Club History
Written by Shirley Reekie 2025
For a more detailed history of the club, the book Time and Tide: A History of Trearddur Bay Sailing Club 1919-2019 is available from the author.
A Seaside Tradition Begins
As reported in the Liverpool Mercury, a regatta and sports day were held at Trearddur Bay in August 1896, attracting both locals and visitors. However, the formal establishment of Trearddur Bay Sailing Club had to wait until after the end of World War I. As one might imagine, the bay and people's attire looked rather different back then.
The Spark of an Idea
Fishing boats, rowing boats, and small sailing boats were already a feature of the bay. So, it wasn't entirely surprising when, in August 1918, Frank Buckley, sailing his 16-foot Elf, challenged Frank Matthews in Margaret, also 16 feet, to a race round the Lagoon rocks and back. Frank Matthews won, but the most significant outcome was the shared determination to found a sailing club with classes of identical dinghies.
Founding the Club
And so it was that in August 1919, a regatta was held featuring six boats ranging in length from 13 to 19 feet. The starting line ran from a mark on the Cod Rocks to a boat anchored in the bay, as there was no flagstaff as yet. On August 23, 1919, a meeting was held, and those present (15 men and 2 women) resolved to form Trearddur Bay Sailing Club. Things moved swiftly! By August 1920, membership had grown to over 50, each paying a 5/- subscription. Collectively, they owned three 14-foot Myth dinghies and five 12-foot Insect dinghies (three of which remain today: Hornet, Midge, and Ant). A swimming sports day was introduced, along with rowing races. The first Half Rater appeared in 1921.
Early Developments
In 1922, a rudimentary flagpole was erected on the headland, and a shotgun was fired for starting signals. The annual club booklet, listing all members, began publication in 1923. The perch was added to the Cod Rocks in 1924, by which time a points series of races was held in June, July, and August (winners of each race received £2), plus an August Novice race series (winners received 10/-; spoons as prizes had to wait until 1958).
A Memorial and Continued Growth
The current flagstaff dates from 1928. It cost £21 10/-, and was erected in memory of the Hon. Sec., Donald Smellie, who drowned in 1927 off Llanddwyn while sailing a Half Rater to the Menai Straits regatta.
Post-War Evolution
Progress was steady until World War II, during which the club ceased racing. Afterwards, activities continued much as before until the mid-1950s, when new, modern, lightweight dinghies began to appear: the GP and Cadet classes, which were stored on both Porth Diana and the main bay beach. Modern they were, but they still had cotton sails.
Fundraising and Fun
A highlight of the 1960s was the annual RNLI fundraising event, which took various forms, including raft races, hoax monster sightings, and "invasions."
Celebrating 75 Years
The club's 75th anniversary was marked by a sail past with over 100 boats participating, showcasing the new classes then prominent: Mirrors, Optimists, Lasers, Toppers, among others.
Modern Growth and Success
Since then, the Myth class has seen the greatest percentage increase, with new boats being built from 1996 (number 31) onwards. The average number racing in 1986 was 5; now it is often in the upper 20s. Furthermore, the number of club courses that can be raced has increased from 2 (one inside course, one outside) to the 28 of today. Half Rater numbers have shown a similar increase.
A Thriving Club Today
Optimists now have the largest class listing in the club booklet, greatly aided by the annual sail training. But Fevas, with almost 40 boats listed in the booklet, are quickly catching up!
More Than Just Sailing
The renovation of the "boat yard" in time for the centenary finally provided a dedicated meeting place for members. And this brief history doesn’t even touch on the social side of the club, with its sandcastle competitions, balls, golf and tennis tournaments, inland sea picnics, treasure hunts, and more!