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Dovey Yacht Club

www.doveyyachtclub.org.uk

Welcome to Dovey Yacht Club

Welcome to the DYC event booking page, which enables you to to book and pay for training, sailing and social events.

Simply click on an event category below to make a booking. 

The 2024 Season is looking bigger and better in every aspect. 

 Training is currently available to book with Racing, Windy Club and Social coming soon.

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Dovey Yacht Club

Dovey Yacht Club is a very friendly club catering for Dinghies, Cruisers, Sailboards Paddleboards and Kitesurfers. It is probably the best located Yacht Club in Wales with stunning views over the Dovey estuary. With its newly refurbished changing rooms and toilets we offer wonderful facilities both for sailing and social events. If you would like to become a member please feel free to download a membership form from the members section.

We have a healthy dinghy fleet including GP14’s, Lasers, RS Visions, RS Fevas, a thriving junior fleet of Toppers including many club boats, a buzzing kitesurfing scene and friendly cruiser sailing.

For 2019 we have a packed program of sailing and social events, coaching weekends and regatta weeks.

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I tried a ship-within-a-ship cruise experience and it was worth it for the endless perks—here’s why

The MSC Yacht Club affords travelers a totally different cruising experience, but you’ll have to splurge.

I heard tales of luxury from people about the ritzy MSC Yacht Club , the ship-within-a-ship concept where discerning passengers enjoy their own area of the cruise ship that includes a dedicated restaurant, private lounge, separate pool and sundeck as well as private butlers and concierges to take of any whim while cruising. The elevated Yacht Club boasts priority everything while sailing MSC.

I sailed on a four-night cruise on the new MSC Seashore, a glitzy ship with Italian flair intermingled with references to New York City at every turn. Although the ship was well-appointed and had amazing dining, drinking and entertainment venues, and a bountiful Top Sail main buffet, thousands of passengers made the ship feel crowded at times, elevators were slow, and as I strolled through the general pools, they were boisterous and crowded.

RECOMMENDED: 10 things about cruising on an adults-only ship that might surprise you

Switch gears to MSC Seashore’s Yacht Club, passkey-protected for lucky guests, and is a 180 from the ship’s general spaces. Once you scan your handy Yacht Club wrist badge, or your room key, you’re instantly given entrance to a breathtaking retreat of 131 staterooms and suites. All this luxury does come at a price. Cruise fares will vary based on destination, time of year, and cabin category, but generally speaking you can expect to pay double for the Yacht Club. And from my experience, it’s worth it. Read more about why you should splurge.

You’re fast-tracked through everything

The Yacht Club’s exclusivity and impeccable service standard started from the moment I got dropped off at the Port Canaveral cruise terminal. There were hundreds of people waiting to board at 1pm on embarkation day. I saw in the distance a canopy that said MSC Yacht Club. My husband and I wheeled our carry-on luggage to the representative under the canopy. I gave her my name and within two seconds, she gave me a sticker to wear and up we ascended on the escalator to check in. Just five minutes later, I was directed to the dedicated check-in area for Yacht Club guests. To my right, I saw about 1,000 people serpentine through ropes to do general check-in. I felt a sense of relief; who wants to wait in that line? Five minutes later, a butler from the Yacht Club insisted on wheeling my luggage to board the ship and I was in my room in a total on 12 minutes from the time I stepped foot out of the car to my stateroom in the Yacht Club.

Relaxing and streamlined

In addition, Yacht Club guests have the freedom to get off the ship first for excursions. Your butler will happily escort you off the ship with a smile. Guests also can disembark on the last morning first, which is a big convenience. Your butler walks you right to the place you disembark, bypassing crowds and hassles. Port Canaveral is about an hour away from Orlando International Airport, and we took a 10 am flight home. We didn’t have to linger around until the afternoon for our flight home.

Another perk is that there’s a special seating area in the theater for shows. All the shows were excellent during my voyage. All other ship passengers have to make reservations in advance for shows but that’s not the case for the privileged Yacht Club passengers. As long as you arrive about 10 minutes before any show you choose, a crew member from the Club will allow you entry into a special roped-off section. Again, no rushing through dinner—you have the flexibility to plan your evenings your way.

Your Yacht Club package is packed with remarkable value

The price tag may sound daunting, but there’s lots of value there. All Yacht Club cabins and suites include a premium drink package that covers beverages up to $15. You can use this perk both in the Yacht Club and throughout the ship. In addition, your package includes a two-device Wi-Fi package, which worked well during my sailing. Finally, you get access to the thermal spa suite, which is a place to indulge after a day in port or a sea day. Commonly, there’s a taboo regarding mini-bars, but not in the Yacht Club. It’s stocked each day with the beverages you want; just tell your butler and consider it done.

You get perks ashore too

If your sailing includes a call to Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island, Yacht Club guests get an elevated experience there too. Yacht Club guests enjoy a private area, and a dedicated restaurant called the Ocean House. While other ship guests were hosted to a buffet of predictable fare, I enjoyed a lobster roll, and my husband chose carne asada. In my opinion, one thing that could be improved was the tram service to the Yacht Club’s private area. We were told the last tram back was 3:30pm if we didn’t want to trek a 15-minute walk in the heat. Since we were docked in Ocean Cay for the evening and weren’t sailing, I was a bit dismayed by this logistical quirk. I felt like I was keeping an eye on my phone to make sure I didn’t miss the last tram.

You have private areas with curated food and drink and outdoor spaces

Within the Yacht Club complex, there’s the Yacht Club Restaurant, Top Sail Lounge and the One Pool Buffet, which are all exclusive to Yacht Club guests. Obviously, the food and service are steps above other dining venues of the ship, I can vouch for that. Although the food is delicious, if you don’t want to pay extra to dine at the specialty restaurants or fuss in the main buffet, eating three meals a day in the Yacht Club restaurant can get a bit monotonous. The breakfast is the same daily, and lunch and dinner offer a menu with daily specials plus a few standby selections like a hamburger or pasta each day. Although the Yacht Club Restaurant concept is desirable, I would strongly suggest dining in other venues on board, especially for dinner. I thoroughly enjoyed specialty dining in Ocean Cay Restaurant, Butcher’s Cut, and Kaito Teppanyaki. I also want to mention that late afternoon high tea is offered daily at the Yacht Club Restaurant. It was one of the nicest I have experienced at sea.

Also available exclusively to Yacht Club passengers is the Top Sail Lounge, which offers panoramic water views and has chef-curated selections from morning through late night. We enjoyed popping into the lounge at all hours to try finger foods and sweets. The One Pool Buffet offers a more casual option for breakfast and lunch by the pool. The buffet has grilled fish, sandwiches and lots of delicious options if you want to dine outside.

There’s also an exclusive area with a private pool and two whirlpools for Yacht Club guests only. The sun deck loungers are very comfortable and I never had to worry about finding a lounger, there are ample. One issue I had was that there was almost no shade on the sun deck; there were shaded day beds for Royal Suite and Owners Suite guests, but beyond those, I couldn’t find any shade, which was disappointing.

You can justify the price at the end of your cruise

Overall, the best way to explain my enthusiasm for my MSC Yacht Club experience is this: it’s better to book an interior stateroom in the Yacht Club than a luxe cabin outside the Yacht Club. It’s worth the splurge and you return home feeling truly pampered and it’s money well-spent. And I make this prediction: Once you try a ship-within-a-ship concept like the MSC Yacht Club, you won’t want cruise any other way. Bon Voyage!

• Erica Lamberg

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DYC welcomes new members - join today

Whether you live locally, visit regularly or are looking to join temporarily on holiday, there are a raft of reasons why you, your family and friends may like to consider joining our growing membership. 

Racing, social sailing, Kitesurfers, powerboating, windsurfers, wingfoilers, open water swimmers and jet skiing lovers all make up our diverse membership. All ages are made very welcome and accommodated for.

In 2023, alongside a host of watersports, we increased our opening hours substantially including in the winter months. In addition we ran over 100 social events ranging from family friendly BBQs and games, to quizzes, themed supper nights, live music and wine tasting. In particular we increased the number of free children's activities and events from crafting to Halloween parties. 

Social as well as full membership options are available and the views from the Club bar and balcony are spectacular. Our Bar opens regularly and is fully stocked with wines and beer on draft.

Upon joining we give you a tour of the Club and a Welcome fact sheet so that you get the very most from your Club. 

Whether you want to enjoy sailing, powerboating, SUP, open water swimming, other watersports or simply to enjoy a drink in our Members' Bar or on the balcony, here are just some of the things we have on offer;

Location. "Probably the best located sailing club in Wales with stunning views over the Dyfi estuary, what better way to enjoy the beautiful village of Aberdyfi." You can find us centrally located at the start of Aberdyfi's 4 mile sandy beach, overlooking the wharf and next to the main car park.

Facilities. Changing rooms, Toilets, baby changing facilities, phone charging are all part of your membership.

Sailing. As well as a full race programme we equally promote social sailing, enabling sailors of all abilities to get out on the water regularly. Our Sailing Timetable for 2023 included two annual regattas, at the beginning and end of the summer holidays. "Topper week" in August encouraged children to sail and race with the reassurance of full safety cover.

The 2024 sailing programme is now being prepared and is available on the website.

Boats and Boat Storage.   We have a wide ranging dinghy fleet including a thriving junior fleet available for members to use including brand new boats (Summer 2022) acquired following a generous grant. There is a dedicated dinghy park adjacent to the Club. A boat fee for your own or use of club boats does need to be paid. This covers maintenance of club boats, safety boat cover, radios and all the paraphenalia needed to get folk safely on the water

Training Courses. As part of our commitment to allow more of us to enjoy the water safely we provide a range of training courses for all ages and abilities. 2024 courses are available to  book online  or by emailing   [email protected]  today.

Clubhouse and Private function room. You can enjoy spectacular views over the Dyfi estuary any time of year. Our comfortable indoor bar, exclusive to members, is fully licensed with a wide range of hot and cold drinks. Upstairs we also have our dog friendly balcony. Downstairs, our newly refurbished showers, changing rooms, toilets and baby changing facilities enable you to freshen up after your time on the water, or the beach.

If you would like a bit more information please contact our Membership Secretary David Mason who is available by telephone on  01625 427882 or email [email protected] or download a membership form:

Membership runs from when you join to December then January to December

• Family: Includes spouse and all children below 18 years of age on 1st January 2024: £210
• Single Adult : Age 30 years or over on 1st January 2024: £170
• Student or Young Person: age 18 to 29 at 1st January 2024: £85
• Junior : Below the age of 18 and NOT included in a Family Membership on 1st January 2024: £55
• Senior Citizen : Existing senior citizen members, or other members with at least 5 years continuous membership, who are of state retirement age on 1st January 2024: £95
• Social : Available to anyone over 18 (some restrictions apply to this membership) single: £85 or Couple: £130.00 (incl VAT)
• Aberdovey Business (See Constitution for details): £315 inc VAT
•  Dinghy £170
•  Second Dinghy/Craft £85
•  Sailboard £0
•  Multihull Dinghy £250
• Junior boat fee £85

Use of Club Boats - by full members who are not paying a craft fee £170

Use of Junior Club boat £85 

Membership runs from when you join till December then January to December

Magnificent Estuary Sailing