In 2012, the Laser SB3 fleet in the UK will be taking part in the Vice Admirals Cup, hosted by the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Cowes, Isle of Wight. This is the first time that the class have been invited to take part in the event, “we’re looking forward to some tight racing in the central Solent, it’ll be fun being part of this lager event,” explained UK Class Chairman, Chris Darling.

Racing will take place over 3 days, Friday 18th, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th May. 3 races are scheduled for Friday and Saturday with just two on Sunday allowing time for the prize giving and everyone to return to their home ports.

The Vice Admirals Cup is the first of a number of Laser SB3 events that will take place in the Solent during 2012. Shortly after the V.A.C. the Laser SB3 fleet will be taking part in the Royal Southern Yacht Club’s 175 Year Anniversary Regatta on 2nd and 3rd June before making the trip to the eastern Solent for the annual Seaview Yacht Club gathering of the class.

2012 is shaping up to be a really exciting year for the class. The National Championships will be hosted in mid June at Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy, just ahead of the closure of the venue for the Olympic Games. Cowes Week will no doubt be as popular as ever and in the third week of September, the European fleet will gather for their Championships at Medemblik, Netherlands where approximately 70 boats are expected to compete for the European Championship title.

Hamilton Island, Queensland, Australia will host the 2012 Laser SB3 World Championships from 12th – 20th December. Highly subsidised shipping will encourage a good turn out of European entries for the fifth World Championships of the class in one of the world’s “sailing paradises”.

2012…..let’s be havin’ ya!

Congratulations to Mark Stokes, Craig ‘Spike’ Watson and James Eastbury winners of the 2011 Laser SB3 Solent Series in the UK. The crew of Eau No! won all three of the Laser SB3 Solent Series events in 2011, the first time that any crew has ever achieved this success.

Laser SB3 Solent Series Results 2011

Congratulations guys, a truly excellent result!

Following the distribution of the ‘Clyde SB3 Class Proposal’ in September an information and social evening was held on 27th October at The Lansdowne Bar & Kicthen in Glasgow’s West End. Despite some last minute cancellations 25 people made it to the event which was hosted by Scottish SB3 Class Representative Doug Paton.

Following beer and pizza a 40 minute presentation was given which was followed by an open question and answer session. The presentation covered a range of points including; an overview of the boats, opportunities for the 2012 season, berthing & launching facilities, available boats and sponsorship opportunities. Feedback from those that attended would suggest that the evening was a success and we are now aware of a further 2 definite owners presently looking for boats as well as 4 other individuals or syndicates giving the opportunity serious consideration.

At the request of some of the attendees we will be holding a demo sail weekend on Saturday 26th November between 11:00 – 14:00 (weather dependent) where interested owners and crew can come and try out a boat.

If you are interested and have not already registered for a demo sail, can you please email Douglas Paton (douglas_paton@hotmail.com) with your preferred time.

Aside from strengthening the local class the focus now turns to securing a class sponsor for the boats in 2012 and finalising details for the 2012 Laser SB3 Scottish Championships due to be held at the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series. Interest has been received from as far as Holland and Belgium for this event and we look set to welcome competitors from England and Ireland for what is sure to be a great Scottish Championship.