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19th August 2011 - New photo links added...
RB Sport & Travel ~ Sponsor Prize Winners
www.rb-sport-travel.co.uk
RB Sport & Travel ~ Worlds 2011 Photo Gallery Slide Show
www.rbsporttravel.co.uk
28th July 2011 - Photos...
To find photos from the event click the links below to get to the various sites...
www.championmarinephotography.co.uk
http://peternewton.zenfolio.com/
28th July 2011 - Final Summary...
The 2011 Contender Worlds, over
the week of the 18th to 22nd July, attracted a near record entry of
144 sailors from 12 countries to the Weymouth and Portland National
Sailing Academy.
With a good breeze forecast for the start of the week and most
entrants having spent 3 days practising at the British Nationals the
week before, the lively practice race only attracted about 20 boats
in the harbour. It was won by local Nick Grace.
As forecast day 1 dawned with 30 knots across the harbour, so all
racing was postponed until 1pm. As the fleet headed out into the bay
for the first of the 2 races the wind had moderated and become
patchy with a variable strength up to force 3.
The first three days consisted of a round robin qualification series
with 4 fleets in two flights. The first flight was won by John
Browett with Ben Holden and Graham Scott following up. An over the
moon, Neil Ferguson won the second followed by Soren Andreasen and
Andrea Bonezzi in third.
The second round of heats saw Christoph Homeier win with Stuart
Jones and Tim Holden next. Scott led the way in the other flight.
Jesper Nielsen followed in second and Bjarke Johnsen in third. At
the end of day one, Wavelength sail maker Graham Scott led.
As the forecast had now moderated day 2 saw the sailors hit the
water at 9.30am for seven hours on the water. The wind was light and
fickle and the weather cold and wet, more like autumn sailing, but
the day's full 2 race schedule was completed.
Johnsen won the first flight with Jones in close attendance. These
two were followed at some distance by the pack which was lead home
by Stacey Bray. The second flight was won by Ben McGrane with David
Bate and Markus Maisenbacher next.
The second set of heats were amazingly also won by the same two
helms. Homeier and Scott this time followed Johnsen. McGrane was
chased by Andreasen and Max Billerbeck. A special mention should go
to Richard Buttner who led for the majority of the race and
finishing 6th. The new leader at the end of day 2 was Bjarke Johnsen.
On day 3 the wind didn't materialize until the afternoon leading to
the racing being held in Portland Harbour where it was strongest.
Only one race was completed on the final day of qualifying.
In the first flight, with the right paying, Andreasen took line
honours followed by Luca Bonezzi and Mike Murley. Scott got to the
windward mark first, in the second flight and led throughout
followed by Maisenbacher and Alex Knight.
This brought the end of the qualification series. The fleets were
then divided into Gold and Silver. Bjarke Johnsen still led overall.
The day 4 forecast was for light winds so Frank Newton, the race
officer, got the fleet out early in Portland Harbour, once more, to
take advantage of the early gradient breeze. What breeze there was
had many shifts and holes in it leading to a tricky days racing.
The first gold fleet race was won by Andreasen followed by Johnsen
and Andrea Bonezzi. The silver fleet was won by Rik Thorborg
followed by Stuart Backhouse and Malcolm Hall.
Following the first round of races the fleet returned for lunch as
the wind had disappeared completely. A weak sea breeze did set in
the afternoon allowing for one further race and even some trapezing.
The second gold race was narrowly won by Johnsen from Scott and
Homier. Scott taking several places on the last beat after having
been bumped into on the run by Andreasen. Andreasen did his costly
turns. Rik Thorborg again won the silver fleet followed by Jeremy
Blades and Backhouse.
Unfortunately that was it, as despite going afloat on the last day
the wind wouldn't play it's part and racing was eventually
abandoned.
This left Bjarke Johnsen as the new and deserving World Champion on
count back from Graham Scott.
At the prize giving dinner the competitors were left to reflect that
although the wind and weather could have been better the racing was
close and competitive and the socials and food were great. The new
World Champion, just prior to an evening swim, thanked the many that
helped to run the event and all of the sponsors.
Gold Fleet Country Points
1st Bjarke Johnsen DEN 15
2nd Graham Scott GBR 15
3rd Soren Andreasen DEN 21
4th Christoph Homier GER 24
5th Stuart Jones GBR 25
6th Andrea Bonezzi ITA 28
7th Ben McGrane GBR 33
Veteran Peter Dives GBR
Lady Jacqueline Ruefenacht SUI
Youth Iain Horlock GBR
Silver Fleet
1st Stuart Backhouse GBR
2nd Rik Thorborg NED
3rd Iain Horlock GBR
22th July 2011 - Days 3 & 4...
Day 3 & 4 report...
Two heats were completed on the final day of qualifying.
Graham Scott got to the windward mark first and led throughout
followed by Markus Maisenbacher, Alex Knight and Richard Gimmler.
In the other heat, Soren Andreasen took line honours followed by
Luca Bonezzi, Mike Murley and Dirk Lafleur.
This brought the end of the qualification series and the fleets were
divided into Gold and Silver.
For day 4 the forecast was for light winds so the race officer got
the fleet out early to take advantage of the gradient breeze.
The first gold fleet race was won by Soren Andreasen followed by
Bjarke Johnsen and Andrea Bonezzi.
The silver fleet race was won by Rik Thorborg followed by Stuart
Backhouse and Malcom Hall.
Following the first round of races the fleet returned for lunch as
the wind disappeared and then returned with the sea breeze in the
afternoon.
Unfortunately rain clouds only allowed for 1 set of races in the
afternoon.
The second gold race was won by Bjarke Johnsen followed by Graham
Scott then Christoph Homier.
Rik Thorborg won the silver fleet second race followed by Jeremy
Blades and Stuart Backhouse.
So with 2 races to go the top 5 are
1st Bjarke Johnsen DEN 15points
2nd Graham Scott GBR 15 points
3rd Soren Andreasen DEN 21 points
4th Christoph Homier GER 24 points
5th Stuart Jones GBR 25 points
19th July 2011 - Days 1 & 2...
Day 1 started with 30 knots on the harbour wall so all racing was
postponed until 1pm. The 144 sailors headed out to the bay for the
first of the 2 heats. The wind moderated and was patchy with
variable strength.
Top performances of the day had John Browett and Neil Ferguson
winning the first round of heats followed by Ben Holden and Soren
Andreasen in second and Graham Scott and Andrea Bonezzi in third.
The second round of heats saw Christoph Homeier and Scott lead the
way. Stuart Jones and Jesper Nielsen followed in second and Tim
Holden and Bjarke Johnsen followed in third.
At the end of day one, Wavelength sailmaker Graham Scott lead the
first day.
Day 2 saw the sailors hit the water at 9.30am for 7 hours on the
water. The wind was fickle but the day's full schedule was completed
successfully.
Bjarke Johnsen and Ben McGrane each won both of the two heats of the
day. In the first set of heats in second place were Stuart Jones and
David Bate and in third were Stacey Bray and Markus Maisenbacher. In
the second set of heats Christoph Homeier and Soren Andreasen were
second and Graham Scott and Max Billerbeck were third.
The new leader at the end of day 2 is Bjarke Johnsen.
Blinder of day 1 goes to Neil Ferguson on his first Worlds race win!
Blinder of day 2 goes to Richard Buttner who led for the majority of
the last heat of the day finishing 6th.
Results after Day 2: (top six)
1st Bjarke Johnsen, DEN
2nd Stuart Jones, GBR
3rd Christoph Homeier, GER
4th Ben McGrane, GBR
5th Soren Andreasen, DEN
6th Andrea Bonezzi, ITA
17th July 2011 - Record 95 entries for Contender Nationals...
The Contender Nationals has now come to a close with a record 95 entries taking part at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.
7 races were sailed in light to medium conditions over 3 days as a warm up for the upcoming Worlds with 143 entries confirmed for the start line on Monday.
Race 1 saw newcomer Ben McGrane take his first win of the series in a light breeze followed by Stuart Jones and Soren Andreasen.
Race 2 started in similar conditions and
dropped below 3 knots at the finish. The race started with an
individual recall and a few boats were OCS including the leader
Jones who led the entire race to the finish. Richard Gimmler should
have taken line honours as he was just behind Jones until the last
100 yards to the finish when the wind shut off. The really light
wind at the end allowed only 1/3 of the fleet to finish within the
20 minutes time limit.
First was Jesper Nielsen winning his first major race followed by
Christoph Engel, McGrane and Andrea Bonezzi.
Race 3 was held in the harbour, with a building sea-breeze allowing high trapezing. A group of 7 boats got away after the first lap, headed by Jones and McGrane, who then had a dingdong battle down the run. Jones just won the race to the leeward mark, but up the final beat McGrane showed outstanding pointing ability to take the win, followed by the hapless Jones, Matt Aston, Gimmler and Stacey Bray.
After three recalls Simon Mussell dominated Race 4 in a solid trapezing breeze. Neil Furguson had a strong first beat following Mussell round the windward mark. Andreasen and Bonezzi pulled there way through on the reaches to finish in that order behind the disappearing Mussell.
Race 5 saw a slightly lighter breeze which became patchy as the race progressed. Bonezzi took line honours followed by Graham Scott and McGrane.
Race 6 was raced in a steady force 3-4. Andreasen took line honours followed by the Bonezzi brothers Luca Bonezzi in 2nd followed by Andrea.
Going into the final race McGrane still held first spot from Andrea Bonezzi so it was all to play for in the final race. Scott won followed by Luca Bonezzi then Neil Wilson. Andrea recovered well to finish 4th and to give him the Open Championship title while McGrane became 2011 British National Champion missing out overall by just 1 point when finishing 9th.
1st Andrea Bonezzi ITA11 and 2011 British Open
Champion
2nd Ben McGrane GBR2497 and 2011 British National Champion
3rd Soren Andreasen DEN 1
4th Stuart Jones GBR2465
5th Graham Scott GBR720
6th Neil Wilson GBR685
7th Michele Benvenuti ITA 69
8th Jesper Nielsen DEN2352
9th John Browett GBR713
10th Simon Mussell GBR2420
13th July 2011 - Results site launch today...
Today we are lauching our results site in association with SailRacer where you can follow both the Nationals starting today and the Worlds. Also you will find daily reports and the sailing gallery.
Click the screen shot below of the site to access our Results service or the Results push button above.
9th July 2011 - Ocean Motion Physiotherapy join the sponsor list...
Thanks to Ocean Motion Physiotherapy for the Physiotherapy session prizes at WPNSA, plus reduced sessions for all competitors. The website can be found here.
8th July 2011 - Sailing instructions are now available...
The 2011 Contender World Championship Sailing Instructions in PDF format can be downloaded by clicking here
The 2011 Contender National Championship Sailing Instructions in PDF format can be downloaded by clicking here
8th July 2011 - Swannery at Abbotsbury...
We have negotated a reduced rate for entry to the Swannery at
Abbotsbury for competitors and families over the event – usual price
£9.95 per adult reduced to £7. – Competitors/families will need to
show the voucher that will be in their entry pack to obtain
discount.
Click here for details of the attraction
8th July 2011 - New sponsor...
We have 10% off or free starter at The Khazana Indian Restaurant for the duration of event, a voucher will be in the entry pack. Check out there website at www.khazana.org.uk
1st July 2011 - New sponsor...
We add Walker Bros (Elland) Ltd to our sponsorship list. Check out there website at www.wbelland.com
29th June 2011 - A message from our sponsor Segel Von Broen...
Dear CONTENDER Sailors
Introducing myself to you, I have known about the CONTENDER from way
back when I started sailmaking in 1984. Friend and fellow Sailmaker
Christian Willbrandt was sailing one and telling me some great
stories about it, but I didn’t dare to try one!
At the Berlin Boat Show 2006 I approached Andreas Voigt (GER-11) and
next to him Joachim Harpprecht (Schappi) and together we watched the
fantastic video of 2004 Lake Garda. I decided it was now or never!
Andreas had established a fleet of old boats for newcomers in
Germany for a try and since my first ride in 2007 I was hooked, and
I still am! Since that day I have made already 27 sails, 2 of them
winning the International German championships in 2009 and 2010.
For 2011 there will be a new design based on these sails but, for
black-flag concerned sailors, in white out of a durable Warp
oriented Dacron sailcloth combined with the ultra light "finding the
groove" sqrimmylar. My sails feature a powerful 13 % Camber at 41%
Position and fit best on a new stiff Avantgarde Mast but on my "old"
Goldspar 65 the sail looks also fine to me.
My sails also worked on CST and new Schappi masts as well (they have
won races with that combo) but you might better try for yourself
when I bring one test sail to the GBR Nationals
Hope to see all of you at CONTENDER WORLDS 2011 in Weymouth
Yours sincerely
Sebastian von Broen
GER-1618
“Support your local sailmaker”
24th June 2011 - Craftinsure update...
Craftinsure are delighted to be associated with the Contender
World Championships to be held at the Weymouth and Portland National
Sailing Academy in July 2011.
Don’t forget you can arrange instant insurance cover online at
www.craftinsure.com for your Contender, to meet the requirements
of the NOR for third party cover (the Craftinsure product provides
£3m as standard).
The Craftinsure insurance Policy provides new for old cover on eg
combi trailers, masts, spars, rudders and centreboards, as well as
new for old replacement on sails and protective covers aged less
than 3 years old.
Existing customers can use the Craftinsure website to download the
latest copy of their Policy in advance of registration by using
email address and unique password to Login (there is a “forgot
password” function on the website if you have forgotten yours).
Don’t forget to mark trailers and trolleys with your name and sail
number to avoid confusion and to assist the beachmaster and his
team!
Wishing all competitors a safe and successful championships: look
out for GBR 629 being sailed/swum towards the back of the bronze
fleet by Craftinsure MD Mark Lee who will be happy to answer
insurance queries before, during or after the event!
22nd June 2011 - Lower entry fee final date extended...
The more eagle eyed among you may have noticed the technical
error that has meant that the entry fee for the Nationals and Worlds
has not yet been increased to the late entry level.
So, if you are still undecided whether to join the 132 sailors from
12 nations for what promises to be a storming event, you now have
until the 4th July to enter at the lower fee.
Hope to see you in Weymouth
Cheers
Nick
GBR 2484
12th June 2011 - Accommodation cancellation...
Due to a cancellation self-catering accommodation
has become available for the week of the Contender World Championships, from
Saturday 16th July and for the following week from 23rd July.
The accommodation is 15 minutes walk from WPNSA and is warm, has
plenty of indoor and outdoor drying space and is really comfortable.
The house sleeps 6 in a double, twin and bunk room (adult bunks) and
is well appointed for sailing parties (we have the Finnish Olympic
squad in there this week on their second visit).
For more information please contact
Lesley Kaye & Martyn Davies
Email: spinnaker@ljkresources.co.uk
Tel: +447976378312 or +447813476387
View the Spinnaker House website @
http://www.holidaycottageportland.co.uk
8th June 2011 - RB Sport & Travel join the sponsor list...
Richard Buttner of RB Sport & Travel has joined the sponsor list. Find more info on our sponsor and travel pages.
7th June 2011 - UK Contender Training Weekend - Weymouth 18/19 June...
The BCA will be running the above event at WPNSA (Worlds Venue)
over the weekend of 18/19 of June and is open to all BCA members.
The event will be a mix of coaching and free sailing, depending on
what you want to do. We plan to sail out in the bay both days if
conditions allow.
On the Saturday there will be the opportunity for some coaching by
Ex Contender sailor Gary Langdown, focusing on boat speed and boat
handling, or you can opt to just go out sailing for venue
familiarisation, tuning etc etc. Gary will provide loose safety
cover for those free sailing but will be concentrating on the coach
group.
On the Sunday it will just be free sailing, but we will have a RIB
out to provide some safety cover.
There will be plenty of people on hand to give the odd bit of advice
and help people "pair off" for boat on boat training if required.
This is a great opportunity to get some quality time on the water at
the Worlds Venue but numbers will be limited so please let me know
if you would like to attend - booking is essential
(nick.grace@virgin.net
). Those of you who have already mentioned to me that you would like
to attend, can you still please e-mail me as I am sure I won't
remember all of you!
The BCA will be subsidising this event but we will still have to
make a charge to help meet the costs of the venue, RIB etc. The cost
will be £25/boat for both days.
We aim to be ready to go on the water for 1130 on the Sat and would
hope to stay out for 4-5 hrs - depending on the breeze! Sunday
details will be decided Sat night....
Usual bed/floor/van space at mine - all welcome.
Cheers
Nick
GBR 2484
25th May 2011 - 128 entries so far...
With less than 2 months before the start of the UK Contender Nationals and World Championships we now have 82 entries for the Nationals and 128 entries for the Worlds!
Its still not too late to get your entry in which promises to be a great event!
UK Sailors - Don't forget you must be a member of the BCA to sail. Click here to view the British Contender Association website and click the Buy Now button to pay by credit or debit card or click here to pay by cheque.
24th May 2011 - New accommodation available...
If your still looking for accommodation we have a new property available to let. Click here for more details.
2nd May 2011 - Late entry fee date...
The late entry fee kicks in for both the Nationals and Worlds after the 20th May so get your entries in as soon as possible to avoid the increase.
1st May 2011 - Accommodation at Boscawen House still available...
Some accommodation at Boscawen House is still available - contact Nick Grace via nick.grace@virgin.net for details. If you have already book the outstanding amount is now due (£50 per person).
26th April 2011 - New Weymouth and Portland webcam from In the Elements...
In the Elements have been in contact about a new webcam overlooking the main sailing launching slipways for the upcoming Worlds. Click here to view.
7th April 2011 - New accomodation link...
Portland Holiday Let who can be found at www.PortlandHolidayLet.co.uk offer accommodation within the local area.
5th April 2011 - Contender Worlds Prize Draw...
We have launched a Contender Worlds Prize Draw. Thanks to the
generosity of our sponsors we are able to offer the following
prizes:
1st Prize: A voucher for a new Dacron sail courtesy of North Sails
2nd Prize: A trailing cover courtesy of Waveloft
3rd Prize: A SLAM winter jacket with event logo courtesy of
Craftinsure.
I am sure you will agree these are all prizes worth winning. Tickets
are £5 each or £10 for three (who can resist a bargain!) and the
draw will take place at the Worlds prizegiving dinner on Friday 22
July 2011. Don't worry if you can't make the dinner, you can still
win a prize.
Proceeds from the draw will be ploughed back into the event to make what promises to be a great event even better.
Tickets will be on sale at various UK opens, Kiel week and the Weymouth event itself so dig deep, support your class and buy yourself the chance of winning a great prize.
4th April 2011 - Latest entry lists now online...
To see the latest entries for the 2011 Nationals and Worlds
check out the Entries
page.
Don't forget the late entry fee kicks in on the 20th May 2011.
2nd March 2011 - Weymouth are now taking entries...
Weymouth are now taking entries for the 2011 UK National
Championships and 2011 World Championships.
Find more information on our Entries page.
1st March 2011 - Notice of Race...
The official Notice of Race document can now be found in PDF format
on the Notice Board.
28th February 2011 - New Sponsors...
We have two additional sponsors lined up for 'the'
event of 2011. Thanks to Seldén Masts and Segel Von Broen for there
support. You will find an article written by Seldén Masts on our
sponsors page.
Segel Von Broen (www.segelvonbroen.com)
Seldén Mast Ltd (www.seldenmast.co.uk)
19th December 2010 - Worlds News...
With only seven months to go until the big event preparations are
continuing apace. We have a great racing and social programme in
store for you and, with the help of some generous sponsorship, some
great giveaways that we intend to spread throughout the fleet.
Our sponsors to date are:
Boat Bits (www.boat-bits.co.uk)
Craftinsure (www.craftinsure.com)
Holden Design Services Ltd (www.holdendesignservices.co.uk)
North Sails (www.northonedesign.com)
Progressive Technology Systems Ltd (www.progressivetechnology.co.uk)
T D Jagger Ltd (www.tdjagger.ltd.uk)
Wavelength (www.wavelengthdesigns.com)
Waveloft (www.waveloft.com)
We are extremely grateful for the support all these companies are
providing and their contributions should make this an event to
remember.
The format and racing programme is very much the standard for our
World Championships with 2 days of measurement and registration
(Saturday and Sunday), a practice race on the Sunday (17 July) and
then 2 races programmed per day Monday to Friday. After a hard days
racing, a free pasta dish will be available to all competitors when
they come ashore each day.
Details of all the socials are detailed below. All evening meals
except the Thursday are included in the entry fee and extra tickets
will be available for partners etc.
|
Sunday |
17th July |
Practice Race |
Post Race Pasta |
Opening Ceremony/Buffet |
|
Monday |
18th July |
2 Races |
Post Race Pasta |
Meal
|
|
Tuesday |
19th July |
2 Races |
Post Race Pasta |
BBQ |
|
Wednesday |
20th July |
2 Races |
Post Race Pasta |
Meal
|
|
Thursday |
21st July |
2 Races |
Post Race Pasta |
|
|
Friday |
22nd July |
2 Races |
Post Race Pasta |
Championship Dinner & Prize giving |
You will see that the Championship Dinner is combined with the
Prize giving on the Friday evening. With an excellent sit down 3
course meal planned and some free drinks to get things going this
should be quite a party, so it may pay to make sure your
accommodation booking extends to the Saturday!
We also plan to have a mini prize giving each evening just before
the meal where the winner of each race that day will be awarded with
a trophy. We will also be drawing lots for some spot prizes further
down the fleet but be warned, you need to be there to claim them!
In case you need reminding – this event is being held at the same
venue and same sailing waters as the 2012 Olympic sailing regatta.
Add to that the truly international fleet that is expected to attend
means this is one not to be missed.
For more details the Notice of Race will be available very soon on
this site. The entry fee for
the worlds will be £240 and on line entry will also soon be
available via the web site, or you can enter on the day at the venue
but note the late entry fee that kicks in on 20 May 2011.
Hope to see you there
Nick Grace
GBR 2484
19th December 2010 - Pre Worlds Regatta Including 2011 UK
Contender National Championships - Weymouth 13-15 July 2011...
This regatta will act as a precursor to the World Championship. It
will be held at the same venue and with the same race team as the
worlds and so will provide an invaluable opportunity for venue
familiarisation and last minute practice!
The event is spread over just 3 days, with seven races programmed.
The regatta is open to all nationalities and prizes will be awarded
to the top 5 boats overall. The top British boat will also be
crowned 2011 UK National Champion.
The entry fee for the event will be £68 and will include free pasta
after racing each day as well as 2 socials; a BBQ on the Wednesday
and a decent buffet on the Friday, combined with the Prize giving.
For more details the Notice of Race will be available very soon from
this web site.
On line entry will also be available via the web site or you can
enter on the day at the venue, but note the late entry fee that
kicks in on 20 May 2011.
Hope to see you there
Nick
GBR 2484