http://www.rya.org.uk/assets/sailability/Web%20Documents/Foghorn%20Autumn%2008.pdf

The latest edition of FOGHORN is now available online, you can download it from the link above. Foghorn brings you information on developments at RYA Sailability, news and reports on Sailability groups and activities around the country.

The Challenger Class English Nationals were hosted by Grafham Water Sailability on a very stormy weekend in May 2008. On Saturday 24th May racing was finally abandoned by the Beachmaster and Race Officer by 1500 as the strong northerly on shore wind continued to increase as the day progressed.

Sunday 25th May, Day 2 dawned with the the wind a little east of north, less strong than the previous day but with driving rain guaranteed to dampen the spirits of all sailors except the Challenger class. 2 races were sailed on Sunday morning but when the crews returned ashore in a northerly wind which was rising as it had the previous day, none of the crews were either surprised or disappointed when the international code flags 'N' with 'H' were raised and further racing was abandoned.

The English National Championship has been awarded on the basis on the results of the 2 races held and the full list is as follows:

Gold Fleet
1st Val Millward Rutland S C.: 2008 English National Champion
2nd Graham Hall Rutland S C
3rd John Draper Queen Mary S C

Silver Fleet
1st Bob Bellamy Grafham Water Sailability
2nd Sam Honour Woolverstone Trust
3rd John Leashon Grafham Water Sailability

Bronze Fleet
1st Pauline Shaw Grafham Water Sailability

The Endeavour Trophy was awarded this year to Pauline Shaw, a competitor who was very anxious about sailing in the such heavy weather but overcame anxiety to successfully complete both races, working with John Heron from the Clyde Cruising Club as her buddy.

The Gail Force trophy is awarded annually to the first Grafham Sailability member in the annual regatta and was received by Kirsten Pollock.

This regatta proved successful despite the weather, but with the help of the many volunteers from local Rotary Clubs and Huntingdon Round Table. Rotarian, Sandy Ferrelly, Hon. Secretary of Huntingdon Hinchingbrooke Rotary Club, but representing all the Rotary Clubs in the area, was kind enough to present the prizes to the winning crews.

3 Challengers from GWS took part in the Ogston Sailing Club General Handicap Open during the weekend 13-14 October 2007.

David Campbell (265) came 14th, Cliff Farrell (256) came 16th and Judi Figgures (266) came 17th in the main mixed fleet.

The picture shows the 3 GWS boats at Ogston rounding a mark in rather close proximity.