Some of the details for the event won't be finalised until Sunday when the home-fleet get together to organise who's doing what and so on. But I wanted to get something on the site tonight and, in the mean time, don't hesitate to ask a question if you're unsure about anything.
The most obvious thing we can tell you is that our TT event will be single day event and we're hoping this will appeal to folk not usually able to commit to an all-weekend event. The basic event details are as follows:
- The gates will be open from 8.00am;
- Briefing at 10.00 am and the first race will be at 10.30, or thereafter;
- During the summer, Stewpot opens meetings normally include 4 races - 2 races in the morning, 2 races in the afternoon and we intend to follow this format for this event;
- Each race is around 45-50 minutes long and each pair of races sailed back-to-back;
- If conditions are variable on the day, then the race officer may decide to reduce the number of races to 3 (55-60 mins duration);
- If 4 or 3 races are sailed there will be a single discard;
- The class flag will be the Jolly Roger;
- we use a 5,4,1,0 start sequence;
- boats must pass through the start/finish line on every lap;
- and we plan to get everyone that needs to get away by 5pm.
As racing coordinator at Stewpot, I really want to encourage as many 'novice' or 'new-to-the-class' sailors to make Stewartby their first TT event. We're a medium sized inland lake; we don't have a daunting big-club feel; there's no tide, swell or big seas; we've well trained safety boat captains used to 'cat' rescue; and are easy to reach from all areas of the UK, costal or inland. To that end, a number of prizes will be aimed at folk giving the TT circuit a go for the first time.
Sprinting is popular with a couple of home-boats, so why not bring your jib along too, you won't be alone! Go 2-up and make it a family affair!
Camping (tents, caravans & camper vans) is available to visitors on Friday and Saturday evening and free of charge. Furthermore, on Saturday a good number of club members will be camping over ready for the club's open day on Sunday 10th. Spring 15 sailors are more than welcome join in on Sunday where the home fleet will be actively taking members of the public and member's guests out for 'cat taster sessions'.
As I said earlier, any questions please ask. Keep an eye out for more details on Sunday. And I look forward to seeing many of you on the day.
Kind regards
Karl Pountney
Vice Commodore & Racing Coordinator, SWSC