What’s New

Unicorn’s around the globe Unicorn's around the globe

2009 at Stone SC Stone SC

2009 Nationals report Nationals 2009

UNICORNS AT STONE S.C. 2009                              Bob Dorks

2009 was not a bad year for sailing in general, but still only two Unicorns were regularly out, myself and Peter Toft, and neither of us are getting any younger and so we tend to be a bit choosy about our weather conditions. However, the sailing was improved by Gary Piper and Richard Taylor switching from Stokes Bay and joining Stone this year, which while they could not be here every week, it made for much more entertaining racing when they were. It’s a long journey for them, but both Peter and I would both like to see them again next year if possible.

   The extra competition certainly did Peter some good as he sailed excellently at Stone week and won the Nationals for the first time after 28 years of trying. A really great performance.

   This success has prompted him to buy Unicorn 1075 from Geoff Moss who has now gone back to being a Hobie sailor. This is another foam sandwich boat that was formally sailed very well at Stone by Ivor Harris and which Peter is now busy bringing back to full competitive condition.

   My own participation in the Nationals in 2009 was curtailed after four races due to age related incapacitation(I had to look up that word), so I shall have an even greater incentive when August comes around and hopefully I can compete in my 40^th Unicorn championship.

   The club trophies were shared equally, two each, between Peter and myself, but it hardly seems worth keeping the scores for just the two of us. As mentioned previously, it would be nice if Gary and Richard could compete enough to displace our two names on the trophies.

   The National Championship is again being held during Stone Week at the beginning of August 2010. With an average of only 10 boats competing each year, it is not really feasible and does not make financial sense to travel to other venues, when Stone Week offers such a splendid week at a reasonable price. You do not have to be a top competitor to come along and enjoy a warm welcome and an excellent weeks sailing and entertainment, and who knows, you might do better than you ever expected, but even if you don’t, you will certainly learn a little more about sailing a Unicorn.

Finally may I wish everyone a happy new year for 2010, and hope that the current rather inclement weather (ice floating up the Blackwater), will guarantee us excellent sailing conditions throughout the rest of the year.