Fleetwood MY&PBC is holding the annual weekend of Classic and Vintage Vane (or Free Sailing) “M” Class racing, on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th May 2018. I am informing you earlier than usual so that you can start preparing your yacht in good time for the event.

Racing will commence at 10.30 am on the dates above. Skippers can choose to visit for either the Saturday or the Sunday, for an entry fee of £3-00 per yacht, or sail both days for the bargain price of £5-00 per yacht.

Trophies awarded will be the Walter Jones Trophy for the top “Vintage” yacht and the Mayoral Cup for the highest scoring “Classic” yacht on the Saturday, then similarly the Hayes Trophy and the Pearson Trophy for top “Vintage” and “Classic” yachts respectively, on the Sunday.

For the purpose of this event we define “Vintage” as the yachts designed from the inception of the “M” Class rule in the early 1930’s, through to the late 1960’s. During this period it was a class rule that the circumference of a 2” disc must fit between the hull and the garboard. Typical examples of these designs are “Witchcraft”, “Foxtrot” and the many Stan Witty designs such as “Manta”, etc. “Classic” covers early fin and bulb designs up to circa 1980, e.g. “Blood Axe”, “Reflection”, Bill Sykes “Sula”,etc. If in doubt whether you have a yacht conforming to either of these definitions, please contact me.

If you do not have a Classic or Vintage “M” Class as defined above, but would like to be involved in the event, please come along. We always need “Mates” to help “Skippers” and also people for starting and scoring duties.

Skippers are reminded that sometimes there is plenty of wind on the Fleetwood Lake, so it is always advisable to bring your smaller suits of sails as well as your top suits!

Sandwiches and snacks, etc., are available at kiosks situated at both ends of the lake. Tea and coffee will be available in the Clubhouse. It would be appreciated if you could please inform me by Thursday 10th May if you intend to visit on this occasion. e-mail: peterwhiteside@talktalk.net. We normally have a de-brief for food and drink, at a local hostelry, in the evening after racing on the Saturday.