As out going Chairman of SB20 Ireland it gives me great pleasure to be handing over to the very experienced Justin Burke.
Being part of an emerging class was a very exciting prospect when I took over three years ago.
The SB20 class has had a number of challenges, changing its name from SB3 to Sb20. A new regime of Sportsboat World has recently taken over the franchise.
One of the main reasons for the success of the SB20 has being the number high quality sailors who compete in the class.
The class has maintained very strong numbers and there is very good value to be had in the second hand market.
With a very strong Dublin Bay fleet of 28 boats and good numbers Nationwide bringing the total to in excess of 60 boats, second largest fleet after the UK. The strength of the fleet has being enhanced by having an exciting calendar year on year, point in case is 2013 with Galway hosting the Nationals for the first time.
A real testament to racing around Ireland is the very warm welcome the fleet receives from all the host clubs, and especially its members who volunteer their time to ensure we the competitors have the superb time on the water.
Having the Worlds in 2008 hosted by the National YC with over 140 boats, the class has fleets in Australia, Belgium,Germany,France,Italy, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Holland & the UK.
This years worlds are this December in Hamilton Island Australia.
In 2013 the Worlds return to Europe and will be held in September in Hyeres in the South of France. This promises to be very well attended regatta as many boats will make a family holiday out of the trip.
As the season ends and we pack our boats away for the winter, we can contemplate a wonderful season ahead in 2013, see below.
Jerry Dowling
Chairman SB20 Ireland ( outgoing)
Calendar 2013
Spring Warmer HYC - April 6/13/20
Followed by the Easterns
Easterns Howth Y.C. - April 27/28th
Westerns L.Ree - May 11/12th (or18/19)
Southerns (Kinsale) - June 08/09th
DunLaoghaire week - July 11/14th
Nationals Galway - July 26/28th
Northerns - Aug 10/11th
Carrickfergus or Royal Ulster
Worlds France - Sept.7th – 13 th
Midlands L.Derg - Oct 19/20th