Police Sport UK Off-Shore Sailing Championships 2006

Early notification of a date for your 2006 diaries.

Police Sport UK National Offshore Sailing Championships 2006 will be held from Monday 22nd - Fri 26th May 2006. This annual event has been held for the last 20 years, and I believe that this year 2005, was the first year Lancashire Police have entered a team.

Seven members of the Constabulary enjoyed 5 days of racing off the west coast of Scotland, in the Argyll area, Oban, Isle of Mull, covering 350 miles. A Jeanneau, sunfast 37 was chartered from Largs and sailed overnight to Ardrishaig, then through the Crinan canal, and straight into race 1 with little race / crew practice. The crew were keen and competent, and were mainly from dinghy sailing background, and RYA theory and practical course experience. The ability to sail and race an offshore yacht up to speed was limited. Race starts and upwind beating / tacking was our achilles heal dropping us back down the fleet. Although downwind and lighter wind conditions we did well. Winds were good and top speed of 11+ knots was achieved. This year 2005, we tried rotating the roles of helm, skipper, navigator, tactician, to selected crew members. This did not work well.

Other experienced Police Force entries had specific roles for each crew member utilising their individual ability. Next year, 2006, and in future years we need the crew / team with the most offshore and racing experience. The 2006 event will be sailed with all Forces sailing a one design core fleet of Sunfast 37,s from the Sunsail company fleet on the Solent. The 5 days of racing will include passage races, round the cans,buoys racing, and possibly a cross channel race to France, Cherbourg.

The Sailing Section for Lancashire Constabulary will obtain a budget from the Sports and Social Club.

Special /Sports leave is available. Thanks to all those who attended, supported, and advised on this years, 2005 event. Please let me know if you may be interested in the 2006 event, and keeping Lancashire Sailing Section involved in future years.

Contact:

PC Andrew Cuddon - Blackpool

E-Mail: Sailing Secretary