Ullswater Skiff Event to be held on April 26-27
by Sue Giles 4 Mar 2014 10:42 GMT
26-27 April 2014
29ers on Ullswater © Pauline Thompson
Ullswater is the only place to be for all Skiff sailors on April 26 and 27. Entries are now open for Ullswater Yacht Club's first event of the year in its new-look Open Events programme for 2014.
The new Ullswater Skiff weekend will feature class starts for 49ers/49erFX, 29ers, RS800 and Musto Skiffs.
A minimum of Six windward/leeward races are planned over the two days with water-based starts. If time and conditions permit we will run up to Four races per day. There'll be catering all weekend and improved camping and campervan facilities in the 'Birkett' field next to the main club site.
Event co-ordinator and club 49er helm Matty Lyons said: "All the skiff sailors at the club are delighted to invite our fellow skiff sailors to Ullswater. The lake is the ideal venue for asymmetric courses. You just can't beat a downwind leg amid the amazing scenery of the Lake District's most beautiful lake."
Matty, and his crew, brother James, have raced their 49er all over the country and in January they won the Brass Monkey at Yorkshire Dales SC.
But he admits that Ullswater is where they love to sail the most and he would like more skiff sailors to enjoy the 'Ullswater experience'.
Many skiff sailors already know the lake through taking part in the Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy, one of the most spectacular sailing events in the North. The iconic event, two long distance races the full length of the lake and back, attracts more than 200 boats every year. This year it is being held on July 5 and 6. Now they have the chance to have the racing to themselves with plenty of space for excellent windward/leeward courses.
Race officer for the event is UYC's John Robson, who knows all about a good asymmetric course. John is a former International Canoe (Asymmetric) World Champion and he says he is looking forward to running the racing on Ullswater for a range of skiffs.
"I am really pleased to be involved in the first big Ullswater Open of the year and would like to encourage sailors of all skiff boats to come along and take part and help to make the event a great success", he said.
The Entry Form and Notice of Race is now available on the UYC website – www.ullswateryachtclub.org. Competitors can enter online using SailRacer.
UYC is on the North-east shore of the lake about two miles from Pooley Bridge on the Howtown road. For more information about the Skiff event, ring 017684-86333, email