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©Tim Rush-northonedesign.com


 

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Issue 5


UK Contender Sailing Breaking News...

  • First regatta for 2010 is the Winter Championships at Datchet on the 20/21st February!

  • 53 entries at the Nationals secures the Contender as the top placed singlehanded trapeze class in the Yachts and Yachting Attendance Table

  • The 2010 World Championships kicks off next month on the 7th January.


Welcome to the fifth edition of UK Contender Sailing Today...

Welcome to the 5th edition of UK Contender Sailing Today.

Thanks again to the contributors of this issue and to the various photographers for allowing us to use their images for this eNewsletter.

Chairman's Chat...
Shortage of boats for sale...
2010 membership renewal form...
IMPORTANT - to All UK sailors taking part in Brisbane...

Magic Marine and Craftinsure.com Contender Nationals - “Highcliffe Hum-Dinger” ...
International Contender Inland Championships 2009 – Rutland Water...
International Contender Traveller's Trophy – 2009 Season Review...
Update from Wavelength Designs…
David Henshall updates us on his book 'Hooked On'...
2010 World Championships...
2011 Weymouth World Championship website...

The Funniest Denmark...
2009 World Championships Results...
World Championship Regatta Hall of Fame...

British Contender Association Fixtures 2010...
CSERVE Contender deals Winter 2009...
Looking for new gear for your Contender - a few suppliers that maybe able to help...


Chairman's Chat...  
I must say it was an honour to be voted in as your ‘New Class Chairman’ at the Nationals this year!

Many thanks must go to Nick Grace out going Chairman for all his hard work he has put in over the past few years, he certainly has left his post with the class in a healthy state.

My plans are to build on what Nick has already put in place, and with the help from our Committee Members we have a number of new initiatives we hope to have in place during next year which mainly focuses around bringing publicity to the class, and encouraging new members by bringing in class sponsorship, training days and bringing more boats onto the second hand market.

We are fortunate as a class to have a core of ‘die hard’ long established members who have sailed these boats for more years than they can remember, I can remember myself as a newcomer with high expectations but being quite frustrated with the lack of success to start off with, not realising the subtle difference between the boat and that of any other and the ages of the people on the horizon in front of me. Newcomers need to be encouraged and need advice and that is where we all play a part, because we have sailed these boats for a few years and have the knowledge and what might seem obvious to us will not be to them.
Our open circuit continues to attract good attendances even in a year of recession, well done to all those who travelled this year we hope to see you again next year striving for greater success, you never know with all that winter training and boat tuning you may have hit the sweet spot we all dream of on those long journeys to and from events.

As Chairman my wish is that you find me open and approachable, who will answer all your questions or point you to an old wise man who can! You can’t miss me….. you’ll find me most of the time polishing my red boat!

It only leaves me to finish off by wishing everyone the very best for next year and hope you achieve your sailing goals!


Nick Noble GBR 2376


©fotoboat.com


Shortage of boats for sale...  
We currently have a shortage of used boats for sale. If you are aware of any boats for sale that could be added to the classified list on the website please encourage the owner to do so. They do not have to be a member of the association to use the classifieds section!

2010 membership renewal form...  
Its membership renewal time again!!!!

Please click here to view the 2010 renewal form as a pdf document. Please fill in the pdf document and enclose a cheque made payable to the ‘British Contender Association’ for the amount of £30.00.

This annual subscription includes the International Contender Association membership fee.

Then post to Ben Holden our BCA Membership Secretary to the address on the form.
 

 


IMPORTANT - to All UK sailors taking part in Brisbane...

With regard to your trip to down under, you should have received a membership sticker for the 2010 season, please stick this onto your Internal Contender Measurement certificate in the position at the top right hand corner. Just in case you get asked.

If you haven't received a sticker from me please get in contact so we can get a sticker to you.

Could you then on your return or before forward your 2010 membership renewal for the 2010 season to me.

I Hope you have a successful trip

Regards

Ben Holden


Magic Marine and Craftinsure.com Contender Nationals - “Highcliffe Hum-Dinger” ...

The season had been building to this weekend. The Contender fleet converged on Highcliffe SC to do battle in Christchurch Bay; at stake the crown of National Champion.
Race 3 – Stuart Jones  

After a leisurely Saturday ashore with no racing possible, the 53 strong Contender fleet tested the shifting waters of Christchurch Bay today with a patchy force 1 blowing from the North. The race officer, starting on time, caught out some latecomers, but his trickery was thwarted by a sudden dash for the line causing a recall. The second larger attempt had the same effect but the black flag finally got the fleet away. At first the right seemed to be paying but in true comedy style the left got the nod. Stacey Bray led and comfortably held on to the shortened finish. Tim Holden and Rodger White followed along with a grateful gaggle some distance behind. Due to the gusts, hole and shifts there were opportunities all causing many place changes, so at the finish Matt Aston pulled comfortably through to second with White closely followed by Stuart Jones making up the next places.With the tide now rushing westward and with the wind all but gone the fleet was sent ashore for the day, just in time to prevent being washed out past Swanage and beyond.

Race 6 – Pete Dives
Race 1 Monday. After 2 days and just one race, the RO amended the SI’s for a prompt 10 o’clock start and 4 races a day.The fleet duly arrived in time to be greeted by no wind. After a 2 hr postponement a gentle westerly began to build with fleet eventually getting away at 12pm in 8kts.Jones led from the start followed by Bates while Aston and Langdown worked their way up through the fleet. Aston overhauled Bates for 2nd. With the pumping flag now up, Langdown tried to close up on Bates by taking ‘Rocking and Rolling’ to a whole new level until the inevitable capsize. This gifted 4th to Dives who was being hotly pursued by Scott. Langdown came in a bedraggled 6th.
 
Race 7 – Tim Holden  

The second of 4 races sailed on Monday, with the wind from the SW force 3-4This time no black flag was needed, but the surprise for Matt Aston was to have a flying start at the pin end and to find a rib moored by its prop about 2 boat lengths to windward of the pin - Penned in by other boats he had no option but to t'bone at full speed. Luckily no damage, and redress elevated him to 5th in the race.The left had side of the first beat paid off, with a close group locked in a pumping battle down the next two reaches.After the second beat, Simon Mussell had shown his upwind speed to take the lead from Gary Langdown, with Graham Scott and Tim Holden in close contact. The race was shortened after the second triangle, giving Mussell his first win of the series, Langdown holding on to a good second for a light boy ! Scott and Holden followed up, with John Browett leading the charge from the pack behind.

Race 8 – Gary Langdown
Race 8 got underway with a port biased line and tide underneath the fleet under a black flag. The port side was favoured and Scott rounded first from Holden in second. Jones and Langdown moved through the fleet on the reaches so by the leeward mark they were in third and forth respectively. These 4 pulled away from the remainder of the fleet and were never seriously troubled.
Race 1 – Matt Aston  
The final race of long 7hrs on the water run to pull back lost races from Saturday.The sea breeze was fully established and steady – great Contendering weather. F4 full wiring all the way around the course with fantastic, rolling waves to surf down.With the pumping flag still flying this was to be a test of stamina as well as the skill.The fleet got away under now familiar black flag circumstances – the RO taking no prisoners – this catching out front boys Ben Holden and Keith Paul.Mussell showed he had the metal where it mattered – his bulk! – and streaked out to win comfortably from Jones by some margin. Scrapping for the minor place Tim Holden held off Aston for 3rd. Notably reigning champion Langdown went for his now routine race dip, this time after fluffing a tack, dropping out of the top 5 and eventually retiring with exhaustion. All the competitors and race team certainly deserved their championship dinner and a beer that night!

Race 9 – Matt Aston  

First race of day 4 started on time as the RO was on a mission to get at least 3 races in. The regatta finish time had been extended to give the RO some breathing space but 1 general recall was enough as the race team went straight into black flag mode.Mussell was out of the blocks well, for a change, along Ben Holden and Browett. Scott and Jones joined the front 3 but Mussell’s pace was too much for them all and again he won convincingly.Jones picked his way through to lead Scott and Browett home as the morning breeze built.

Race 10 – Simon Mussell

 

The RO set a port biased line for race 7 and with 30 seconds to go everything was looking pretty tight. Stuart, Graham and Matt all got good starts and sailed away in clear wind. Simon Mussell was forced to make a tack and immediately collided with another competitor which resulted in a 720 turn. The first beat saw the fleet split with some choosing to head right in towards the shore expecting the wind to bend right and others headed out to sea looking for the tide which was now on the change. At the top mark it was clear that the right had paid and Graham rounded first with Stuart, Tim and Ben in hot pursuit. The reaches were fast and furious with allot of frantic pumping and by the leeward mark the first 4 remained the same and Simon had recovered to 9th place. With the tide now running steadily from left to right across the course and the wind bending right up the beat there was a difficult choice to make.

The front of the fleet chose right whilst Simon headed to the far left in search of clear air. By the top mark Graham and Stuart remained 1st and 2nd with Ben up to 3rd and Simon now up to 4th. The remaining part of the race saw the front 4 move away from the fleet and whilst Simon did sneak past Ben up the last beat he dropped back to 4th when he capsized at the last mark (idiot!!!) . Graham calmly secured victory which moved him in to pole position to with the championship, Stuart was second with Ben and Simon following.
Race 2 – Matt Aston  
What turned out to be the final race and decider for the championship was sailed in near perfect conditions. The right hand side was paying, although the heavily port biased line and hope of more pressure out to sea drew many towards the left windward mark layline.The first 4 boats of Mussell, Jones, Scott and Aston pulled clear of the fleet by the second round, the front 3 unknowingly dicing for the championship. Mussell powered his way clear of the other 3 showing great technique off wind, particularly on the run, to comfortable victory. While Jones and Scott luffed each other high of the rumb line they almost let Aston through at the last mark. Had they done so there would have been a different name on the ‘auld winners pot’, as unbeknown to them the championship had been decided by a single point and count backs!. Scott and Jones were level on points and Mussell a further point adrift but with more firsts.

Once the RO called time on racing for the day, much to disappointment of some!, the fleet headed ashore unsure of who had won.

After 4 days of tough, trying conditions for all, Graham Scott emerged victorious to claim his 9th National Championship on countback.
Excellent series by both Martin Jones (12th) and Tony Cook (20th) resulted in them claiming the Silver and Bronze fleet prizes.

Tom Hooton (38th) collected first youth and Scott also picked up first Veteran.

A massive thanks must go to all at Highcliffe SC including Paul Walker (RO) and his team for running an excellent series, plus everybody behind the scenes who made the event great value and a real treat.

Bring on Filey in 2010!
 

UK Nationals Top 10 Gear List  
Posn Helm Helm Wt 

(Height)

Sail No Hull Mast Boom Foils Sail
1 Graham Scott 83Kg

1.83m

720 B WLC SSC Bonezzi/ Milanes WLD
2 Stuart Jones 80Kg

1.88m

2465 S WLC SSC Milanes WLD
3 Simon Mussell 98Kg

??m

2420 B A(Stiff) SSC Bonezzi WLD
4 Matt Aston 85kg

1.83m

2466 S A SSC Bloodaxe/Top Foils WLD
5 Tim Holden 95kg

1.9m

666*1 B WLC SSC Milanes/Bonezzi North CM5
6 John Browett NK

??m

713 B A SSC Bonezzi WLD
7 Gary Langdown 82.7Kg

1.78m

2421 B A SSC Bonezzi WLD
8 Stacey Bray 90Kg

1.83m

2405 S WLC SSC Harpprecht/Bonezzi WLD
9 Peter Dives 77kg

??m

707 BH WLC SSC Milanes WLD
10 Keith Paul 85kg

??m

589 B WLC SSC Milanes WLD

*1 Originally Italian boat, re-registered when bought to the UK – 19 years old

 Key: A = Advent garde; B = Bonezzi; BH = Bob Hoare; NK = Not known; S = Somner;

SSC = Super Spars Carbon (As supplied by Wavelength); WLC = Wavelength Carbon;

WLD = Wavelength Dacron  

Note: Bob Hoare and Somner hulls are from the same mould – Somner being the newer builder


International Contender Inland Championships 2009 – Rutland Water...

 

A gentle breeze and slight drizzle greeted the 38 Contenders who rolled up to Rutland Water over the weekend of 24/25 Oct for their Inland Championships. However by the time they took to the water the breeze had started to build and the rain had stopped.

The first race got away cleanly with Simon Mussel making it to the windward mark first, closely followed by the usual suspects including Matt Aston, Stuart Jones and Gary Langdown. The beat had done nothing to split up the main fleet and a broader than expected first reach didn’t help matters, resulting in a busy first gybe mark and big gains by those who went low. By the bottom of the second trapezing reach things had started to shake down a bit with the front group pulling away. Mussel maintained his lead to the finish with Jones taking second and Aston third.
 

Race2 got away with the breeze around 15 knots and continuing to build, but not without the classic inland holes and shifts. The pin end starters seemed to get the best of it, tacking onto a nice lift for the layline. Langdown rounded first followed by a bunch including Mussel, Jones, Ben Holden, Nick Grace and John Browett. By the bottom of the second reach this front bunch were still all pretty close but with Mussel pushing hard to get the advantage he took a swim and disappeared out of contention. By the windward mark the breeze had built to around 20 knots and Holden, loving these conditions had started to stamp his authority. By the beginning of the next beat the breeze had really started to kick in with gusts of 25knts plus which where accompanied by a shift favouring the right side of the course. Grace, Stuart Backhouse and Stacey Bray where all able to take advantage of this and moved up to second, third and fourth respectively, Holden just managing to hold onto his lead. The next 2 downhill legs to the finish were Contender sailing at its best, fast and furious with the recently dethroned leading bunch keen to make up lost distance. Holden crossed first, followed by Grace with Jones on his transom. Bray held fourth with Aston 5th.

The breeze way now officially honking so the fleet made for a lee shore inlet while the Race Team wrestled with the course. All too soon it was time to venture back out for race 3. Another clean start saw a battle of the Titians develop between heavy wind heroes Mussel and Holden as they disappeared off up the first beat in a plumb of spay, leaving the mere mortals to fight over the lesser positions. At the windward mark it was Mussel followed by Holden, Langdown and Nick Noble. By the leeward mark Grace and Jones where pressing Noble, with Jones just slipping into 4th .The next beat saw Neil Ferguson make a move up to 6th with Grace struggling to keep on the pace upwind and Noble regaining 3rd from Jones. By the top of the last lap the first 3 places where established as Mussel, Holden and Noble, finishing in that order. Jones rounded 4th but was robbed on the line by a charging Aston, desperate to make up for a poor start.
 



Ben Holden races to victory to become 2009 Inland Champion ©Tim Rush-northonedesign.com

With racing over for the day it was time to retire ashore for beer and grub at the local pub. With even more breeze forecast for tomorrow many a competitor was seen scoffing large mixed grills washed down with copious amount of beer in an attempt to bulk up for the next days showdown.

Sure enough the following morning we were greeted by even more wind and a certain reluctance amongst the fleet to go afloat. With several vicious wipe outs on the way down to the start area we knew we were in for a treat. The race got away first time in gusting 30 knots and again the left side seem to favour. With some of the fleet over standing the layline it was Aston who arrived at the windward mark first, only to fluff the tack and capsize right on the mark. This made a closely following Grace and an irate Mussel overshoot the mark, allowing Holden to find space from nowhere and round 1st. On the reach both Grace and Mussel overhauled Holden but Mussel was hit by a massive gust as he prepared to gybe and wiped out to windward. Once round the gybe mark Grace, who was suffering from the shock of not only surviving the gybe but also finding himself leading, sailed the second reach like a nancy boy allowing Holden and Noble through. By the top of the next beat Ferguson had stormed up to 3rd with Jones 4th and Browett 5th. At the bottom of the run Grace had closed back in and rounded behind Jones, only to have Jones capsize on the tack and let him through. The first 3 were now well established as Holden, Noble and Ferguson, finishing in that order. With Jones taking another swim on the beat, this left Browett and Grace to bicker over 4th. In the event it was Grace who took 4th from Browett, with a rather damp and bemused Jones crossing in 6th. Credit must go out to all who finished the race the race in what was by then quite extreme conditions, with particular admiration for Bray, the only one with the nerve to “2 foot” the final reach.

With the wind now blowing stupid knots the race officer called it a day and it was time for the long hard beat back to the club, with many competitors passing the time trying to remember if the discard had kicked in. It hadn’t but that make no difference to Holden who took the well deserved title of Inland Champion either way.

Final Positions:

1st Ben Holden (Halifax SC) 17pts
2nd Stuart Jones (Datchet Water SC) 18pts
3rd Matt Aston (Datchet Water SC) 18 pts
4th Nick Grace (Castle Cove SC) 19 pts
5th Nick Noble (Chew Valley SC) 24 pts


In the silver fleet Stuart Backhouse took the honours with an excellent 11th overall and the Bronze fleet prize was awarded to Nick Eggett in a very respectable 20th.

This event also marked the end of the travellers series with congratulations going to Stuart Jones as overall Winner. Final top placings as follows

1st Stuart Jones (299pts)
2nd Nick Grace (292pts)
3rd Ben Holden (291pts)
4th Matt Aston (287pts
5th Gary Langdown (282pts)

1st Silver Stuart Backhouse (266pts)
2nd Silver Chris Boshier (256pts)
3rd Silver Bill Hooton (236pts)

1st Bronze Nick Eggett (240pts)
2nd Bronze Tony Cook (222pts)
3rd Bronze Tom Hooton (214pts)
 

UK Inlands Top 10 Gear List  
Posn Helm Helm Wt 

(Height)

Sail No Hull Mast Boom Foils Sail
1 Ben Holden

 

93Kg

1.85m

2315 B A SSC Bonezzi/ Milanes North CM5
2 Stuart Jones 80Kg

1.88m

2465 S WLC SSC Milanes Rooster
3 Matt Aston 85kg

1.83m

2466 S A SSC Bloodaxe/Top Foils  WLD
4 Nick Grace 83Kg

1.83m

700 BH WLC SSC Top Foils WLD
5 Nick Noble 99kg

1.83m

2376 S WLC SSC Bloodaxe WLD
6 Neil Furguson 88Kg

??

2422 B WLC SSC Karston Klaus North CM3
7 Stacey Bray 90Kg

1.83m

2405 S WLC SSC Harpprecht/Bonezzi WLD
8 Keith Paul 85kg

??m

589 B WLC SSC Milanes WLD
9 John Browett NK 

??m

713 B A SSC Bonezzi WLD
10 Ed Presley 86Kg

1.83m

2406 S WLC SSC Harpprecht WLD

Key: A = Advent garde; B = Bonezzi; BH = Bob Hoare; NK = Not known; S = Somner

SSC = Super Spars Carbon (As supplied by Wavelength); WLC = Wavelength Carbon

WLD = Wavelength Dacron 

Note: Bob Hoare and Somner hulls are from the same mould – Somner being the newer builder 


International Contender Traveller's Trophy – 2009 Season Review...

This years Boat Bits Contender Travellers Trophy Series ended with a bang at Rutland where 38 boats battled it out for the Inland Championship in winds gusting over 30 knots.

After 12 events stretching from Restronguet in Cornwall to Halifax “up north” and with 77 contenders taking part in the series, Stuart Jones from Datchet Water SC emerged as the this year’s worthy winner with 299 points from his 6 best events narrowly beating Nick Grace (Castle Cove SC), this years Northern Champion, by just 7 points.

Ben Holden (Halifax), winner of the Inland Championship, Finished 3rd with Matt Aston (Datchet), the classes official report writer, and Gary Langdown (Highcliffe), last year’s National Champion close behind. Graham Scot, winner of this years 54 boat National Championship, just piping Stuart Jones on a count back, finished 21st having only competed in 4 events.


Mark Rounding Action from the Contender TT Series

Top traveller in the Silver Fleet was Stuart Backhouse from Burton Sailing Club and winner in the Bronze fleet was Nick Eggett from Restronguet. Both Stu and Nick can look forward to promotion to the next fleet up in the forthcoming season – onwards and upwards boys!

The Class would like to thank all of the Clubs that have hosted events for the class this year for their hospitality and for the superb sailing that the class has enjoyed in such a wide range of conditions. With several opens having attendance of 30 or more the class continues to go from strength to strength. There are new faces continually joining the fleet and with the 2011 Contender Worlds being hosted here in the UK at the 2012 Olympic sailing venue this growth is expected to continue apace.












Sunshine and Breeze at Halifax SC TT meeting

For a select few next year kicks off with 2010 Worlds in Brisbane, and with their boat already in transit, it’s just a case of ticking off the days until they fly off to sunnier climes. For the rest of us the season starts again in February at Datchet for the Winter Championship and runs through to October for our Inland Championships. Add to this a Europeans at LaRochelle in August and a Nationals at Filey in September and we have another great season ahead of us. Bring it on!

For more details of the UK Contender scene visit www.sailcontender.org.uk

 

Thanks to Nick grace and Peter Dives for the report!












Graham Scott – 2009 Nationals Winner

   
TT R1 21st & 22nd March—Datchet SC

1st Stuart Jones (Datchet SC)
2nd John Browett (Datchet SC)
3rd Roger Gates (Datchet SC)

TT R 2 4th & 5th April — Oxford SC 1st Nick Noble (Portishead SC)
2nd John Browett (Datchet SC)
3rd Peter Dives (Eastbourne Sovereign SC)
TT R 3 25th & 26th April — Weston SC 1st Simon Mussell (Highcliffe SC)
2nd Gary Langdown (Highcliffe SC)
3rd Stuart Jones (Datchet SC)
TT R 4 16th & 17th May — Eastbourne Sovereign SC 1st Gary Langdown (Highcliffe SC)
2nd John Browett (Datchet SC)
3rd Simon Mussell (Highcliffe SC)
TT R 5 30th & 31st May — Halifax SC 1st John Browett (Datchet SC)
2nd Ben Holden (Halifax SC)
3rd Neil Ferguson (Yorkshire Dales)
TT R 6 13th & 14th June Castle Cove SC 1st Stuart Jones (Datchet SC)
2nd Gary Langdown (Highcliffe SC)
3rd Matt Aston (Datchet SC)
TT R 7 27th & 28th June — Hayling Island SC 1st Stuart Jones (Datchet SC)
2nd Graham Scott (RYA)
3rd Gary Langdown (Highcliffe SC)
TT R 8 11th & 12th July — Porthpean Sailing Club 1st Graham Scott (RYA)
2nd Gary Langdown (Highcliffe SC)
3rd Simon Mussell (Highcliffe SC)
TT R 9 22nd & 23rd August — Thorpe Bay Yacht Club 1st Stuart Jones (Datchet SC)
2nd Nick Grace (Castle Cove SC)
3rd Bill Hooton (Burton SC)
TT R 10 5th & 6th September —  Burton Sailing Club 1st Nick Grace (Castle Cove SC)
2nd Stuart Backhouse (Burton SC)
3rd Ben Holden (Halifax SC)
TT R 11 10th & 11th October — Restronguet Sailing Club 1st Matt Aston (Datchet SC)
2nd Graham Scott (RYA)
3rd Nick Noble (Portishead SC)
TT R 12 24th & 25th October — Inland Champs Rutland S.C. 1st Ben Holden (Halifax SC)
2nd Stuart Jones (Datchet SC)
3rd Matt Aston (Datchet SC)
Final Travellers Trophy 2009 Results  
1st Stuart Jones (Datchet SC)
2nd Nick Grace (Castle Cove SC)
3rd Ben Holden (Halifax SC)
4th Matt Aston (Datchet SC)
5th Gary Langdown (Highcliffe SC)
6th John Browett (Datchet SC)
7th Simon Mussell (Highcliffe SC)
8th Nick Noble (Portishead SC)
9th Stuart Backhouse (Burton SC)
10th Chris Boshier (Thorpe Bay YC)

Update from Wavelength Designs…

Outstanding results for Wavelength in 2009 !


The 2009 season proved to be particularly successful for our sails.

The Worlds were held in Sonderborg, Denmark with varying amounts of breeze but generally windy towards the end of the week. Andrea Bonezzi added another world title to his collection with an emphatic win despite almost losing it all when his forestay broke on the first beat of the penultimate race. He just managed to replace it time for the last start and sealed the result. My prediction in the previous e-news of a new challenger from Australia proved correct and Jono Neate sailed very consistently to take second place. The Danes ,as expected, had put a lot of work in prior to the regatta and Jens Langendorf and Bjarke Johnsen where both early overall leaders before fading slightly in the stronger breeze at the end. However Jacob Lundig had a brilliant final series to shoot up to take third overall. Simon Mussell was best Brit in 5th place
The first three all used standard Wavelength Dacron sails in every race. In fact 10 sails out of the first 13 were Wavelength.

The UK Nationals changed from the usual spring date to an autumn one in the hope of more breeze so it was surprising to arrive at Highcliffe to find a calm windless sea!
The wind did eventually arrive and the racing was incredibly close with veteran Graham Scott just pipping fellow veteran Stuart Jones for first overall. Non- veteran Simon Mussell took third place.
Again all three used Wavelength sails as did 9 of the top 10.

The next big event is obviously the Brisbane worlds in January and we have been sending quite a few sails out to Oz as their season starts. I expect Jono Neate and Andrea to be the top runners again but local Matty Mulder could prove a surprise. However I think the conditions could suit our own Mr Mussell and he is due a big win.

Wavelength Contender sails have now won 6 out of the last 7 World Championships which underlines the results pedigree and consistent build quality of our products. If you are thinking of a new sail for next season and would like to beat the VAT increase we are still able to take a limited number of orders (up to 21st of December) at our current standard price of £573 plus VAT (£659 inc 15% VAT) .

Seasons Greetings to all our customers and good winter racing to the hardy ones,

Graham Scott
Wavelength Designs


David Henshall updates us on his book 'Hooked On'...

At long last, after many false starts and spells with the project getting bogged down, the book charting out the History of the Contender is now a reality.

The last stage of the pre-printing process (which in itself seems to take forever) is for a copy of the book to be produced that then gets agreed and signed off by the author and his writing team. That was, any mistakes are theirs and not those of the printers.

This sign off has now been completed so the presses should start to roll, at this point the book can be purchased directly from me or via WH Smith On-Line, Amazon or Waterstones.

Like so many authors, the comments seem to go along the line of “had I known what a task it would be I’d have thought twice” but in reality much of the hard work has been made a lot easier for me as so many Contender sailors, old and new, have all been so good at parting with their memories, pictures and other stories, some of which I would love to have included but could not given the reach of the Obscene Publications Act. As well as charting out the history of the class, I have also tried to make the book a good read too – so rather than just facts and figures, there are many added anecdotes of who did what and when.

I hope you enjoy the book, I am sure that there will be those who disagree with my take on the passage of history, though all stories are all backed up by a minimum of two independent sources.

The book launch is scheduled for the 9th Jan. at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron at Brisbane, the location for the 40th World Championships. As part of that evening, I will be giving an illustrated talk on how early events in the class tended to influence the later development of the boat, not to mention the mindset of some of the people.


When I get back from darkest down under (released early for good behaviour?) there is an offer to give the talk at any interested UK Contender clubs. Weston, surely the spiritual home of Contendering in the UK (how is that for a ‘contentious’ comment??) have already confirmed a slot, as have Lancing. Hayling are considering a date but if Mengham want an evening there are still a few spare.

Ditto any of the other main Contender clubs around the UK If you’d like to have an evening presentation, (to include the famous picture of Stuart Jones with a canoe in his pocket), be it at a London, Midland or Northern Club, then let me know and I’ll try to organise a date. As with the book itself, I am not looking to make a business out of after dinner speaking, if my travel costs are covered and I have somewhere to stay, that is fine by me.

Once again, a huge word of thanks to all the helpful contributors, to Nessa and Nikky to helping finish things off and to Keith Paul for his long term mentoring.

Opposite :
A momentous day in UK contendering history. Contention, K1, which didn't even measure as a contender, is ready prior to the big launching ceremony


2010 World Championships...  
The 2010 International Contender World Championship kicks off in a few weeks time in Brisbane. The website for the event can be found at www.contenderworlds2010.com

Currently 60 entries are on the list with 11 UK sailors taking part.

Many of you might be aware from reports on the Yachts and Yachting web  site that the UK Team container is travelling the scenic route and it is now a race against time for the boats to be in Brisbane for the Regatta - Fingers crossed their are no more delays!

 

 

What else could possibly go wrong...


2011 Weymouth World Championship website...

The 2011 International Contender World Championships website is up and running. You will find it at www.contenderworlds2011.co.uk . Don't forget to add it to your favourites!!

Currently below are the dates and the contacts for the event. We will be adding to the site as the championship gets nearer.

Click here for a poster for the event.
 

2011 Championship Venue
Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy
(2012 Olympic sailing venue)

Pre worlds regatta including 2011 UK National Championships
(Wed-Fri) 13th,14th and 15th July 2011

World Championships
Measure and Registration: Sat 16th July 2011
Measure, Registration and Practice race Sun 17th July 2011
Main event - 2 races/day 18th-22nd July 2011

UK Contender Contact
Nick Grace - nick.grace@virgin.net 

Local Information
WPNSA, Osprey Quay,
Portland, Dorset, DT5 1SA
T- 01305 866000 F- 01305 866001
E- reception@wpnsa.org.uk  W- www.wpnsa.org.uk


The Funniest Denmark...  

We’ve all heard the sailing reports of what happened on the water but funny things happened off water too!  So here are a few that I can remember……apologies to those who didn’t find them funny at the time!

It was quite a walk into the town of Sonderborg, some had bikes and some didn’t, Simon didn’t, so he thought Roger wouldn’t mind if he borrowed his, what Simon didn’t realise was the bike was locked around the wheel…his trip ended quite abruptly only then to be further humiliated by Roger giving him an earful about stealing his bike!

Later that evening Simon was relaxing in ‘Bens deluxe camp seat’ downing the odd beer, and testing its maximum load carrying capacity to its limit!.....yes you can guess what happened next….it looked like a scene from a nasty road accident!
 

For several days after arrival in Sonderborg Graham could be seen carrying what appeared to be a peace of rubber pipe in his hand?....... Speculation was that perhaps this was a further development from the wavelength stable, it transpired that Graham very nearly didn’t make it to Sonderborg as this pipe supplied the turbo boost to his Volvo almost requiring an overnight stay in Amsterdam (say no more….)

We all like to think we’ve prepared properly for these big events both with our boats and equipment off the water, Mike Murley thought he had thought of everything and I have to admit I was slightly envious of his luxury camp seat and tea making facilities as I zipped up for a early night before the next days sailing.  That night it rained cats and dogs so it was mildly disappointing that my wetsuit was still damp in the morning, my disappointment soon turned to creased up laughter when Mr Murley appeared from his cheap Argos tent which had turned into a swimming pool!!!  Next time Mike perhaps read the label on the tent if it says ‘Festival Tent’ its probably not waterproof!
 


Mikes Swimming Pool

So in conclusion, the funniest event for me was at the Championship Dinner whilst listening to the sexy female rock band and enjoying the Danish beer, the Race Officer could be seen slightly overdoing things with his consumption of alcohol swaying to and fro on his front seat perch.  Moments later the intensity of looking after 130 contenders sailing round and round and 25 pints of Danish had its effect and humpty dumpty had a great fall, spreading tables and chairs everywhere……thanks to Simon and Gary for their quick medical support the incident could have been a lot worse and we could have ended up with a Race Officer like the one we had at Highcliffe (only joking Paul!)  

Nick Noble

 


Race Officer


2009 World Championships Results...  

The 2009 Contender World Championship took place from the 25th July through to the 31st July in Sønderborg, Denmark.

112 competitors took part with 17 travelling from the UK. Best Brit was Simon Mussell in 5th place overall. Graham Scott won the veteran prize in 10th place overall and 2nd Brit.

2009 World Championships final results:

1st Andrea Bonezzi ITA
2nd Jono neate AUS
3rd Jacob lunding DEN
4th Jens Langendorf DEN
5th Simon Mussell GBR


Team GBR - Nick Noble

Other GBR...
10th Graham Scott
12th Gary Langdown
19th Matt Aston
21st Ben Holden
40th Keith Paul
44th Mike Murley
46th Neil Ferguson
47th Peter Dives
53rd Rodger White
59th Nick Noble
64th Tony Cook
65th Mark Robinson
67th Alan Mollatt
71st Daniel Taylor
74th Martin Jones
77th Chris Boshier
 



Down at the beach - Nick Noble


World Championship Regatta Hall of Fame...  


2009 World Championship at Sønderborg, Denmark. Won by Andrea Bonezzi, Italy.
2nd place: Jono Neate, Australia, 3rd place: Jacob Lunding, Denmark, first Veteran: Graham Scott, Great Britain
First Woman: Jacqueline Rüfenacht, Australia

2008 World Championship at Kingston, Canada . Won by Marcus Hamilton, Australia.
2nd place: Marco Versari, Italia, Third place: Søren Andreasen, Denmark. First Veteran – Chris Sutherland, AUS.
34 competitors from 8 countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, and USA.

2007 World Championship at Medemblik, Netherlands. Won by Marcus Hamilton, Australia.
2nd place: Andrea Bonezzi, Italia, Third place: Jan van der Bank, Germany. First Veteran – Stuart Jones, U.K.
144 competitors from 11 countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and USA.

2006 World Championship at Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia Won by Andrea Bonezzi, Italia.
First Veteran – John Cassidy, AUS. 61 entrants from 9 countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, USA

2005 World Championship at Travemünde, Germany Won by Jan von der Bank, Germany.
First Veteran – Gary Landown, U.K. 111 Entrants from 11 countries: Austria, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, USA

2004 World Championship at Riva, Lake Garda, Italy Won by Andrea Bonezzi, Italia.
First Veteran – Steven Grimes, AUS. 148 Entrants from 8 countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Italy,
Netherlands, USA

2003 World Championship at Mayflower SC Plymouth, U.K Won by Andrea Bonezzi, Italia.
First Veteran – Tim Holden, U.K. 83 Entrants from 8 countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Italy,
Netherlands, USA

2002 World Championship at Black Rock Yacht Club Melbourne, Australia
Won by Arthur Brett of Melbourne, Australia. First Veteran (changed from 40 years to 45 years minimum) – Mark Phillips, AUS
65 Entrants from 8 countries: Austria, Australia, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, USA

2001 World Championship at Kingston, Ontario Won by Arthur Brett of Melbourne, Australia.
First Veteran – Arthur Brett, AUS!
31 Entrants from 7 countries: Canada, Australia, Denmark Germany, Great Britain, Italy, USA.

2000 World Championship at Medemblik Won by Gabriel Wicke of Germany. First Veteran – Ian Renilson, SCO
105 Entrants from 10 countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, France, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, USA.

1999 World Championship in Kiel, Germany Won by Andrea Bonezzi, ITA.
First Veteran – Stuart Jones, U.K.

1998 World Championship in Sardinia, Italy Won by Stuart Jones, GBR
First Veteran – Stuart Jones, GBR!

1997 World Championship Sydney, Australia Won by Andrea Bonezzi, ITA.
First Veteran – Nigel Walbank, U.K.

1996 World Championship, Weymouth, Great Britain Won by Ian Renilson, GBR
First Veteran – Nigel Walbank, U.K.

1995 World Championship, Rowayton, Connecticut, USA Won by Graham Scott, GBR.
First Veteran – Nigel Walbank, U.K.

1994 World Championship, Union Yacht Club Attersee, Austria. Won by Graham Scott, GBR
First Veteran – Joachim Harpprecht, GER

1993 World Championship, Medemblik, Holland Won by Stuart Jones, GBR.
First Veteran – Keith Paul, U.K. 111 entrants from 10 Countries.

1992 World Championship, Melbourne, Australia. Won by Barry Watson, AUS.
First Veteran – Peter Randal, AUS

1991 World Championship, Marsala, Sicily, Italy Won by Andrea Bonezzi, ITA.
First Veteran – Keith Paul, U.K.

1990 World Championship, Hayling Island, England Won by John Hardman, GBR
First Veteran – Keith Paul, U.K.

1989 World Championship, Travemunde, Germany (West Germany then...) Won by Steve Daniel, GBR
First Veteran – Keith Paul, U.K.

1988 World Championship, Brisbane, Australia Won by Steve Daniel, GBR.
First Veteran – Keith Paul, U.K.


1987 World Championship, Hamburgsund, Sweden Won by John Webb, GBR.
First Veteran – Keith Paul, U.K.

1986 World Championship, Santa Cruz, California, USA Won by Mark Starratt, USA.
First Veteran, Raul Guertin, USA

1985 World Championship, Struer, Denmark. Won by Barry Watson, Australia
First Veteran – Keith Paul, U.K.

1984 World Championship, Riva del Garda, Italy. Won by Barry Watson, Australia
First Veteran – Keith Paul, U.K. 114 competitors from 12 countries: Australia, Austria,
Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Finland, New Zealand, Sweden,
Switzerland, USA

1983 World Championship, Lake Macquarie, Australia. Won by Tony Smith, NZL;
2nd Barry Watson, AUS; 3rd Mark Starratt, USA. First Veteran – Raoul Guertin, USA

1982 World Championship, Medemblik, Holland. Won by Tony Smith, NZL. First Veteran – Keith Paul, U.K.

1981 World Championship, Outer Harbour Centreboard Club, Toronto Won by Peter Newlands, NZL
First Veteran – Gil Woolley, USA

1980 World Championship, Hayling Island, Great Britain, Won by Peter Newlands, NZL tied with
Geoff Whitfield, GBR. First Veteran – Keith Paul, U.K.

1979 World Championship, Takapuna, New Zealand. Won by Peter Newlands, NZL

1977 World Championship, Kiel, Germany. Won by David Pitman, GBR.

1976 World Championship, Palo Alto, California, USA Won by David Pitman, GBR


1974/1975 World Championship, Manly, Brisbane, Australia Won by David Pitman, GBR

1973 World Championship, Imperia Italy Won by Peter Hollis, AUS

1972 World Championship, Medemblik, Holland Won by Peter Hollis, AUS

1970 World Championship, Hayling Island England Won by Dick Jobbins, GBR


British Contender Association Fixtures 2010...  

TT R1 & Winter Championship 20th & 21st Feb - Datchet SC
TT R2 & Northern Championship 20th & 21st March - Burton SC
TT R3 17th & 18th April - Oxford SC
TT R4 1st & 2nd May - Highcliffe SC
TT R5 & Southern Championship 30th & 31st May - Porthpean SC
TT R6 & Eastern Championship 12th & 13h June - Thorpe Bay Yacht Club
TT R7 19th & 20th June - Hayling Island SC
TT R8 3rd & 4th July - Castle Cove SC
TT R9 14th & 15th Aug - Weston SC
TT R10 4th & 5th Sept - Eastbourne SC
TT R11 2nd & 3rd Oct - Chew Valley SC
TT R12 15th & 16th Oct - Halifax SC
TT R13 & Inland Championship 30th & 31st Oct- Rutland SC

National Championship 18th to 21st Sept - Filey SC
World Championship 7th to 12th Jan - Brisbane, Australia
European Championship 24th to 30th July-La Rochelle, France

National Training Event 15th & 16th May - Porthpean SC
Weston SC
Burton SC
 

Click here to view and print a PDF of the 2010 Fixture List for 2010.

 

AND DON'T FORGET....

If you come 4th at an event overall or 4th British boat at an overseas event don't forget your prize of writing the report for the various publications!

CSERVE Contender deals Winter 2009...

For all of you sailors thinking of upgrading your boats this winter we have some deals to help you out throughout  December 2009.

Beat the VAT increase (All orders must be accompanied by payment in full).


Have a great winter!


Regards Chris
 

Masts and Rigging  
Selden Carbon mast and Booms
Mast RRP Ex VAT = £913.77
Boom RRP Ex VAT = £373.00

Mast and boom package Including Vat £1,286.77
Mast Wire and rope rig pack excluding all adjusters £110.00 inc VAT

Super Spars Masts and Booms
Mast RRP Ex VAT =£ 933.82
Boom RRP EX VAT =£ 305.40

Mast and boom package price including VAT £1239.22
Mast Wire and rope rig pack excluding all adjusters £110.00 inc VAT

 

Sail deals  
Rooster Sails

New to Rooster Sailing in 2010 and made from our very own RPM144 cloth, this Contender film sail is lighter than a Dacron sail whilst still having lower stretch and no shrinkage.
Our RPM144 cloth is a film/film construction with a pre-stretched polyester core. Coming in at 3.5oz it also has a softer feel to the film so that it has a softer finish then most other film sails.
Developed in 2009 with the help of Stuart Jones this sail is cut to the new carbon masts.
Comes supplied rolled, complete with battens, sail bag and sail numbers fitted.

RRP £650.00 inc VAT

Deal price £552.50 inc Vat
 

North Mainsail CM-5 NEW for 2010

The new CM-5 developed during the 2009 season the uses the same radial construction as the CM-3 built in Technora ODL06 but is fuller to help the downwind performance of the medium to heavier crews.


• Radial Construction.
• Vision Window.
• Tell tails.
• Battens.
• Tack Strap.
• Chafe Patches.
• Clew Strap.
• Class Insignia.
• Long Roll Sail bag.
• Sail numbers.

RRP GBP £675.00 (Ex VAT & Delivery)

WINTER DISCOUNT PRICE (Ex VAT & Delivery) GBP £574.00



 

North Mainsail (CM-3K)

The radial construction of the CM-3K Mainsail allows better cloth orientation of the Technora weave laminate fabric, which offers maximum shape retention in high load areas of the sail. It has more radial panels than a conventional crosscut sail which means we can apply shaping exactly where it is needed and make an extremely smooth and accurate sail shape. Not only does the laminate fabric have excellent shape holding characteristics, but it also offers a massive weight saving gain over the Dacron fabric.

• Radial Construction.
• Vision Window.
• Tell tails.
• Battens.
• Tack Strap.
• Chafe Patches.
• Clew Strap.
• Class Insignia.
• Long Roll Sail bag.
• Sail numbers.

RRP GBP £675.00 (Ex VAT & Delivery)

WINTER DISCOUNT PRICE (Ex VAT & Delivery) GBP £574.00


Looking for new gear for your Contender - a few suppliers that maybe able to help...
 



 


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