Laser SB3 Spring Championships

by Clare Molloy on 13 Apr 2007
Starting this weekend, the Raymarine Warsash Spring Championships marks the first major event for the Laser SB3 class for 2007. Historically the event sets the precedent for the coming racing season and this year should be no exception.

Over 50 boats have entered the championship, a 14 race series which takes place over the next two weekends. The SB3 Class Association have worked closely with Warsash SC over the winter, and for the first time the SB3s will have their own start line and course in order to accommodate the large number of entries – and this will no doubt ensure quality racing right through the fleet.

So far in the Raymarine Warsash Spring Series the 2006 National champion Geoff Carveth, sailing Palava, is continuing his consistent form and will be the man to beat in the championships. Experienced yachtsman Marshall King, sailing Blue Job, is also making his presence felt in his first season as an owner driver and has been keeping Carveth within his sights.

Dan Geoghegan in his new Champagne Blonde, continuing on his theme of blonde boats, will also be looking to go one better this year after being beaten by the smallest of margins to last year’s Spring Championships title by Mike Budd. This year it is rumored that Budd will be teaming up with Paul Lovejoy on Badger Racing and that duo cannot be ruled out as a contender. Last year’s European Champion Craig Burlton on Monkeyoffice.co.uk is always a major threat and will be hoping to make his mark leading up to his European Title defense at Weymouth in June.

With over 300 Laser SB3s sold worldwide there is no shortage of new crews coming onto the circuit who could upset the old guard. With the depth of talent that currently exists, and the likes of Russell Peters and Glenn Bourke expected to rejoin the fleet next month, not to mention some strong players in Ireland and the rest of Europe, the standard has been set for some fantastic racing in 2007.