100 for Mirror Worlds

To be hosted at the end of July in Pwllheli

Entries for this month's 2009 Mirror UK National and World Championships hosted by Pwllheli Sailing Club in North Wales, reached a key milestone recently when class newcomer Jack Spree (16) from Looe Sailing Club, became the regatta's 100th entrant. A class for all age groups, the Mirror is the world's most popular two person sailing dinghy and has arguably been responsible for introducing more people to sailing than any other class. Indeed the class has launched the sailing careers of many high profile individuals. Among them are Olympian and Volvo Ocean Race skipper Ian Walker along with his Green Dragon watch leader, Neal McDonald. British top female match racer Lucy McGregor also learned her racing skills as a member of the UK Mirror National Squad.

The 2009 Championship has attracted a truly world class fleet with a large UK entry augmented by visiting teams from Ireland, South Africa, Canada and Australia. The battle for the coveted world title is expected to be a tough one but less experienced Mirror sailors, not yet ready for the cut and thrust of the main fleet, have the chance to whet their racing appetites at the Beach National and World Championships which are being run alongside the main event.

For the Beach division, racing will take place near the beach and the emphasis will be very much on having fun. UK Mirror Class Secretary Simon Lovesey explains the idea behind the Beach event ‘Mirror sailing is all about introducing people to our great sport and the Beach Event will give our future stars a stress free introduction to championship racing.' Beach regatta competitors will have access to coach support on and off the water and racing is scheduled to finish a day earlier than the main event, to give these competitors the chance to watch the main World Championship action on the final day.
Entry to Beach Nationals and Worlds is now available at a subsidised price of just £10 including an event polo shirt and sailing cap along with full access to all the main fleet social events.