The SB20s class made up eighteen entries in the 71 team strong Vice Admirals Cup hosted by the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Cowes this weekend. This event marked the first of 3 Solent based multi race weekends sponsored by Zhik for the re-launched SB20 class.

3 races were delivered on Friday off the Hill Head shore, in dismal weather conditions and a shifty 6 – 12 knots. Team Russia, regular UK fleet competitors, sailed by Oleg Zherrebtsov and Rodion Luka made a strong start on day 1, notching up a 2, 1, 1. Jerry Hill’s Sportsboatworld.com (ex 3 Sad Old Blokes) had a similarly encouraging opening day, finishing with 3, 2, 2 on the results sheet.

Day 2 dawned with brighter conditions and the Race Officer did an excellent job of getting 3 races away in a timely fashion. Joe Llewellyn, Nigel Wakefield and Jerry Vigus on board Henri Lloyd/Forelle Estates put the previous day’s recall behind them and made their presence known to overnight leaders Team Russia. Although Henri Lloyd/Forelle Estates were winners of day 2, Team Russia held onto their overall lead by a single point but didn’t manage to take a single race result from Llewellyn, Wakefield and Vigus.

The “tussle at the top” continued on Day 3. Team Russia and Henri Lloyd Forelle Estates took a first and a second each in the final 2 races of the series leaving Team Russia the overall winners with just eleven points after 8 races. Jerry Hill, Sportsboatworld.com, finished in third place rounding off the podium positions. These 3 boats took all of the first place positions over the 3 day event!

The SB20 class welcomed Mark Irons, Alan Harris and Nicky Flook to the fleet for in their first year in the class. This weekend was the 8th edition of the Vice Admirals Cup. The SB20 class hope to be invited to return for the 9th edition in 2013 following the great race management and warm welcome of the staff and members at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club.

Racing in the SB20 Zhik Solent Series continues on 2nd/3rd June at the Royal Southern Yacht Club in Hamble as part of the Clubs 175 year anniversary celebrations.

Full results HERE

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The Notice of Race and replacement Shipping Advice documents are published below.

For further event information, please use the event website: worlds2012.sb20class.com

2012 UON SB20 World Championships Notice of Race
2012 SB20 Worlds Hamilton IslandShipping Advice

The Notice of Race and Entry Form for the Zhik Solent Series 2 are now published. This event is hosted by the Royal Southern Yacht Club in Hamble, and the SB20 class event is part of the Clubs 175th Anniversary celebrations.

We need to get a bumper entry for this event, with more than 20 entries, there will be cash prizes! Roll up, roll up, entries please!

This event is the first 2 days of the Bank Holiday weekend, 2 days of sailing, 2 days family/DIY, perfect!

SB20 Zhik Solent Series 2 Royal Southern YC NOTICE OF RACE
SB20 Zhik Solent Series 2 Royal Southern YC ENTRY FORM

Please find below the Sailing Instructions and supporitng documents for the Vice Admirals Cup.

2012 Vice Admirals Cup Sailing Instructions
Cables Chart 2012
Central Chart 2012
Laid Courses – VAC Appendix 1
VA Cup Mark List 2012
VAC Entry List 14.5.12

Vice Admirals Cup, Cowes, Isle of Wight, UK.

Friday 18th May 2012.

The UK SB20 fleet will be competing under their new guise for the first time at the Vice Admirals Cup, hosted by the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Cowes from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th May.

Under the new 2012 rules, the SB20 class are allowed GPS based instruments, including smart start-line technology.

Products now class legal include the Velocitek ProStart, Rockbox and Novasail products.

In association with Sportsboat World, long time 49er sailor and coach, Mark Asquith, who represents Velocitek in the UK, will be on hand in a rib for the Friday racing, offering coaching tips and advice. Ashore after the racing Mark will conduct a debrief on the days racing and also offer tips and advice on how to best use the Velocitek ProStart.
Sportsboat World are offering an introductory discount of £50 off for all orders received.

Contact info@sportsboatworld.com for details.

Please be find below the 2012 SB20 Class Rules and a document which highlights the changes to the new SB20 Class Rules. Thank you to the SB20 Technical Committee for all of their work with ISAF to enable these rules to be published.

Download the 2012 SB20 Class Rules published on 10th May 2012

Download the 2012 SB20 Class Rules – Highlighted Changes published on 10th May 2012

Please note that the rules will be updated to reflect the name and manufacturer changes in due course, it was our preference to publish the rules as quickly as possible.

Please be advised that the Notice of Race for the SB20 Class European Championships, sponsored by Magic Marine is now published.

NOR SB20 Europeans 2012 final

We look forward to receiving your entries and welcoming you to Medemblik in September.

To enter, use the simple online entry form that can be found here

Southampton, UK – Tony Castro today announces that the global sales and marketing of the hugely successful sportsboat is to be carried out by a new organisation Sportsboat World. The boat which will now be known as the SB20 has over 650 boats sailing in 20 countries worldwide, and it achieved ISAF recognition in 2007.

Sportsboat World is founded by SB20 designer Tony Castro.

In partnership with Jerry Hill, Alan Hillman and Mark Richards, Sportsboat World will promote the design and manufacture of sportsboats. Jerry is a former UK Class Chairman and 2010 SB3 world champion, whilst Alan and Mark are the partners of the SB3 specialists firm Rigging Gurus.

Tony Castro has appointed White Formula in the UK, who built the first 50 boats in 2002, as the licensed SB20 builder. New boats have been ordered and are due for delivery from 1st August 2012. Parts are available with immediate effect from www.sportsboatworld.com and via a revised dealer network.Sportsboat World will work with the SB20 World Council and National Associations to provide an event circuit to appeal to sailors internationally.

President of the SB20 World Council, Edward Russo (FRA) expressed his pleasure in the announcement of the developments for the SB20 class. “This is extremely good news for the SB20 class which is currently experiencing strong growth in several countries. I am especially pleased to see the SB20 production being moved back to the UK. The promise of quality new boats, a steady supply of spares as well as technical support means the SB20 will continue to provide cost effective, international one-design competitive sailing for a long time to come.”

Glenn Bourke current Australian National Champion and 2012 Worlds host, is in full support of the new structure. “I am delighted to hear that the SB20 class is in the hands of people who have been racing in it since it’s inception. Like everyone who loves this class, I look forward a seamless transition to the production of new high quality boats. We’re ramping up for the Worlds in Hamilton Island in December and 2012 is shaping up to be yet another great year for the SB20!”

For further information please see www.sportsboatworld.com or the Q & A below:

2012 Question & Answer SB20

Media Contact:
Katie Ashworth, katiesb20@gmail.com, +44 (0) 7919 915641
Sales Contact:
Mark Richards, mark@sportsboatworld.com, +44 (0) 7850 461351

Bollé sunglasses are announcing two additional sponsorships, to benefit competitors’ in both the SB3 2012 circuit and at this years’ Dartmouth Sailing Week, the second largest keelboat regatta in the UK after Cowes Week.

Bollé’s sponsorship means that competitors in the SB3 Scottish Championships (part of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series), the SB3 National Championships at Weymouth, and all keelboat classes at Dartmouth Week, will have the opportunity to win sunglasses from the Bollé polarized Marine Collection.

These announcements complete a programme of sponsorships for 2012, ranging from the popular RS FEVA youth class, the RS 200 and RS 400 Northern Tour, GAC Pindar sailing team, through to Official supplier to the RYA’s Skandia Team GBR in the Olympic and Paralympic classes. The British Sailing Team have thoroughly ‘road tested’ the Marine range over the last three seasons.

Andrew Grose, managing director of Bollé says, “We are expanding our sponsorships to help promote our message of the importance of good eye protection, and extend the benefits to a wide range of competitive sailors across the UK, in addition to the British Sailing Team. Racing sailors spend long periods afloat, dealing with harsh, bright conditions and dull, flat light. It’s crucially important to protect your eyes in all conditions to prevent long-term eye damage.

Taking your sunglasses off is similar to not wearing sunscreen – your eyes are vulnerable! Our Marine lenses are designed to repel water and eliminate glare to ensure sailors can keep their ‘sunnies’ on in spite of spray. Plus, the frames have soft Thermogrip® nose pads and temple tips to keep them in place, so sailors can focus on their boat handling and sail changes, rather than keeping their sunglasses on their face!”

Christopher Smith, Sponsorship Secretary of the Dartmouth Royal Regatta sailing committee says, “It’s tremendous for us to have a major brand such as Bollé associated with Dartmouth Week. It really helps add value for our competitors with high quality and high value prizes. Plus, it helps our credibility when talking to other potential sponsors.”

Katie Ashworth, Secretary of the UK SB3 Class Association says, “Bollé have supported the SB3 fleet for a number of years and we’re absolutely delighted that they have agreed to sponsor the Inlands, Scottish Champs and the Nationals this year. Bollé have provided us with some fantastic prizes and I know that the winners will enjoy their sunnies on, and off, the water….now let’s hope that the British summer serves up some sunshine!”

The Organising Committee of “Sailing for Ostend” welcome you to attend the traditional event “SAILING for OSTEND 2012”, which will be sailed from Saturday 28 April to Monday 30 April.

You find all data concerning the event below:

Sailing for Ostend – Notice of Race 2012
LAST CALL Sailing For Ostend 2012

See you at the Royal North Sea Yacht Club!

NOR French National Championships SB3 2012

French Nationals Check the box - all you need to know about attending the French National Championships.

Above you will find the Notice Of Race for the French Nationals which take place at St. Quay Portrieux from May 5th to May 7th. All teams from National Districts are welcome to compete.

The registration fee of € 275 includes lodging. There are 5 apartments with small kitchens on site (walking distance to port) which are reserved for the boats that travel the furthest (English, Dutch and Russians).

The accommadations are basic and generally used for sailing teams during regattas. Here is the contact information for reservations.

Sport-nautique de St Quay Portrieux
Esplanade du port d’Armor
22410 St Quay Portrieux
+33 2 96 70 93 34
or
+33 6 72 98 04 52
e-mail: sport-nautique-st-quay@wanadoo.fr

The boys from Hull, Yorkshire, Richard Wharram, Ben Williamson and Nick Wright, won the 2012 Inland Championship, well deserved after loyally supporting the Rutland Sailing Club event for 5 years. But they did have to survive some ribbing from the rest of the fleet, for being the only crew not to attend the Fleet dinner and drinks on the very friendly and fun Saturday night. A mock set of results were published showing heavy penalties for anti-social behaviour!

Boats came from as far as Cornwall and Scotland, plus newcomers from Southwold and The Hamble. Friday of the Easter weekend brought chilly force 3-4 breezes and the challenge to identify the channel of wind down the Water in order to keep planing . The Hull boys in Moon Monkey showed their skill with two 1sts and a 2nd. That day proved to a number of crews that sail-handling skills had rusted over winter!

David Atkinson in Kit Off (with M Farmer and Mikey Matthews) won the last race that day, and for the next 2 days he competed with his own Dragon crewman(!) John Outhwaite in Baloo (with Doug Paton and Carl Outhwaite) to displace the Hull boys. In force 2-3 winds it was another challenge for everyone: this time to find the pressure under the grey cloudy sky.

Throughout the weekend there was close racing and frequent changes in position, these becoming more significant with the last 4 races. In these the top-3 also carded mid-fleet results together with a win each, though Ross Lang (with Ally Paton and Dan Challis) took the last race of the Inland Championship. But the best overall was Moon Monkey with the Hull boys.

The Ultimate Race of the weekend was a quick, one-lap time trial, starting at any point within a time window. Those who went late in the window took advantage of the break in the clouds which gave them an exhilarating ride down. The popular Scottish winner by 18 seconds was Craig Latimer in The Wildebeest, with crew Ross Watson and Gillian Semple.

The Champions received the Inland Trophy together with sunglasses from SB3 Class sponsors Bolle.

Richard Triffitt

Inland Championships Overall Results 2012 (90)
Inland Championships Ultimate Race Results 2012 (43)

We’ve got it all at the IP Office Laser SB3 UK National Championships this year:

1. Our event at the London 2012 Olympic Venue, Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy
2. A great local support from Title Sponsor, IP Office
3. A host of amazing supporting sponsors; Bolle, Sebago and Zhik
4. A day of class coaching and video feedback on Thursday 14th June (more details to follow)
5. Class fun on Thursday and Friday nights in Weymouth
6. IP Office Happy Hour on Thursday after racing at WPNSA
7. Championship dinner on Saturday supported by Bolle  at WPNSA

So……who’s coming to play! Entries are very welcome from our sister classes throughout Europe, and beyond.

Enter online HERE

IP OFFICE LTD LASER SB3 UK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2012 NOTICE OF RACE
IP OFFICE LTD LASER SB3 UK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2012 COMPETITOR NOTES

Any questions, contact Katie at katiesb3@gmial.com

An event that offers a great ratio of cocktails to sailing!

The SB3 class have their own class start at this year’s Vice Admirals Cup, hosted by the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Cowes. This year is the 8th edition of the Vice Admirals Cup, and is an event that has grown in popularity year on year.

The Royal Corinthian Yacht Club is a great place and there’s bound to be plenty of fun to be had on shore, as well as on the water, so the Committee would like to encourage those of you who can to stay in Cowes, it’s just much more fun that way!

The Vice Admirals Cup is the first of 3, Solent Series event for 2012. Zhik have kindly agreed to sponsor the Solent Series, for which we thank them for their continued support.

Below you’ll find the Notice of Race, the Entry Form and Competitor Notes – these include weighing in opportunities and the luggage transport option to Cowes. Please let me know if you’d like to take up this offer.

Please GET YOUR ENTRIES IN TO THE ROYAL CORINTHIAN YACHT CLUB – and don’t forget to make sure you’re a member of the class too!

2012 Vice Admirals Cup Notice of Race
2012 Vice Admirals Cup Entry Form
2012 Vice Admirals Cup Competitor Notes

Please find in this page the Notice of Race and the Shipping Information for the 2012 Laser SB3 World Championships in Hamilton Island, Australia.

A huge amount of work has gone into collating this information, our thanks to Rod Jones and the team at Hamilton Island for all of their work so far.

2012 SB3 Worlds Prelim NOR

2012 SB3 Worlds Hamilton IslandShipping Advice

Please direct all questions regarding shipping to Rod Jones at rod@tasqua.com

The Australian fleet have just enjoyed their Australian Championships, hosted by the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania. Glenn Bourke, Rod Jones and Greg McAllansmith onboard Club Marine Hamilton Island won by just one point.

Check out the results here and enjoy the image gallery generously provided by Jane Austin.

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Further information is available for those wanting to attend the French Laser SB3 National Championships.

Accommodation included in the entry fee! It’s a Bank Holiday Weekend, and we ALL know how much fun events in France are on a Bank Holiday Weekend – Morgat 2009 went down in history!

French Nationals Check the box

The German Laser SB3 Class extend a very warm welcome to the entire Laser SB3 Class to join the German CLass for their 2012 National Championships which are combined with Kieler Woche, June 16th – 20th 2012.

This is an excellent event and we would appreciate your competition to join us in the Laser SB3 class. The class will sail on a nice outside course with the Melges 24 and J80 classes during the first part of Kieler Woche.

A big chance for our class to show a large European fleet. Up to now 4 Belgium teams will definitely join the event.
www.kieler-woche.de

We would be very happy if you could support the German SB³ activities by entering this event.

For more information please call or e-mail Reinhard Schroeder

Sail fast and have fun!

Mobile: 0049 – 175 – 57 39 823
E-mail: ron-fuerte@web.de

The Notice of Race for the Scottish Championships supported by Bolle is now published.

LASER SB3 SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIPS 2012 N0R

Please e-mail Doug Paton if you have any questions: douglas_paton@hotmail.com

Although we still are one of the smallest regional associations in the class, we are proud to announce that our fleet will again be very active in 2012. We can welcome Gert Lerno to the class, boat 3503. Gert sails on the very peculiar non-rudder cats Patin a Vela, but after a few trials in our local races, he could not resist joining our wonderful sport boats. The fact he will be sailing with his son Simon may have something to do with it as well.

In our annual meeting it took us less than 500 days, like our government, to select a new president for the association. A few beers were enough to convince Paul Jonckheere. With Selden, 3511, you will meet him during the season at several regattas around Europe.

We have a load of races at our main location in Ostend spread over the sailing season. End of April we would like to invite you all to the RNSYC for some of that amazing North Sea wave riding. And this year we will have our Nationals earlier than the past three years, end of August. Sunshine guaranteed and the town is full of activities for the sailors and their families and friends to enjoy. You can find more details on this website or contact the class secretary, Frank.Dobbels@telenet.be for any easy arrangements for your travel to Ostend and back, or onwards to other regattas.
We wish you all a very good start of your sailing season !

April 28th-30th Sailing For Ostend

This regatta has a long tradition for dinghy sailors. A lot of different classes are competing on several sailing areas. The youth classes like Optimist and Cadets sail on the lake SE of the town. Larger dinghies race on the North Sea . A marquee is set up on the East side of the harbor for the general organization and it is a good location for campers and tents near the beach club.

For the first time ever, the SB³’s are welcome as a keelboat class. Not only on a separate race course, but with the possibility for a flexible program. Depending on the weather, there can be unusual race courses, adapted so that we enjoy our boats with longer downwind and shorter upwind legs.

Free craning, boat park and moorings at the RNSYC.

A unique opportunity to invite your friends, and enjoy the races in their company. And as usual a social program you will never forget !

Details and NoR will follow soonest on the website of the organizing club www.rnsyc.be or contact class secretary Frank.Dobbels@telenet.be

August 25th-27th Huysman Open Nationals

This weekend is a bank holiday in the UK, and Ostend is the perfect location to leave your boat until the Pre-regatta and Europeans 2012 at Medemblik, in September.

Not only can any nationality become the Belgian Champion 2012, we hope to bring back the life into the Huysman Tri-Nations Cup as well. UK Chairman Chris Darling is holding on to this nice silver cup since 2010.

As a summer resort, Ostend has a lot to offer for families and friends. Beaches and nearby Bruges are more than worth a visit.
Ask class secretary frank.dobbels@telenet.be for help to organize a wonderful vacation and come and enjoy this well organized regatta in summertime conditions.

Details and NoR will follow soonest on the website of the organizing club www.rnsyc.be

Its that time of the year again… Time we started thinking about organising ourselves for the coming sailing season!

As you are no doubt aware, its the Laser SB3 Scottish Championships at Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series this year. Already, there is considerable interest from teams throughout the country. We have confirmed entries from Local, English and Irish teams.

At present we are looking to finalise the class specific NOR and have this listed on the club and association website. Please see the event NOR here:

http://www.scottishseries.com/i/NoR-2012.pdf

Entries can now be made through the event web address here:

https://www.scottishseries.com/entry_form

Regarding accommodation, Portavadie Marina – where the SB3 class will be based – have reserved the bunkhouse for the SB3 class. This includes reasonably priced rooms including breakfast. I have attached two documents containing rates. I suggest that those looking to secure accommodation do so early as the marina will not hold our reservation forever. They have already told other classes to wait on the SB3′s confirming their numbers. So better get in quick… Contact details for booking are below. Ensure you mention you are the SB3 class when you call to book:

http://www.portavadiemarina.com/contact-us-find-us/

Lodge_Rates_2012
Scottish_Series_2012_rates

For those travelling from over the pond, we have managed to secure a deal with Stena Line and Western Ferries. To take advantage of a 10% discount off the online price email Alan Ward at Stena Line – group.travel@stenaline.com

In order to get a deal on the ferry from Gourock to Dunoon (if you want to cut down the driving) contact Jennie at Western Ferries on: http://www.western-ferries.co.uk/contact.shtml

I think thats the main issues covered.

All is left to say is, hope you guys can make what looks like a fantastic event and party! We hope to have an SB3 class specific social calendar sorted in due course. We plan to be involved in the main regatta as much as possible socially!

Please confirm your interest to Doug so he can gauge the interest in the event!

Tel: 07763 243546
E-mail: douglas_paton@hotmail.com

Just a quick post to highlight that the Australian Event Calendar has a pre World Championship Event scheduled at Hamilton Island from 8/9 December 2012.

This would provide an excellent opportunity for foreign teams to arrive in Hamilton Island early to train at the Championship venue, as well as dealing with jeg lag!

More details to follow….

The Inland Championships at Rutland Sailing Club has become the official opener to the season for the Laser SB3 class. In 2012, the event will benefit from some fantastic support from Bolle and there will be plenty of prizes up for grabs!

Everyone who has previously attended the Inland Championships has always had a brilliant time! The Club are very welcoming and always lay on a good social as well as great racing.

The Inland Championship is always held over the Easter Weekend (6 – 8 April 2012). The format of racing provides enough time for entrants to arrive at the Club, rig and launch on Good Friday and depart on Easter Sunday to be home in time for Easter Eggs with the family and friends.

The Warsash Marine Trophy will be awarded at the event Prize Giving on Easter Sunday, along with the a fantastic selection of prizes from Bolle.

So, now all you have to do is enter!

SB3 Inland Championships Notice of Race
SB3 Inland Championships 2012 Entry form
SB3 Inland Championships 2012 Programme and Info

Over the Winter, the UK Committee put a great deal of work into delivering these events for you and your crews to enjoy, but the best result for everyone is to see a great turn out on the water, so please don’t delay, get your entry to the Club a.s.a.p!

If you’re new to the class this season and you need some extra info and advice, please get in touch! katiesb3@gmail.com

Congratulations to Glenn Bourke, Rod Jones and Greg Macallansmith, Club Marine Hamilton Island, for their fantastic results at the recent SB3 Victorian Championships. Full results below and images provided by Guido Brandt.

RESULTS

Thanks to Guido Brandt - www.gbphoto.net for sharing this great gallery of images from the Victorian Championships.

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A brief quick update on a number of topics from the organisers of the 2012 SB3 World Championships. As soon as further details are available, they will be posted here, so please stay tuned…..and HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!

Weather
If we had been at Hammo this year we’d have had a great regatta. I’ve attached the Met observations from Hamilton Island airport for December , and highlighted the days of the regatta. Of course it’s not next year and any guarantee that the met will be like this is not offered !! However , Hammo in December is more often than not , a regatta paradise.

In East Coast Australia this year ( Especially Queensland East Coast ) we are again in the La Nina phase of the weather patterns. ( very simply…La Nina / El Nino are names given that relate to the direction of current on Pacific equator and on West South American coast that affects the water temperatures there and here in East Coast Australia and the Pacific in general ) La Nina to us means more rainfall , more instability etc. It is typical that we get more cyclones and floods. However this is the 3rd year of the La Nina cycle and typically it is moderating. We can likely expect a mild La Nina cycle next year or even the first year of the El Nino effect ( we get warmer , drier weather and possible droughts )…the other indicators ( Southern Oscillation Index ) are also pointing to a weak La Nina in 2012 with a possible transition to an El Nino year in 2012/2013.

What this means , if it eventuates as expected , is a milder wet season ( late 2012 and early 2013 ) for Queensland. Good news for us , typically  this year to date has not been as wet as last.

The met I’ve provided shows the wind in kmh ( so divide by 1.8512 to get knots ) , as you can see there was very little rain during the month ( by our standards ) , and what there was fell during short periods during storms or frontal events.

We would have lost no days due to too little or too much wind , temps were not high ( maybe a degree or two down on what we’d normally expect ).  All was good regatta wise.

Hamilton Island Weather Observations December 2011

Shipping
No new news as yet , am awaiting advice from our container shipping company as to containerised rates , I expect this shortly ( and yes I know I have advised that for last month or so but it is coming !! ). I do expect this rate to be less per boat than that we have offered for RoRo.

Accommodation
I suggest you start looking at accom now but hold off booking anything for a few months , it is likely we will be able to release accom at Whitsunday Holiday Apartments in the New Year. These are apartments that sleep up to 5 , overlook Casteye Beach , have kitchen etc etc and offer great value. They do not include a buggy BUT are within walking distance of everything in the resort that matters. I will be putting out accom suggestions as soon as we have this online.

Entry
The NOR and Entry fee is ready , we are in negotiation with a major Event partner , I expect that this will come to fruition in next 6 weeks. If it has not , we will publish the NOR and open entries at that time.

Flights
No more news as yet , great deals can be had on Air Asia out of London Gatwick into Melbourne and then a separate ticket to Hamilton Island. Worth looking at this as it is very cheap. Air Asia are a no frills service , flying Airbus A330. The danger with this is its nota  through ticket and may mean an extra days travel into and out of Melbourne. They are regarded as reliable and safe in our part of the world. I do expect to be able to offer a mainstream airline at good prices soon.

Fun on the island
The island offers a multitude of tourism and fun attractions. You can bowl in the new bowling lanes ( Kiegel bowling ) , Mini Golf , Driving Range , real Golf ( one of the world’s most scenic and challenging courses on adjacent Dent Island – owned by the resort and linked by 10 minute ferry ride ) , Go Karts , Shooting Range , Jet Boats , Fishing , Picnics , Tennis , Gymnasium , Video ( Movie ) hire , Spa and Beauty ( 2 ) , Beach Cricket , Volley ball , Reef Tours , Restaurants , Take Aways , Kayaks , Fishing boat hire , Evening Dining Cruises , Catamaran hire , Paddle Board hire , and the list goes on…..

Catering
Self Catering accom is the best option on the island , there are two mainland supermarkets that offer a cheap delivery service to Hammo. It needs to be booked a few days in advance.  To give you an idea check out

www.colesonline.com.au                  or                     www.igaairliebeach.com.au/index.php

In 2012, the Laser SB3 fleet in the UK will be taking part in the Vice Admirals Cup, hosted by the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Cowes, Isle of Wight. This is the first time that the class have been invited to take part in the event, “we’re looking forward to some tight racing in the central Solent, it’ll be fun being part of this lager event,” explained UK Class Chairman, Chris Darling.

Racing will take place over 3 days, Friday 18th, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th May. 3 races are scheduled for Friday and Saturday with just two on Sunday allowing time for the prize giving and everyone to return to their home ports.

The Vice Admirals Cup is the first of a number of Laser SB3 events that will take place in the Solent during 2012. Shortly after the V.A.C. the Laser SB3 fleet will be taking part in the Royal Southern Yacht Club’s 175 Year Anniversary Regatta on 2nd and 3rd June before making the trip to the eastern Solent for the annual Seaview Yacht Club gathering of the class.

2012 is shaping up to be a really exciting year for the class. The National Championships will be hosted in mid June at Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy, just ahead of the closure of the venue for the Olympic Games. Cowes Week will no doubt be as popular as ever and in the third week of September, the European fleet will gather for their Championships at Medemblik, Netherlands where approximately 70 boats are expected to compete for the European Championship title.

Hamilton Island, Queensland, Australia will host the 2012 Laser SB3 World Championships from 12th – 20th December. Highly subsidised shipping will encourage a good turn out of European entries for the fifth World Championships of the class in one of the world’s “sailing paradises”.

2012…..let’s be havin’ ya!

Congratulations to Mark Stokes, Craig ‘Spike’ Watson and James Eastbury winners of the 2011 Laser SB3 Solent Series in the UK. The crew of Eau No! won all three of the Laser SB3 Solent Series events in 2011, the first time that any crew has ever achieved this success.

Laser SB3 Solent Series Results 2011

Congratulations guys, a truly excellent result!

Following the distribution of the ‘Clyde SB3 Class Proposal’ in September an information and social evening was held on 27th October at The Lansdowne Bar & Kicthen in Glasgow’s West End. Despite some last minute cancellations 25 people made it to the event which was hosted by Scottish SB3 Class Representative Doug Paton.

Following beer and pizza a 40 minute presentation was given which was followed by an open question and answer session. The presentation covered a range of points including; an overview of the boats, opportunities for the 2012 season, berthing & launching facilities, available boats and sponsorship opportunities. Feedback from those that attended would suggest that the evening was a success and we are now aware of a further 2 definite owners presently looking for boats as well as 4 other individuals or syndicates giving the opportunity serious consideration.

At the request of some of the attendees we will be holding a demo sail weekend on Saturday 26th November between 11:00 – 14:00 (weather dependent) where interested owners and crew can come and try out a boat.

If you are interested and have not already registered for a demo sail, can you please email Douglas Paton (douglas_paton@hotmail.com) with your preferred time.

Aside from strengthening the local class the focus now turns to securing a class sponsor for the boats in 2012 and finalising details for the 2012 Laser SB3 Scottish Championships due to be held at the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series. Interest has been received from as far as Holland and Belgium for this event and we look set to welcome competitors from England and Ireland for what is sure to be a great Scottish Championship.

For those of you that don’t already know, there has been a great deal of effort put into developing the Laser SB3 class on the west coast of Scotland. There a number of boats and crew committed to racing on the upper clyde for evening and weekend racing. The class has previously failed to become established in Scotland possibly as a result of high boat prices in the past. However, with the availability of great value second hand boats, and the affordability of racing them, it looks set to be a success.

For the 2012 Laser SB3 Scottish Championships, the class are going to Loch Fyne to take part in the Scottish Series event. Here the class will benefit from their own one design class start and nine windward-leeward Races over 3 days organised by the Clyde Cruising Club. There will be free craning on 2nd & 4th June provided by Macleod Construction. The class will also benefit from free berthing at the new Portavadie Marina, PA21 2DA (www.portavadiemarina.com). We have provisionally booked out the bunkhouse accommodation block in the very nice new development at the marina exclusively to the class. We intend to have class socials held between tarbert an portavadie with the added help of the water taxi service.

For further information contact Scottish SB3 Rep Doug Paton: douglas_paton@hotmail.com

Scottish Champs Flyer

Please see the official update regarding the 2012 Laser SB3 World Championships in Hamilton Island, Australia.

Laser SB3 World Championships 2012 Who’s Coming to Sail in Paradise

As more information becomes available, this document will be updated and republished.

There are still a number of question marks over shipping, simply because the shipping companies haven’t set their rates yet, and we are unwilling to commit to a “guestimate”. However for planning purposes, a guide price is included in the attached document.

Download the UK fleet 2012 Event Calender below. Calendar highlights include the National Championships at WPNSA, the 2012 Olympic Sailing Venue just ahead of the Games!

UK Calender 2012 V9

Congratulations to John Pollard and crew, winners at the Dutch National Championships. Full rankings below:

01 GRB 3058 Pollard
02 NED 3511 van Driel (MXT3)
03 GBR 3027 Darling (Darling Associates)
04 GBR 3510 Williamson (Huttons)
05 GBR 3060 Reed (Finitor 7)
06 GER 3561 Dohrendorf (Razzmatazz)
07 BEL 3472 Schoenmakers (Los Zapateros)
08 GER 3600 Schoeder (Isabella III)
09 GER 3573 Gielen (Vinatas)
10 NED 3470 Buitenhuis (Cube)
11 NED 3441 Gast (Rivium)
12 GBR 3289 Lossie (TWERK)
13 NED 3446 Beekman (JSBtje)
14 FRA 3078 Renault
15 NED 3555 Hameeteman (Transparts)
16 NED 3158 Stam (Voyager)
17 NED 3219 Scherrens (Cafe Sport)
18 FRA 3423 Russo (Morpheus)
19 FRA 3163 Durozey (Little Wing)
20 ITA 3161 van Dijk (Caveman)
21 BEL 3518 Elleboudt (Tacktonic)
22 GER 3475 Belterman (Stine)
23 BEL 3311 Jonckheere (Selden)
24 NED 3585 van der Elst (Fakey)

OceanBuro the Sunshine Coast based professional sailing company have successfully introduced a strict one-design sports boat to the Australian yachting scene.

There were the expected sceptics when the high profile SB3 Dart made its initial debut under the Oceanburo banner however the class has continued to attract attention with fleet numbers growing throughout Australia.

The strict design pedigree and the flighty nature of this ‘clone’ class where the hull, sails, rig and mechanics are identical which provides all crews with an even chance off the start line has and will continue to attract the attention of the sailor who is searching to master a supreme personal challenge.

Queensland class stalwart Rod Jones held a personal vision that the exciting SB3 Dart would successfully fill an important place on the Australian regatta circuit.

His personal passion and vision to develop a one-design class of sailing for all Australians will be rewarded when the World championship (the first to be contested outside of Europe) is decided at Hamilton Island in December 2012.

Meanwhile the Australian crews which are expected to include Olympic helmsmen Nathan Outteridge (49er) and Matthew Belcher (470) will have a selection of major regattas to refine their skills before they face the starter’s orders on the windy Whitsunday Island waters.

“There is a growing interest in the class and we are expecting strong fleet numbers to contest the major regattas including the 2012 Australian championship in Tasmania next February”. Rod Jones said.

The talented ocean racing skipper Rod Jones who combined with his Mooloolaba mate Greg MacAllansmith and the multiple World championship winning helmsman Glenn Bourke to finish 4th in the 2011 SB3 Dart World championship in England are naturally accepted as the crew to beat after their runaway Queensland championship win at Hamilton Island last August.

However while this trio are presently ranked as the crew to beat they know from experience that past reputations can only be protected with winning on the race course.

The intense regatta campaign for the Queensland champions in Club Marine Blue commences with the Geelong Race Week on Corio Bay in late January followed by the Australian Championship on the River Derwent in February and their State championship defence at the Southport Yacht Club Sail Paradise regatta in March.

They have including the New South Wales championship at Port Stephens in their racing log for April as the final regatta before contesting the Wintersun championship series off Mooloolaba Beach during June and July.

By then the Club Marine Blue racing team of skipper Glenn Bourke, and his Sunshine Coast sail handlers Rod Jones and Greg MacAllansmith should have a guide on the boat speed and tactical standard they will have to produce to improve on their fourth at the 2011 Worlds when the tactical ‘slug fest’ for the 2012 World crown begins off Hamilton Island in late December. — Ian Grant

A new fleet of Laser SB3’s is developing on the River Clyde in Scotland. A social evening has been arranged on Thursday 27th October at the Lansdowne Bar, West End, Glasgow from 6.30pm. Anyone interested in the class is welcome to attend.

The social evening will provide a great opportunity to share news and information on the development of the Laser SB3 class on the Clyde. Representatives from James Watt Dock Marina, Laser SB3 Class Association, local Yacht Clubs and SailLaser will all attend the evening and will be on hand to answer questions.

If you are interested in owning, co-owing or just getting involved by crewing with the Laser SB3 class in Scotland, please come along. If you are able to attend, please contact Doug Paton by e-mail. douglas_paton@hotmail.com

A fleet proposal document has been published. Click here to review the proposal.

It is the intention of the class to hold the 2012 Scottish Championships within the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series. Discussions are under way with the Clyde Cruising Club and Portavadie Marina. The Notice of Race will be published in early 2012. There is already interest in the Scottish Championships from North and South England, Ireland and Holland; we look forward to welcoming competitors.

We have launched a Facebook page for the Laser SB3 class. Please visit the page and and LIKE it to follow all news and information from the class around the world. Please feel free to post questions, photographs/video and comments to the page.

To LIKE the page, click here

World Champions, Geoff Carveth leads the Garmin Hamble River Winter Series after the first 2 days of racing. UK National Champion, Mark Stokes lies in 2nd place after 7 races. Titch Summers and crew on Chill Pill complete the podium.

Full results here

The Magic Marine Cup / Open Dutch Laser SB3 Championships 2011 starts on Friday 7 October, so only a few days to go. To date there are 24 entries out of 4 countries!! The water at the Haringvliet is great, the skippers dinner (Saturday) and after sailing beers are also arranged, so with some perfect weather conditions the Championships will be a fantastic event!

Entries are still welcome. If you haven’t registered yet, please do!

Below you can find the Notice of Race, Online Entry and the Entry List.

Notice of Race NOR Laser SB3 Nationals 2011
Online Entry & Entry List www.lasersb3.nl
Venue website www.wsvhelius.nl

Sailcenter will also be present on location with their service van. If you need some spare parts or other stuff drop them an email (shop@sailcenter.nl), mention that you participate in the Magic Marine Cup and they will bring it along!

If you have any further questions, please contact the Dutch Class Association (Claire Schreiner) via info@lasersb3.nl

The Angel Group SB3 National Championships were hosted by the Royal Irish Yacht Club.

Race officer Jack Roy did a superb job getting a full schedule of three races in on Friday & three on Saturday, unfortunately he wasn’t so lucky on the Sunday as racing was abandoned due to winds gusting in excess of 30 knots.

The young pretender Ross Vaughan RNIYC took line honours in race one. But it was the experience of Peter Kennedy who lead after day one with two wins. Hot on his heels going into Saturday were Mel Collins  RCYC sailing Sibelus, and last years Champion Gareth Flannigan Ballyhome YC.

Day two which ended up as the final day, included the first two races in the north of Dublin Bay.

Jack Roy moved the fleet towards Dalkey Island for the final race.

A second place by RIYC Alan McGettigan’s Defiant in race four skippered by Colin Galavan, was the hosts club best result over the weekend. Andrew Algeo sailing Flutter was best placed  Dun Laoghaire boat with some very consistent results finishing sixth overall.

But it was Sharkbait sailed by Ben Duncan, Brian Moran & Ric Morris representing Howth YC who prevailed with some excellent results. Including two wins and two seconds brought them over the finishing line to win from Ridgefence  by one point.

The Howth team sailed superbly all weekend and thoroughly deserved their victory.

“This was a very well run regatta by Paul McCarthy RIYC and Mark McGibney sailing manager.  Another very successful year for the SB3 class, with 39 entries for our Nationals, and the quality throughout the fleet, making it the most competitive class on the island “ said Jerry Dowling, SB3 National Chairman and organiser of this years National Championship.

The final SB3 Regatta is the Midlands hosted by Lough Ree YC 15 -16 th October 2011.

Geoff O’Donoghue claimed the Silver Fleet prize and Selina Dicker took the Bronze.