Exciting updates for the UK Europe Class Association website
by Ben Harris / UK Europe Class Association 17 Oct 2024 10:13 UTC
Europe UK Nationals at Hayling Island Day 3 © Robert Deaves /
www.robertdeaves.uk
The UK Europe Class Association has been working hard behind the scenes to enhance its online presence, providing valuable resources and information to Europe sailors past, present and future.
The class' website has been under a transition period over the past year, with the newly updated website featuring the return on many previously included resources, as well as a wide array of additions that promise to support the ongoing development of the growing Europe sailing community in the UK.
Technical Resources
The technical section of the website has seen an impressive expansion, featuring a wealth of maintenance guides that cater to both novice and seasoned sailors. Notably, George Cormack's in-depth repair guide for older Europes is now available again, alongside a variety of step-by-step guides that simplify many common repair tasks - empowering sailors with the knowledge and confidence to undertake maintenance on their own boats.
For those looking to fine-tune their performance, the website includes a selection of tuning guides, such as Shirley Robertson's Olympic tuning guide, offering valuable insights into rigging, boat, and sail setup. In addition, sailors can access links to RYA racing videos that cover essential topics including rules, tactics, and strategy.
Buying Guide and Boat Register
The class' 'Buying Guide' is designed to simplify the process for those looking to purchase their first Europe, outlining the diverse range of equipment suppliers available within the class to make it easier for newcomers to navigate their options.
The longstanding UK Europe Class Association 'Boat Register' is back! An interactive map showcases the locations of boats around the UK - a visual demonstration of our wide-reaching community! If you are a new owner or have recently sold your Europe, a simple online form makes it easy to update the location of your boat. The aim is to build on this page with a full list of sail numbers and corresponding locations.
Hall of Fame
One of the standout features of the updated website is the reinstatement of the 'Hall of Fame'. This section pays tribute to the outstanding achievements of the many high profile sailors who have sailed the Europe class in the UK throughout its history - including Olympic medallists, as well as countless National and International championship titles!
National Champions and Trophies
Celebrating the rich history of the class, the website now hosts a comprehensive list of UK National Champions, complete with details such as venues and sail numbers - find out if your boat was a former champion! The UK Europe class is proud to award a wide range of perpetual trophies, with a full list of trophies to be published in the near future along with clear eligibility criteria, aiming to provide clarity to sailors about the prizes available for sailors throughout the fleet.
Online Membership Form
Membership to the UK Europe Class Association entitles members to join class-organised activities such as racing events, and vote on any class decisions at the AGM. At just £20 per sailor, class membership helps to ensure the class can operate at its full potential, improve sailor experience both on and off the water, and promote the class to attract prospective new sailors! A new online form streamlines the membership process, and the class looks forward to seeing more new sailors joining in 2025.
With these exciting updates, the UK Europe Class Association continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering a diverse, vibrant and welcoming sailing community. By providing comprehensive resources, the class not only celebrates the rich history of the Europe class in the UK, but also aims to provide clarity for those looking to get involved. For more information and to explore the new features, visit the UK Europe Class Association website today!