2016 was the busiest the club has been for many years, hosting the IOM Nationals, IOM Veterans and the welcome return of the vane 36r Nationals, all this on top of a full club schedule.
The clubs IOM series was split into 3 separate series as in previous years, each series consisted of 4 races. These races constantly attracted an entry of over 12 boats which is very acceptable. The winners in 2016 were, Bill Culshaw, Brad Gibson and new member Emilio Gonzalez, well done to the three of you.
In May we hosted the IOM Veteran Nationals that attracted a very healthy entry of 34 boats, again proving that Birkenhead is the top venue for this event. The eventual and deserved winner was Phil Playle.
Over the 3 day August bank holiday the club again hosted the jewel that is the IOM National Championships attracting a full entry of 84 boats even if a few did fall by the wayside before the start.
We took the decision to hold the race at the impressive marine lake at West Kirby and were welcomed by West Kirby sailing club. A record of 15 club members entered with an impressive 5 being placed in the top 20. Congratulations must go to the eventual winner, Brad Gibson from the club.
In April we welcomed back the vane 36r Nationals after a break of near 25 years, although the entry was a little disappointing the fun and the fact that we had 6 juniors sailing more than made up for this. Hopefully we will not wait quite so long next time and lets hope to host this event again by 2020.
Racing away from the club, again proved, that the club is the envy of most on levels of skill at the top. We had Brad Gibson winning the 10r Nationals with his own design, Dave Potter also in the top 10 for this event. Brad also won the Marblehead Nationals with his unbeatable Grunge design, there was also a top 5 position for Martin Roberts at this event.
Moving further afield we had 3 members representing the club at the European Championships in Spain with the win going to Brad who was chased all the way by fellow member Rob Walsh, a great race for the neutral to watch unfold.
The Marblehead and 10r World Championships were held at the impressive venue of Lake Garda in Italy. In the Marbleheads, Brad managed to defend his title successfully with Martin gaining 13th place. With hardly enough time to boil a pan of pasta after the event the 10r Worlds started at the same venue with Brad being crowned winner and Dave Potter also getting into the top ten.
Brad Gibson now holds the World Championship trophies in the main 3 class’s of boat we sail, impressive enough, but add the fact he also designs, builds and rigs them all, makes this even more impressive.
Moving swiftly onto the 2017 season, we welcome the RG65 Nationals to the club on the weekend of the 24th and 25th June. We are also hosting a Marblehead ranking race at West Kirby on September 16th and 17th.
I would like to thank Jack, Bernie, Judith, Peter, Joyce, Roger and Dave Williams for all the help they give to me and the club, without these people we would struggle to hold an egg and spoon race never mind National Championships, many thanks.
Graham Elliott
