ICAP Squib Nationals at Royal Dart Yacht Club - Final Analysis

The 2012 ICAP Squib keelboat Championships at Start Bay, Dartmouth has been one of the most competitive for many years, because 74 entries and 72 boats competing, over series of 8 races spanning a week in winds varying from 2 knots to 28 knots puts every boat to the test. Within the entry list there are at least seven previous Squib championship winners, some Olympians, and innumerable past champions from other dinghy classes.

The 2012 Championship winners Alan Johnson and David Garlick in ‘Cariad Bach' had previously never won the National Squib Championship, although they have tried on many occasions. They previously won the Enterprise National Championships, and the Squib inlands at Rutland in 2009 and 2010. They are demanding men and ensure that every aspect of the boat is properly prepared for the expected conditions. "If it's not right, it is wrong". They have sailed together since 1977 in various classes. Their boat, No. 132, was built by Oliver Lee (The National Squib designer) and it is 40 years old. It has no anti- fouling and is powered by Batt Sails. Physically they are both fit and about 24 stone in total weight.

In second place 'Harry II' sailed by Mike Budd and Rob Larke have never won the National Squib Championship or the Inlands. They are relatively new to the National Squib Keelboat class. Mike has turned his hand to many other classes with success including the Quarter Ton Cup and SB20. They are carefully analytical and understand every aspect of their boat. They own two boats and brought the faster one to the championship. Their boat, No. 137, was built by Oliver Lee and is the same age as ‘Cariad Bach'. It is powered by Hyde Sails. Physically they are both fit and about 26 stone in total weight.

In third place 'Helmut Shoing II' sailed by father and son team Nigel and Jack Grogan who never won the National Squib Championship or the Inlands, but they have previously been close. Nigel has a professional connection with Hyde Sails who have created new sails designs which now appear to drive the boat as well as other comparable lofts. Their boat, No. 105, was originally built by Oliver Lee, but was involved in an accident within the past few years which necessitated substantial rebuilding work including a new deck. It is powered by Hyde Sails. Physically they are both fit and about 25 stone in total weight.

Five of the top boats came from South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club in North Wales. Is this a coincidence? No, this club has previously produced winners in 2011, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, and 2000. It is logical that those from the Midlands wishing to find the ‘X factor' would move to the club which holds the magic potion!

The championship was run over two basic course types; the windward leeward with an offset mark and a leeward gate and the triangle sausage type.

All 72 boats started on the same start line with no pre-qualification. All starts were line starts as the class does not like gate starts. The O.O.D. Mr. Parry was a strict disciplinarian and almost every race over the week long championship started on the second or third attempt. Almost all starts took place on a long starting line with a foul tide. Most races were of about two hours duration.

Although the average age in the class is over 50, there were a substantial number of younger competitors including one teenager, and many in their 20s and 30s. The Squib is perceived to be an easy boat to sail, but a difficult one to sail fast. Any young people from inland or sea based clubs could learn all their necessary sailing skills sailing against the experts in a Squib Championships. There were many husband/ wife teams including two top-ten finishers. (‘Brimstone' at 8th. and ‘Ghost Rider' at 9th.) Only one wife (Pam Evans) steered while her husband crewed, however the fact that the boat carried her husbands name ‘Maximus' and not hers is a disappointment.

The top five boats carried sail numbers between 96 and 137. It appears that potential championship winners opt for these old boats built by Oliver Lee in preference to newer ones. Twenty one of these boats competed. There were 34 boats with numbers newer than 760, or almost half the fleet. The balance of boats were from the mid numbers built by Hunter Boats the highest finisher of which was ‘Bobby Dasler' which finished in about 30th. place.

Overall Results:
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