Holt Tide Ride places filling up fast

Entry deadline nears for annual asymmetric spectacular

Calling all International 14, RS800, B14, RS700 and Laser 4000 sailors, register now for the Holt Tide Ride as places are filling up fast. The event is limited to forty boats per class and is one of the hottest open meetings on the calendar for these high performance speed machines. With ‘crash and burn’ slalom style racing, culminating in a six-boat final to win top prizes, the Holt Tide Ride is a totally unique event.

To be held on the shores of Hayling Island on 27th and 28th September 2003, the Tide Ride is now in its third year. This year leading performance hardware manufacturer Holt is sponsoring the event; “It’s a high action, high adrenalin race series which showcases the excitement of sailing,” explains Holt’s director Ben Dunton. “Hayling Island provides a perfect venue, due to ideal tidal conditions at this time of year. The course will give spectators a great view of the action and a rare opportunity to witness such extremity and excitement close up. “

Breaking away from the traditional open meeting race series, the action kicks off on Saturday morning with four qualifying races in a round robin format held over short courses with gates to keep the action compact and maintain maximum boat contact. Each class is whittled down to 24 by Sunday when competitors are ranked and the start of the sudden death stage begins.

A huge party on Saturday night for competitors and sponsors with band, barbeque and free bar tokens will guarantee to make the Holt Tide Ride an event to remember. Each competitor will also receive a limited edition rash vest.

The race is being held under the burgee of Hayling Island Sailing Club. Entry is £25.00 per boat and is limited to forty boats per class. With the enormous amount of interest in the Tide Ride, competitors should secure their entry straight away. Register on-line via Holt’s web site www.holtallen.com. There is a registration cut off date of the 20th September 2003.