Double Handed Series at Royal Southampton YC

by Cathy Crawley on 10 Mar 2012 Corona Extra Double Handed Series 2012, organised by the Royal Southampton Yacht Club, kicks off on 24th March at 10am with the Spring Solent Double in the central Solent. The races are sponsored by Corona Extra who support the event with gifts for early entrants, battle flags and generous race and Series prizes.

This year will see the 32nd consecutive year of double handed racing. The increasingly popular annual Series provides something for everyone taking part in the friendly and competitive contest.

RSYC Captain of Racing, Bob Trimble says 'We’re looking forward to the start of new Double Handed racing season. It’s always a thrill to see a fleet of some 80 boats battling for their class win in the first race of series.' He added that 'even though the series is starting almost a month earlier than usual this year, numbers are promising to be as strong as ever' and 'as well as the usual four monohull classes, we’ve heard rumour that we may see the return of a multihull class which should add to the excitement'.

Boats compete for three annual Series trophies: The Main Series comprises eight races and is made up of four Inshore Series races and four Offshore Series races. The Inshore Series comprises the Spring and Autumn Solent Doubles (Solent races with a passage flavour), the popular Nab Tower Double, and the favourite event of the Series, the Island Double. The Offshore Series comprises the Weymouth Double (one race out, one race back), the Cherbourg Double and a long distance race, this year the Le Havre Double. The Double Handed year is rounded off with a prizegiving and party at the end of October.

Entries can be accepted up to the day of each race but Series entries (for the Main, Inshore and Offshore Series) attract discounts with even better rates for those entering by 14th March, 10 days before the opening event. This year, all early competitors (Skipper and Co-skipper) will each receive a really useful roll-top dry bag plus a T-Shirt carrying the name of all the entered boats.

RSYC website