It’s only a month to go to the start of the River Championships, held during Bourne End Week at Upper Thames. The racing is from Saturday 25th May through to Tuesday 29th May.

Last year saw 23 entries and it would be great if we can maintain our standing as the largest fleet.  Sadly, it looks like Mike Stevens won't be defending his title this year...

There's an early entry discount available until 15th May, if registration is made through Sailracer, http://www.sailracer.org/events/enter-v2.asp?eventid=166882.  Alternatively, you can register at the club on the evenings of Wednesday 22nd, Friday 24th, or each morning of the event.

The BEW schedule is available on the Upper Thames website, http://www.utsc.org.uk together with details of the social events and a link to Sailracer.  As always, camping is available in ‘Sin City’, with the galley being open from 0800 hrs.

Last year saw some disappointing comments about the event, which are being addressed this year, so please don't think you can come and 'rock n roll' this year...unless it's to the band on Sunday night!

I will be there once again, particularly pleased to see the comments from last year are being addressed.  Really looking forward to another fun week :)

It'll be good to see you again Alex.

There's only another 12 days to take advantage of the early entry discount, anyone else planning to come?

im planning to have a go if the new boats are allowed

It'll be great to have you there. All merlins are welcome.

A reminder to enter online by Wednesday to get the early entry discount.  Entries already from Tosh, Jodok, Laurie and Richard and team Kevin.  Enter here:
http://www.sailracer.org/events/enter-v2.asp?eventid=166882

The early entry discount has been extended until tomorrow, 21st May.

We are taking a redecked Dans le vans from Thames. Rumour has it there might be some special boats attending that have had been at Laurie's recently???

Is that the rumour Patrick?  I'm hoping they'll be a lot of lovely boats there.  Looking forward to seeing you.

Anyone who has been to Laurie's shed recently will probably have had the same guided tour as me - he was planning to get it on the water for BEW, will be very interesting!

As I work in Haywards Heath I might take a wonder up to Laurie's later for a coffee and catch up, and of course the guided tour!!

There's been some lovely boats at Laurie's recently.  I hope Rob is planning to bring his.

Thought I ought to mention that this year we've got Henry Wright acting as our PRO.  Henry was involved with the Olympic sailing, so I'm sure he'll have fun setting courses on the Thames....and we're trying to convince the team to avoid the marina mayhem downstream.

With Chris as our on-the-water judge, we're hoping we've got all bases covered this year.  All we need now is a decent breeze!