The RYACW BIG Weekend is back!! Its return on the 11th-12th October 2025 at Plas Menai promises to deliver another fun filled packed programme. The weekend will bring people together from across sailing and boating to enjoy a host of different activities. From novice to professional, there's something to help you stretch or refresh your skills, and perhaps even tempt you to pursue a qualification?
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The BIG Weekend is part of the RYA Connected Events so there are some FREE sessions including:
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Create or Develop Your Safety Management Systems
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Learning the Lessons
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ClubZone
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RYA Network
How the weekend works...
Who can attend?
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Anyone aged 15 and above can attend the BIG Weekend- but please check age and pre-requisites for each session.
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Under 15s can attend the Youth Multi Activity Sessions for £25 per day.
What do i do?​
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Take a look at the Agenda and Session Info below
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Book your sessions- either select an all day activity, or one morning and one afternoon activity each day. Weekend tickets start at £17.
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Add your add ons- lunch and dinner is provided at an extra cost.
Where can I stay?
Accommodation is available on site at Plas Menai, please call them on 0300 300 3112 to make a booking at the discounted price for the BIG Weekend.
Plas Menai accommodation options:
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Bed & Breakfast in Centre Single Occupancy/ Sharing Twin Room.
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Self-Catering on site houses (sleeps up to 6).
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Campervans non-electric hook up only to park in the general car park and make use of the facilities @£11pppn.​
What do I need to bring?
Plas Menai has plenty of kit that you can borrow, but, if you own any it might be a good idea to bring:
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A wetsuit
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Wetsuit boots
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Footwear suitable for cruising (non marking soles)
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Waterproof/ windproof clothing
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Buoyancy aid
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Towel
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Hat
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Sunglasses
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Sun cream
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Water bottle
AGENDA
Saturday
08:30-09:15
09:15-09:30
09:30-16:30
09:30-12:30
12:30-13:30
13:30-16:30
16:30
16:30
18:00-19:00
23:00
Registration
Welcome
All Day Sessions
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RYA Safety Boat Course Day 1
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RYA Keelboat Course Level 3- Better Sailing- Day 1
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RYA First Aid
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Sailing Skills for Pre Entry Dinghy Instructors
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Youth Activity Sessions
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SUP Explore- Tour of the Menai Strait/ Llyn Padarn
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Intro to Cruising
Morning Sessions
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Refresh Your Knowledge of Digital Navigation
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Intro/ Progression Wingsurf
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Learning the Lessons
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Understanding Radar
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Dinghy Foiling
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Racing- Explore the Drivers
Lunch
Afternoon Sessions
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Powerboat Intermediate Skills
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Keep Sailing Fun
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ClubZone
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Understanding Radar
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Dinghy Foiling
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Intro/ Progression Wingsurf
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Racing- Rock Up And Race
All Sessions and Courses Conclude
RYA CW AGM- Oakes Room
Dinner
Bar Closes
Sunday
08:45
09:15
09:30-16:00/16:30
09:30-12:30
12:30-13:30
13:30-16:00
16:00
16:00-17:00
16:30
Registration
Briefing
All Day Sessions
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RYA Safety Boat Course day 2
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RYA Keelboat Level 3- Better Sailing- Day 2
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Powerboat Skills and Instructors pre-assessment
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Youth Activity Sessions
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Keelboat Day Sail
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Intro to Cruising
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Performance Sailing for Dinghy Trainers
Morning Sessions
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Intro/ Progression Wingsurf
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Risk Assessment/ Safety Management
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Teaching Powerboat Level 2 with Digital Navigation
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Aqua Paddle
Lunch
Afternoon Sessions
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RYA Network
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Let's Have Some Fun- Multi Hull
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Understanding Radar
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Intro/ Progression Wingsurf
Afternoon Sessions Conclude
Hwyl Fawr/ Goodbye- Oakes Room
All Courses Conclude
17:00
Depart
Session Info
Saturday - All Day
Youth Multi Activity (WET & DRY)
8-11 years and 12-15 years.
Whole day youth activity session. Activities will be a mixture of wet and dry (determined by the weather). Possible activites:
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Caving
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High Ropes
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Biking
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Supping
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Sailing
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+ many more!
You will need to bring your own packed lunch or purchase one when booking.
RYA Safety Boat Course (WET)
This course provides the skills required when acting as an escort craft, safety boat, or coach for a fleet of dinghies, windsurfers or canoes, or for racing or training activities. It includes rescue techniques and elements or race management and mark laying.
Pre-requisites: Minimum age 16, Powerboat Level 2, basic understanding of sailing.
RYA Keelboat Level 3- Better Sailing (WET)
2 day course to build confidence and improve keelboat sailing. You will be in one of Plas Menai's J80's. Better Sailing allows for the opportunity to practice and consolidate sailing techniques and experience some of what the advanced modules have to offer.
Pre-requisite: Sailing skills to the standard of Level 2 Basic Skills
Intro to Cruising (WET)
Experience a day's sailing on the Menai Strait and learn the basics of sailing a yacht.
Plan is to stay afloat all day- you will need to bring a packed lunch or purchase one when booking.
RYA First Aid (DRY)
This one day course covers all of the usual first aid subjects but from a boating perspective. This course is MCA approved and satisfies the requirements for the Coastal Skipper Yacht Master and Advanced Powerboat Certificates of competence and some commercial work afloat.
Sailing Skills for Pre-Entry (WET)
This course is for those wanting to strengthen their sailing abilities in prep for the pre-entry assessment- an essential pre-requisite to the RYA Dinghy Instructor Course. The session will look at whether the sailor has the sailing ability and seamanship skills to become an instructor. To be signed off sailors must purchase and bring with them a G14. The assessment is conducted by an RYA trainer and is only valid for one year. See here for more info.
Pre-requisites- must be an experienced sailor in strong winds.
SUP Explore- Tour of the Menai Strait/ Llyn Padarn
Join us to explore North Wales whilst building confidence and skill on a stand-up paddleboard.
Pre-requisites: This is physical activity for the day therefore a certain level of fitness is required. Not essential to have paddle-boarded before.
You will need a packed lunch for this session or purchase one when booking.
Saturday - Morning
Racing- Explore the Drivers (DRY)
Shorebased session with Adam Parry- Technical Manager for RYA Racing Services. Aimed at people organising racing at their club- this session explores the different drivers of what sailors want from racing and look at what you could do to adapt your offering, helping you to attract new individuals to racing.
Intro/ Progression Wingsurf (WET)
The first step in the pathway to learning to wingfoil. You will learn how to control and manoeuvre the wing on land then hit the water on a windsurf board to practice your new skills.
Learn the Lessons (DRY)
Join Alan Williams on a practical session looking at real life scenarios that focus on safety, inclusivity, and operational excellence. This session highlights investigations within our sport which Alan has been involved with over the last couple of years, providing the opportunity for reflective questioning and looking at possible solutions.
Understanding Radar (DRY)
Radar is more and more common on boats across the powerboats, motor cruising and sail cruising schemes. Join this session to learn more about the basics of radar for navigation and collision avoidance using the latest simulator technology. Paul Glatzel is a RYA Trainer and Examiner and teaches and examines the use of radar across a range of craft and will lead this informative and beneficial session. The session will suit instructors teaching on a range of craft and wanting to better understand how to teach and make the most of this great technology.
Refresh Your Knowledge of Digital Navigation (DRY)
Whether it be for your own boating or instructing at a club/ centre, join this session to learn more about using a GPS for waypoints and routes etc.
Pre-requisites: possess basic navigation knowledge.
Saturday - Afternoon
Rock Up And Race (WET)
Run by Adam Parry- Technical Manager for RYA Racing Services, this session will allow you to try a new style of dinghy racing that may help to entice more people out racing more regularly. The "Rock Up And Race" type of sailing is becoming more appealing around the world. Try your hand at what that is and how you could run something at your club with the resources you have at your disposal.
Pre-requisites: this session will be water based and will require you to have some dinghy sailing skills.
Intro/ Progression Wingsurf (WET)
The first step in the pathway to learning to wingfoil. You will learn how to control and manoeuvre the wing on land then hit the water on a windsurf board to practice your knew skills.
Powerboat Intermediate Skills (WET)
Develop your skills and boating knowledge to venture into unfamiliar and sometimes challenging waters of the Menai Strait.
Pre-requisites: Powerboat Level 2 holder with some navigation knowledge
ClubZone (DRY)
Come and have a chat with one of the RYA CW or RYA team about anything related to personal development and clubs. It could be you want to discuss project ideas, find out about funding opportunities or maybe support as an individual on your own boating journey.
Keep Sailing Fun (WET)
Aimed at those delivering activity aimed at children within our clubs. This session will help bring out your creativity/ confidence to deliver onshore and water based sessions which feature in the Onboard programme session cards. Hannah, RYA sail trainer and Onboard Manager will take you through these sessions.
Pre-requisites: either a dinghy instructor or a good sailor.
Understanding Radar (DRY)
Radar is more and more common on boats across the powerboats, motor cruising and sail cruising schemes. Join this session to learn more about the basics of radar for navigation and collision avoidance using the latest simulator technology. Paul Glatzel is a RYA Trainer and Examiner and teaches and examines the use of radar across a range of craft and will lead this informative and beneficial session. The session will suit instructors teaching on a range of craft and wanting to better understand how to teach and make the most of this great technology.
Dinghy Foiling (WET)
Be introduced to a whole new world of feeling your first flight, feeling the acceleration as soon as it pops up.
Pre-requisite: RYA Level 2, but if you can handle a single hander (ILCA etc) in a bit of a breeze and can comfortably tack and gybe, you can foil!
Sunday - All Day
Day 2 for:
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RYA Safety boat course
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RYA Keelboat Level 3- Better Sailing
Youth Multi Activity (WET & DRY)
8-11 years and 12-15 years.
Whole day youth activity session. Activities will be a mixture of wet and dry (determined by the weather). Possible activites:
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Caving
-
High Ropes
-
Biking
-
Supping
-
Sailing
-
+ many more!
You will need to bring your own packed lunch or purchase one when booking.
Intro to Cruising (WET)
Experience a day's sailing on the Menai Strait and learn the basics of sailing a yacht.
Plan is to stay afloat all day- you will need to bring a packed lunch or purchase one when booking.
Powerboat skills and possible PISA
This session is a whole day option and ideal for those powerboaters that are looking to work towards being a powerboat instructor. Suitable for those who have 5 years experience in a variety of craft or reduced to 1 year if powerboating full time. If you wish to work towards a powerboat instructor skills assessment, please bring RYA G19 publication along. This assessment is the pre-requisite for a powerboat instructors course and is valid for a year. Find out more here.
Pre-requisites: Minimum age 16 years and hold RYA Powerboat Level 2.
Keelboat Day Sail (WET)
Come aboard a keel boat (small yacht) for the day. Learn the basics or refresh your skills and take in the breath-taking scenery of the Menai Strait. No "heads" (toilets) with this experience!
The plan is to stay afloat for the day so you will need to bring a packed lunch or purchase one when booking.
Performance Sailing for Dinghy Trainers (WET)
Join us for a one day training session focused on the delivery of the sailing with spinnakers and performance sailing courses. Perfect for trainers working towards delivery of the advanced instructor endorsement or to update current trainers. The format will be a mixture of shore-based activity and a chance to develop current sailing skills afloat.
Sunday - Morning
Intro/ Progression Wingsurf (WET)
The first step in the pathway to learning to wingfoil. You will learn how to control and manoeuvre the wing on land then hit the water on a windsurf board to practice your new skills.
AquaPaddle (WET)
Join the UK's fastest growing paddle event!
AquaPaddle is the "ParkRun" of the paddling world- a fun, inclusive event open to all paddle craft. It's a fantastic opportunity to boost your club's activities, welcome new members, and showcase your facilities to a wider community.
The best way to experience the excitement and potential of hosting an AquaPaddle is to take part! Join us on Sunday 12th October at The Big Weekend and see what it's all about. PLEASE CHOOSE YPUR CRAFT AND ADD ON WHEN BOOKING. There are sups and sit on tops unless you choose to bring your own!
10am start.
YOU MUST sign up to AquaPaddle!!
Add to register for the event:
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Teaching Powerboat Level 2 with Digital Nav
This session is for those RYA Powerboat Instructors who are looking to improve/ recap their knowledge delivering the Powerboat Level 2 syllabus, includes a recap on basic navigation and using digital aids.
Pre-requisite: Must be an RYA Powerboat Instructor
Risk Assessments/ Risk Management (DRY)
With an agenda that focuses on safety, inclusivity, and operational excellence, this session on risk assessments and safety management systems will be led by Alan Williams.
Sunday - Afternoon
Intro/ Progression Wingsurf (WET)
The first step in the pathway to learning to wingfoil. You will learn how to control and manoeuvre the wing on land then hit the water on a windsurf board to practice your knew skills.
Understanding Radar (DRY)
Radar is more and more common on boats across the powerboats, motor cruising and sail cruising schemes. Join this session to learn more about the basics of radar for navigation and collision avoidance using the latest simulator technology. Paul Glatzel is a RYA Trainer and Examiner and teaches and examines the use of radar across a range of craft and will lead this informative and beneficial session. The session will suit instructors teaching on a range of craft and wanting to better understand how to teach and make the most of this great technology.
Let's Have Some Fun- Multi Hull (WET)
This is ideal for those who have sailed before but as mulithulls require slightly different sailing techniques compared to boats with single hulls, this half day session gives you an insight and opportunity to hopefully have a fast, fun and exhilarating time.
RYA Network (DRY)
An opportunity to hear the updates and connect with RYA & RYA CW Staff
Some Extra Info
Tea & coffee will be available throughout both days
Lunch is available to purchase at the time of booking- you will need to bring a water bottle with you. If you do not want to purchase a packed lunch, please make sure you bring your own.
A Saturday evening meal is available to purchase when booking- please make sure you fill in the order form attached to the confirmation email.
Getting There
Centre Address:
Plas Menai, National Outdoor Centre, Caernarfon, LL55 1UE
​Nearest train station is Bangor
RYA Cymru Wales Green Scheme
Our RYA Green Scheme remains in place:
The RYA recognises that the protection of the environment is an integral part of our business. This Green Scheme is designed to encourage delegates attending this event to share rides or take public transport, therefore reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-responsibility. This is open to Welsh residents only.
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Those travelling by public transport to claim up to 50% of their travel costs to the event with a maximum claim of £75. To qualify you must register attendance at the event, present evidence of travel (receipt) and complete a claim form.
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Those offering lifts- bringing two or more people in your car (inc Driver), mileage up to a maximum of a round trip of 325 miles will be paid at a rate of £0.45p per mile! You and your passengers must register attendance at the event. The claimant must show proof of address and complete a claim form.
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