News - 2012

16:58 Sunday 12 Aug 2012 Sue Pelling/CWLFamily rivalry in Squib class

Brothers Ben and Chris Gibson are on a mission to beat their parents.

Squib sailors Ben Gibson (21) and his brother Chris (24), from the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, are facing tough competition from their parents Kev and Marney in the same class.

Although Ben Gibson is helming, the boat - Whizzard – is owned by his brother Chris who is taking time off from the Royal Marines to compete.

The boys’ parents Kev and Marney have raced their Squib at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week for the last 14 years, but naturally the boys are keen to beat them.

According to Ben they had a bad start to the regatta on Saturday. “The day was written off with breakages including the mainsheet coming off the traveller, hole in the jib, jammed main halyard, and jammed cunningham, which meant we couldn’t de-power the main. Hopefully that is our discard.

Chatting about their challenge to beat their parents, Ben continued: “We sorted out all our problems on the first day, and we almost caught mum and dad today. They finished just 30 seconds in front of us, so we are looking to match or better that tomorrow.”

Ben and Chris are also competing for the Young Skipper’s Trophy, and the Under 25 Trophy, but they are aware of the competition they are up against. “The competition is tough but we aren’t doing too bad. We do however, need to bag a few more consistent results to keep in the picture.”