The FSC Valmadre Winter series is now over, with both of the 2 S&S 34s competing having a podium finish. Blondie won Div 2 IRC (and also 3rd in the State Championship series which involved 2 extra short course races) and Le Jag was 2nd in Div 2 under YAH. The series was sailed under light conditions in Divisions with no overall winner, against a fleet that included a number of brand new imported IRC racers, including Beneteau First 30s, 34s and 35s, as well as the new Jeanneau Sunfast 3200. Quite a number of these boats were finishing behind the S&S 34s over the line as well as on handicap. Perhaps the owners should have bought an S&S 34 instead!

The continuing success of S&S 34s on the race course should encourage more owners to come out and have fun on the ocean – most offshore races are relatively short day races, although there is the longer Bluewater series for those wanting this. You don’t need a brand new boat – anyone interested please feel free to contact Simon Torvaldsen or Roger Raymond for more info.