All set for the 2016 Battle of the Classes at the Southampton Boat Show
by Simon Lovesey 24 Sep 2016 17:06 BST
25 September 2016
Battle of the Classes 2014 at the Southampton Boat Show © SailRacer
This Sunday's pursuit race, where various Dinghy Class Associations will Battle it out in front of the Southampton Boat Show crowds to find the best, is all set to be a classic event.
With a record entry for the Southampton Boat Show of 41 boats across a wide cross section of Dinghy classes and types, and many Champions competing, it is likely to be a close Battle.
Racing is scheduled to start at 14:30, following the Hurricane and Spitfire Air Displays (14.00). First off will be Nigel Thomas, sailing his red sailed Mirror single handed. Nigel will be closely followed by the Topper of 15 year old Sam Cooper, the current class Champion.
The pursuit race format will see the various classes starting at different scheduled times from 14.30 - 15.08, based on boat handicap performances, which should see a close finish after 90 minutes with the first across the line declared the winner.
For spectators, the best viewing points will be from the Boat Show Marina and the waterside walk way adjacent to the Honda and Sunseeker stands. Online coverage and GPS tracking will be provided by SailRacer, which will also be shown on the Boat Show Big Screen by the Guinness Stand.
In addition to the Topper Class Champion, the 2016 Battle of the Classes has attracted several other current and past class champions, including Ian Morgan (D-Zero), Alex Horlock (Comet Trio), Stuart Bailey (Buzz), Nigel Wakefield (Lark), Tom Jeffcoate (Fireball and Scorpion), David Ellis (Firefly, Laser 4000, Laser II, RS Aero 7), Hannah Smith (Miracle), Nick Smith (Miracle and Marauder), Matt Mee (RS200), Mike Lyons (Blaze), Simon Hopkins (Lightning 368).
Joining 15 year old Sam Cooper, are several of the UK's up and coming Youth Sailors, including Cameron Tweedle and Callum Dixon who are both representing the Olympic Finn Class, with Cameron being the current U18 World Champion.
The forecast is set for a good breeze and the potential for some fast reaching legs that should see some high speeds recorded on the SailRacer GPS trackers.
The 2016 Battle of Classes will be hosted and run by the experienced Royal Southampton Yacht Club Race Team, whose splendid Ocean Village Club House is close to the Southampton Water Race Course. Southampton Water Activities Centre (SWAC) will manage the safety and logistics, with competitors launching from their base just under Itchen Bridge. SailRacer have provided the event website and online entry, and will be covering the Battle of the Classes live from the race course with GPS Tracking and online commentary.
The prize giving will be at 17:30 on the Southampton Boat Show Main Stage by the Guinness Stand.
Let Battle commence.