2022 Season Opens!
The Season Opening Weekend is just under a fortnight away!
A number of Swallows are expected in the water by the end of March, more by Easter!
We kick off with the first race of the Toucantoo series on Saturday 26 March and race I of the Pollock Cup series on the Sunday. The first weekend series will be over Easter for the Deep End Trophy.
Movers and Shakers
Its great to see that the class is thriving with new teams coming to the fleet this season. Peregrine, in the very capable hands of Bob and Clare Sharp, will be back racing this year. Bob and Clare were at Classic Week a few years ago scoring some tidy results so we extend a big welcome to them from the fleet.
The Harlequin team have purchased Stealth. Might we see a two boat campaign there in due course? Migrant have lots of new younger partners, some wishing to stay under the radar on the boat listings!
Last, but certainly not least, S96 ‘Ghost’ will be launched in April with the new team of Philip Swatman, Chris Grosscurth and Emma York. Much work has gone into fine tuning the build process and designing the fit out so we hope that this new boat will be something special. Watch this space for details of the launch party.
Recent Promotional Activity
SW.ITCH22, our plan to lend a Swallow to a group of existing club members, has not at this stage found enough takers to run. (The idea was to interest those who might in due course like to be Swallow owners but are perhaps not quite ready yet). So, we have switched our promotional activity to attracting guests to join us for our Guest Day on Sunday 15th May.
Locally oriented promotional pieces have been included in the Village Magazine which circulates in our area and various other local parish magazines.
A post targeted at all dinghy sailors in the south of England looking to move up to Keelboat Racing was published in the Y&Y and Sail Racer web pages. Promotion remains essential to the future of the class and the good news is that we are receiving enquiries as a result of these posts.
Guest Day Sunday 15th May (… and maybe Saturday 14th as well)
Please can all Swallow owners firstly save the date to be at the club on Sunday 15th to host guests but also think who you know that may enjoy what we do at Itchenor. Please invite them to attend as well.
This event is our big chance to showcase the class and attract the new crews and boat owners for the future. If you think your guest is a good prospect then why not invite them to sail with you on Saturday as well?
PRO and ARO Courses
Our class chairman Mike is presenting the Race Officer Refresher Course from 09:30 this coming Sunday morning at the club.
He is co presenting with David MacGregor, the XOD class chairman, so expect an interesting discussion! There will also be an ARO presentation at the same time.
The Swallow Class always do more than our fair share of race management at Itchenor and it’s good to stay on top of best practice. So, if you fancy learning more or have ideas to share, please book with the club office.
National Championships 16-17 July, Bembridge
In anticipation of the first “away” championships for three years, once again at the delightful Bembridge – great for both racing and shore-based activities – below is a wonderful photo! More soon on the racing and social plans.
London Swallow Walk, Sunday 13th March
An envigorating walk through the Isabella Plantation and surrounds followed by a most delicious lunch at the ‘Victoria’, Sheen was had by all. Although the day’s sunny start deteriorated into rain, this proved to be no deterrent to hardy crew!
The picture shows the walkers in front of the aptly-named ‘Thompson’s Pond’ and ‘Thompson’s Lawn’. Slightly damp but enjoying the traditional mid-walk aperitif, this time ‘Pineau de Charentes’ an interesting mix of white wine and Cognac from Western France.
