Holt Tide Ride entries open

Are you man enough this year to stay the course?

The Holt Tide Ride is to be held on the shores of Hayling Island on 15th and 16th of September. The Tide Ride is the first competition of its kind to involve high performance dinghies classes in an elimination slalom event held over short courses through to a sudden death final. Raced on the strong tidal waters at the entrance to Chichester Harbour it has been a colourful addition to the sailing calendar for a number of years.

This year the race will be restricted to six classes; International 14, RS800, B14, RS700, Laser 4000 and 29ers with prizes being awarded in each class. The event will culminate in a head-to-head final, with boats competing in ‘crash and burn’ type racing.

“This event is as extreme as it gets in sailing, explains Ben Dunton, a Director at Holt. “Hayling Island is the 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 kick’s off on Saturday morning with qualifying races in a round robin format, over short courses with gates to keep the action compact and maintain maximum boat contact. Each round is a new start, so crews can recover from a poor race to win the title as no points are carried forward. On Sunday elimination groups are decided and the start of the sudden death stage begins.

An exclusive competitors party on Saturday night will guarantee to make the Holt Tide Ride an event to remember. As well as the party, band, barbeque, competitors will also receive a limited edition rash vest.

The event is being held under the burgee of Hayling Island Sailing Club. With the enormous amount of interest in the Holt Tide Ride, competitors should register and pay their subscription straight away for a chance to take part in this exciting event. Register on-line via Holt’s web site http://www.holt.eu/tideride/tide_ride_entry.asp