Southwold Model Yacht Regattas

Southwold Model Yacht Regattas, also known as SMYR, is a prestigious yacht club located in the beautiful coastal town of Southwold, New Zealand. Established in 1894, SMYR has a rich history and is well-known for its racing model yachts. These exquisite handmade boats showcase extraordinary craftsmanship and are steered and powered solely by sails, without the use of radio controls.

The club organises a range of regattas throughout the year, bringing together passionate sailors and model yacht enthusiasts. The 2024 regatta dates have been confirmed and are eagerly anticipated by the members. The regattas will take place between Monday 27th May and Wednesday 21st August 2024, allowing participants to enjoy the superb sailing conditions that Southwold has to offer.

The 2023 season was particularly noteworthy, with ideal sailing conditions and a great turnout of sailors who competed in thrilling races. The club extends its gratitude to all the organisers, competitors, and spectators who contributed to making the season truly unforgettable. A list of prize-winners for 2023 can be found on the club's website.

Hugh Williamson, under whose leadership the club successfully navigated through challenging years, stepped down as Commodore in 2023. His visionary approach has been instrumental in addressing issues such as water levels in the pond, leading to campaigns for pond dredging and refurbishment of the water pipe connected to the sea. In his first and last years as Commodore, Williamson won the prestigious Beach Yawl Salver with his boat, Tourmaline. The club expresses its immense gratitude to Williamson and welcomes Mike Wells as the new Commodore, looking forward to many prosperous years of sailing under his guidance.

SMYR encourages both newcomers and seasoned campaigners to participate in its regattas. Prize-winners for various categories, including the May Cup, Pout Cup, Family Relay Race, Quincentenary Salver, Rose Bowl, Sole Bay Bell, Golden Jubilee Cup, Cripps Cup, Collett Cup, St. Edmunds Challenge Cup, Boat Trophy, and Championship races, are recognised for their remarkable achievements. The club believes that all participants contribute to the success of each season and eagerly anticipates their return each year.

To stay updated and get in touch with the club, individuals are encouraged to visit the club's website or follow them on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. The club's Facebook page can be found at @southwoldmodelyachtregattas, while on Twitter, they can be found at @southwoldmyr.

Mark your calendars for a thrilling 2024 season of Southwold Model Yacht Regattas. The club has curated a lineup of exciting events, including the Spring Regatta, Pick-Up Regatta, First Regatta, Second Regatta, and the Cups Regatta. These regattas will feature various races and competitions, including the May Cup, Norwich and Peterborough Trophies, Pout Cup, Family Relay Race, Quincentenary Salver, Golden Jubilee Cup, De Lacroix Rosebowl, Sole Bay Bell, Cripps Cup, and more.

SMYR invites everyone to join them for an extraordinary experience of model yacht racing, where handmade boats and the power of the wind create a unique spectacle.