Dinghy Section
Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht Club enjoys a magnificent location, situated on the banks of the River Wyre in the midst of an area designated of special scientific interest. The tidal waters are ideal for sailing dinghies giving 2 ½ to 3 sailing over the high tide period. Race days are usually on a Sundays and Bank Holidays, with 20 to 30 boats competing. Saturdays are normally used for practicing and social sailing.
Facilities
An extensive parking and rigging area is available. Launching is from a large concrete slipway. Members and visitors boats are stored in a large locked compound. Both men’s and women’s changing rooms have been refurbished and extended. Three safety ribs are stored in locked garages. Club boats are available for hire at a nominal fee. These include 2 x GP14, 2 x Laser 2000, 6 x Toppers and 2 x Pico.
Youth Sailing
Many young sailors come via the training programmes held at the club. Please see the training section of our web site for details. Encouraging youth sailing is one of the most important aspects of B&FYC. It culminates in competing in the Southport 12Hr Race.
Racing
SAILING PROGRAMME
The sailing year is split into 5 main series, the Spring Series, the Summer Series, the Evening Series, the Autumn Series and the Winter Series. With the exception of the Evening Series, each series consists of 12 races, 2 races held on each sailing day. Special events include bank holiday sailing, open events such as Blaze and Merlin Rocket Opens and the clubs infamous Eskimo race around New Year where 100+ dinghies have been known to race. An awsome sight.
Racing Fleets
Fast/Medium Handicap
The medium handicap fleet is in general the best supported fleet in the club. It consists mainly of the GP14, Laser, Streaker, Merlin Rockets and Blaze but is open to any classes.
GP14 - The GP fleet is the longest established fleet at the yacht club and is still popular. Club members are successful at the highest standard of competition. Over recent years the club has won and gained high places in the Southport 24 hour race.
Laser - The Laser fleet is another of the long standing classes.
Blaze - An up and coming fleet of single handers in the club with 8 boats in the fleet with a regular turnout. Over recent years succesful Blaze opens have been held at the club.
Merlin Rocket – This is the other emerging fleet for double handed sailing. With 5 boats in the fleet so far this is a good class to join. The first open for this class of boat will be held at the club this year.
Slow Handicap
The slow handicap fleet is the grass roots of the club. The fleet is made up mostly of Toppers but also includes Mirror and Pico dinghies which are always popular with the youngsters. Many of the youngsters sail with Lancashire Schools.
