Newport, Pembrokeshire Fleet

Yawls have been at Newport since the arrival of Lucy DY111 in 1976 and the summer visits of past DYA Commodore, Peter Benson, with his yawl Turtleneck DY180.

Both these boats encouraged the purchase of what is now our fleet of 12 Yawls, ranging from numbers 104 to 391, with more on their way.

Newport is within the Pembrokeshire National Park on the coast of West Wales, where the River Nevern enters Cardigan Bay. This is a drying estuary and access to the sea means following the course of the river before rounding the end of the bar. Access is usually three hours either side of high water and very much subject to the state of the bar and wind. If there is a fresh north-westerly wind it is best to remain at the Club bar! Yawls are ideally suited to the sea conditions and as well as racing are often seen out cruising the bay, fishing or checking pots for lobster and crabs.

Newport Boat Club runs open sailing races with the highlight being a long-distance race in August for the Leo Williams Devon Yawl Cup. The Clubhouse was built before 1800 as a storehouse when Parrog was a busy port, and it has been sympathetically developed and improved over recent years.

It is situated on the estuary edge with stunning views westwards over the bay. Further details, including the sailing programme, at www.newportboatclub.co.uk.

Easy cruising from Newport is South to Fishguard or North towards Cardigan. Further afield but still within Pembrokeshire there is the vast Milford Haven estuary to explore including the western and eastern Cleaddau rivers.

Yawlers are very welcome at Newport Boat Club. If you would like further information regarding sailing and moorings here or in the area please contact Jay Williamson via sailing @ newportboatclub.co.uk (without the spaces).