The Alumni Challenge

·        First Big Boat Event of the new Year

·        Meet and Compete against the Alumni – show them up as the has-beens they are!

·        Keen Sailboat Racer? -  start your bid for the International Business School Regatta Team

·        Used to Cruising? – Come and try racing  - get the adrenaline pumping

·        New to Sailing?  – Come and give it a try! Beginners welcome.

·        When: 22^nd-24^th October

·        Where: The Solent – Sunsail, Port Solent

·        How Much? £95 (Full Price) £75 Loyalty Scheme(2 previous events in the last 18 months)

Places are limited! Sign up early to get a place on the boat!

This is the first of Sunsail’s Winter Series sailing – a fleet of 20 or more identical 37 ft Sailing boats crewed by teams of enthusiasts racing four races in the Solent. It’s fun, exciting racing, and ideal for occasional sailors like us, as you don’t need to either spend a fortune on your boat to do well, nor be racing as a team week- in week – out.

The Alumni have traditionally challenged the current students in one of the races in this series, and met up for a drink or ten at Rosies Vinyard in Southsea on a Saturday night – come and join the tradition!

For the keen racers among you, this is our first chance to race together to figure out what the teams for our top summer events are likely to be.  We’ll be racing against the top schools in Europe at the IBSR in July, and the training starts here.

For those new to racing, and those new to sailing, this is a great introductory event, as there are roles on any boat which can be carried out by anyone with some enthusiasm! Hopefully you’ll get hooked, as we have.

BASICS ABOUT THE TRIP

The boats

We’re sailing Jeanneau Sunfast 37s.  These are 37 ft boats with three cabins (sleeping 2 each), one head (bathroom) and with another three berths in the main saloon.  On deck , they’re raced with a crew of between six and eight, and have a furling Genoa, and spinnaker.

How to get down there

We will meet in Port Solent Marina Friday night (6 – 11pm) or Saturday morning. (before 08:30)

By train: Train is probably the safest way, considering occasional beers both before and during the trip. Exact joining instructions are included on the Sunsail webpage (see link at the end of the mail). Let me just tell you this much:

• Trains are leaving from London Waterloo, app. every 30 mins
• The trip to Portsmouth takes about 1.45 mins
• You will need to take a bus or a cab from there to Port Solent

On arriving at Port Solent Marina, follow the main road going straight across the first roundabout. At the next roundabout, bear right (the only way). At the third roundabout, take the second exit. Then drive over two 'sleeping policemen' and take the next right. The Port House building is directly ahead of you. Again, further detail is on the joining instruction.

By car:  Does anyone own a car? Let me know if you do and plan to take it down there!

From the west, (Recommended – via M3) motorway access is via the M27 at junction 12. From the east, (A3) take the Hilsea exit off the A27 and follow the signs to Port Solent. From Portsmouth, take the M275 and follow the signs.

Please don't arrive any later than 8.30 am on Saturday morning!! Any "no-shows" (incl. serious latecomers) will be liable to pay the full amount!!!

Stuff you need to bring

• SLEEPING BAGS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• Apart from that, our friends at Sunsail suggest the following: "Sweaters - Gloves, Hat, Scarf - Thick socks - Tracksuit - Deck shoes or white-soled trainers -
  Sailing boots (recommended) - Neck towel or small towel to stop drips.It is much warmer to wear multiple thin layers than one thick layer. We do not recommend jeans as they become very cold when wet and take a long time to dry. Please note that all personal items are brought at your own risk. You may also want to bring your own waterproofs or hire some from us. Chest-high trousers and a jacket are available for hire from our reception and can be booked in advance or on arrival. Due to reasons of hygiene, we do not hire out sailing boots."
• All of you, who haven't paid: MONEY!!!

Which brings us to our next topic:

Stuff to do before the trip

• Send me your mobile number!!!
• Check out Sunsail's page for Port Solent http://www.sunsail.com/brochure/bareboat/bareboat_intro.php?rescode=psyc
• Make sure you can swim

Money Stuff

The £95 fee includes a £25 non- refundable deposit, to book your place.  If you drop out after Wed 20^th, we’ll keep the full £90, as it’s virtually impossible to get someone else at that late notice,

Sailors who’ve been out in big boats with us more than twice become part of our loyalty scheme and get £20 off each subsequent trip. That way, we can keep prices down for those who’ll form the core of our racing teams in the summer.

The skipper(s) of the boats get a further discount, in recognition of the work done over the weekend – this will be refunded at the event.

The Fee Includes the boat, the racing fees, moorings, fuel, breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday

The Fee Does not include transport to and from port Solent, drinks and dinner on Friday and Saturday Night.

Damages:  If the boats should get damaged, we’re liable for the first £1,000 of damages. This will be shared among those on this weekend, as well as those on subsequent trips with the club. However, the first £250 per boat will be paid by its own crew.  So Don’t Damage Anything!!

That should be all. Let me know if there are any questions!

Looking forward to sailing with you

Cheers,

Susan,

07740 430 435