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English Team Commodore's Cup Trials Approach
After months of planning by the various
campaigns, the Commodore's Cup Trials are nearly here. Around
10 boats are expected to participate in the trials for the six
slots that are available in the two English teams.
Although we have had a few initial problems, the crew aboard
Peter Rutter's Quokka are now fairly happy with our preparation
and are looking forward to some good close racing. Following
sail trials early last week with our sail designer Hugh
Myers we are now planning to add another two Banks Sails
spinnakers to our inventory over the period of the trials: a
Series 2000 symmetric VMG and AP asymmetric. These will complement
our existing Series 2000 Runner and AP symmetricals.
Yesterday (June 4th) was our first chance to line up against
our sistership, Shakermaker 2. As we sailed upwind in a breeze
of 11-13 knots true Quokka showed a distinct speed advantage
over her rival. After all the work we have put in on the sails
this was very satisfying, but the trials will be the true test!
Also sailing yesterday were Tim Dixon, Jon Manley and crew of
Roaring Meg 2 who were training aboard Shakermaker 1 prior to
the arrival of their new Ker IRM 10.7m. Roaring Meg 2 will be
powered by a full suit of Banks Sails and our experience to
date with Quokka will be put to good use to get RM 2 up to speed
as soon as possible. With the launch date set for the middle
of the trials let's hope they can quickly impress the selectors!
John Shepherd's Fair Do's is also one to watch for the trials,
especially if it is a light series. This Mumm 36 recently took
delivery of a new Banks Series 2000 Runner, which they used
for the first time to win the IRM Class at the Scottish Series.
Dates for the trials are as follows:
June 11th: Solent Inshore Racing
June 17th: RORC Morgan Cup Offshore
June 23-25th: Solent Inshore Racing
Keep checking back to the site to stay up to date!
Roger Cerrato,
Banks Sails
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