Marblehead racing at Watermead - Preview

This coming Sunday August 10th, sees the Marblehead class go back into National Ranking mode following the recent Worlds in Gouda, NED. 20 boats are entered with some regular faces missing due to holiday the season, but more importantly filled with some new and returning faces looking to step up and test themselves in the class.

All eyes will be on both IOM skipper and Gosport sailmaker Nigel Brown (Gothic) and Peter Ferguson from Guildford (Pixel) who will be launching new boats at the event and we wish them every success with their new rides.

IOM skipper Paul Stubbs from Manor Park will be racing Darin Ballingtons 'pimped' Bantock ROK design, John Tushingham makes a welcome return with his Byerley designed Dreadnought after running the Nationals at Keighley and Jess Collier is back again with his Skalpel for more after his first successful outing at Guildford in April.

Adding further interest to the day, recently crowned world champion Brad Gibson will be racing the inspiration behind the 'Pimp my Marblehead' series, his 1991 Bantock designed Paradox that has undergone some steady 'cost effective' upgrades to demonstrate how well good older designs can compete at this level.

To keep them all honest, a fleet led by 2011 World IOM and multiple Marblehead National Champion Peter Stollery will be looking to take the Midlands title for 2014.

The weather is forecast is tipping a gusting wind with lower suits likely to be needed. If you are interested in the best of what radio sailing has to offer or just curious, then get along to Watermead and take a look.

When - Sunday 10th August
Where - Watermead Sail & Ski Centre, Aylesbury
Time - Racing commences 10 am through to approx 4.30pm

For all UK Marblehead Class news check our website at: marbleheadsailing.wordpress.com or follow us on twitter at @MarbleheadUK