We look forward to welcoming you to 2015 GJW Direct SailFest this weekend.
The aim of this email is to provide you with some useful arrival information and further details relating to the weekend.
For those who have not visited Calshot Activities Centre, the venue is large and historic, including Calshot Castle built in 16 C to defend Southampton Water. In the last century, Calshot become synonymous with the RAF and flying boats, with many of the original hangars and buildings still being used as part of Calshot Activities Centre.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calshot
See the Venue Map showing key locations to help you familiarise yourself with the different SailFest locations : Dinghy Park, Race Office, Catering, Camping and B&B accommodation, changing rooms etc
Car park tickets (one per boat), can be collected from the Main Calshot Activities Centre Reception, located in the Sunderland Hangar. If you have booked B&B accommodation you can also collect your keys here
Reception will be open during Friday evening until 10pm, with a telephone number displayed at reception for the Duty Manager when closed. If you envisage arriving late, please let us know and we will see what arrangements can be made.
Friday 17:00 - 18:00
Saturday 09:00 - 10:00
Located in the Sunderland Hangar (North end, opposite ski slope)
There will be a daily briefing, the first on Saturday at 11:00 in the Race Office, where PRO David Henshall and Safety Officer John Barber will outline the plans for the forthcoming day. There will also be other key event notices, so it is essential you attend.
The Calshot Cafe and Bar will be open throughout the weekend, serving a range of meals and refreshments
Saturday - BBQ, tickets can be purchased directly from the Calshot Cafe
Sunday - SailFest meal (early evening after racing). Two courses (vegetarian option) and coffee. David Henshall, our PRO, renowned sailing journalist and author, will entertain us with an after dinner talk on the "Seven Days that changed sailing". There will also a free prize draw. We have a few tickets left, but please book in advance.
For those who have booked B&B packages, breakfast will be taken in the dining room 07:30-08:30. For campers and others who would like a cooked breakfast, please pre-order by Thursday (pm). NB The main Calshot Cafe will be serving breakfasts from 09:00
Order Breakfast
Sunday has been designated try another boat day - weather permitting and fitting around the racing, you will have a chance to hop in another class of boat. D-Zero and Icon classes will be bringing some of their demo fleets. Other classes are welcome to join in and promote their classes, please let me know by email by Thursday (pm).
Cruise ShipsSouthampton is the Cruise Capital for many, and Calshot provides a great vantage point to see these fine ships as they head to and from the docks. This weekend there will be a few key movements, including Britannia launched in 2015 with a 94 metre Union Flag on her bow displaying the longest version of the Flag anywhere in the world. For ship spotters we have included the latest schedule of movements.
Chris Taylor will be providing coach support across the SailFest weekend - Chris is a former Feva National and World Champion and has also has won J/80s and J/111s Nationals. Chris is current;y a member of the 49er RYA Podium Potential squad and has plenty of Solent experience. Chris will provide a daily brief, then follow the racing and debrief afterwards. He will be available on the water between races for help etc
All boats must carry a GPS tracker when on the water and sailors must collect and return their allocated tracker each day from the Race Office - this will act as a tally. Supporters will be able to follow the racing online via the event website and on the screen at Calshot. The daily coach debrief in the Race Office will also include tracking replays.
In addition to Calshot Castle and the old flying boat base, there is plenty to see and do locally, including the New Forest National Park and Beaulieu National Motor Museum.
We look forward to seeing you at Calshot.
19/5/2015 13:40
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A Festival of Sail taking place in May, racing at Calshot. GPS tracking and live commentary for spectators, shore side displays, activities such as rock climbing and velodrome cycling - something for everyone.
