Squib Nationals at Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club - Overall

Squib Nationals at Lowestoft © Lucy Riley

Squib Nationals at Lowestoft © Lucy Riley

Squib Nationals at Lowestoft © Lucy Riley

The Championship was sailed in a variety of conditions, but predominantly it was a breezy championship. The tides changed from flood to ebb without the benefit of any slack period, and the change varied by up to 30 minutes from the time predicted. Rarely was the water calm or flat, so the ability to ride waves was very important.

Some competitors showed fantastic speed in the lighter conditions, such as former championship winners of 2011, 2009, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001, Chris & Mark Hogan in Ric O'Shea. They finished in 3rd. place, one place lower than last year, using standard Batt Sails. Their boat No. 136, is an early boat built by Oliver Lee in the 1960's. Total crew weight is in the region of 150kg. which is lighter than many of the other competitors. Being a father/ son combination, they have the benefit of an agile fit crew.

Other competitors showed fantastic speed in the medium conditions, such as Nigel & Jack Grogan in Helmut Schoing II. Finishing in 2nd place overall, one place higher than last year, they used standard Hyde Sails. Their boat No. 108, is an early boat built by Oliver Lee in the 1960's. Total crew weight is in the region of 170kg. which is an average Squib weight. Being a father/son combination, they have the benefit of an agile fit crew.

One competitor showed great all round ability, with good speed and tactical prowess in all conditions. Alan Johnson and David Garlick spend many hours preparing their Cariad Bach to ensure that all systems work perfectly. They have sailed together since 1977 and have won many championships together including the Squibs in 2012. They won again this year They used standard Batt Sails. Their boat No. 132, is an early boat built by Oliver Lee in the 1960's. Total crew weight is in the region of 150kg. which is lighter than average Squib weight. Being both over 65 years of age they do not have the agility of younger competitors.

What does it take to win the Squib National Championships?

1) Know your boat inside out and ensure all systems are tailor-made to suit your crew weight and your crewing arrangements.

2) Know your sails, irrespective of manufacturer, and set up your Barbour haulers as recommended by the sail-maker. Some of the sail-makers settings can be improved upon. (Cariad Bach has 3 jib barber hauler deck positions.) Batt Sails took 1st. and 3rd. places and the 4th boat had a Batt mainsail. Hyde Sails took 2nd, 4th Jib, 5th. 6th. 7th. 8th places. Lonton and Gray sails took 9th place.

3) It is not necessary to be heavy all-up crew weight to succeed in heavy weather, nor is light crew weight necessary in softer airs.

4) The top helmsmen prefer early numbered boats. This does not imply that high- numbered boats (Nos.768-883) are any slower than low-numbered Squibs (Nos. 11- 157). Four of the top ten boats were low-numbered boats, and 5 were high- numbered boats.

5) Mid-numbered boats when suitably prepared can produce excellent results: Hussar, No. 500 won the practice race and had 3rd and 4th place finishes and took 10th overall. Panther III, No. 626 had a 5th place finish and was 14th overall.

6) The best placed female crew was Jenny Riley from Waveney & Oulton Broad Yacht Club in 9th. place. It should be noted that a female crews won the championship in 2010.

7) The top female helm was Jo Downer from Royal Victoria Yacht Club in 14th place.

8) It does help to be a sea based sailor, although Nigel Grogan in 2nd place is based in The Royal Corinthian Yacht Club.

9) It does help to be based in a club with a strong Squib Fleet, although 4th. placed Alchemy is based in a small Squib club, Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club.

10) Unlike many other competitive classes, the Championship winners are not a professionals, they do not have any commercial focus to their sailing. They do not make or sell sails, masts, boats etc.

11) Each of the 6 races had a different winner. You don't have to win a race to win a Championship, but it helps.

12) Although the top two boats were on 13 and 18 points respectively, the next 7 boats were separated by only 14 points, indicating how important it is to produce consistent results over the weeks sailing.

13) Most of the boats between 12th and 19th place overall had an OCS or DNF which in a 6 race series with only one discard, is difficult to carry.

14) Older helmsmen can be smarter helmsmen.

www.squibnationals2014.com

Overall Results:
If you finished in the top ten at the Squib nationals then fill in your Gear Guide information here