Huge Congratulations - Merle Nieuwland
Huge congratulations to club home‑grown sailor Merle Nieuwland on receiving the Yachting Journalists’ Association (YJA) Young Sailor of the Year 2025🏆
2025 saw incredible success for Merle, together with helm Sabine Potter, as they claimed victory in both the National Championship and World Championships in the 420 Female Class.
As a club, we are hugely proud of all our young sailors, and Merle’s well‑deserved success highlights just what can be achieved through dedication, talent, and passion for the sport.
The Sailing Druid - Fundraising!
Our friend and fellow member, Stuart Lewis (AKA the Sailing Druid), is cutting off his impressive locks in support of the wonderful charity Bipolar UK!
Before 5th May, Stuart will be taking the brave step of cutting off his hair to raise much‑needed funds for Bipolar UK. He will then donate his hair to the Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides real hair wigs to children in need.
Stuart has set himself an impressive target of £5,000 — follow the link below to find out more and give whatever you can!
Good News Story! MND Fundraising
King of Clubs Celebration - Casino Night!
Well, it’s fair to say we had a ball at the King of Clubs Celebration Night over the weekend!
There were some sharp dressers among you! We enjoyed delicious food, tried our hand at poker and blackjack, finished the evening with a spin on the dance floor, and refuelled with a midnight breakfast.
It’s now just under two weeks until our next event, when we’ll be welcoming a fabulous UB40 tribute act — and we’re down to our last few tickets!
Club Awards 2025 - King of Clubs!
In November 2025, Cardiff Bay Yacht Club, received two prestigious national awards.
YachtsandYacthing.com have covered our Story!
Macmillan Coffee Morning 2025
On Saturday, 6th December, a Macmillan Coffee Morning was held in the Clubhouse Bar & Restaurant and was a great success!
Dedicated club members organised, hosted, baked, attended, and enjoyed plenty of cake!
Thanks to their valuable efforts, we raised £335 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Checkmate XV - Summer Adventures!
This year, Checkmate XV, owned by club member Phil Cook, competed in the Half Ton Cup 2025, held in Torquay.
She finished 7th overall, expertly crewed by Mark Lewis, Geoff Carter, Simon Gadsby, Gethin Gronow, Jack Preece, Owen Kinsella, and Phil Cook.
It was quite the adventure—from high, hard winds and missing sheets to the recovery of said sheets, epic racing after the winds eased, and some superb post-race socialising!
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Simon Leek Trophy 2025