16 boats expected so far for Impala nationals in Plymouth
by Ben Meakins 12 Jun 2012 18:21 BST
13-15 July 2012
16 boats are expected for the Impala nationals in Plymouth © Impala 28 class
The Impala class is looking ahead to its biggest nationals entry for over a decade, with 16 boats expected so far at its 2012 championships in Plymouth.
Boats from all over the British Isles will be making their way to the RWYC in Plymouth for three days of intense racing from 13 - 15 July. The championships will feature a longer coastal race followed by two days of inshore racing, supported by Westaway Sails and Wight Vodka. There's an active social programme, too.
Later on in the year, there's the Impala Solent championships are being held in Itchenor from 8-9 September, which expects a good entry and some close racing. For a full list of events, see the website at www.impala28.co.uk
The boats might be 30 years old, but a new generation is discovering what existing owners have long known - that you can get some close racing, exciting sailing and an awful lot of fun on a low budget. They're also competitive under IRC, and make excellent cruising boats. Recent successes include high placings in the Round the Island, top results in the Hamble Winter Series, and a good showing in the Scottish Series, in Wales and in East Coast regattas.
This film of the 1992 Nationals in Brixham has just been unearthed. Come and join the fleet in Plymouth this year - and enjoy racing that is no less close even 20 years after the film was made!