Developing The Abersoch Fleet Through 2010
The revived Abersoch fleet can now celebrate it's first birthday. The first three boats were acquired by 1st Jan 2009, this number rose to six by Easter, and seven by the end of the 2009 season. January 2010 sees the fleet with nine Dragons.
Growth of the fleet is still a top priority. The year end has kept us bang on track with three further Dragons acquired by early January, bringing the total fleet number to ten. We now have every chance of hitting the target of twelve Dragons by Easter. Our end goal is eighteen Dragons, if we hit this number we'll have cracked it!
To ensure the fleet expansion retains momentum we have three angles of attack;
- Continuing to adhere to the financial limit of £15k, this includes boat, trailer, rig and sails, just add water.
- Each Dragon owner/syndicate is targeted with attracting a new member to the fleet.
- We have lorry loads of fun on and off the water, people see it, and we welcome them to join the fun and be part of it - just buy a Dragon, on your own, or jointly with some friends.
Dragon Racing at Abersoch SCYC
The 2010 club racing season will closely reflect last year's successful schedule. The Dragon class racing will be every other weekend ensuring the highest possible turn out with everyone itching to sail their beautiful boats. The format is Saturday two races late afternoon followed by a couple of beers in the bar, Sunday is a single race late morning. Once again we will also be throwing in a couple of Friday evening races, probably one in each of the months of June, July, August. In addition to this we'll have special club race events for the Dragons including for example the 1st August series - daily racing over a five/six day period.
In addition SCYC is hosting the BDA Northern's 17th to 20th June. Boats will be launched and recovered at Pwllheli Marina, racing based from Abersoch's SCYC with moorings available for all competitors. We have coordinated the date of this event with the south coast based Edinburgh Cup, encouraging the Irish fleet to join us, then securely store their Dragons in Pwllheli, (massive secure compound available), for collection and travel south to compete in the Edinburgh Cup at the end of the month.
The Wider Picture
We have our eye on the 2011 Edinburgh Cup, scheduled for hosting by Abersoch's SCYC. With 2011 in mind, this season will be focussed on developing the fleet's sailing skills, learning how to get the best out of a Dragon in a range of wind conditions and sea states.
To get to grips with sailing Dragons competitively we have some good championship yachters within the club to help us, we are in touch with the Irish fleet, and may even call on outside support as we look to find that all illusive 'speed button'.
Racing against other Dragon fleets is also very helpful in developing a competitive edge, as we look to improve our rig tuning, sail trimming & handling, and helming expertise. The current financial squeeze will have an impact on our ability to travel, but we are aiming to get at least one or two of the Abersoch Dragons 'on the road'. Burnham Easter Regatta looks interesting diary wise, and it would be great if a couple of Abersoch Dragons could attend this year's Edinburgh Cup.
That's it, see you on the water!
The SCYC website can be found at www.scyc.co.uk.
For more information please contact Rob Riddell either by e-mail at
rwriddell@hotmail.co.uk
or by telephone on 07777 695990.