SB20s Look Forward to Lake Garda's Perfect Sailing Conditions

21st May 2014

#sb20 – The SB20 class is looking forward to the second event on the 2014 Grand Slam circuit, at Lake Garda in Italy.

The Grand Slam is also a key opportunity for crews to get some practice on Lake Garda before next year's world championships, as racing will be hosted by Yacht Club Circolo Vela Torbole, the organisers of the 2015 worlds.

The Italian lake is world-famous for its perfect sailing conditions of strong breezes and flat water. The venue lays on near-constant winds each day, with the 'Pelér' breeze, which typically blows from north to south early in the morning, then the famed 'Ora' wind, which blows from south to north, takes over from late morning until late in the afternoon offering fantastic racing conditions. Add in challenging effects from the surrounding mountains, and plenty of Italian sunshine, and it's easy to see why Garda is such a favourite among regatta organisers.

The Italian Grand Slam has attracted around 30 boats with a strong international fleet that includes visitors from the UK, Russia, France and Monaco. Nine races are scheduled over a busy three-day programne, with registration on Thursday 22nd May, then three races per day planned for Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th.

See more event details here

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SB20 (formerly Laser SB3) information

Designed by Tony Castro, the SB20 is a British-built strict one-design 6.15m keelboat conceived as a wide appeal, affordable, competitive sportsboat for teams of three or four sailors. It is also, arguably, the most successful sportsboat in the world with 800 owners competing regularly in a programme of exciting local, national and international events.

Originally known as the Laser SB3, the SB20 continues to deliver on its pioneering promise: a boat that is fun, fast and easy to sail by anyone of any age; the best value-for-money sportsboat in the market.

The Laser SB3 was designed by Castro and launched in 2002. In 2007 the Laser SB3 was awarded ISAF Recognised Status and the first World Championships were held in Ireland in 2008. In 2012, Tony Castro appointed a new builder, Sportsboat World. At this time, the Laser SB3 was renamed the SB20 and building was returned to the UK from Malaysia. The ethos of the class continues.

The boat is a strict one-design class, economic to buy and campaign, easy to sail with a simple deck layout and electric downwind performance delivered by the generous sail plan. The boat has a lifting keel, can easily be launched from a slipway and towed behind a family car.

Previous SB20 World Champions

2008 GBR: Geoff Carveth, Roger Gilbert, Roz Allen & Sarah Allan

Host National Yacht Club, Dun laoghaire, Ireland

2009 GBR: Craig Burlton, Stephen White, Adam Heeley

Host Clube Naval de Cascais, Cascais, Portugal

2010 GBR: Jerry Hill, Grant Rollerson, Joe Llewellyn

Host Circolo Vela Torbole, Lake Garda, Italy

2011 GBR: Geoff Carveth, Andy Ramus, Ian Mills & Emma Clarke

Host Royal Torbay Yacht Club, Torquay, UK

2012 GBR: Geoff Carveth, Lesley Dhonau, Roger Hudson & Asenathi Jim

Host Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Queensland, Australia

2013 GRB: Craig Burlton, Stephen White, Adam Heley Host COYCH Club, Hyeres, France