Derek Priestley

Must be a very old starkers looking at the shape of the stern!

Garry, We are looking for a few extra people at this years Vane A event in 2 weeks time. You would be most welcome to come & join us for a couple of days or better still all week. We can promise you Fun Sun & partying at Fleetwood. See you at Manor park for the "other" A class Championship!! Derek P

As you say Gavin, it depends where you are located in the country and what kind of racing you're after. If, like you & I, you want to race against the best they are to be found in the IOM fleet. If you want to race in a fleet of almost identical boats knowing that your competitors have not "bought extra boat speed" then a DF or indeed RC Laser could be the boat for you. Love 'em or hate 'em the "plug & play" classes have certainly introduced several good new competitors to the sport. And the social is good whatever class you sail!!

Hi Graham & all, I first floated the idea of "stand alone class associations" running the classes at the May Council meeting & I stand by my suggestion. But, be careful what you wish for!! As we may end up with 2 all powerful classes (IOM & M) and several limping along. Not a problem if you sail one of the good ones, buy what about the rest? Just a thought ?

WOW!!!! Where is this going to lead?? We may return to the days of only 10 boats per heat & no one will be willing to man safety boats for fear of damaging rigs etc. Be careful what you wish for!

Full details are a bit sketchy but we heard last night, from his Dad, that WALSHY WON in Thailand!! That makes him a triple IOM Champion this year, winning the U.K. Brazilian, and Thai events. Well done Rob!! Uncle Derek!

Arthur Levison sculptor for a living, was a well respected designer and builder of A class yachts in the 1950's 60's & early 70's. Originally from Gloucester he lived in South London & carved, amongst other things, the figurehead for the Cutty Sark at Greenwich. He built many successful championship winning A class including his own "Phillippa" with which he & Dave Parkinson, a member of my own club Fleetwood, won the Championship at Gosport in 1968. I had the pleasure of racing Phillipa in my first A class championship at Gosport in 1972 & finished 8th. He stretched the design of Phillipa, to produce "Zerlina" & it was to this design that the Hoogerwerrfs built their 2 boats. Dad Jan's in red & sons Han's in Yellow. I raced with Han's at Gosport in 1974 & I think that we finished about 6th from about 44 boats. If you happen to see Hans please remember me to him. Enjoy the boat Derek Priestley

Hi Terry 1 This event was always part of PRACC but for some reason this year it was removed. It was also scheduled by our sec to be later in the month but it was moved by the calendar planners! 2 It was at Easter last year, but it was well supported by amongst others your goodself! 3 It was "hot on the heels" of a busy IOM ranking race last year also. It was in the calendar from the start & the calendar was published early so the late year book idea doesn't really wash. HERE IS NOTICE NOW THAT THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE CLASS IS IN THE CALENDAR & YEAR BOOK so, make your accommodation arrangements and get here. We will be very disappointed if we don't get 30+ boats!