Bright but chilly conditions greeted the 50-strong members of the race management team for the Warsash Spring Series 2010, when a full dress rehearsal was held for the Solent’s premier early season event. All systems afloat and ashore were checked, ready for the first day’s racing next Sunday 14th March 2010.

As well as the six race Spring Series on Sundays, the Spring Championship is being held on the final two weekends with multiple races. Sportsboats and “Big Boats” share the Spring Championship dates of 17/18 and 24/25 April. The Quarter Ton class joins in on the penultimate weekend and Commodore’s Cup triallists over the final one – a busy but exciting finale for Warsash Sailing Club.

Entries currently show an increase over 2009 with several class trophy winners returning to the fray. These include Werewolf (Farr 45 - Jerry Otter), 2XS (X99 – Aindriu McCormack), J/Dream (J/109 -Kirsty and David Apthorp) and Java (J/105 – Rob Dornton-Duff.)  Keen competition is also guaranteed in the Laser SB3s, currently 32-strong, where Geoff Carveth (Spring Series winner) and Sarah Allan (Spring Championship winner) will again be competing. First 40.7s and Sigma 38s are also well represented in Black Group where a separate class for J/92s has been introduced this year.

Every year brings amendments to the seasonal race marks and a special Warsash Spring Series Buoy Racer chart is included with the Sailing Instructions and entry pack for each skipper.  Competitors are reminded of the new buoys – “RORC” and “Royal London” – near the Bramble Bank.  “Flying Fish” is some 140 yards due south of its 2010 published position but will be re-laid after Easter in its correct new spot.

After racing, Warsash Sailing Club extends a warm welcome to all competitors at Shore House in the entrance to the Hamble River. Hot food is available in the friendly events bar where you can watch the day’s results unfold and weekly champagne prizes are awarded to class winners present in the clubhouse. Provisional results are also emailed to each entry as soon as they are available.

Enquiries regarding the Warsash Spring Series can be made to Warsash Sailing Club on 01489 583575, admin@warsashsc.org.ukor visit our website www.warsashspringseries.org.uk

Flavia Bateson

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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 10 March 2010 )