Stewart Brewing Squib UK National Championships 2024 at Royal Forth Yacht Club - Preview

Queen Elizabeth Regatta at Royal Forth YC © Hannah Robertson

Over the last few days Squibs have been arriving at the Royal Forth Yacht Club where they received quite a welcome from Rear Commodore Will Davies and the other event organisers in the Royal Forth Yacht Club. Scotland has not hosted the Squib Nationals for many years, so 2024 presents an opportunity to put on a great week-long event.

Twenty Nive Squibs have arrived from as far afield as Lough Derg Y.C., Royal St George Y.C. Royal Corinthian Y.C., Royal Victoria Y.C., Torquay and Waveney and Oulton Broad Y.C.. This is probably the most 'elite' fleet seen at the Squib Nationals for many years, so the racing should be tight, without the general recalls experienced with some of the larger fleets of recent years.

The waters of the Firth of Forth although not experiencing strong tides at this phase of the moon, will present a challenge with the short steep waves of the Firth which can be challenging for a 6m long keelboat like a Squib.

Among the Runners and riders there will be several previous winners of the event, such as Mark Hogan and Tom Jeffcoate in Ric O'Shea, but Lady Penelope, Guy Fawkes, Harry VI, Squib or White Magic are all capable of matching Ric O'Shea's speed and tactical skill.

See event website for social calendar and list of entries: www.royalforth.org/page/squib-uk-national-championships-2024

Squib Scottish and Northern Championships - photo © Sheena Kerr