Applications open for RYA Team Racing Nationals

The RYA National Team Racing Championship is back with teams invited to get set for the return of the event at Spinnaker Sailing Club this autumn.

The championship was blown off in 2019 due to too much wind and then cancelled in 2020 as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. Spinnaker SC in Hampshire was then all set to host the event in March 2021 but had to postpone it as a result of Lockdown 3.

The New Forest club is now looking forward to hosting sailors from across the country over the weekend of 13-14 November 2021, when up to 24 teams of six will be battling it out in Firefly dinghies for the Prince Philip Trophy.

The current title holders are West Kirby Hawks, who won the championship when it last took place in 2018 at Spinnaker SC, and close competition is expected for the much-anticipated return of the event this year.

Would-be participants are invited to check out the Notice of Race and then register their interest for an invitation here by no later than 2359 BST on 30 September 2021.

James Oborne, Chief Instructor at Spinnaker SC, said: “We’re very excited to welcome team racing back to Spinnaker! We’re working hard to make sure all the Fireflies and powerboats are in top order to provide the best event we possibly can and we have very experienced race officers and umpires coming in for the occasion. We are really looking forward to hosting what we hope will be a memorable championship for everyone.”

Supported by the UK Team Racing Association, RYA, Spinnaker Sailing Club and kSail, the championship provides a great opportunity for friends to #rockupandrace and teams are invited from RYA Affiliated clubs, class associations and organisations.

Entry is £320 per team for those who complete the Request for Invite by the deadline. If the event cannot be safely sailed in compliance with the relevant Covid regulations and is cancelled, all entry fees will be refunded in full. For any questions email: keelboatracing@rya.org.uk

Spinnaker SC will also be hosting two Firefly events over the preceding weekend providing an ideal warm-up for the RYA National Team Racing Championship. Find out more about the Twisted Tube 2-boat team racing on Saturday 6 November and Firefly Open on Sunday 7 November at www.spinnakerclub.co.uk