Glyn Charles Open at HISC - 26 April 2008

by Event media on 25 Mar 2008 Although club racing started the previous weekend, the Open event sailing season at Hayling Island SC will really get into its stride with the Glyn Charles Memorial Pursuit Race at the end of April - Saturday 26 April.

Last year over 130 boats entered the event, won by Chips Howarth and Vyv Townend in a Fireball. The first ten places included a 420, a Raceboard, several Flying 15s and Merlin Rockets and an International Canoe.

Nine years on from when Glyn was tragically lost in the Sydney Hobart Race, the race held in his memory has grown each year with the generous support of the many sponsors, sailors and class associations who get behind the event.

The race is organised by a group of Glyn’s close friends, and all funds raised are donated to the John Merrick’s Sailing Trust. John who died in 1997 was a fellow Olympic teammate and close friend. The Trust set up in his honour, provides sailing opportunities for young and disadvantaged people, and is a cause dear to Glyn’s heart.

The 2008 race will be no exception with pledges of support rapidly coming in, and many of Glyn’s former crews and teammates planning to race too. A fun, competitive race around the cans, Glyn’s race attracts entries from all dinghy classes and ages, pitting their wits to win a stunning array of prizes, which are spread across the fleet, from back to front.

Neilson Active Holidays have pledged a Beachplus Club holiday for two people, worth up to £2000.

The winner will be heading to the beautiful island of Lesvos - in Greece's northern Aegean Sea. The Aeolian Village is exclusive to Neilson and has been built in typically Aegean style with extensive & spacious grounds on a long stretch golden sand. The charming village of Skala Eressos is just a 10min walk away offering a relaxed combination of stylish bars and restaurants, alongside traditional tavernas and cafes.'

Further fantastic prizes have been promised, including:

• A Laser 1 mainsail by LaserPerformance
• Family weekend at SailLaser, by LaserPerformance
• £600 of clothing vouchers by Gill
• The infamous pair of Scott ski’s for last finisher (try another sport prize)

• And many other fabulous prizes, including kit from Musto, Tacktick, Henri Lloyd, Dinghy Sailing magazine, RYA books, Seahorse, Lewmar and Yachting World amongst many more.

The On-line entry is now open on the HISC website, where you can also make an additional donation to the John Merrick’s Sailing Trust.

This is a famously relaxed event and entries will also be accepted at the HISC Office and at the entry boat situated approximately 20m down wind of the committee boat (correct monies if possible).

The Glyn Charles event on Saturday 26 April is open to all dinghies and small racing keelboats with a PY below 1432 (Cadet). Unfortunately, multihulls cannot be permitted due to restrictions on their racing within Chichester Harbour. The following keelboats are acceptable. Flying 15, RS K6, RS Elite, X boat, Swallow, Sunbeam, Hawk, Star, Yngling (others please check with the HISC office).

Merlin Rocket sailors have an Open Meeting at HISC on the Sunday following the Glyn Charles and RS sailors might like to note that the following weekend (3 to 5 May) is their RS Anniversary All Fleets Regatta at HISC, so get down to Hayling early and take part in a great warm-up event.

To donate prizes or sponsorship please contact:
Liz Rushall - liz@rushall.net or +44 (0) 1243 372547
Glyn Charles Entry and News Event website: http://www.hisc.co.uk/entry_gc/gcnews_page.htm

Other early season HISC Open Events:

Merlin Rocket Open Meeting - Sunday 27 April
RS Racing Anniversary Regatta - Sat 3 to Mon 5 May
Charity Pursuit Race - Monday 5 May
Olympic Classes Open Meeting - Sat 10 and Sun 11 May
RS Feva National Championship - Sat 24 to Mon 26 May

Event website: www.hisc.co.uk