Qualifier added

Sailors set for the first of nine RYA National Match Racing weekends

The RYA National Match Racing Series kicks off this weekend, 22-23 April, at Queen Mary Sailing Club, Staines. With an additional qualifier added for the 2006 series, this will be the first of nine RYA match racing events to be held this year.

The top two placed teams at the weekend's event will be the first to earn a place in the RYA National Match Racing playoffs held at WPNSA from 29 September to 1 October. In addition, eligible sailors will also qualify for selection to the World University Match Racing Finals and to the Youth Cowes Week Match racing playoffs.

Six teams will square up on the Queen Mary Reservior in the RYA's fleet of J80s. Ali Hall earned a berth in the 2005 Final and will attempt to gain entrance for the second time in two years. All of the five other teams helmed by Richard Cornes, James Boyce, Jon Pinner, Rob Style and Mark Lees will be hoping to gain a spot in the 2006 playoffs and make their debut at the 2006 Match Racing Finals.