Time for the woolly hats

Garmin Hamble Winter series starts this weekend

The twenty sixth Hamble Winter Series, sponsored for the third consecutive year by the navigation electronics company Garmin, will commence on Sunday 7th October and continue each weekend until Sunday 2nd December.

The series  will include the Garmin Hamble Big Boat Series, a two week 10 race championship for IRC and IRM yachts of 40 feet and over, on the 13-14th and 27-28th October. Also, the Garmin Autumn Championships for Beneteau 40.7/ 31.7/ J-109/ J-105/ J-80/ Laser SB3/ Hunter 707 and Quarter Tonners(IRC) will be held on 21-22nd October.

As usual, the events will be under the control of Race Director Jamie Wilkinson, who will be responsible for setting the courses for the larger yachts of the Black Fleet, alongside Principal Race Officer Bill Oakley. The smaller yachts of the White Fleet will be controlled by Principal Race Officer Philip Gage and Race Officer Jonty Sherwill.

The huge back up team will comprise mainly Hamble River Sailing Club volunteers, augmented by a smaller number from other clubs. An entry in excess of 250 boats will compete throughout the series, knowing they can expect top class late season racing.

In addition to title sponsor Garmin are there will also be sponsorship each week from local marine companies. Prize givings will take place in the HRSC clubhouse every Sunday after racing, with the sensible rule that only those who attend will receive prizes.

For more information: http://www.garminhamblewinterseries.co.uk