Event. (See NoRs available here for details). Please click here for more information on how to enter, or click here to go directly to the online entry system. Back to top
Q: What is the entry fee?
A: After no increase in fees from 2017 until 2022, and a below-inflation 5% rise last year, we regretfully have to increase fees for 2024 by about 10%. Early-bird rates are available until the end of July, with an extra discount for those entering all days for a Series. Please note that there will be a late entry administration charge of £10 for yachts and of £5 for dinghies entering after the 16th August (or after 22nd August for Junior Dinghies).
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Early-bird fee (until 31st July) |
Standard fee (from 1st August**) |
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Rockfish Junior Dinghy Series* |
As helm (all classes) |
£14/day, £40 for 3 days |
£18/day, £54 for 3 days |
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As crew (in RS Feva) |
£6/day, £17 for 3 days |
£8/day, £24.00 for 3 days |
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Moore Kingston Smith Dinghy Series |
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£11.50/day, £40 for 4 days |
£14/day, £56 for 4 days |
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Savills Passage Race |
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£23 |
£30 |
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4-day Yacht and Dayboat Series |
Over 12.5m LOA |
£55/day, £210 for 4 days |
£70/day, £280 for 4 days |
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Over 10m to 12.5m LOA |
£50/day, £195 for 4 days |
£65/day, £260 for 4 days |
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Over 7.5 to 10m LOA |
£45/day, £175 for 4 days |
£60/day, £240 for 4 days |
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Over 6m to 7.5m LOA |
£40/day, £150 for 4 days |
£50/day, £200 for 4 days |
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6m and under LOA |
£23/day, £85 for 4 days |
£30/day, £120 for 4 days |
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White Sail and Gaffer Events |
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£14/day, £23 for 2 days |
£18/day, £28 for 2 days |
* Fees for junior dinghies are per child, and include light refreshments. All other fees are per boat.
** See note above table for late entry administrative charges.
Fees can be paid by Credit Card, PayPal, GoCardless, Cheque or Cash. If events are cancelled for any reason associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, entrants will be offered the options of a full refund or to carry over their entry to 2025. If the entrant cancels, there is an administration fee of 4% until 31st July (to cover payment charges), then 50% until 17th August (see NoRs available here for details), and no refund thereafter except in exceptional circumstances. However refunds will be made to competitors withdrawing at short notice due to a positive Covid test or an official requirement to self-isolate.
Note also that for visiting yachts, harbour dues (but not berthing fees) will be waived by Dart Harbour from Tuesday to Saturday night inclusive. Berthing fees are NOT included in the regatta entry fees, please contact the providers directly (see the competitors information page) Back to top
Q: Which class can I enter?
A: For the Rockfish Junior Dinghy Series, there are one-design classes for the following boats: Topper, RS Tera Pro, RS Tera Sport and RS Feva. Entries are also invited for a PY handicap class from other boats specifically designed for junior sailing.
For the Moore Kingston Smith Dinghy Series at Dittisham, there are classes for Laser (standard rig), Laser (radial rig) and National Solo, and other boats should enter in the PY handicap class.
For the Savills Passage Race and the 4-day Yacht and Dayboat series, boats under 20m LOA are eligible. In the Series, there will be classes for National Squibs, J/109s and J/24s. Other boats for the Series, and also for the Savills Passage Race, should enter according to which rating certificate they hold – either IRC, or RYA YTC for the Cruiser and Dayboat classes, (click here for more information, classic yachts with JCH certificate see Newsletter Apr-29). Other one-design classes may be added if there are sufficient entries, so if interested, please enter initially according to your rating certificate and indicate on the entry form that your boat is class-compliant. Those holding IRC certificates may obtain a RYA YTC and enter the Cruiser class if preferred provided the boat is designed principally for cruising. A non-spinnaker option is available for Cruiser yachts, perhaps suiting those who prefer to sail with family-only crews, or be unable to muster the full crew numbers. Please note that boats with RYA YTC rating over 1110 are not eligible. Change of class can be made up to August 16th. (See NoR available here for details) Back to top
Q: How can I check which class or division I’m in? And who else is there?
A: To find your class and division, go to the List of Entries, click on All Entries (searchable). Type your name, boat name or sail number into the search box. Provisional classes are shown initially, but these may be subject to change – we will contact the entrants concerned by email if there are insufficient entries for an advertised class, or if there are sufficient entries to form a one-design class. Divisions for the Yacht classes will be announced by 24th August.
To see who else is competing in the same class or division, go to the List of Entries and select the relevant link from the list. Back to top
Q: I’m not happy with the division I’ve been allocated (in the Yacht & Dayboat Series). Can this be changed?
A: Divisions are decided by the race management team to give fleets with evenly matched boats. They are based on the rating (either IRC or RYA YTC) which is independently assessed based on the boat’s measurements. However choosing the split points can be quite tricky when widely differing craft have entered. If your boat’s rating is close to a division boundary and you are unhappy with the decision, please contact the help desk ASAP to discuss this. It is not possible to change after racing has started. Back to top
Q: My sail number has changed. Who should I tell? ?
A: Please email entries@dartmouthsailingweek.com , or, once racing has started, inform the help desk/reception. Alternatively for the Yacht Series, you can complete an “equipment substitution” request via the RRS mobile App. Back to top
Q: When/how should I deliver my dinghy and where can I park my trailer?
A: Directions and joining instructions are given on the Getting around and Parking page for both the Junior Dinghies at Kingswear and the Moore Kingston Smith Dinghies at Dittisham. Please note that roads around Dittisham are very narrow and it is important to follow only the recommended route. Back to top
Q: Where can I moor my yacht?
A: Please see the competitors information page. Back to top
Q: What is the timing for a typical day’s racing?
A: Moore Kingston Smith Dinghy Series : Competitors arrive at DSC about 90 minutes to an hour before the first race (see NoR/SIs for start time, which changes daily due to the tide) to prepare and launch their boats, and attend the daily briefing. There are usually two races, each lasting about 60 minutes with about 30 minutes between. There is a window of 2 hours after racing for protests to be lodged. Provisional results are usually available online within an hour of the finish of racing, and any scoring enquiries should be lodged promptly. Refreshments for all competitors are usually provided at DSC after racing, followed on the last day by prize-giving. (NoR available here, also SIs from 17th August).
Rockfish Junior Dinghy Series : For 2024, competitors should assemble at RDYC at 08:30 on Saturday, and 09:00 on Sunday and Monday, with the first race an hour later, see NoR (section Schedule) available here, also SIs from 17th August for details. Competitors will prepare their boats, attend a briefing, and then launch ready for racing to start. There will usually be three races each day. Protests are lodged while still on the water. The children come back off the water after about 2 hours, when refreshments for the competitors will be provided. Refreshments for parents are usually available at the RDYC bar during the morning, and at lunchtime. Provisional results are usually available in the marquee and online within an hour of the finish of racing, and the day finishes with a daily de-brief. The main prize-giving will be on Monday afternoon at RDYC following the last day’s racing. (NoR available here, also SIs from 17th August)
Savills Passage Race: Competitors should arrive off Brixham in time for the 14:00 start. The race to Dartmouth takes 1-4 hours depending on the weather, tide and boat type, with a cut-off at 18:00. There is a window of 1 hour (TBC) after the last boat finishes for hearing requests (protests) to be lodged. Provisional results are usually available online within an hour of the finish of racing, and any scoring enquiries should be lodged promptly. Prize-giving will be at DYC on Wednesday evening TBC. (NoR available here, also SIs from 17th August)
Yacht and Dayboat Series : Competitors should check for signals at RDYC (repeated at Darthaven) and set off from their berths to reach their designated course area in time for the 10:30 start. For the larger IRC boats and J/109s there will usually be three races per day, and two races per day for other classes. Each race lasts about 60-90 minutes, with the next following as soon as practicable after the previous finish. On one day, a single longer “Bay Race” may be sailed. There is a window of 1 hour TBC after racing for hearing requests (protests) to be lodged. Provisional results are usually available online within an hour of the finish of racing, and any scoring enquiries should be lodged promptly. Daily prize-giving will be held on the same evening as the races concerned (plus the Series prizes on Saturday). This will be held at DYC on Wednesday and at RDYC on the other days TBC. (NoR available here, also SIs from 17th August)
White Sail and Gaffer Events : Competitors should arrive off Blackstone Point ready for their start window – this year the White Sail yachts have a 1 hour window and should use their passage planning skills to choose their most advantageous start time, while the Gaffers have a 15 minute window. The course usually takes 2-4 hours, and timings should be reported back to RDYC by 16:00. Provisional results are usually available online within an hour of the finish, and any scoring enquiries should be lodged promptly. (As these are not formal races, protests are not allowed). There will be prize-giving in the early evening on both days at RDYC. Please click for more details for White Sail and Gaffers.
Q: What happens if the weather is bad?
A: The start of racing may be delayed, or the day’s racing cancelled if the weather is unsuitable (too much or too little wind). We will endeavour to inform competitors of cancellations in advance by email, however the official signals for the Savills Passage Race and the Yacht Series will be signalled on the flag pole at RDYC (repeated at Darthaven and also at Brixham YC for the Passage Race), and for the dinghies will be announced at the daily briefing – see the Sailing Instructions for details (available here from 17th August). For the White Sail and Gaffer events, competitors will be informed by email. If races in the Series are lost, the Race Officers may sometimes be able to make up with extra races on another day (see NoR section Schedule, available here). Regretfully, we are unable to refund entry fees if races are cancelled due to the weather. Back to top
Q: When and where is the competitors/skippers briefing and the prize-giving?
A: For the Dinghies, daily briefings are held before racing – at DSC for the Moore Kingston Smith Series and at RDYC for the Rockfish Junior Dinghy Series. The juniors have a daily de-brief after racing at RDYC, and their overall series prize-giving will also be at RDYC after the last day’s racing (Monday 26th August). For the main dinghy series, prizegiving is at 14:00 on the last day (Tuesday 27th August) at DSC.
For the Yachts, details are given in the Sailing Instructions (available here from 17th August), and also in our detailed Calendar (available nearer the time). There is no briefing for the Savills Passage Race. The skippers briefing for the Yacht Series will be held at RDYC at 19:00 on Tuesday 27th, and will be available on request via Zoom for those unable to attend in person. The prizegiving for the Savills Passage Race and for the Wednesday races will be held on Wednesday at DYC TBC, while RDYC will host the other daily prizegivings (on the same day as the races concerned) and the Series prizegiving (on Saturday). Back to top
Q: Where can I get medical assistance?
A: If you or your crew suffer an injury or medical emergency during the Yacht Series racing, please follow the Emergency Procedures, Appendix D in the Sailing Instructions (available here from 17th August).
The nearest A&E Department is at Torbay Hospital (01803 654003, TQ2 7AA).
Minor Injuries Units: The MIU in Dartmouth is now permanently closed, therefore the nearest MIUs are in Totnes (8am to 5pm Mon -Fri) and Newton Abbot (8am-8pm), you can check waiting times here.
GP surgeries: Dartmouth Medical Practice TQ6 0JL (note this is now at the top of town by the Park & Ride car park), 01803 832212. Compass House Medical Centre, Galmpton TQ5 0PG and Brixham TQ5 9TF, 01803 855897.
Dentists: For emergencies, phone NHS Devon Dental Helpline on 03330 063300 (available 24/7). Local dentists include Fresh Dental, Collingwood Road, Dartmouth, TQ6 9JY, 01803 835476. Dartmouth Dental Practice , Victoria Road, Dartmouth, TQ6 9SA, 01803 835418. Brixham Dental Practice, 19 New Road, Brixham, TQ5 8NB, 01803 853980.
Pharmacies: Boots, The Quay, Dartmouth TQ6 9JY, 01803 835476. Wellbeing, Victoria Rd, Dartmouth, TQ6 9RT, 01803 832474. Well Pharmacy, Bolton St, Brixham TQ5 9DW, 01803 858142.
Q: Where can I get something to eat?
A: For the Moore Kingston Smith Dinghy Series and the Rockfish Junior Dinghy Series, light refreshments are included in the entry fee. Catering arrangements at RDYC and DYC will be announced nearer the time. To book, call the RDYC bar on 01803 752496 or DYC bar on 01803 832305. There is an extensive choice of other places to eat in Dartmouth and Kingswear, and advance booking is highly recommended during Dartmouth Royal Regatta Sailing Week. Check our Where to Eat page, or our local tourist office Discover Dartmouth. Back to top
Q: What entertainment and social events will there be?
A: The social programmes for RDYC and DYC will be announced nearer the time. Please visit the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta website for information on events in town, or to sign up for their newsletter. Their Souvenir Programme is available nearer the time for £5 (TBC) (which helps to support all these wonderful events) and includes full details. Back to top
Q: Where can I get cash?
A: Cash is available in the following locations:
- Kingswear Post Office (by the lower ferry slip)
- Dartmouth Post Office (Spar shop in Victoria Road, beyond the Market square on the opposite side)
- Yorkshire Building Society (South Embankment, between Rockfish and The Angel)
- Sainsbury’s supermarket (opposite the park and ride car park at the top of town)
