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Previous editions:
Issue 1
Issue
2
Issue
3
Issue
4 |

©Tim
Rush-northonedesign.com |
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UK Contender
Sailing Today is brought to you by
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UK
Contender
Sailing Today |
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The UK Contender eNewsletter |
Issue 5 |
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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.
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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... |
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Chairman's Chat... |
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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 |
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Shortage of boats for
sale... |
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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! |
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2010 membership renewal
form... |
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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.
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IMPORTANT - to All UK
sailors taking part in Brisbane... |
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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
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Magic Marine and
Craftinsure.com Contender Nationals -
“Highcliffe Hum-Dinger” ... |
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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. |
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Race 3 –
Stuart Jones |
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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. |
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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.
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Race 7 – Tim
Holden |
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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. |
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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. |
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Race 1 –
Matt Aston |
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|
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! |
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Race 9 –
Matt Aston |
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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. |
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Race 10 –
Simon Mussell |
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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. |
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|
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. |
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Race 2 –
Matt Aston |
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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!
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UK
Nationals Top 10 Gear List |
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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
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International Contender Inland Championships 2009 –
Rutland Water... |
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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)
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UK
Inlands Top 10 Gear List |
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|
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
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International Contender
Traveller's Trophy – 2009 Season Review... |
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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) |
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TT R 8 11th
& 12th July — Porthpean Sailing Club |
1st Graham Scott (RYA)
2nd Gary Langdown (Highcliffe SC)
3rd Simon Mussell (Highcliffe SC) |
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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) |
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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) |
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TT R 11 10th
& 11th October — Restronguet Sailing Club |
1st Matt
Aston (Datchet SC)
2nd Graham Scott (RYA)
3rd Nick Noble (Portishead SC) |
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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) |
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Final Travellers Trophy 2009 Results |
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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) |
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Update from Wavelength Designs… |
Outstanding results for Wavelength in 2009 ! |
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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 |
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David Henshall updates
us on his book 'Hooked On'... |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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2010 World Championships... |
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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!
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What else
could possibly go wrong... |
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2011 Weymouth World Championship
website... |
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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.
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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 |
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The Funniest
Denmark... |
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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!
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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!
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Mikes
Swimming Pool |
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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
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Race Officer |
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2009 World Championships Results... |
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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
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Down at the
beach - Nick Noble |
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World Championship
Regatta Hall of Fame... |
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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 |
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British Contender
Association Fixtures 2010... |
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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.
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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! |
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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
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Masts and Rigging |
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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
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Sail deals |
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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
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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
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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 |
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Looking for new gear for your Contender - a few suppliers that maybe able to
help...
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UK Contender
Sailing Today is brought to you by
Progressive
Technology Systems Limited |
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