Fireball World Champ goes Solo at Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash
by Andy Rice 21 Nov 2013 12:57 GMT
23-24 November 2013
Looking forward to the Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash © Malcolm Lewin /
www.malcolmlewinphotography.zenfolio.com/sail
Winner of last year's SailJuice Winter Series Tom Gillard headlines a strong entry this weekend
Good moderate breezes and sunshine are forecast for this weekend's Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash, the first event in the GJW Direct SailJuice Winter Series.
Among the advance entries, the Solo fleet is looking set to have a good class battle within the wider handicap war. Last year's winner of the GJW Direct SailJuice Winter Series, reigning Fireball World Champion Tom Gillard, is switching to the popular singlehander. Also in the Solo is offshore racing veteran Nigel King from Lymington and local sailor Jeremy Atkins, co-owner of Fernhurst Books, which is sponsoring the Draycote Dash for the first time.
Other singlehanded classes are also well represented, including the Blaze, the Laser and the International Canoe with four entries. Ones to watch, based on previous top performances in the past four seasons of the SailJuice Winter Series are Merlin Rocket teams Matt Biggs & John Hackett and Tom Stewart & Finley Boon; Sam Mettam & Harry Jones in a Miracle; Craig Williamson in the Laser, and Ben Schooling in the Musto Skiff.
On Saturday the plan is to run at least four average-lap handicap races, with first race not before 11am. The event concludes on Sunday with a 120-minute pursuit race.
Prizes for entering today
With SailRacer running the online entry process at www.sailjuiceseries.com, there are prizes up for grabs for those who enter at least two events in the Series by 11.59pm on Thursday 21 November. Those who enter at least two events by the deadline go into a draw to win one of 10 subscriptions to the 'how to race faster' website, www.sailjuice.com, and winter hats and gloves provided by Gul.
The website tells you more about the events in the Series, more about the Great Lakes handicapping process, and we'll keep you updated on everything else you need to know.
Enter the Series here: www.SailJuiceSeries.com