| Haulfryn Group sponsored the Squib Nationals 2007 at South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club (www.scyc.co.uk ) Results are at http://www.scyc.co.uk/Results/squib_nationals_2007.html |
| Three Howth Squibs made the journey to Abersoch, North Wales, for the 2007 Squib Nationals. They were joined by four other Irish boats to make up a fleet of 97, amongst which were numerous Olympians, World, European and National Champions. Photo Opposite .... Ladies from the Howth boats at the Championship Dinner. |
(L-R) Melanie McCaughey, Rois�n Gilroy, Ciara Kellett and Dearbhaill Murphy |
Abersoch is a picturesque holiday village on the North shores of Cardigan Bay, a couple of miles West of Pwellili, a harbour frequented by many HYC boats over the years. The fleet was measured and launched in Pwellili and sailed to the sheltered moorings off the beaches of Abersoch. The Squib fleet might have a high age demographic but it pushes as hard as any other and the practice race and six scoring races were all sailed under the shadow of a black flag. In any race, up to a dozen boats could find themselves having an early shower. Some boats, including HYC's Klipbok suffered two, albeit one was in the practice race. |
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The Irish boats were well on the pace with a couple of top ten places but suffered from lack of frequent big fleet practice.
Royal North of Ireland's Peter Wallace, in Toy for the boys, finished top Irish boat in 20th with Klipbok in 29th. Asterix and Leprechaun faired less well in the racing with gear failure issues. Strong winds were a feature of the event. The Howth visitors ate heartily every night and washed it down with Pimms, the tipple of choice for a Squib sailor (The Squib was designed by a three-time Olympic and World croquet champion.) |
Emmet Dalton enjoys a Pimms. |
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2008 sees the 40th Anniversary Regatta for the Squib in its home town of Burnham-on-Crouch (www.rcyc.co.uk). A limit of 65 boats has been put on the event and a draw for a brand new boat will ensure every place is rapidly filled. If you require an entry form, please contact Emmet Dalton ASAP. The closing date looms.
Immediately following that event is the National Championship in nearby Lowestoft. Kinsale Yacht Club (www.kyc.ie) hosts the Irish South Coast Championships this weekend (7, 8, 9th July). HYC is fielding five boats including past winner Tim Concannon's Femme Fatale and Phil Merry's Shadowfax, the 2006 runner-up. Emmet Dalton Klipbok |