#squib – At the end of June every year the Squib Class assemble in large numbers to compete for their annual National Championships and this year there are four Irish entries are : Tais' Michael O'Connell and Eddie McCarron - Royal Irish YC, Femme Fatale' Vincent Delany and Noel Colclough - RStGYC and Toy for the Boys' Peter Wallace and Sian McCleave - RNIYC.
For 2013 the Championship moves away from the South coast to Abersoch from 30th. June until 6th. July, To date, there are already 62 entries which compares very favourably with previous years, indicating that the Squib Class is maintaining high levels of support from throughout the country.
Remarkably there are twenty seven entries from the host club, South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club.
It is interesting the observe the spread of the other entries- Seven from Royal Corinthian Yacht Club on the East coast, five from the Royal Victoria Yacht Club on the Isle of Wight, three from the other Welsh Club, Holyhead Sailing Club, three from various clubs in Northern and Southern Ireland, Two from Weymouth Sailing Club, Two from Humber Yawl Club.and Two from Felixtowe Ferry Sailing Club.
Alan Johnson and Dave Garlick who won the Championships last year in 'Cariad Bach' at the Royal Dart Yacht Club after many attempts, were quoted at the prizegiving dinner as saying "We have raced together since 1977, so, if we couldn't win the Championships this year, we might be leaving it too late." They have entered the 2013 Championship in 'Cariad Bach' and since the event takes place on their home waters they should be expected to finish in the top 10.
For many years the Championship has been won by boats flying 'Batt Sails'. In 2012 although the winner used Batt Sails, the runner up used 'Hyde Sails'. It is now believed within the fleets that there is very little difference in performance between these two sail makers.
In the main early season events on the East Coast Nigel and Jack Grogan in No. 105 'Helmut Shoing II' have shown consistency. However the big fleets and open tidal waters of a National championship can provide a more difficult challenge.
Others who have performed well include Malcolm Hutchings and Andy Ramsay in 'Lady Penelope' from the Royal Corinthinan Y.C., Gerard Dyson and Tony Saltonstall from the Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club in 'Alchemy' and Micky Wright and Chris Dunn in 'Spoof' also from R.C.Y.C.
Regatta organizers are preparing for a precise scrutineering day, and have sent out advanced notices to potential competitors, reminding them to comply with the revisions made to the Class Regulations at last years AGM.
A strong social programme has been arranged by the host club for the competitors with dinners, sing songs, barbecues etc. so fun will be had by all.
