Foxer Intergalactics

Luminaries of the big boat world to grace the humble David Thomas dinghy class this weekend in Hamble

While many sailors on the south coast will be involved in the IRC Nationals over the weekend of 5-7 June, there will also be a number of quality sailors competing in a separate event with at least equal significance.

Among the fleet that will assemble on the Hamble River on Saturday and Sunday morning to race in the 2009 Foxer Intergalactic Championships will be sailors who collectively hold some highly regarded titles to their names: B14, Enterprise, Laser, SB3, J24, Swan, Farr 40, Endeavour Trophy - these are just a very small collection of titles that the fleet have held at National, European and even World Championship levels.

Racing is held throughout the year on Sunday mornings and also during summer Friday evenings too. Four races per session over approximately 1 ½ hours means that more races are completed per season than many other classes could hope for.

The expected fleet for next weekend’s championship (fondly regarded as the intergalactic championships) includes Ian Southworth, Shaun Barber, Chris Hamel, Tony Kilby, Tim Thubron, Headley Bewes and Jonty Sherwill and there are many other sailors more often seen at the helm of their 40 and 45 footers that have expressed interest in taking part. Rumour has it that a certain Bénéteau 40.7 will not be competing in the IRC Nationals because too many members of her crew anticipate stronger competition in the Foxers than against other 40 footers out in the Solent that weekend.

The event is supported by sponsorship from such marine luminaries as Musto, Ullman Sails, Marlin RIBs, Wilsons of Kinver.

The Foxer dinghy was designed by David Thomas (designer of the Sigma 33, Hunter 707 and British Steel/BT Global Challenge yachts) as a small tender and it was suggested that it might make a good sailing dinghy, too. Well, it isn’t a 49er, but it is a quirky little boat to sail and many helms come into the class and land with a bump as they realise it really isn't that simple to turn up and win races.

10 races over 2 days with 2 discards… only quality one design fleets offer such competitive sailing. And you thought they were just a bunch of bathtubs mucking around whilst you ventured out to do just one race on a Sunday morning. Shame on you!