In a year of significant change for the class, we have seen increased turnouts at almost all of the open meetings, unfortunately with the exception of the National Championships held at Oxford SC in the middle of August.

As you will read elsewhere, those that attended enjoyed great close racing, with last year’s champion Louis Saunders relegated to 4^th, and Ben Harris picking up 3^rd overall for a 3^rd consecutive year, with his sister Penny Yarwood taking 2^nd by a single point.

Cookham Reach also held their inaugural lightning open on the 8^th September, and Haversham SC host their 1^st Inland Championships on the 22^nd September. With 19 home boats, this should prove to be an event that is very well attended – I hope to see as many as possible of you there.

The 2^nd hand boat market has once again been very active, with many sailors at Dovestone SC, my home club, struggling to get hold of a boat, which are selling like the proverbial hot cakes.

The AGM saw the official announcement of John Claridge as the new builder and there was significant interest in the changes that he is thinking of making to modernise the class. I am sure that there will be further announcements of this in due course.

The final event of the year, which counts of the 1^st event of the new calendar season is the Rum and Mince Pie held at West Oxfordshire SC on 10^th November. Details of the meal should be available and this once again is a great social opportunity for sailors and spectators alike.

I thank all of you for your continued support to this great class and hope to see you very soon.

Mal Hartland

LN370