Squib racing is still in pretty good shape, but trawling the
NET I have discovered that the boat is no longer being built, and the builder’s
licence has been revoked* by the RYA. If anyone has more up-to-date news on
this, please let me know.
Here are two more photos to add to others in Parts 1** and 2***
Incidentally, it is stated in a letter**** from the Chairman
of the Squib Owners Association that Squibs are safe. (1) I think this should
be qualified, because there is a YouTube video*****showing an incident that occurred
at Thorpe Bay when a Sandhopper - a twin keel version of the Squib - capsized
and sank.
Any boat with an open cockpit is never completely safe. Many
years ago a Dragon Class Yacht sank at Torbay whilst racing. She took a large
wave, filled and sank. When racing at Thorpe Bay, I saw at close quarters the
sinking of an Alacrity twin keel yacht. She, too, took a wave over the cockpit,
and within seconds the crew were floundering in the water, and the yacht had
completely disappeared. Fortunately both crew members were wearing life jackets
and they were picked out of the water within minutes.
(1)In the penultimate sentence Jenny Riley uses the words, ‘…………
fair and safe sailing with like minded,
helpful, and fun-loving people.’ I understand what she is saying, but when
there are strong winds and breaking seas there is always an element of danger.
Links
*RYA Revoke Builder’s Licence (Updated 11th
November 2013)
**Squibs – Part 1
***Squibs - Part 2
Parker Liftkeel Yachts goes into liquidation as at July 2009
(Builders of Squibs)
National Squib Owners Association
Squib Sailboat
RYA Squib Information
****A Letter from the Chairman of the Squib Owners
Association (31st August 2010)
Sandhopper Racing
Squibs for Sale between £2,450 and £12,000
Squib Sailing on YouTube
*****Sinking of Zeus a Sandhopper at Thorpe Bay
Sandhopper Racing
Alacrity Sailboat
Alacrity 19
Alacrity 19
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