Let's get together on our waters
The RYACW BIG Weekend is back!! Its return on the 10th-11th October 2026 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?
***New for 2026***
Merched Y Mor/ Women of the Sea- women only keelboat and cruising on Sunday 11th.
Green Blue collection bin:
Across the weekend, we'll have a Green Blue collection bin for unwanted and used sailing kit and equipment. All items donated will be passed onto our partners Kitround and Circular Flow, helping extend the life of sailing gear and reduce waste through redistribution and recycling.
Welsh Sailing Merchandise
Available to try on and purchase- check out what's available here- Welsh Sailing / Royal Yachting Association Cymru Wales Archives - Tees R Us Embroidery and Print
How the weekend works...
Who can attend?
-
Anyone aged 15 and above can attend the BIG Weekend- but please check age and pre-requisites for each session.
-
Under 15s can attend the Youth Multi Activity Sessions.
What do i do?
-
Take a look at the Agenda and Session Info below
-
Book your sessions- either select an all day activity, or one morning and one afternoon activity each day. Weekend tickets start at £17.
-
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:
-
Bed & Breakfast in Centre Single Occupancy/ Sharing Twin Room.
-
Self-Catering on site houses (sleeps up to 6).
-
Campervans non-electric hook up only to park in the general car park and make use of the facilities @£12pp/pn.
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:
-
A wetsuit
-
Wetsuit boots
-
Footwear suitable for cruising (non marking soles)
-
Waterproof/ windproof clothing
-
Buoyancy aid
-
Towel
-
Hat
-
Sunglasses
-
Sun cream
-
Water bottle
2025 Big Weekend blog
Weekend Agenda
Saturday
08:45-09:30
09:30-16:30
09:20-12:30
12:30-13:30
13:30-16:30
Registration & Welcome
All Day Sessions & Courses
-
RYA Safety Boat
-
RYA First Aid
-
Youth Activity Sessions
-
Intro to Cruising
-
Paddlesport Safety and Rescue
-
RYA Pathway and Class Association Safety Management Day
-
RYA Keelboat Instructor- Pre Entry
-
Dinghy Sailing Skills with Pre Entry
-
Rescue Techniques and Recovery
-
Power- Time & Tide, Plan it, Plot it
Morning sessions
-
Intro/ Progression Wingsurf
-
Dinghy Sailing Skills in Coastal Waters
-
Dinghy Foiling
-
Club Racing: Rules, Race Management & Best Practice
-
RYA Network
Lunch
Afternoon Sessions
-
Intro/ Progression Wingsurf
-
Dinghy Foiling
-
Dinghy sailing Skills- Lets Go Fly A kite
-
Keep Sailing Fun
-
Environment and Wellbeing
All Sessions End
RYA Cymru Wales AGM
Dinner
Bar Opens
Bar Closes
16:30
16:30
18:00-19:00
19:00
23:00
Sunday
08:45-09:30
09:30-16:30
09:20-12:30
12:30-13:30
13:30-16:30
Registration & Welcome
All Day Sessions & Courses
-
RYA Safety Boat
-
Youth Activity Sessions
-
Keelboat Day Sail
-
Merched Y Mor- Keelboat (women only)
-
Merched Y Mor- Cruiser (women only)
-
Powerboat Skills with PISA
-
Dinghy Sailing Pre Entry Skills
-
Coaching With Alan
Morning sessions
-
Power- How Do Your Skills Measure Up?
-
Wingfoiling
-
Dinghy Foiling
-
AquaPaddle
-
RYA Network
Lunch
Afternoon Sessions
-
Power- Search Scenarios
-
Dinghy Foiling
-
Wingfoiling
-
Lets Have Some Fun- Multihull
Thank You to our hosts and supporters:
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.
-
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.
-
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.
