In 2002 I found myself with the time to get back into regular racing, and needed little persuasion to acquire a Squib and join the local fleet in Plymouth. I decided to buy a new boat which was finished and fitted out for me by Tony Saltonstall, the Class Hon. Technical Adviser and Measurer. Tony did a magnificent job, and from the moment I took delivery of “White Magic” (sail number 828) my enthusiasm for the boat and the Class has never looked back. Put simply, the Squib offers great value for money by today’s standards, is extremely seaworthy, and a delight to sail. A key feature of the Class, is that boats are capable of remaining fully competitive for a great many years, and indeed some of the oldest boats in the Class continue to win many top events, including the National Championships. The fact that the boat is easy to sail, but demanding and tricky to sail fast, has helped to attract a number of former world and national champions from other classes to the Squib Class and results in some great racing. Major events are well supported and the National Championship week is one of the best supported of any dinghy or keelboat class in the country. The 2007 National Championship Week, sailed under the burgee of the South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club at Abersoch, attracted a magnificent entry of 97 boats, including a number of boats from Ireland, where there are several strong fleets. The sparkling performance of the boat is reflected in the people who sail it, and anyone joining the Class will quickly discover that we are a friendly, open, helpful and above all fun crowd.
With the National Squib Class celebrating its 40th Anniversary Year in 2008 I am delighted and honoured to be Chairman of such a truly great Class.

David Wines
Chairman
National Squib Owners Association