Squib Nationals at Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club - Preview

108 teams compete during the 2009 Squib nationals in Weymouth © Paul Wyeth / www.pwpictures.com

The 2014 National Squib Class National Championship has adopted a remarkably innovative format to address the needs and expectations of the Squib Owners. The event hosted by the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club from 5th-11th July is divided into two parts, a sea based event, which is the primary event, and some two weeks before the first race, entry numbers are looking good with some 46 competitors entered, while some 16 additional boats have entered the Broadland Regatta on Oulton Broad, making a total of 62 boats, which is exactly the same number as competed in 2013 in Abersoch. However, there are two weeks during which further entries can be expected.

A significant omission from the entry list is Mike Budd, who won the 2013 Championship in Harry III in varied conditions from light to heavy breezes.

There will be several battles taking place this year - the first battle is between the newer boats and the older boats. 2013 saw a new boat take the Championship, but I would put my money on an older boat for 2014.

The second battle is between the three sail-makers who currently serve the class, Batt Sails, Hyde Sails, and Lonton and Gray. I would put my money on Lonton and Gray winning the Broadlands Regatta where the water is likely to be flatter, and the winds lighter, the conditions for which the Lonton and Gray sails were developed. But on the sea, Hyde Sails have been showing good form in most winds this year, and it is many years since they have won the Championship. Perhaps 2014 could be their year, but luck will need to be on their side.

Another important battle will be between the local boats with their specialist knowledge, such as Bryan and Jenny Riley's Brimstone, or David Gooch and Gilly Foulds' Ex-Flame and the visitors from as far afield as Ireland, Yorkshire and West Hoe.

Finally, if I have to put a name on potential winners, I would consider a trip to Paddy Power's betting shop to bet on Micky Wright and Chris Dunn in Spoof, or Nigel and Jack Grogan in Helmut Shoing II or Chris and Mark Hogan in Ric O'Shea, which despite Chris not being on board the boat, was runner up in last years event.

The Broadland Regatta will be a very open event with possible winners coming from the Royal Victoria Yacht Club on the Isle of Wight.

One way or another, the comraderie of the Squib Class with be evident everywhere, both afloat and ashore.

www.squibnationals2014.com