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Squib Class pages maintained by
Ken Davis.
Welcome to the Squib Class
THE SQUIB
The Squib is a racing keelboat, 19 ft (about 5.8 metres) long. Its normal racing crew is two, but four can be seated in comfort for cruising.
It was designed by Oliver Lee in 1967, when it became an instant success, and it has remained popular ever since. There are over 25 active racing fleets in the UK, with class regattas from Cowes to the Tay.
A new Squib costs around £12,000 (see link to the Squib builders on the "Links . ." page), but second-hand Squibs can usually be found from around £2000 upwards (and sometimes even less); there is a list of Squibs for sale on the National Squib Owners Association website (see "Links . ." page).
THE MEDWAY SQUIB FLEET
At the beginning of May 2008 about half the fleet are on the water. Maybe the others are just waiting; if they go in now, they may have to come out again in about three weeks time to make space on moorings for our visitiors for the Eastern Region Championships. It is the first time ever (I think, but certainly for a long time) that such an event has been held here for Squibs. (Though MYC itself is no stranger to such things; other fleets, eg Dragons, Sonatas, Wayfarers have often held Opens here, and the Medway Marathon is an annual Open event).
There is a strong and active social life in the Squib fleet, as well as active participation in the Clubs' own social activities. Members particularly enjoy the pre-race ''wind up's" and post-race "post mortems", sometimes in the bar, but more often on the terrace in front of our superbly sited Club House.
The Squib is one of the MYC "sponsored classes", and so the Squib moorings are conveniently placed near to the club.
During the winter, the club car park becomes a boat park, and about half the Squib fleet may be found there.
LAUNCHING AND HAULING OUT
This is usually done in groups (as the whole fleet is too much to do on one day), thus the inexperienced always have help available.
For launching, a group of boat owners and crew from around 3 to 8 boats gather, some putting up masts, some moving boats on land, some moving boats on water, and some transferring boats from land to water. The transfer is effected by lifting a boat from its road trailer onto the fleet's launching trolley, which is then winched down the slipway into the water until the boat is floating. If there are enough people for all the various jobs to be carried out at the same time, it can take as little as 20 minutes per boat, plus some more time for preparation and for clearing up.
RACING
The main Season points race series are held, along with those of other Club sponsored fleets, every Saturday from the last Saturday in April, until the end of October, starting from the club line at 2 o'clock.
For these races we sail a 6 to12 mile course, the course being set dependent on the tide and the wind. This timing allows members to enjoy a comfortable pre-race lunch and drink, followed by a post-race wash up over tea or something stronger, before departing to other Saturday evening activities.
In addition we usually extend the Club's normal Saturday racing season by running Sunday morning races in April and November .
If you are interested in this programme and would like to join in, or just find out more, please contact us, in person at the Club, or by telephoning or sending email to the Fleet Captain, or by sending email to the Club. We would be delighted to hear from you.
WANT TO SAIL, BUT DON'T KNOW HOW?
MYC have a training programme using Wayfarers. It may also be possible, by special arrangement, to have training on your own Squib.
Fleet subscription
As with all sailing/racing fleets, fleet activities need administration and financing. For 2008, the subscription is still £35 per boat. (E&OE)
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Fleet Officers
Captain: Tony Newcombe
25 Hardy Street
Maidstone
Kent
ME14 2SH
T: 01622 686421;
E: tonynewcombe@blueyonder.co.uk
Treasurer Anji Newcomb