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 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: 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 will open on 1st February 2023. Late entries are accepted until 17:00 the previous day for the Yacht and Day Sailing Boat 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: Having held fees at the same rate since 2017 until 2022, we regretfully have had to increase fees for 2023. However the increase has been held at 5%, well below current inflation even for just this year. Early-bird rates are available until the end of July, with an extra discount for those entering all days for a Series. Junior Dinghy fees have been restructured this year to reflect the reduced number of days but increased number of races, and the early-bird rates are lower than last year’s fees. Please note that, as last year, there will be a late entry administration charge of £10 for yachts and of £3 for dinghies entering after the 13th August (or after 18th August for Junior Dinghies).
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Early-bird fee (until 31st July) |
Full fee (from 1st August**) |
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Rockfish Junior Dinghy Series* |
As helm (all classes) |
£12.50/day, £34.00 for 3 days |
£15.50/day, £46.50 for 3 days |
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As crew (in RS Feva) |
£5.50/day, £15.00 for 3 days |
£7.00/day, £21.00 for 3 days |
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Pilot Financial Dinghy Series |
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£10.50/day, £37.50 for 4 days |
£12.50/day, £50 for 4 days |
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Savills Passage Race |
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£21 |
£26 |
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4-day Yacht and Day Sailing Boat Series |
Over 12.5m LOA |
£50/day, £190 for 4 days |
£63/day, £252 for 4 days |
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Over 10m to 12.5m LOA |
£46/day, £175 for 4 days |
£57/day, £228 for 4 days |
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Over 7.5 to 10m LOA |
£42/day, £160 for 4 days |
£53/day, £212 for 4 days |
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Over 6m to 7.5m LOA |
£38/day, £140 for 4 days |
£47/day, £188 for 4 days |
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6m and under LOA |
£21/day, £80 for 4 days |
£26/day, £104 for 4 days |
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White Sail and Gaffer Events |
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tbc |
tbc |
* 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 current pandemic, entrants will be offered the options of a full refund or to carry over their entry to 2024. If the entrant cancels, there is an administration fee of 4% until 31st July (to cover payment charges), then 50% until 13th 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 Wednesday to Sunday night inclusive. 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. New this year, entries are also invited for a PY handicap class from other boats specifically designed for junior sailing.
For the main Pilot Financial Dinghy Series, 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 yacht/day boat series, there will be a class for National Squibs. 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 classes, (click here for more information). 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. Day boats are defined as open-decked boats up to 7m LOA. Change of class can be made up to August 13th. (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 19th 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 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 SW 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 Pilot Financial 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: What is the timing for a typical day’s racing?
A: Pilot Financial 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 14th August). Note that due to adverse tide on the first Saturday of Regatta week, the Dinghy Series will run from Sunday 20th to Wednesday 23rd August 2023.
Rockfish Junior Dinghy Series : The start time of racing will vary daily to take best advantage of the tidal conditions. For 2023, competitors should assemble at RDYC at 08:30 on the first day (Sunday 20th), see NoR (section Schedule) available soon here, also SIs from 14th August for details. Competitors will prepare their boats, attend a briefing, and then launch ready for racing to start. Refreshments for parents are usually available all morning, and at lunchtime. New this year, 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 will be provided. 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 prize-giving. The main prize-giving will be on Tuesday afternoon at RDYC following the last day’s racing. (NoR available soon here, also SIs from 14th 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 Thursday evening (TBC). (NoR available here, also SIs from 14th August)
Yacht and Day Sailing Boat 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. There are usually two races, but for 2023 we will be trialling holding three races on some days for the IRC classes only. Each race lasts about 60-90 minutes, with the second following as soon as practicable after the first finishes. On one day, a single longer “Bay Race” may be sailed. There is a window of 2 hours (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 Sunday). This will be held at DYC on Thursday and at RDYC on the other days (TBC) (NoR available here, also SIs from 14th August)
White Sail and Gaffer Events (All arrangements TBC) : Except for the White Sail Cruising Skills on Saturday (where competitors choose their own times between 08:30 and 16:00), competitors should arrive off Blackstone Point ready for a 15 minute start window (Gaffers from 10:30, White Sail from 10:45). 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). Prize-giving will be on the same evening. 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 14th 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 Pilot Financial Series and at RDYC for the Rockfish Junior Dinghy Series. The juniors have a daily prizegiving after racing at RDYC, and their overall series prize-giving will also be at RDYC after the last day’s racing (Tuesday 22nd August). For the main dinghy series, prizegiving is at 14:00 on the last day (Wednesday 23rd August) at DSC.
For the Yachts, details are given in the Sailing Instructions (available here from 14th August), and also in our detailed Calendar. There is no briefing for the Savills Passage Race. The skippers briefing for the Series will be held at RDYC at 19:00 on Wednesday 23rd, 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 Thursday races will be held on Thursday at DYC, while RDYC will host the other daily prizegivings (on the same day as the races concerned)(TBC) and the Series prizegiving (on Sunday). Back to top
Q: Where can I get medical assistance?
A: If you or your crew suffer an injury or medical emergency during racing, please follow the Emergency Procedures, Appendix 4 in the Sailing Instructions (available here from 14th 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 9RT, 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. Lloyds, 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 Pilot Financial Senior 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)
