Mini-tonners out in force for 2011 IRC Solent Series opener
by George Beevor 6 May 2011 10:26 BST
14 May 2011
Saturday 14 May will see the start of the 2011 IRC Solent Series, the first year that Mini-tonners should have an organised presence. The first round is the Royal Southampton Yacht Club’s Clarkson Cup which encompasses three round the cans races in the central Solent starting from 1000, followed by a prize giving at Ocean Village from 1800.
Olly Bewes’ Sonata ‘High Note’ was the sole MT last year but this year will be joined by Solo and Roughian amongst others whilst organisers are hoping that more mini-tonners will join after several expressions of interest throughout the winter and spring. Glass Onion, fresh from her success in the RSYC Spring Series is also expected to be on the start line.
There is still time to get your Mini-tonner entered. Download the form scra.org.uk . Co-skipper of Roughian George Beevor looked forward to the event saying “since we bought ours in February, I’ve been really pleased with the amount of enthusiasm for the revival of the Mini-tonner fleet where ever I’ve gone. Everyone wants to talk about mini-tonners, share a memory and find out what is happening next, so the Clarkson Cup is a chance for us to really get out en-masse and show what we’re all about as a fleet”.
The IRC Solent Series will continue with rounds throughout the Solent every month until October.