Robin FosterTaylor with his company Primo Insurance has committed a huge sum of money for the new addition to the Sail Training Fleet. Robin a lifelong supporter of sailing and great sailing competitor can see the opportunity a Sandhopper gives the TBYC Sail Training programme by basically offering the chance to learn to sail without necessarily getting wet. The Sandhopper with its standard rig of main sail, jib and traditional spinnaker offers all the aspects of sail trimming which once learnt the skills can be transferred to all manor of craft of all sizes.
Many thanks Robin for this hugely generous donation giving sailing and racing opportunity to so many for years to come.
The weekend saw 23 Sandhoppers compete in the East coasts event of the year. flukey conditions and light winds with a strong tide tested the boats to the max, postions changed from leg to leg with the helms not be allowed to lose concentration for a second.
Overall winners were Alan Burrell & Paul Beasley, ranked outsiders due to their weight (lots of pies and feta cheese on holiday the week before), they sailed superbly and were worthy winners, 2nd place went to Phil Crawford & Margaret Kennedy who had an excellent weekend of results to get pipped by just 1 point for the title. 3rd position went to Sue & Will Daly who were so far ahead on the first race we thought everyone else would be timed out..
A great weekend was had by all and a big thank you to all the race officers and support boat crew.
TBYC at its best, fantastic sailors, great facilities, volunteers, food and club house.
The America’s cup has inspired local press and national TV to feature the Sandhopper nationals this weekend for live prime time viewing, both Sky and channel 4 are currently bidding for exclusive rights.
The sandhopper press office is keeping very tight lipped as to the bidding war but huge sums are thought to be involved, the press officer who didn’t want to be named was commenting from his new house in Bermuda! ‘It’s always the highlight of the East coast sailing year, with so many world class sailors taking part this was going to happen at some stage’
The event starts midday Saturday and people are already setting up camp on the beaches of Thorpe Bay for the best view.
The Sandhopper Nationals will be held at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September. NOR, SIs and entry form are attached. Please note that the briefing on Saturday has been put back from 10.00 to 10.30am.
Don’t forget, to compete in the National Championship the helm must be at least an associate member of the SCBA. If you have not joined this year, contact Janet Willsmer 07969 598309.
The Sandhopper Nationals will be held at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September. NOR, SIs and entry form are attached. Please note that the briefing on Saturday has been put back from 10.00 to 10.30am.
Don’t forget, to compete in the National Championship the helm must be at least an associate member of the SCBA. If you have not joined this year, contact Janet Willsmer 07969 598309.
