Event Details:

Castle to Castle Race 2026

Saturday 29 August 2026 | 10:30am Start

The Royal Welsh Yacht Club is delighted to invite clubs and crews from across
Wales and beyond to compete in the annual Castle to Castle Race,
one of the most scenic and challenging sea rowing races on the calendar.
Starting at Beaumaris and finishing at Caernarfon, competitors will row
approximately 13 miles along the Menai Strait, passing beneath the iconic
Menai Suspension Bridge and Britannia Bridge before finishing in the shadow
of Caernarfon Castle.

The event welcomes both experienced racers and developing crews, with entries
open to fixed-seat and sliding-seat boats. Sea-going boats may be one, two,
four or six seated and will compete under Welsh Sea Rowing race categories and rules.

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Race Information

• Date: Saturday 29 August 2026
• Start Time: 10:30am
• Distance: Approximately 13 miles
• Start Location: Royal Anglesey Yacht Club, Beaumaris
• Finish Location: Aberforeshore / Royal Welsh Yacht Club, Caernarfon
• Race Format: Point-to-point sea rowing race
• Alternative Course: May be used if weather conditions require

The route follows one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in North
Wales and regularly attracts longboats, Celtic boats, skiffs, yoles and
sculling crews.

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Who Can Enter?

Entries are open to:

• Fixed-seat boats
• Sliding-seat boats
• 1, 2, 4 and 6-seat crews
• Senior, Ladies, Mixed and Novice crews
• Boats meeting Welsh Sea Rowing safety requirements

All WSR race categories apply and category winners will receive certificates.
Special trophies will be awarded to the fastest Senior, Ladies, Mixed and
Novice longboats.

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Timetable

08:00 – 09:30	Registration opens at Royal Anglesey Yacht Club
08:30 – 09:30	Breakfast rolls and refreshments available
08:00 – 10:00	Boat preparation and launch preparations
09:30	Coxes Briefing (mandatory attendance)
10:00	Competitors launch
10:30	Race Start
From 12:00	Competitors finish and boat recovery
From 12:00	Bar opens at Royal Welsh Yacht Club
From 12:00	Post-race meal served
13:30	Prize Giving and Presentations
19:30 onwards	Club bar open for crews staying overnight

Times are approximate and may vary depending on weather and conditions.

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Important Logistics

Boat trailers should be unloaded at Beaumaris Green before being transferred
to Caernarfon. Drivers competing in the race must ensure trailers are moved to
the Aberforeshore parking area by 9:00am to allow sufficient time for return
transport before launch.

As this event takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend and bridge
maintenance work may be taking place, competitors are strongly advised to
allow extra travel time when planning their journey.

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Safety Requirements

The safety of competitors is our highest priority. All crews must comply with
WSR regulations and local race instructions.

Each boat must carry:

• 8 metre tow rope securely attached
• Personal flotation aid for every crew member
• Waterproof communication equipment (VHF radio recommended)
• Two bailers secured to the boat

All coxes must wear lifejackets. Junior competitors (under 18) must wear
lifejackets throughout the event. Race communications will be carried out
using VHF Channel 37 (M).

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Entry Fees

• £15 per person
• £75 per longboat
• £30 per double scull

The entry fee includes the post-race meal at the Royal Welsh Yacht Club.
Places are limited due to clubhouse capacity, therefore early booking is
recommended.

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How to Enter

Entry forms and booking information are available from the organising team.
Completed forms should be returned by:

Closing Date: Saturday 22 August 2026

Payment can be made by bank transfer in advance or by cash at registration
on the day. Bank details will be provided upon booking.

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Classes & Prizes

Certificates will be presented to category winners under WSR Race Categories,
with additional trophies awarded for:

• Fastest Senior Longboat
• Fastest Ladies Longboat
• Fastest Mixed Longboat
• Fastest Novice Longboat

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Accommodation

Visitors travelling from outside the area will find a wide range of local
accommodation available in and around Caernarfon, including hotels, hostels,
caravan parks and watersports accommodation.

• Totters Independent Hostel
• The Black Boy Inn
• Anglesey Arms Hotel
• Travelodge Caernarfon
• Premier Inn Caernarfon
• Plas Gwyn Caravan & Camping Park
• Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre

Overnight trailer parking may be available by prior arrangement. 【1-7ed4e0】

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Contacts

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Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding the race, entries, safety requirements or event logistics, please contact the appropriate organiser below.

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Emergency Information

Nearest Hospital
Ysbyty Gwynedd
Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor
LL57 2PW

 

Join us for a fantastic day of racing, camaraderie and competition on one of
the UK’s most spectacular rowing courses. We look forward to welcoming you to
the Menai Strait for Castle to Castle 2026.

 

Download Race Notice (more maps and info.)