Introducing the new Laser Super Grand Prix

Laser Super Grand Prix at Blithfield © Phil Mason

Laser Super Grand Prix at Blithfield © Phil Mason

Temperatures are rising, days are getting longer, as our new Grand Prix season gets under way across the British Isles, we're incredibly excited to announce the Super Grand Prix.

UKLA members told us how great it would be to expand the current Grand Prix race programme to include coaching and the chance to hang out together socially. We listened and in response we're delighted to announce the creation of 2 'Super' events this year. Both Blithfield SC and Pagham YC are busy preparing to make the Super Grand Prix a highlight of the season; cleaning their training whiteboards, fuelling their BBQs, stocking their bars, preparing their race teams to make this a special Super Grand Prix year.

Blithfield SC host the first event over the weekend of 11th and 12th May, followed by Pagham YC on 13th and 14th July. Each event will run over 2 days, participants will enjoy world class coaching and quality racing, all pulled together with an opportunity to unwind, relax and enjoy each other's company, with an emphasis on fun.

Blithfield opens its doors late Friday afternoon to welcome early arrivals, the bar will be open to ensure a warm welcome, there's no charge for camping and the clubhouse facilities will be available throughout. On Saturday, 5 world class coaches will be on hand; Alistair Goodwin, Tim Rush, Craig Williamson and Paul Williamson, led by Jon Emmett, looking forward to hanging out with club sailors, young or old, male or female, no matter which Laser rig, focused on helping club sailors make their boats go faster, whilst having a great time.

Coaching will cater for all abilities covering; rigging, tuning, boat handling and tactics, it should be a fantastic day. Breakfast and lunch will be available on both days, all we ask is Lasers bring their own evening meal or food to cook on the club's BBQ. During the evening we'll be entertained by Jon Emmett sharing snippets from his recent 'Training to Win' series, before retiring to the lounge or veranda to enjoy a drink whilst chatting over the day's activity.

Sunday provides the opportunity to put new skills into practice, 4 races will be held from 11am, 2 back to back before lunch and then 2 more back to back after lunch. Rumour has it the coaches will be joining us on the water!, a great opportunity for us club sailors to race on the same circuit as our role models. Our sponsors Sailing Chandlery are providing fantastic prizes that will be awarded across all rigs with spot awards, and special recognition from our coaches from the Saturday coaching session too, you can't escape.

It's totally flexible, you can sign up for just a day or the whole weekend. But, you're not going to want to miss this, it's going to be a fantastic weekend, entry is open on the UKLA website so please book your slot. Paula and I are looking forward to welcoming you to Blithfield. Let's face it, pointless being anywhere else this weekend.

See your transoms on the water, Phil Mason.