Keelboat Regatta News - what a weekend !

Friday 9th to Sunday 11th July 2010

Champagne sailing conditions

The keelboat regatta ended on Sunday after three days of fantastic conditions. The wind blew F3-5 from SSW to W with beautiful flat seas, scenery and sunshine in Weymouth Bay. A variety yachts and keelboats competed from National Squibs to a 50' ocean-going yacht.
Friday saw all the IRC and PYN handicap yacht classes on their long distance race. Different courses were set involving the areas many fixed marks from East Shambles off Portland Bill to Portland Harbour. Squibs enjoyed close racing round the cans with two back-to-back races. The evening entertainment was lubricated with a Palmers Beer promotion at Weymouth Sailing Club.

Saturday brought the J/24s onto the race course for the start of their Southern Area Championships (Y&Y report). Although sharing the same start line the J/24s had their own course which meant minimum interfence to and from other classes. Great conditions again with a sea breeze adding to the prevailing SW wind through the day. In the evening at Weymouth Sailing Club it was the turn of a hard-to-resist Brugal Rum promotion and lively entertainment from the Exmouth Shantymen to keep us all in the regatta party spirit !
During the evening a charity raffle was held which raised more than £350 to go towards local charities
MV Freedom and The Chesil Trust .

Sunday witnessed more than a few sore heads and the odd absent boat, partly due to late night exploration of the Dark Side ! Again conditions were perfect with 2 back-to-back races for all classes. The final prize giving was held at the Royal Dorset Yacht Club where the Mayor presented the trophies, engraved glassware and prizes.
The organisers would like to thank PRO Peter Hopford and his team on the water including MV Freedom plus the shoreside helpers.
Once again our main sponsors Henri Lloyd have been very supportive and generous throughout the event.
Check this website for details of next year's dates.

Results    Saturday photos    Sunday photos

BBC Radio Solent interview - at 37:30

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