Little Britain Laser SB3 Challenge

The Little Britain Challenge Cup’s new baby regatta, the Little Britain Laser SB3 Challenge 3-4 June 2011, took place in nigh on perfect sailing conditions, convincing every single person taking part, they will be returning next year.

Tony Poole, from Sheppard Robson, and LBCC’s Race Director commented,
“We have kicked off the LBCC season with some aplomb. This Laser SB3 Challenge attracted a modest 6 teams, but that seems to be the magic starting number; Round the Island started with six, and now they are into the thousands. We are confident this is going to grow into a regular annual event. The fact that everyone who attended had a really good time and have pledged to return next year, bringing more teams in their wake, is highly encouraging.”

The racing was preceded by a practice afternoon, ably assisted by key personnel from Pelican Racing, who also supplied the optional boat charter. Everyone returned with tales of great heroics, or how they managed to get the kite up and down at least once. This was followed by a BBQ, with food and welcoming drinks prepared by Island Sailing club, and served on their sun-drenched roof terrace.

The following day dawned dry and clear, and after a morning briefing, crews assembled on the Cowes Yacht Haven pontoons for the first of five races, which ran virtually back to back, save for a 30 minute lunch break. This was when LBCC Committee swooped over the Solent by Pelican RIB, dropping off picnics to famished crews, before racing re-commenced. Weather and wind was almost perfect throughout the day, at a fairly constant force 3 to 4 with virtually continual sunshine.

The ‘man of the match’ had to be architect Paul Karakusevic, who having made an en-forced double back flip off the boat at the start of race 3, duly climbed back on, urging his crew to make up for lost time. He and his crew not only came a very respectable second in that race, but also claimed overall victory for the first SB3 Laser Challenge, after notching up three outright wins in the five race series.

During the Prize Giving Reception back at Island Sailing Club, contestants were spilling over with compliments for both the SB3 Challenge and each other.

David Kong, Domus, “Exhilarating, memorable, definitely coming back.”

Andrew German, Sheppard Robson, “Fantastic fun, and so glad we did the practice day,”

Philippa Grantham, Studio Klaschka, “Exhausting but fun, and loved the partying.”

Richard Powell, Capital and Counties, “Wonderful, this is an excellent formula. So proud and pleased to be one of the first entrants of the SB3 Challenge.”

David Smith, Octagon and LBCC Chairman summed up, “They all did incredibly well, and at the end of two days, everyone knew each other. The pioneers of the SB3 Challenge seemed to really enjoy every minute.”

Overall Results:

1st Karakusevic Carson
2nd Domus
3rd Sheppard Robson

For more details on the LBCC SB3 Laser Challenge and forthcoming Little Britain Challenge Cup taking place 8-11 September called Event Manager Mary Scott-Jackson Tel 01983 248 140/07790 770 526 email or browse the website www.littlebritain.co.uk