Battle of the Classes Pursuit Race returns
by Mark Jardine 15 May 2013 16:29 BST
22 September 2013
2010 British Sailing Battle of the Classes © Mark Jardine
We are delighted to announce the Battle of the Classes Pursuit Race is returning in 2013.
Last held in January 2010 at the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show, the event had to be cancelled at late notice in 2011 due to redevelopment work at the Royal Victoria Dock Watersports Centre which meant there were no changing rooms or boat storage facilities available.
Now, with the facilities available at Southampton Water Activities Centre, the event is being revived to take place during the PSP Southampton Boat Show on Sunday 22nd September.
Racing will take place just off the marina at the PSP Southampton Boat Show, providing a great showcase for dinghy sailing classes. The favourable high tide time will give the best opportunity to hold the racing here in as fair conditions as possible.
Edwin Buckley's Royal Corinthian Yacht Club team will once again be running the racing. This year there will be live tracking in association with SailRacer, professional event photography and hopefully HD video.
Murray Ellis, MD National Boat Shows said: "I am really pleased to be working with the partners to bring the Pursuit Race to the PSP Southampton Boat Show. Visitors come to the Show to see boats and what better attraction to promote the sport than live racing right in the heart of the Show. This race will compliment the Show bringing a great chance for anyone who loves sailing and racing to come along and watch."
Georgina Lee, Campaign Coordinator for Active Nation: "We are extremely excited to be part of the 2013 Battle of The Classes and thoroughly look forward to hosting the event, opening up our centre and facilities to all those involved."
Paul Botterill chairman of British Sailing: "We are very keen to bring back the Battle of the Classes pursuit race. It is a unique sailing spectacle and a fantastic way for people new to the sport to see so many different classes out on the water at one time."
Simon Lovesey, SailRacer Managing Director: "With SailRacer supporting a growing number of events with GPS Tracking, we are pleased to be able to cover the Battle of the Classes and allow the online audience to follow the race."
Mark Jardine, editor of YachtsandYachting.com: "I'm delighted to see the Battle of the Classes return. The event in London was always a great spectacle and, with the new summer date, it will really attract the crowds."
Edwin Buckley, RCYC: "Edwin Buckley and the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club members are delighted to again be involved with this prestigious class event. Excited by the new venue and I hope to see the event go from strength to strength in the coming years."
If you would like to take part in the 2013 Battle of the Classes then please register your interest at www.YachtsandYachting.com/BattleoftheClasses. The event is free to enter, open to all monohull dinghies and limited to 100 boats with 2 from each class of boat. All participants will also receive free tickets to enter the PSP Southampton Boat Show. Competitors must be at least 8 years of age.
Battle of the Classes partners are; National Boat Shows, Southampton Water Activities Centre, British Sailing, Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, YachtsandYachting.com and SailRacer.
Register your interest in participating here