Record turn out

67 Laser SB3 to race at Skandia Cowes Week

Numbers of SB3s turning out for Cowes Week have exceeded all expectations, with 67 entered as we approach the start of the famous event.

Following Volkswagen Touareg’s generous fleet sponsorship of a free kite and goodies to the first 50 competitors, the fleet has swollen to exceed even that.

The fleet will be based in Sheperd’s Wharf all week, with a huge party expected as the fleet let their hair down after the recent trip to Lake Garda for the Europeans.

So far this season, the fleet has grown with every event, with 42 at the Spring Championships in April, 46 at Seaview and Lymington Eurocups, 58 at the Europeans, and now an amazing 67 at Cowes Week. A similar number are expected to travel to the Nationals in Torquay in early September as the fleet goes into overdrive, with the Irish fleet planning to up sticks and travel over form Bangor to add to the numbers.

All the major players will be at Cowes Week, except Glenn Bourke, who is taking a year out of SB3 racing whilst he manages the Volvo Ocean Race, but he too fully expects to enter the fray again in late 2006. So it will be a new face on the podium for the first time since……whenever……with plenty of excited young 40-50 year olds wanting to take home a slice of the toffees.

2006 will be Cork year, and with the Europeans in Quiberon in West France in late May, and the Nationals in Abersoch at the end of August, there will be plenty to look forward to as the season rolls toward its climax at the Midwinters and Ullswater Inlands.

2006 will kick off earlier than usual next year, with a new event, the Monaco Sail-Ski Event, as part of the Primo Cup in Monaco on 3/4/5 February. This is a major European Regatta, with Mumm 30s, Melges, Dragons and a host of other one-design fleets, and the SB3s will be taking part for the first time at this prestigious venue. Arrangements will be made for the boats to be left at a secure pound on the way home, so that the sailors can head up the mountains for a weeks skiing frivolity!

Meantime, crash helmets to the ready – BRING IT ON!!!!