Our Class 40 Open Day Proved to be a Huge Success
Even the weather played ball as we enjoyed a fantastic day of sailing and socialising
This Saturday saw Ancasta’s Race Boat Division Yacht host our Class 40 Open Day at Hamble Yacht Services. When we put the call out to come and ‘have a go’ on these exceptional racing boats, although we know that the popularity of the Class is steadily growing, we were absolutely thrilled to see such an enthusiastic response.
Most of our guests arrived on HYS’ newly decked area in front of Blue Box Sailing between 10 -10.30 where we greeted them with coffee and pastries from Yacht Catering, and gave a quick de-briefing. With roughly 40 people all looking forward to experiencing an exhilarating sail in the Solent, we were extremely lucky to be able to take our clients out on Forty Shades , kindly helmed and owned by David Pearce and Swish belonging to Rod Knowles and helmed by Rod and Paul Peggs. We were also extremely lucky, that the wind decided to up its tempo as the boats were launched and the first group of enthusiasts set off. While some were out sailing, others were able to take a close look at ‘Concise’ a Ker Class 40 which is berthed at HYS. A Boston Whaler and a RIB were employed to take our guests out to the boats, and complete the swap overs before bringing the previous groups back to HYS. After everyone had indulged in the opportunity to sail on either one of the boats, with the weather bestowing its very best efforts, we all enjoyed a barbequed lunch and the odd beverage or two.
Later in the day, enthusiasts of the Ker 40 were lucky to be able to talk to the designer himself, Jason Ker who also joined us for a well deserved beer and regaled his audience with the intricacies of his renowned racing designs.
The day proved to be so much fun, and was such a great introduction to the Class 40 Association, that we will no doubt be doing the same again soon, and will let all of our customers know.