SLYC will be hosting the CH Marine 2026 Optimist Ulsters on 16th and 17th May
Strangford Lough Yacht Club is looking forward to hosting the Optimist fleet for the first regional event of the season. Set on the largest sea inlet in Britain or Ireland, the sheltered tidal waters are ideal for dinghy racing, and the club has hosted a number of Optimist events in the past, including the nationals. For non-sailing members of the family, the area offers several activities and attractions.
Food
There will be a food van at the club on Friday evening and the bar will be open. No booking is required.
On Saturday evening there will be a buffet meal served at 1800. Booking is required by Wednesday 13th May and places will be limited, so you are encouraged to book early. **FULLY BOOKED**
Accommodation
As well as the usual booking sites, you can also find options for accommodation here.
Camping
There is not a commercial camp site conveniently near to the club. Limited camping is available in members’ gardens within walking distance of the club. To arrange camping, please contact the office using the details at the bottom of this page.
Arrival
Upon arrival at SLYC, please follow the instructions of our Welcome Team to ensure that boats are unloaded and road trailers are taken away as quickly as possible. Road trailers may be stored, at your own risk, in a field close to the club. They may not be left on the club grounds.
Our club is in a residential area. We ask you to help us to minimise disruption for our neighbours. In particular, please respect the yellow lines and no parking cones. If you are unsure where to go, our Welcome Team will be pleased to help.
Registration
Registration will take place on Friday, 1600 to 2000, and Saturday, 0830 to1000, upstairs in the clubhouse.
Support boats
If you are bringing a support boat, you must register it with IODAI. You will be advised when your boat may be launched and recovered. Ribs arriving on Friday will be launched that evening. Ribs arriving on Saturday morning may not to be launched until after the fleets are afloat. We will endeavour to provide either moorings or pontoon space overnight on Friday and Saturday. However, SLYC accepts no liability for any harm to or caused by your boat.
Further information
More information is available on the IODAI website here.
The official notice board is here: https://www.racingrulesofsailing.org/documents/13869/event?name=iodai-optimist-ulster-championship-2026
Contact details
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have questions about the event. The club office can be contacted on +44 2897 541883 or office@slyc.co.uk
