After last year's record entry, we're really looking forward to this, the 20th great year of CRF!  And we've got a packed programme of sailing events for you this year – just go to The Sailing Pages to see what's on offer.   (But please note the programme is provisional at this stage – things may still change.)

Here are some highlights

The New LA-LA Rally
The 2013 Festival will kick off with the LA-LA rally, which is under New Management this year.   Here's what new LA-LA boss Colin Lee is planning for the cruisers:

"Depart Conwy Saturday morning with activities in the Bay and probable Swellies passage Saturday evening…  Activities Sunday morning in Strait, BBQ Sunday afternoon, return to Victoria Dock Sunday night, return to Conwy Monday"

We're working on getting some of the local powerboats involved this year too.  They'll probably go round Anglesey, then meet up with the cruisers at Caernarfon for a hot night out.

Handicap Racing
We've included an extra race day (practice race) for the cruisers on Tuesday – strictly optional but a good opportunity for newbies to see how things work, and for old hands to get back up to full (racing) speed. 

The Olympian class will continue to sail under the PY system, but there'll be an IRC trophy for those boats that have an IRC rating.

 Traditional Boats
We're looking forward to the return of the Drascombes, who'll be joining the other traditional boats (Nobbies & Gaffers) for some events. 
On the first Sunday (an ebb tide day) we'll be running a cruise round the Bay for the trad fleet, with activities and hopefully a stop for lunch. 

We're also aiming to make racing a lot more fun this year, with easier starts and courses that are more suitable for traditional boats.

Dayboats, small cruisers & Dinghies
Richard Stagg is i/c the dayboats and small cruisers (the 'Spartan' class, introduced last year) and has arranged for a start line off Deganwy Quay, which should be entertaining.  On Conwy Quay Day we're hoping to run a dinghy race too, so there really is something for everybody this year!

Conwy Quay Day
We're aiming to liven up the water-based activities on Conwy Quay Day, to provide more fun for participants and spectators alike.  We think there ought to be more input from local organisations and businesses, so we're going to encourage them to enter teams for the rowing races etc.

All Wales Boat Show
During the latter part of CRF, the AWBS will be going on at Deganwy Quay and Conwy Marina, which should be a great attraction – see http://allwalesboatshow.com/ for details of what they've got lined up!

Social events
Full details of the CRF social programme will be available later, so keep an eye on the website and we'll send you updates when there's more news.

Personnel
If you're interested in helping with CRF, please contact us at sailing@conwyriverfestival.org .  We need someone to take minutes for the main committee, and people to help organising Conwy Quay Day (which is a major fund-raising event for local charities).  Don't be shy.

And
Conwy Town Council, Cartefi Conwy, Conwy County Borough Council,
The Conwy Mooring Company, Blind Veterans UK, Mostyn Estates, Robinson’s Brewery and The Mulberry
North Wales Power and Sail, The Smallest House, Parisella’s Ice Cream,
Brookes Tarpaulins, Bryn Cynog Park, George Edwards, Mooch Handbags,
Cliff Hughes, Mel Herman, Buckley’s Cranes, Glyn Fairbrother, Roland Young,
Castle Cabs, Terry Hughes,Yachting Monthly, Practical Boat Owner and
Classic Boat.