Pages

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Squibs – Part 3



 
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shape, but trawling the NET I have discovered that the boat is no longer being built, and the builder’s licence has been revoked* by the RYA.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

No comments:

Post a Comment