Catch up with Streaker news at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show

Streakers set for the start of the season © Karen Langston

Stand B8 in the Great Hall of Alexandra Palace is the place to be on 1st-2nd March to find out what's new in the Streaker class. As usual there will be 2 Streakers on display – a Rooster FRP and a wooden Butler. The Butler boat will reflect the rule changes that were passed in 2013 relating to wooden boats, such as the double-thickness cockpit floor instead of stiffening battens. It will also be fitted with a track and traveller for the centre mainsheet, which is not class legal, but this particular boat has been allowed dispensation to experiment with the system. Do have a look at it and tell us what you think.

There has been much discussion recently within the class as to whether another builder for FRP Streakers should be licensed. Several builders have expressed interest and the membership of the class is now being balloted to get their views. The two current licensed builders, Butler Boats and Rooster Sailing, have done a tremendous job in helping the class to thrive in recent years. The question now is whether there's space in the market for another builder without damaging the businesses of the current ones.

The RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show is always a great place to meet people and catch up with sailing news. You might already have heard that the Streaker National Champion Tom Gillard has now moved from Pinnell & Bax to work at North Sails. He will be sailing Solos, 505s and Fireballs – and Streakers of course. So it will be interesting to see if North Sails become more involved in the class.

This is certainly an interesting time for Streakers!