Lightning 368s off to Thorpe Bay this weekend

It seems that the Lightning368's love Essex so much, they're visiting twice!

Hot on the heels of the last round of the Grand Prix series at Up River YC, the fleet are off to Thorpe Bay this coming weekend (28th/29th May) for our 2016 Sea Championships.

Taking part in the Thorpe Bay YC regatta for the weekend, the Lightnings will have their own start for this event, which also doubles as a round of the 2016 Grand Prix series, with a very good turnout currently on the cards.

Current table topper Paul White has his main challenger, Robbie Claridge, as a likely absentee this time around, so it's the 'new boat squad' of Simon Hopkins, Jason Gallagher and Bryan Westley that will be out to start clawing back some ground on the Draycote man.

Caroline Key should also provide a stern challenge as will home-boy Robert Mangin.

In fact, the fleet is becoming increasingly difficult to call this year as results become closer and closer. New boats being purchased are starting to see the 'Claridge' boats outnumbering the 'Giles' boats and competition becoming stiffer and stiffer.

It's a great time to be involved with the Lightnings and the coming weekend will be a fantastic chance to witness Bryan's amazing wine trick!

Pop down, come and check out the boats and sailors and see what you think.

Doubtless it will be a tough two-days on wobbly water but equally doubtless is the fact that there'll be a huge amount of banter and general great fun amongst the whole fleet.

Here's to a great weekend and here's to whoever wins the trophy!

Thanks go to Thorpe Bay for hosting us this weekend, see www.tbyc.org