UKLA Chair blog #16
This week I wanted to touch on our Grand Prix circuit in conjunction with Richard Mason who is our National Grand Prix Co-ordinator (Contact Richard). Many of you will remember the Grand Prix circuit in the eighties and nineties which was so well attended around the country and the envy of other classes. Richard tells me that he wants to build the circuit back to those glory days and starting last year, the UKLA has started committing more funds to support this.
So what is the Grand Prix circuit?
Richard says This is some great ILCA class racing at local level which takes place throughout the main sailing season. This is broken down into different regions in the UK – see here on the website. There is normally several open meetings (on UKLA calendar) to count for the series and prizes for the overall champions as well as others are awarded. You can take part in any rig and the rules for each area are set by the area coordinator for the year. The basic rules are simple: come along, have some great racing and enjoy (smiles are compulsory). There are always hot shots who turn up to events, but all levels and ages are made welcome - remember ask the boats at the front for tips as they normally help.
Richard plans more UKLA support next year including much more promotion of the Grand Prix circuit. If you have suggestions, please email Richard at above address. Also please make sure your club class captain is now the Class Captain WhatsApp group. We have only one region without a co-ordinator (east coast) so if you can spare some time to help out with a Grand Prix circuit there please get in touch.
Super Grand Prix events (SGP)
These are two-day events (normally one event per region) with top class training on Saturday (heavily subsidised by UKLA) and a social event Saturday night. Again aimed at club level sailors ……do not let the word super make you think it is aimed above you ….Everyone is welcome no matter what their ability. Sunday is putting into to practice what you have learnt Saturday with GP level racing and a prize giving.
So have a good look at the calendar next year and pick a few events to turn up too. I am sure you will enjoy.
It is worth adding that UKLA events as a whole (Nationals, Qualifiers, open training and support for club training, Grands prix and SGPs) are run at a financial loss in order keep prices as low as possible and attract as many ILCA sailors as possible. That may be part of the reason our participation numbers are so high but it certainly doesn’t mean the UKLA is making more money out of the increased numbers. Our Treasurer, Steve Taylor, and I will do a blog on this shortly.
All the best
Mark
Check our UKLA website and calendar of events