UKLA Chair blog #31
First UKLA event of the year and Calling all Masters
On Thursday morning, things didn’t look great for the first Qualifier of the year in Stokes Bay with a rather light but cold, northerly, offshore wind forecast. As it turned out, we had fine weekend with the Race Committee doing an excellent job getting most of the racing done in the shifty conditions and when the sun came out for a few minutes on Sunday, it was positively balmy (Ok a slight exaggeration but I, for one, expected it to be colder). The SBSC volunteers did a great job getting us in and out, so thanks to all of them.
It is worth emphasising once again that these events are high quality open meetings organised by UKLA. They are termed “qualifiers” as they are used for access to international events but most sailors are attending to get great racing, not to qualify. That is why we welcome a board range of sailing experience at these events.
And I was once again amazed at the range in our fleet and how well everyone gels. The ILCA7 fleet has continued attract some younger sailors moving up from the ILCA6 creating a new vibrancy, with the opportunity to sail against Sam Whaley (British Sailing Team and World #3) and Jake Farren-Price (British Sailing Squad). There were sailors competing in their first ILCA7 event and there was sprinkling of Masters with Michael Clark, Andy Le Grice and David Surkov all getting at least one top 10 finish. With the experienced Daisy Collingridge, Matilda Nicholls and Hannah Snellgrove of the British Sailing Team all away training, the ILCA6 fleet had an age range of over 50 years and the top ten had two U17s, two U19s and three Masters.
The light winds made some of the mark rounding quite competitive but behaviour seemed to be mostly fine (remember aggressive shouting is not allowed) and with lots of helping each other in launching and recovery.
Calling all masters – the first Masters event of the year will be at Parkstone on 21st/22nd April - it is a great venue both ashore and afloat with entries opening on 7th March. Come and give it a go - remember Masters sailing is open and accessible to all competent club sailors over the age of 30.
Snippets:
This week’s podcast is Hannah Snellgrove
Entries are the two WPNSA qualifiers are open