Dinghy Racing

DYC has a long history of competitive dinghy racing with races scheduled in various formats from March right through to November. Fleets are separated into Fast Handicap (PY 1150 and below) and Slow Handicap (PY 1151 and above).  Check here to find the current handicap for your class. Various classes are represented in our club racing but we have particular strength in numbers amongst our Hadron H2’s, Lasers, Visions, Fevas and Toppers.  

Racing is organised into series and cup races scheduled throughout the year. There is no set day or time for races to start as we are at the mercy of the tide for launching and sailing in the vicinity of the club.  Our aim is always to complete races in the 2 hour window before HW.  A PDF version of the full programme showing dates and start times can be downloaded  here.  A race day is scheduled almost every weekend and we have a series of evening races (starting at 18:30) through the height of summer (late May to early August) when the tide is suitable.

Most races start and finish on the clubhouse line using set courses (see Course Card). We also have a Committee Boat for starting and finishing races in the “Methersgate Series” and for selected trophy races venturing down-river. Other variations on our standard racing include an up-river event (the Navigation Race) where competitors choose a start time, aiming to be at Wilford Bridge at the point of HW before returning to finish at the club, and the Sullivan Cup which is held in late August / early September. This is the club’s longest race, taking in (almost) the navigable length of the River Deben, – up to Felixstowe Ferry and back.

All ages and levels of ability are welcome to join our racing and you are bound to find someone in the fleet with whom you can compete directly and measure your progress, – regardless of which class you are sailing.  We take pride in being a friendly club where help is easily available from fellow sailors to get you started in racing and for improving your technique. For more information, please contact clubcaptain@debenyachtclub.co.uk .