Just the two of us - Upffront.com sponsors United Kingdom Double Handed Offshore Series for 2022
by Calanach Finlayson 11 Mar 2022 09:00 UTC
United Kingdom Double Handed Offshore Series © Carlo Borlenghi
UKDHOS is coming back for its second year and Upffront.com is proud to be a sponsor! The 2022 season promises to be bigger and better than 2021, and we can't wait to see these competitive boats and sailors back out on the water.
UKDHOS - That's a lot of letters. What does it mean? Well it's an acronym for... take a deep breath... United Kingdom Double Handed Offshore Series.
Back in 2020 many of us were stuck at home, dreaming of being on the water. Even when we were able to go sailing, it was typically only possible in small groups. Covid rules, combined with the inclusion of a mixed double handed offshore event in the Paris 2024 Olympics, led to a growing interest in the sport of short-handed sailing.
As another Covid winter drew in, a small group of passionate Solent-based sailors (including offshore star Henry Bomby) got together (probably virtually) and the UKDHOS was born! The aim was to bring together all the double handed boats taking part in UK racing and provide a dedicated series with a dedicated scoreboard.
Rather than running new races, the series instead combines a selection of the existing high-class offshore events run by RORC and other clubs in the UK. 2021 saw the first year of the UKDHOS with 30 teams competing in six intense races across the season. Accomplished shorthanded sailors, newcomers and even some sailing royalty, all jostling for position on a new double handed leader board.
The announcement that offshore doubles would no longer feature in the Paris Olympics came as a big blow to many teams who had set their sights on 2024. But despite that, the interest has continued to grow as boat owners realise it is not only cheaper and easier than organising a full crew, but also extremely rewarding! The inclusivity of the class has also been a key to its success with an increased focus on promoting youth and women in sailing.
Upffront.com is pleased to announce sponsorship of the UKDHOS for 2022. Our partnership will contribute financially towards the running of events and coaching. We are also offering additional benefits to members of the class who can sign up to receive exclusive discounts on all their hardware and rigging.
The 2022 season promises to be bigger and better than 2021, with more boats, a new selection of events and updated scoring - all promising for even closer racing. One partnership we are particularly excited about is that of six-times round the world sailor Dee Caffari teaming up with double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson.
Throughout the season we will be bringing dedicated content on how to setup your boat for double handed racing and hopefully sharing insights direct from some of the sailors.
As Bill Withers once said: "Just the two of us, We can make it if we try..."
Visit UDKHOS website