NSSA Mount Haes Trophy at Downs Sailing Club - Preview
by Nigel Vick 19 Jun 2014 17:39 BST
21-25 July 2014
LaserPerformance have kindly agreed to supply six dinghies for the prestigious Mount Haes Trophy at the NSSA National Youth Regatta to be hosted by Kent Schools Sailing Association at Downs Sailing Club 21st - 25th July 2014.
The Mount Haes Trophy is a special representative event sailed in a two person dinghy and was presented to NSSA by A/Capt Edmund Mount Haes DSC in 1960. The exact format of the event has changed over the years but a short course racing format was introduced some ten years ago in boats supplied by the organisers on a short course in front of the clubhouse. 36 teams race in heats consisting of six boats, with the top three boats progressing to the next round. The format provides exciting, umpired racing, in front of enthusiastic and vociferous spectators and is one of the favourite events of the week.
Unfortunately, the previous sponsors were unable to supply boats for this year's event and as Ralph Tingle, Chair of the NSSA Sailing Committee explains:
"Finding six matching double handed, three sail asymmetric boats at short notice was going to be a major problem for us. Fortunately, LaserPerformance stepped in as soon as they we aware that we were searching for boats and offered to deliver and collect six Laser Bahias. We cannot thank LaserPerfomance enough for their generosity."
"LaserPerformance is delighted to support the NSSA National Youth Regatta. We recognize that this event offers young sailors the chance to compete in a unique and challenging regatta that will hopefully help foster a love of sailing throughout youth sailing in the UK. We believe the Laser Bahia will lend itself perfectly to a competitive and fun event! Hopefully with the type of support LaserPerformance is able to bring to this competition, the NSSA programme can continue to grow and inspire future generations of sailors", Daniel Smithers, LaserPerformance General Manager.