News - 2012

12:33 Wednesday 15 Aug 2012 Sue Pelling/CWLEast Coast Squib Sailors Prepare to Defend Title

Malcolm Hutchings and Andy Ramsey travelled all the way to Cowes from Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex with their Squib, Lady Penelope, with one aim in mind – to defend their title from last year.

Hutchings and Ramsey, who won the highly competitive Squib class last year, are continuing where they left off. So far this week they have three race wins and a fourth which means they are in a comfortable position at the midway stage of the regatta.

Hutchings said he learnt an important lesson from last year. “We won the Squib class overall but it was close because we had two OCSs. We also nearly won White Group overall but because of our errors at the start, we blew our chance. With that in mind we have to work really hard at not being over the line at the start this year. Although it is really important to have a good start in this sort of regatta, where there is plenty of time to take places on the long beats, you have to be cautious because it could cost you the race.”

The east coast boys say they are hoping to encourage more of the 35-strong Burnham fleet to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week next year. “It is so easy to stick the boat on the trailer and drive down to this event. This event is also part of our travellers’ series so it is quite an important one. It is also one of the best regattas of its type with really good, competitive racing.”

Hutchings and Ramsey are keen to get back on the water tomorrow. They are currently two points ahead in the series but need to keep an eye on those closest to them. “There are three teams – Martin Harrison, Freddie Warren-Smith, and the other east coast sailor, Duncan Grindley, who are in contention, so it is going to get exciting.”