Garmin Hamble Winter Series announces new PRO

Stuart Childerley appointed PRO of the Hamble Winter Series © Trevor Pountain

Hamble River Sailing Club today announced that Stuart Childerley has been appointed Principal Race Officer for the 2016 Garmin Hamble Winter Series. Stuart is an experienced Race Officer and brings a wealth of sailing knowledge and expertise to this prestigious Solent event.

The Garmin Hamble Winter Series has offered varied, challenging racing for more than 34 years. Commenting on his appointment, Stuart said: "I am looking forward to working with the Winter Series team and competing Classes to ensure we build on everything already great about the event. We will continue to meet our sailors' expectations and perhaps look to bring in a few new ideas."

Stuart brings more than 35 years international sailing experience. Earlier this year, he won the Etchells European Championship in Cowes with Jeremy Thorpe from Antigua, and the Double Handed division of the Rolex Fastnet Race with team mate Kelvin Rawlings, finishing 4th overall. Among other events in 2015, Stuart was CRO at the ISAF World Sailing Series event at Weymouth and the Silvers Marine Scottish Series at Tarbert. He was also PRO of the RORC inshore series and is a regular PRO at Royal Southern YC events. Next year, Stuart will again have a busy RO schedule, including running the Brewin Dolphin Commodores' Cup 2016, 29er Nationals, 420 Nationals, Fling Regatta in Cape Town, St Maarten Race Week and Antigua Race Week.

The Winter Series, sponsored by Garmin since 2004, runs from early October till late November each year. It is famous for tactically challenging racing across a variety of formats with great courses and quick turnarounds between races. The Winter Series attracts around 130 boats from IRC, one design and mixed Sportsboats classes each year.

Joe Stevens from Garmin's European Marketing team, said: "We have enjoyed a long relationship with the Hamble Winter Series and HRSC. We look forward to working with Stuart as he continues to take the event forward."

Stuart takes the baton from Race Director Jamie Wilkinson, who moves to an honorary role within the Winter Series organising team. Jamie said: "After more than 30 years with the Winter Series, the time is right for a new PRO. Stuart has been working with me and our team of experienced race officers who run the Winter Series for several years so knows the event well. I am looking forward to staying involved in the Series and also being able to enjoy more sailing during the winter months."

www.hamblewinterseries.com