The 2014 Round Sheppey Race takes place on Saturday, 30th August. Given suitable weather this is a brilliant event, which has previously been won by a Sprint 15. Last year Kevin Dutch came third, both on handicap and over the line, sailing a DX 15. He covered the distance (40 miles?) in two and a half hours, including righting time from inversion! He was beaten only by two Dart 18's.
Una rig and Sport rig both have a good handicap advantage over faster cats.
The entry fee is £25 in advance or £30 on the day (from 8:00 in the hall at Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club)
There are starts at different times for various craft (including this year, paddle boards)
For catamarans, those with PN greater than 899 ie Una Rig start at 11:30
PN less than 900 eg Sport Rig etc. start at 12:00
The club premises themselves are not large and it can be convenient to launch a little further to the east where Marine Parade turns away from the sea to become Broadway, near The White House Restuarant. Here can be found a ramp over the sea wall and some convenient ground across the road for parking and rigging.
Good camping is available at Barton's Point, which is within easy walking distance of the clubhouse, at £12 per night http://www.bartonspointcoastalpark.co.uk/about/camping/
In addition you can order your cooked breakfast and newspaper, should you wish, from the cafe at the site the previous evening if things are still as they were two years ago.
This is an event worth doing and talking about afterwards. Boats must stop at the old bridge on the Swale and be walked through. There is help on hand to assist and get you through as quickly as possible. Jump on board when the helper pushes your mast up and it should be a slick procedure. Hope there is no queue (sail fast).
The IOSSC are constructing a new website at http://www.iossc.co.uk/ but their email contact service is efficient if you cannot find the information you want immediately.
