A hint of spring was certainly in the air on 6th March 2011 when the 50-strong members of the race management team for the Warsash Spring Series 2011 held a full dress rehearsal for the Solent’s premier early season event. All systems afloat and ashore were checked ready for the first day’s racing next Sunday 13th March.
As well as the six Spring Series Sundays, the Spring Championship is being held on the final two weekends with multiple races. Sportsboats, 'Big Boats' and quarter tonners share the Spring Championship dates of ninth/10th and 16th/17th April 2011.
Entries show several class trophy winners of 2010 returning to the fray to defend their titles. These include Artemis (Paul Turner), J-Dream (David and Kirsty Apthorp) and Oi! (John Cooper). Competition will be keen in the 28-strong Laser SB3 class with three world champions taking part – Jerry Hill (2010), Craig Burlton (2009) and Geoff Carveth (2008). In 2010 Geoff Carveth carried off the Spring Series prize with Craig Burlton topping the class for the Spring Championship. Three Farr 45s have so far signed up for their class in the Spring Championship, including the newly formed British Keelboat Academy in Kolga. Their competition includes Niklas Zennstrom’s Ran and Stewart Whitehead’s Rebel. The Sigma 38 class association was formed in 1987. The design came from the drawing board of David Thomas, first Chief Race Officer for the Spring Series 27 years ago. 13 boats are entered, demonstrating the continued popularity of the Sigmas and they will enjoy a separate class in 2011. Class splits for handicap divisions will be decided this Thursday 10th March so class numbers can be kept to an equal size.
The SCRA mark designation system is being introduced by Solent clubs for 2011 and this will be used for the first time in the Warsash Spring Series. Some buoys have also had a change of name for this year and Warsash Sailing Club will be including a free up-to-date BuoyRacer laminated chartlet with each set of sailing instructions for the Series.
Warsash Sailing Club extends a warm welcome to all competitors at Shore House in the entrance to the Hamble River. Breakfast is available from 0730 and a range of hot food and snacks after racing. Those skippers lucky enough to have won their class on the day can also pick up a bottle of champagne in the friendly club bar where you can watch the day’s results unfold.
Provisional results are emailed to each entry as soon as they are available. You can also sign up for this service and regular email updates on the website www.warsashspringseries.org.uk. Further entries are welcome for the Spring Series, Spring Championship or individual days. Enquiries can be made to admin(at)warsashspringseries.org.uk.
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