Burnham Squibs 2023 annual report.
The Burnham Squib fleet kicked off the 2023 season with the Cheeseboard, The racing was followed by the main event, lunch upstairs with the traditional copious supply of Port which of course is essential to wash the cheese down!
Micky and Alex, sailing Spoof were the winners of the sailing part and everybody congregated the next morning (with sore heads) to challenge for the Mike Flint Trophy. Unfortunately only two races cpould be sailed due to lack of wind, but the overall winners were again Micky and Alex by a slender 1 point margin over Jono and Chris.
The Gold Cup was one of the main events of the year for the fleet and four visitors joined in the 25 entrants. With eight races sailed the Trophy went to Jono Brown and Chris Aggar, winning by a large margin of 9 points to Micky and Alex.
Next up was the Crouch Yacht Club Trophy organised by Dave Hyde who is an ex CYC member. A total of six races were sailed with 11 entrants. Guest appearance for the event, was Steve Hall sailing with Dave Hyde in Sophie. This proved be a winning combination as it was them who won the CYC Trophy. Soon after this was the Roger Tolhurst Trophy, another guest appearance, was well known Sailor Stuart Mears sailing with Dave Hyde on Sophie. Dave choice again was right and they were the overall victors!
18 Burnham Squibs took to the road at the end of June to compete in the Squib Nationals at Weymouth. It was a great turnout with an amazing 70 boats entered. During the week, we were blessed with sunshine and perfect sailing conditions. Weymouth Yacht Club did a splendid job of organising the event and as expected the Burnham Squibbers enjoyed the social programme as well as the sailing.
On the sailing side, it was Jono and Chris who had a flying start, winning race 1 and 2. Impressive considering the number of boats. Race 3, was not to be so good for them, but after that, they came back with ann outstanding 1st, 2nd followed by another 2nd. It was exciting to think – could a Burnham boat be crowned the National Champions?
Having had a bad race 7, they bounced back with a bullet in the last race – to be crowned Squib National Champions 2023. Huge congratulations go to them for winning. A solid performance well done!
Burnham Week2023 was as always, very well attended, with a total of 29 boats including 1 visitor the Rustys. We were blessed with sunshine and as always great social. Thanks go to Malc and Jackie, Ray and Debbie for allowing Burnham Squibbers to be at their homes for two evenings. There was a Squib rum punch party on Sunday straight after racing where happy birthday was sung to Nigel Grogan and Micky Wright. On the sailing front it was Micky and Alex who won the Bank Holiday weekend as well as the weeks points. Congratulations to them.
Overall, a very good year for Burnham Squibs, always the biggest fleet not only on the river but also on the dance floor!
Speaking about numbers it was great to be part of the Otters in Squibs mini series that took place last weekend (October 21st). In total 49 Otters sailed a total of 3 short races in 11 squibs. Thank to all that lent their boats and took part! Everyone really enjoyed it!
Next year promises to be full steam ahead with the addition of the East Coast Squib Championships being hosted in Burnham during the month of May!
Happy sailing!
Dan Wastnage. (Burnham squib Class Captain)