Join the British Contender Association

For those new and old to the class, or just interested to learn more about the Contender Dinghy, the class association works hard to ensure the longevity of the Contender Class. By joining the association your support helps to:

• maintain the class both at a National and International level,
• organise a full sailing program of racing and training,
• keep the class rules up-to-date and relevant,
• ensure the Contender continues to thrive with a supply of both second hand and new boats, as well as parts such as foils, rigs etc.

Whether you are new to the class, looking to buy a boat, or want to get more out of your Contender sailing, join the British Contender Association and enjoy the benefits of a thriving class. Find out more by clicking 'Join the BCA' on our website at www.sailcontender.org.uk where you can also join for only £30 for the year and now with the added convenience of PayPal so you don't even need to write a cheque.

Just a few years ago we hosted the Contender Worlds in Weymouth where over 140 boats raced. And we are about to do it all again in 2016 when the European Championship comes to Highcliffe. This is a great time to be involved in Contenders.

Class training events

The BCA has organised a fabulous programme for 2015 that includes a training weekend during April, being hosted at 2 different locations, Weston and Thorpe Bay sailing clubs. It's a fantastic way to learn how best to set up and sail your Contender, as well as meet other Contender sailors. If you are interested in attending either of these events please contact Chris Boshier with your preferred venue so we know how many people to expect.

In addition the French Contender Association are hosting an 'all are welcome' training event at Quiberon between the 14th and 17th of May, ideal if you fancy an Ascension break with some sailing at what will be the World Championship Venue in 2019.

Did meet us at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show?

Last weekend we had a great show at Alexandra Palace, with David Davies' Bonezzi and Ed Presley's Somner on the stand, thanks to both of them and everyone else who gave up their time to man the stand over the weekend. Hopefully you had a chance to drop by for a chat and we managed to answer any questions you may have had about the boat, class or anything else. There was a lot of interest from not contender sailors and some great feedback from all visitors but on the downside our age old issue was highlighted – there just aren't enough second hand boats around. Which I can vouch for with boats coming onto the market and being sold within a week of being advertised over the winter, so please, please;

Help us to find more boats

The BCA kindly asks if you can help identify Contender dinghies that are no longer in use. Contenders may be sitting forlorn in your dinghy park, or tucked away in a garden or garage begging for a new owner to put it back onto the water and take it for blast. If you know of any Contender that needs a new home please let the class secretary Tony Brooks know. There is a big demand for second hand boats of all ages, wooden and GRP, with very few are available. Those that do become available are sold quickly. It's a measure of how successful the Contender Dinghy Class is. Of course, if for some bizarre reason you've sold your contender and no longer wish to receive emails from us, please could you mail me back by return with details of who you sold your boat too, so we can give them the opportunity to join the association.

2015 Racing Circuit

Racing kicks off at Bough Beech in March, with a 1 day event to ease the Contender class into the 2015 traveller series. In May the Contender Class will be visiting Poole Sailing Club for the first time in a while, providing a great location for families as well as the serious racers.

Once again Highcliffe will be supporting the class and hosting traveller series number 6 in June, giving competitors the opportunity to hone their local knowledge ready for the Contender Europeans at Highcliffe in 2016. After Highcliffe the class travels to Castle Cove, where the Contender Class will join the Weymouth Regatta,. The 2014 event saw a great turnout of more than 120 boats from a variety of classes all enjoying excellent racing. We are proud to have been the the largest fleet at the regatta and hope to hold the honour again in 2015, so come along and join in the fun.

In July Medemblik in Holland (a short trip for most of the UK Contender fleet) hosts the Contender Worlds, which will attract a big entry list from across Europe as well as further afield. As usual the UK Nationals are scheduled for late summer, and this year is being hosted by Brixham Yacht Club. The year rounds out with a trip to Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club before the final Travellers event and Inland Nationals at Rutland.

The 2015 traveller series visits 11 sailing club venues including, Bough Beech, Burton, Oxford, Poole, Eastbourne Sovereign, Highcliffe, Castle Cove, Weston, Thorpe Bay, Yorkshire Dales and Rutland. Details provided below.

This year's event dates are shown below:

For more details see Contender Class Events 2015