SB3s on a roll

Dave Cheyne looks ahead at the Laser keelboat class' imminent events

“This weekend sees the first gathering of the season for the majority of the SB3 Fleet, at the Spring Championships at Warsash. This popular multi fleet event is run over two weekends either side of Easter, and sees the first coming together of the season of the fastest growing keelboat fleet in Europe.

With numbers hitting 3,200 in the next week or so, and order books full until July, the competition is due to be intriguing and fierce. 40 boats are entered, with a few more expected as new boats arrive and the Lymington contingent finally get around to entering!!

Many of the big names of UK sailing have entered the fray, and along with the established regulars, the fleet will now feature Geoff Carveth, Craig Burlton, Mike Budd, Dave Bedford, Russell Peters, Archie Massey, Mark Gillett, with Mark Rushall due in June, and Glenn Bourke back after the Volvo Ocean Race finishes in June.

With circuits now in Italy, Portugal and Northern Ireland, as well as the 150 strong UK fleet, 2007 looks to be a bumper year for the exciting pocket rocket.

The Europeans will be in late May in Brittany, with 60+ boats expected, and similar 60 boat fleets for the Seaview Grand Prix in mid-May and Royal Southern Grand Prix in July, before a 70+ fleet expected at Abersoch, where their new fleet will hopefully continue to grow apace.

All set then for a major ding dong this Saturday, with SW force 4 forecast, should make for great entertainment.