Sigma 38 - Best of British One Design
by Susan Rainger 29 Jun 2012 12:13 BST
30 June 2012
On the start line for the Sigma 38 nationals in Lymington © Paul Wyeth /
www.pwpictures.com
It's official; the perennial Sigma 38 Class is the largest British one design entry in the 2012 J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race. Bright and early Saturday morning 24 Sigma 38 teams, 22 in IRC Division 2C and 2 in IRCRS Division 4C, will be making their way to the start line.
Into it's second decade the Sigma 38 is the envy of many more modern one designs. Close, exciting tussles are well renowned within this fleet and the 50 nautical mile course will give plenty of opportunities. Last year’s winners, With Alacrity are hoping for a repeat of their fast circumnavigation of just over 7 hours but they will have to contend with other crews who are busy studying GPS tracks, tidal streams and weather data.
As has become traditional this competitive but social class makes a whole weekend of the event. Saturday evening sees the famous pontoon party where all crews are invited for a few drinks and the chance to re-live the excitement of the race course. On Sunday the Royal London Yacht Club hosts a special One Design Regatta of 3 short round the can races.
The Class, which has a strong commitment to training, specifically uses this event as an opportunity to develop racing skills. It’s ideal for newer boats that want to try out close quarter in shore racing and for more practiced boats to hone skills and swap crew roles.
The Royal London Yacht Club generously awards the Mary Baxter Salver to the winner of this no discard series. The entire weekend promises to be an outstanding exhibition of possibly the most successful British one design class ever.