THE DALGETY BAY Sailing Club's annual regatta is set to return this weekend- and they're hoping it will bring the club back up to pre-COVID strength. 

This weekend, the club will see boats from across the UK join them in St David's Harbour for a stunning display of boats and an exciting line-up of races across two days. 

Commodore John MacKenzie of Dalgety Bay Sailing Club Limited told the Press: "Dalgety Bay Sailing Club has been in existence for over 50 years and its a club for all ages. We have grandparents taking grandchildren out to sail as well as juniors and youths who take part in high level competitions.  

"Every year we organise, we call it a regatta, but essentially its a chance for people to come and visit the club, bring their boats and take part in racing over the course of the weekend.  

"Its a chance for us to go racing, welcome visitors from the club, use the facilities we’ve got and share the facilities that we’ve got with people from around Scotland and some people who travel up from England.  

"Over the last few years, the club has gone through the remediation process, the club has a new slipway that was put in place after the MOD carried out a great big project to remove the radium that was on the beach.  

"It was a big project that involved quite a lot of construction work that obviously impacted the club. We also had COVID, which essentially closed the club for about a year and this regatta is us getting back on our feet and coming back up to full strengths so we can invite members of the community to come and see what we’re up to, and take part."

The club has been running for over 50 years and welcomes sailors of all ages and abilities, though a basic knowledge of sailing is recommended.

Members of the club also get access to the club boats, so having your own isn't required!

And this weekend is the perfect opportunity for those who want to see what the club do, to come along, watch the boats being launched and see a high standard of racing from both members and visitors. 

He added: "This is part of the renewal and growth of the club, we’re taking it one step at a time and what we really want to do is show people that sailing is a fun sport to do.  

"We’re keeping our fingers crossed that the weather plays ball and that when people see what we do as a sailing club, they may say, 'Well I quite fancy trying that.'"

Racing will take place from 1 pm on Saturday, September 28 to 3 pm on Sunday, September 29. 

Members of the public can watch for free from the shore but a fee applies for those looking to participate in the regatta.