3000 Nationals at Rutland Sailing Club - Preview
by Tony Hunt 2 Sep 2008 22:30 UTC
13-14 September 2008
In 10 days, over the weekend of 13/14 September, 3000 sailors will be gathering for their Nationals at Rutland Sailing Club, a venue with the designation 'open water' on account of its size. With such a central and above all popular venue, hopes are high for a large turnout topping last year's 16 boats (which would have been 18 had two boats not been impounded at Queen Mary due to Foot & Mouth!).
To assuage those who complain that windward-leeward courses are too boring, the club will be arranging for the 3000s to sail a quadrilateral course, comprising a beat, two reaches and a run each lap, demanding the additional 'real world' skill of deciding when and when not to use the kite on the reaches. If nothing else, it should ensure some fast sailing.
Despite the growing number of Vandercraft boats, the majority of the fleet is still expected to be made up of Laser 3000s, and a Rose Bowl will be awarded to the first Laser in addition to any overall prizes due.
The briefing on Saturday is at 11:00, with the first start at 12:45; on Sunday the first start is at 10:45. Three races are scheduled for each day.