Pelican Week 18th-22nd August 2025 (Under 19s)
A fun and relaxed introduction to dinghy racing for under 19s!
Join us for a fantastic week of dinghy racing at Pelican Week, set in a stunning location that promises both fun and friendly competition. Whether you're a first-time racer or looking to sharpen your skills, Pelican Week offers something for everyone.
What is Pelican Week?
Pelican Week is a 5-day racing event featuring two racing fleets:
- Slow Fleet for RS Fevas and slower.
- Fast Fleet for anything faster than a Feva.
This event is open to everyone:
- Non-members are welcome to bring their own boats.
- Club members can race with their own or borrow a club boat.
You can choose to race for just a day or join us for the full week. Whether you are new to racing or a seasoned competitor, there is fun to be had for everyone!
What's the cost?
The fee to enter is £30 for the whole week, an amazing value for a week of racing fun!
Boat Allocation
To get as many racers afloat as possible, we will allocate club boats based on entries. We will do our best to match you with the boat and sailing partners you want, but please note this might not always be possible.
Parental Supervision
Not to be confused with Cadet Weeks, Pelican Week is focused on racing rather than instructing (we won't have many instructors on-site): Participants who are:
- Under 14: parents/guardians must always remain responsible for their children and stay within 5 minutes of the clubhouse (may walk to Instow beach to watch the sailing etc.) Parents/guardian need to remain nearby and available during the event. If a participant needs to return to shore for any reason, a parent/guardian will need to be ready to receive them.
- 14 years and over: may participate without parent/guardian present if-
- A completed parental consent form is held by the club.
- Parent/guardian always remains contactable during the activity.
- Parent/guardian can collect their child quickly in case of emergency.
What to Bring
Heres your checklist to make sure youre ready for all the action!
- Helmet (required): please feel free to bring your own or a cycling helmet which is also a great option. The club can provide helmets subject to availability, please let us know in advance in the Other Information section of the booking form.
- Wetsuit
- Buoyancy Aid
- Old trainers or water shoes (closed-toe and heel, no flip-flops please)
- Windproof or waterproof jacket
- Hat or cap
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses (with a retainer so they dont fly off)
- Towel
- Dry change of clothes
- Water and snacks (light refreshments will be available at the bar too)
Timings
These are the approximate timings (subject to change nearer the time, based on conditions):
How to Book
Ready to sign up? Please head to Pelican Week Booking Page.
- Non-members: you will need to create an account with your email and phone number. Please make sure to add emergency contact and any relevant medical info
- Members: Log in to your NDYC account and book your spot.
Available Club Boats
Weve got a variety of club boats available for members to borrow, including:
- Picos, Fevas, Lasers, Argos, Bahias, Omega, Laser 3000, Laser 4000
- Trapezes and spinnakers are welcome for experienced sailors.
- Optimists might be available (TBC).
Masthead floats are mandatory for all (the OOD may relax this requirement in light winds).
Non-members wishing to borrow a club boat will need to sign up for club membership (annual fee):
- Family Membership: £171
- Youth Membership: £51
Prize giving & BBQ
At the end of Pelican Week, we will be celebrating with a prize giving and BBQ on the last day. Its the perfect chance to come together, celebrate all the young sailors and enjoy some delicious food. We hope you will join us for a fun, social finish to a fantastic week of racing!
Calling All Volunteers
We would be really grateful for adult volunteers to lend a hand during Pelican Week. From assisting with safety boats to helping launch/recover the boats, your support will help keep the week running smoothly. If you are able to volunteer for any days during Pelican Week, please sign up here or email youth@ndyc.org.
Important Info
- For all the important policies related to NDYC Youth Sailing Activities, including the Parental Consent form for Young Pirates members aged 14+, please check out our Policies Page.
- Booking page: Pelican Week Booking 2025
- A WhatsApp group will be set up nearer the time of Pelican Week to keep parents/guardians in the loop with all the key info for competitors.
- Appropriate boat insurance is needed for anyone using their own boats.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to race in a fun, relaxed atmosphere with fellow young sailors - sign up for Pelican Week 2025 today!
Rigging videos
- Rigging an Argo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlY90-1ElhU
- Reefing an Argo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3YHv1fMT5E&ab_channel=DebenYachtClub
- Rigging the Spinnaker on a Topaz Race X similar to the set-up for Argo and Bahia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGCLCX10LF4&ab_channel=FinnPartsUSA
- Rigging a Bahia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgczfEmqJhc&ab_channel=FerdinandZiegelmayer
- Rigging an RS Feva - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fFScGUPfAQ&ab_channel=AllenBrothers%28fittings%29Ltd
- Rigging a Laser - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3HsMXwGUNs&ab_channel=LaserXD
Last updated 10:33pm on 28 April 2025