Newsletter Issue No.11
Activ Racing - Addiction starts the season on winning form
Sunday 15th March saw the Raymarine Warsash Spring series get underway with one of our very own Beneteau, 40.7’s, Addiction, storming into 1st place on her first major race of the season.
The mild sunny day with light winds made it an excellent test for the new team on their inaugural race together. Skipper, Tim Thubron, ably assisted by first mate, Ian Finlay and the crew made the most of the tough conditions and coaxed Addiction along searching for every little patch of breeze.
The previous day’s training proved its worth when the crew held their lead from the first mark, bringing Addiction home in first place in a time of 3 hours 34 seconds – a full 3 minutes ahead on Encore in second place.
Chris Lowe (genoa trim) and James Stevenson (navigator) went to Warsash Sailing Club to collect the class prize from Fiona Pankhurst of Raymarine on behalf of Team Addiction (pictured).
Activ & the Addiction Race Team prove their racing pedigree
back row, left to right: Chris Meehan, Des Meehan, James Stevenson, Chris Lowe & Charles Bradley
front row, left to right: Tim Thubron, Lars Webber, Rachel Bowkett & Louise Pratt
Both Addiction and the sun continue to Shine for the 2nd week of Raymarine Warsash Spring Series. True to expectations, Addiction secured her second victory the following Sunday, the 22nd March, which saw fine weather and light winds steer the crew through yet another week of very challenging racing. Having packed away their thermals, out came the shorts and sunscreen for another victorious race day on the Solent.
With courses varying in length from 13.5 nautical miles for IRC Class 1 down to 11.5 nautical miles for IRC Class 3 combined with a breeze that stayed mainly in the 8 to 12 knot range, the crew had to put in plenty of effort to make sure they maintained their lead in the series. Under the guidance of skipper, Tim Thubron, the Activ Racing crew are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with and their teamwork, dedication and perseverance paid off as the team crossed the line first in IRC Class 2, securing Addiction’s second win of the series.
Unfortunately the 3rd weekend’s racing was postponed due to lack of wind but, with another training day under their belts and a day’s onshore training and tactics instruction, our strong-minded team are in high spirits and are raring to get out and prove their worth in the next race this weekend. Skipper Tim Thubron is quietly confident that with a fantastic first two weeks racing under their belt, the crew’s efforts will once again make Addiction the boat to beat.
For more information on Addiction’s winning form and racing pedigree please visit our website: www.activpowerandsail.co.uk/Addiction
Little Britain Challenge Cup 2009
The Little Britain Challenge Cup is now in its 22nd year and has come a long way from a three boat race to become what is now the biggest construction industry regatta in the UK and the second biggest regatta in the sailing calendar, second only to Cowes Week.
This year’s Little Britain Challenge Cup takes place between 10th and 13th of September 2009. Last year over 250 boats competed in what has become one of the industry’s most prestigious and important regattas and Activ Power and Sail are again looking forward to being involved in some of the best sailing and racing of the year.
With over 10 years experience, Activ will once again be chartering a wide range of yachts for the event, with two of our most sought after yachts, Addiction and Buccaneer, tipped to be hot contenders in the Beneteau 40.7 class. With Buccaneer securing a fantastic 2nd place with the Briggs and Forrester team and Addiction securing 3rd position with the Ellmer Construction crew in the 2008 event.
Other yachts to watch this year are J2eau which won the J-109 class with Troy Hunter and his crew from Harmonix Construction, and SeaSaw, a Sun Odyssey 45.2 who achieved a respectable 6th position in Class 6.
The Little Britain Challenge Cup is not just for hardcore racing fans but is also a great way to socialise and network with like-minded individuals, catch some sun and a few drinks amongst colleagues and friends. With packages on offer ranging from full event management including a fully equipped racing yacht with skipper to a more leisurely package involving four days following the racing from the water, Activ can provide exactly the experience you require.
An onshore support team will be available throughout the entire event, Activ can truly provide the full package from corporate branding to drinks supplies and even directions to the best local pubs!
Call Charley to find our more about LBCC 2009. 01342 300236
Cowes Week - the history behind the biggest regatta in the world
Nowadays Cowes Week sees some 900 boats competing in 35 different starts a day with another 200 to 300 boats spectating, which is a long way from its humble beginnings back in the nineteenth century.
Cowes week is one of the longest running and most successful sporting events dating back to 1826 when the Royal Yacht Club organised yacht racing for cups to Cowes Regatta based around the local Pilot cutters receiving their licences.
Pilot cutters were used to carry pilots out to ships approaching the British Isles and Bristol Channel ports. These boats were usually manned by one man and an apprentice in addition to the pilot and often went seeking ships hundreds of miles out into the Atlantic.
The Pilot Cutters would race out to meet the incoming ships. The pickings were rich if you could get them, which meant being the first out to the incoming ship, racing and outwitting the other pilots. The results were unparalleled seamanship, and the evolution of very fast, very able boats. read more >>