It was reported to be ‘windier than it looks’ as announced by the race committee over the tannoy just prior to launching however all the enthusiastic sailors took to the water. 10 Rolling starts got boats up to speed on the starting bits.

A series of short course races next let sailors practice boat their boat handling – ‘4 tacks and 3 gybes’ per lap. The aim to be staying smooth throughout manoeuvres and let the rudder follow the boat. Crews learnt quickly that staying on their feet gives them the best ability to react quickly.

Tim Fells showing how it should be done

Downwind in the windy conditions it was evident that both crew and helm needed to be at the back of the racks, hiking and then in Chris’ words ‘just send it’.

International President Tim Fells, and Current World Champion Matt Searle, headed up a Try a B14 Sailing Event in the challenging conditions. Several sailors took to the water and the size of the grins would suggest that they enjoyed the exhilarating experience!

On Saturday evening, Chris Draper gave a talk about how to position yourself best in order to maximise overtaking opportunities (& counter them) throughout the race – at the start line, at buoys, uphill and down. Stay tuned to Yachts and Yachting for links to his summary and new website.

Sunday continued to be windy, several boats finding out how warm Grafham water can be at the end of winter. Latest ideas for ‘pimping your skiff’ from the leading B14s were noted including ‘proper’ purchased kickers, non slip boats & tiller extensions, plus a few references to this years latest, but as yet unseen accessory - under-tramp neon lighting – bring it on!

The B14 class looks forward to a competitive and exciting year ahead. The next open is this weekend at Datchet Water 7-8th April.

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This years B14 season opener is the race training weekend at Grafham, on the last weekend in March (25/26th). It'll be following a similar to and even more developed format to the highly acclaimed weekend held last year. Chris Draper will be making a welcome return, supported but the cream of the classes talent.

The weekend will be focused on "Improving your game". The main objectives are for everyone to leave knowing what they've got to do to get as far up the ladder as they want to. During the weekend the fleet will be working in smaller groups and all together to make sure everyone gets the right input and time with all the coaching team.

Sessions are planned covering:

• Boat handling - round the track as well as specific sessions for helms & crews!
• Boat speed - keeping your skiff moving through the gears
• Start line & first beat best practise
• Tactics - up & downhill
• Around the course - Chris Draper will be doing another of his evening lectures (and then, I suspect, over to the wheatsheaf for a couple of Sandies legendary post-race sharpeners!!!)
• Weather depending - we'll be cramming in some more short track racing at some point on Sunday!

This years coaching line up includes:

• Chris Draper - 49er Olympic medallist
• Matt Searle - Current National, European & World Champion
• Tim Fells - Triple world champion & top 3 again in Sydney
• Jono Pank - 2004 National Champion
• Sandy Ramus - World, European & Double National Champion
• ...& Special guest stars - to be announced!!

Plus a host of other knowledgeable & keen chaps & chapess's from both ends of the boat to help you in getting the most out of the weekend and your skiff

Kick off 10am in the club. Final whistle at 4 on Sunday. A bargain at just £30, payable on the day.

Accommodation, see Grafham accomodation list
Directions, see www.multimap.com

Please email Jono or Trish to register and for any further info.