Chilly times ahead

Garmin Hamble Winter Series kicks off this weekend

The Hamble Winter Series was initiated 25 years ago, and the secret of its continued success lies in the fact that the Hamble River Sailing Club has adapted wisely to the many changes that have taken place in keelboat racing during that period. New types of boats have come along, with new ways of sailing them, and suitable courses needed to be devised to get the best out of the boats while providing maximum enjoyment for the sailors.

One constant throughout such a long period of evolution has been the presence of the Race Director, Jamie Wilkinson, in whose experienced hands lies the responsibility for the racing on the Black Group course. The Black fleet has individual starts for IRC Divs 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, J/109s, J/105s, Sigma 38s and Sigma 33s, with courses generally starting on the southern side of the central Solent.

The White fleet, under the control of Jonty Sherwill, comprises the Laser SB3s, Hunter 707s, 1720s, J/80s and SBR classes, which will start in the northern area of the central Solent.

The programme of racing, between this coming Saturday 7 October and Sunday 3 December, is rather difficult to explain, but actually quite logical once it is understood. Basically, the main series will be sailed on eight of the Sundays between those dates, with the Sunday in the middle, 5 November, being devoted to a charity pursuit race in aid of the John Merricks Sailing Trust, the Hamble Inshore Lifeboat and Sail for Cancer.

There are also two mini-series that will take place on the Saturdays and Sundays of the first three weekends, namely the Big Boat Series on 7-8 October and 21-22 October, when the boats will be started in three classes, with level racing for 45 footers and 40 footers, plus IRC boats on handicap. In between, on 14-15 October, will be the Autumn Championships for 1720s, First 31.7s, Hunter 707s, J/109s, J/80s, Laser SB3s, Mumm 30s and Prima 38s.

Garmin is again providing sponsorship for the series, and the company's Rich Thoroughgood says: "As a participant for many years I am proud of the fact that Garmin is sponsoring the Hamble Winter Series for the second year. The Winter Series has a cult following that brings people together at 0800hrs on cold Sunday mornings when most sane people are tucked up in bed. The reason they do this is a combination of the professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication that the race team and their helpers provide to make excellent racing for all. We are confident that with the latest format this year's event will prove to be the best yet."

And you can't argue with that!