South Shields Sailing Club triumphs as host of three national events
by Laura Ball 20 Oct 2016 12:34 BST
Lasers heading to European Qualifiers start line at South Shields © Jason Riby
The National Scout Sailing Regatta, Phantom Class National Championships and UK Laser European Qualifiers were all hosted by the Club this summer. The feedback was unequivocally positive, with plans being made for these events to return to South Shields in the future.
The first of these events was the National Scout Sailing Regatta on 27-28 August. The four races were attended by over 100 competitors from all over the country. The next national event followed hard on its heels, with competitors arriving for the National Phantom Championship on 2-4 September. Nearly 50 boats entered the races, which were held outside the piers to provide plenty of open water for the sausage triangle course. Wind conditions varied tremendously, from a light off-shore breeze on the first day to strong northerly gusts on the last day that, combined with an ebb tide, produced conditions too dangerous for racing.
Undeterred by the weather, the Club's team of volunteers put on a fantastic spread, fortifying the competitors with a BBQ and a fish and chip supper – not to mention, of course, the Club's own inimitable bacon rolls. Race Officer Nigel Denchfield was impressed by both the volunteers and the facilities, saying he "cannot sing the praises of your Club and your team sufficiently. The whole event was superbly organised, and all the volunteers were so cheerful, welcoming and willing to help."
Just two weeks later, the club's members swung into action again for the UK Laser European Qualifiers on 17-18 September. The entry list of 67 Laser Radials and 33 Laser Standards included Olympic sailor Ali Young, who earlier this year became the Laser Radial World Champion in Mexico. Despite light winds and a large swell of 1.5m, three races were completed around the trapezoid course on the first day. Due to a lack of wind on the second day, a vote was taken to cancel the remaining races.
The volunteer team once again put on a superb weekend that impressed the UK Laser Association enough to announce their intentions of returning in 2018. Dot Beadsworth, Secretary of the Association, commented "the club went to a great deal of effort to make the weekend a success, and it was all well organised. You have a very nice and friendly club and...we look forward to visiting you again."
Jason Riby, Club Commodore, was delighted by this feedback, which did justice to the hard work and preparation put in by club members. "Although it was certainly a challenge for everyone," he said, "we've now proved that we have the equipment and manpower needed to run events on this scale. With the confidence gained from this experience, we now have ambitions to host a large event every year." That said, the club also prides itself on being friendly and welcoming, and is keen to hear from all fleets and classes, regardless of size, who may be interested in holding an event at South Shields.
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