Big hitters joining 505 fleet

Last year saw the arrival of Andy Smith and Tim Needham in the fleet, and already they have started to make their mark including most recently a fantastic 3 wins out of 3 races at the Tiger Trophy earlier this year. We now understand that Jim Turner and Luke Malloy have joined the class and will be starting their 505 campaign at the Worlds in Australia in March. Hot off the press is news that Tim Rush now also has a new boat on order and hopes to start campaigning on the circuit in April. The quality of sailors now vying for honours in this fleet is awesome. Ian Pinnell, former world and current National champion, also on his way to Australia, will this year have to be on top form to retain his National title at Rock in June, from these guys.

Further down the fleet, well known circuit sailors such as Russ and Olly Hopkins and also Jez White have also come into the class, and Pete Mallaband with his 19 year old boat costing under £4k showed last week at Datchet with 2 wins in his class that older boats are still competitive and provide fantastic value.

To encourage the guys further back there is a fabulous training program and this years Nationals will again have a coaching session at the end of each day where top flight teams discuss how they sailed on that particular day. There is a handicap system for older boats and also a great buddy system.

With the 2011 Europeans at Lake Garda, 2012 Worlds in La Rochelle and 2013 worlds in Barbados – there has never been a better time to join the fleet. Come and chat to the guys on the 505 stand at the Dinghy show. No matter what your sailing aspirations, if you like going fast in a boat, the 505 is for you.

Check out the UK Class Website.