After a fantastic job by Matt Aston over the years I have taken over as fixtures secretary as it seems compulsory to do the job if you have an orange boat. I think we all need to take a moment to thank Matt for all the hard work he has done in the past as it is not the easiest job in the world so thank you Matt.

I have secured almost all events for 2008 with a couple of venues yet to confirm but the weekends will be as dated and provisional venues may change so watch the Website and E-Group, and a new scoring system will be adopted for next years Travellers Trophy which Ben Holden is organising.

We have opens at most of the usual venues starting of course with the Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace so volunteers will be requested to help out with that in the New Year.
Datchet Water is our first Travellers Event which will incorporate a quick tuning session on the shore for those that want so prepare to have your craft scrutinised by the top sailors who will give any advice you need on sailing the Contender so don’t be afraid to make it your first event.

A Training Weekend is proposed in April at multiple venues around the country more details on that nearer the time but North and South venues are being organised so all of the class members current and new will benefit.

Our Nationals are being held at Pwllheli S.C in May over four days and my past experience of the venue is that of top sailing conditions and a friendly well run club so don’t miss it.

I now have details and NOR for the European Championships in Tuscany Italy and looking at the information it looks first class, right on the beach as is the campsite with a variety of camping and fixed accommodation on offer. I will post the details in a separate communication later.

Our World Championships are being held in Kingston Canada and promises to be a fantastic event with reliable winds coupled with Canadian hospitality in a beautiful setting and with big tourist attractions nearby it would be a great holiday as well.

This year Round 11 takes us to sunny Halifax home of the Holdens so don’t miss the opportunity to trounce them on their home water.

Look forward to seeing you all on the water in 2008.

Paul Ross
BCA Fixtures Secretary

2008 Contender Fixtures

 March 1st & 2nd Dinghy Show                                                                  Alexandra Palace 
 March15th & 16th Travellers Trophy Round 1                                        Datchet Water SC                                       
 March21st & 24th Weston Grand Slam                                                  Weston SC                                                   

 April 5th & 6th      Travellers Trophy Round 2                                         Oxford SC                                                    
 April19th & 20th  Training Weekend                                                        Burton/Weston                                              
 April 26th & 27th Travellers Trophy Round 3 & Billy No Mates           Carsington                                  

May 10th & 13th National Championships                                             Pwlleli SC                                                      
May17th & 18th Travellers Trophy Round 4                                            Castle Cove SC                                             
May31st & 7th June European Championships                                   Tuscany ITA  
 
 June 21st & 2nd Travellers Trophy Round 5                                         Brightlingsea SC                                            
 June 28th & 29th  Travellers Trophy Round 6                                       Sandwich Bay SC                                         

 July 12th & 13th Travellers Trophy Round 7                                           Hayling Island 

August 2nd & 3rd Travellers Trophy Round 8                                          Porthpean

 August 16th to 24th  World Championships                                           Kingston Canada 
 30th & 31st   

September 6th & 7th Travellers Trophy Round 9                                    Burton SC
 
 September 20th & 21st Travellers Trophy Round 10                           Gurnard SC

October 4th & 5th Travellers Trophy Round 11                                       Halifax SC 

October 18th & 19th Travellers Trophy Round 12                                  Weston SC

 October 25th & 26th Inland Champs &Travellers Trophy Round 13 Rutland SC 

 Club and event contacts will be available on the Calendar page soon.