Final call for British Keelboat League at Marconi Sailing Club

by Peter Ward, British Keelboat League 11 May 2023 03:21 NZST 3-4 June 2023

British Keelboat League 2022 © Paul Wyeth / RS / BKL

Teams keen to take part in the 2023 British Keelboat League (BKL) are urged to get their entries in for the next #rockupandrace event in the series.

There are just two places left for late entries to the second BKL qualifier of the year, which will be hosted by Marconi Sailing Club on the east coast over the weekend of 3-4 June. Teams will be racing the club's fleet of SB20s and the final deadline for entering is Wednesday 24 May.

Event organiser and BKL Coordinator, Peter Ward of Marconi SC, said: "Racing in the BKL couldn't be any easier, you simply 'rock up and race' with your team as the boats are provided, and then each team sails as many windward/leeward 15 to 20-minute races as can be squeezed into an exciting weekend of sailing.

"Practice sailing on the SB20s will be available on Friday afternoon and an après-sail party will be held on Saturday evening for all the competitors and race officials as the sun goes down.

"If you haven't already signed up for the Marconi event and would like to join the fun, get your team entered as soon as possible to secure one of the last two places!"

Enter the Marconi SC qualifier here.

You've got to be in it to win it!

A variety of venues enables teams to choose an event close to home or with the boats most suited to their skill set. Entry is managed by each venue - and also now open for events 3 and 4 - with the full 2023 BKL programme as follows:

25-26 February: Port Edgar, 707s, won by Strathclyde University
3-4 June: Marconi SC, SB20s - enter here
24-25 June: Royal Northern & Clyde YC, Sonars - enter here
22-23 July: Royal Corinthian YC, 707s - enter here
19-20 August: Rutland SC, RS21s
9-10 September: Women's BKL, Royal Southern YC, J70s
29 September-1 October: Final, Royal Southern YC, J70s

There is also a BKL Sailability event, 1-2 July, at Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy.

Clubs can choose to enter just one event, or more, and the winners from each will be invited to the national BKL final at the end of September, and have the chance to win a place representing British clubs in Europe in the Sailing Champions League in 2024.

The BKL series motto is: "THINK Football Champions League - SAIL British Keelboat League."

Find out more and keep up with all the latest BKL news @britishkeelboatleague on social media or by visiting britishkeelboatleague.co.uk