Dartmoor M.B.C is delighted to have been asked to stage this year’s 6M National Championships. The Event in September marks another first for the renamed Club as although it has run many events, this will be an inaugural National’s for it.
Sited on the fringe of Dartmoor National park and within a disused quarry area the venue (Shaugh Lake) is rather unusual being both private and unspoilt. No push chairs/general public or dogs in the control zones to worry about here. The odd rogue sheep in the club area or ponies at the gates all seem to add to the appeal of the site. Wild birds are common but do not pose a threat to racing as they do on some lakes elsewhere. The tranquillity of the area ensures they remain afraid of humans and yachts!
Shaugh Lake as a racing venue is demanding both on competitors and course setters alike due to the nature of the surrounding country side on wind direction and velocity. The ability to be able to read shifts leads to great dividends for those helms who are good at doing it but can lead to a lot of frustration for others, at times. Courses can be long or small due to the wind direction and the control zones being used on the day. Club Series racing with the 6M’s is normally very close and hotly contested particularly at the starts and at times is akin to match racing. Launching facilities are good and the envy of many who visit from other Clubs. Generally, the lake bank sides are not accessible, so safety dinghies are employed during boat recovery situations in some positions. During rough weather assisted launching and recovery is quite common and the laying down of boats is the norm on suitable carpet squares or areas.
With all of Dartmoor’s 6M fleet competing a good number of entries is assured in the event and with the NOR being posted on the MYA site recently, entries are slowly coming in. A new Classic Boat perpetual trophy will be awarded for the first time this year. This will go to the winner of a boat which is categorised similar to the Dolphin design ie one with a built- in keel weight.
So, why not join us at Dartmoor and get your entry in. You will be assured of good racing and a warm welcome. (for further pre-event information see www.dartmoormbc.org) Details also here for the Saturday night dinner at the Moorland Hotel at Wotter.