Small clubs already gaining big votes as top venue

by Brenda Hoult on 26 Nov 2013 Voting for the first GJW Direct Venue of the Year Award has begun with a flourish of submissions. Sailors are invited to vote for their top five favourite UK venues, from a list of 42 who have hosted a National Championship event during 2013. With 20 points for the top location down to two points for fifth, sailors can spread their votes across their favourites. Early returns see big venues such as Hayling and WPNSA near the top of poll, but smaller clubs like Hunts and Netley are also pushing for the coveted 'number one' slot.

The GJW Direct 2013 Venue of the Year Award is organised by SailRacer on behalf of the market-leading dinghy insurance provider. SailRacer have this year processed around 25,000 online entries and supported many championships, including the provision of live GPS tracking and reporting - helping to create a massive interest in sailing events through online spectators. The most popular venue of 2013 will be announced at the SailRacer End of Season Party on the evening of Saturday 14th December between two days of racing at the Datchet Flyer. New for this season, the Flyer is round 2 of the GJW Direct SailJuice Winter Series and SailRacer will be tracking all the boats and blogging a live online commentary.

Commenting on the poll, SailRacer's MD Simon Lovesey said: 'Given the diversity and variety of venues, it will be very interesting to see which comes out on top and the make-up of the top 10. Early comments demonstrate that it is the friendliness of the host club which rates highly with many sailors.'

Glen Wallis of GJW Direct went on to say 'With GJW Direct already supporting many classes, clubs and championships - including big events like SailFest - the GJW Direct 2013 Venue of the Year Award fits well with our involvement.'

Closing date for votes Friday 5th December. Vote here