Whitstable Forts Race - Preview
by Tom Burton 1 Sep 2014 17:42 BST
13-14 September 2014
Rupert White and Oliver Greber sailing off the Vattenfall Windfarm © Nick Champion /
www.championmarinephotgraphy.co.uk
A reminder to our regular attendees, and an invitation to all cat sailors who want to pit their skills against the best sailors in top sailing conditions, that this year's Whitstable Forts Race will be run over the weekend of the 13/14th September.
As the UK's premier long distance race, now in its 19th year, the event offers a balanced test of sailing skills, attracting top national and international helms as well as experienced club racers. As different conditions favour different boats, there are separate categories of prizes for modern fast three sail cats with spinnakers, smaller two-handed cats and qualifying Monohull classes (it is recommended to contact the club in advance to confirm eligibility). This year the event will also include a dedicated short course race and we are promised the first sight in competition of some of the latest double handed foiling catamarans.
Laid out in hub and spoke format the full course covers 85 kilometres in estuary, coastal and open sea conditions, and provides racing at all points of sailing. The flexibility of the race format differentiates the Forts Race from other long distance events – the course can be shortened if winds are light; the course can be adapted to provide similar duration of racing for smaller boats; the course can be changed if conditions change; and the risk of cancellation is reduced.
For the second year running The Forts Race is sponsored by Vattenfall who have a base in Whitstable supporting the Kentish Flats Offshore Wind Farm. On the social side Project F are confirmed to play Whitstable Yacht Club on Saturday 13th September as part of the Forts Race Weekend.
Whitstable Yacht Club looks forward to welcoming all competitors.