Craftinsure Wayfarer National Circuit Series returns in 2023
by Sam Pygall 3 Jan 2023 13:00 GMT
Bournemouth Digital Poole Week 2022 day 5 © David Harding /
www.sailingscenes.com
After two Covid impacted seasons in 2020 and 2021, the Wayfarer class enjoyed a highly successful series across several venues in 2022 and the fleet are looking to build on this momentum in 2023 with some high-quality events scheduled.
The National Circuit begins this year at Datchet Water on the 15/16th April which always proves to be a competitive event at a great inland reservoir venue. The fleet then have a quick follow-up test of inland boat handling skills with an event at West Oxfordshire on the 22/23 April which has proven a windy venue in recent years. The first half of the year concludes with a welcome return to Parkstone Yacht Club for the Westerns on the 13/14th May and the Wayfarer stronghold of Medway Yacht Club will hold the Easterns on the 17/18 June, with both clubs having large local fleets.
In common with many sporting events in 2020, Covid forced the cancellation of the nationals at Dabchicks Sailing Club so it is with great anticipation that the fleet make an overdue showing at the club for the UKWA National Championships over an extended weekend of the 30th June-2nd July. This will be followed rapidly by the traditional sea event at Shoreham (15/16 July) before the season concludes in the second half of the year with events at Blackwater (2/3 September), Blithfield (30 Sep-1 October) and the traditional finale at Bough Beech on the 11-12 November. All these unique venues offer different tests of sailing skills.
In addition to the Circuit events, there are multiple open meetings and regattas at diverse venues such as Banbury (3 June) and Aldebugh (3-4 June) with opportunities to race against other Wayfarers at events such as the Upper Thames Regatta (26-29 May), Bass Week (5-13 August), Chichester Harbour Race Week (14-18 August) and Poole Week (20-25 August).
Please do get in touch if you are currently a Wayfarer racer who would be interested in getting involved in the Circuit in 2023! Further details can be found on the Class Association website and the racing calendar can be found here.