Do I have to launch and recover my boat from Hamble Point Marina?
No, there are many places in Hamble and Cowes that can launch your boat, but these will all charge you per lift. The official craning facility for the Worlds will be located at Hamble Point, where trailer parking will also be available for the week. Please remember, wherever you launch, your boat must be berthed in Cowes Yacht Haven for the duration of the World Championships, as defined in the NoR and SIs.
Can I take my boat, trailer and car to Cowes??
Yes, you can take the car ferry to Cowes from Southampton, Portsmouth or Lymington. Cowes Yacht Haven has a hoist suitable for SB20s, but this will all need to be booked and paid for by you individually.
Are there any warm up events before the Worlds?
Yes, absolutely! The UK Class has put together a full schedule of events available to everyone, all based in the Solent and mostly racing on the Hillhead Plateau where the Worlds courses will be set. The timing of the Worlds also provides the opportunity for competitors to take part in the world renowned Cowes Week (www.cowesweek.co.uk), where there is a mix of windward leeward and longer “round the cans” racing around the Solent. The first 4 days of Cowes Week contains the UK SB20 Grand Slam event.
Please see the UK Class website or contact the UK Class Association on office@sb20.org.uk
Is there somewhere to leave my boat if I attend warm up events before the Worlds?
Yes, options are available for SB20s to park in the Sportsboat park at Hamble Point Marina, where you can leave your boat on its trailer with mast up between events. Hamble Point offer a fixed rate for a lift in, lift out and overnight berth for weekend events. All spaces and lifts need to be booked directly with the MDL office at Hamble Point – please contact office@sb20.org.uk and we will send you the details.
Why is launching being provided only from the mainland and not Cowes?
Launching infrastructure at Hamble Point is very good and lifting boats in here cuts the cost to competitors of needing to take boats and cars by ferry to the Isle of Wight. You don’t need a car in Cowes, as everything is within easy walking distance.
How do I get my clothes and dry kit to Cowes if the boat is launched in Hamble?
We will provide a van to take kit bags to Cowes via the ferry, with 2 runs per day minimum.
When should I book accommodation for?
We are encouraging competitors to book accommodation for a week, from Saturday to Saturday. There will be a full day’s sailing on the Friday, followed by a big prizegiving event and closing ceremony on the Friday night. Craning out will then be available all day Saturday at Hamble Point.
Will I need an outboard engine?
We have amended the safety equipment list for the Worlds and as many of the other events in the UK calendar as possible so that you will not need to bring an engine.
