The last weekend of April saw 17 boats turn out in Swansea Bay for the Bristol Channel Yacht Club’s Swansea Bay Lord Mayor’s Regatta supported by the City & County of Swansea.
In predominantly light conditions (which forced a reduction from 5 to 3 races), E-boat Eros and Cork 1720 Molly dominated the IRC and YTC fleets, respectively, with consistent wins to take the Swansea Bay and Bristol Channel Cup, and the Dunraven Rose Bowl.
Aside from the limited appearance of breeze, the weather was favourable, with racing taking place against the backdrop of Mumbles and the sweeping expanse of Swansea’s beach in bright sunshine, providing good visibility for spectators ashore, including those taking part in the regatta’s shoreside family activities on Mumbles seafront. At racing’s close, the fleet was honoured by an appearance from Swansea’s Lord Mayor, Cheryl Philpott, herself at the starting area aboard the RNLI Mumbles Lifeboat.
Following celebrations of the Bristol Channel Yacht Club’s 150th anniversary in 2025 discussions with the Lord Mayor led to the conception of the 2026 Swansea Bay Lord Mayar’s Regatta to reconnect with heritage and look forward with enthusiasm. The regatta marked the centenary of the 1926 Jubilee Regatta, in which four Big Class Yachts (the precursor to the J Class) Shamrock (the winner), Britannia, White Heather II and Westward competed in the main race for a gold cup presented by the Western Mail.
In the run up to the 2026 Regatta, Mr Tony Burgess presented officers of the Club with photographs taken by his father, who was aboard competing yacht Westward in 1926. These, and a Pathe News clip from the day, can be viewed at: https://www.bcyc.co.uk/history/1926-jubilee-regatta/
Results: https://www.bcyc.co.uk/sailing/swansea-bay-lord-mayors-regatta-2026/
The focus of racing in the Bristol Channel during May will shift towards Portishead and Cardiff for the Shanghai Cup, and Ilfracombe YC’s Round Lundy Rally.
The BCYC started its passage races with Watchet on 2 May, and is now preparing for its summer series ahead of the Scarweather Regatta and annual Pursuit Race in August.
