Northampton Sailing Club Presents the Colander Cup!
by Clare Butterfield 11 Mar 2025 04:56 NZDT
10 May 2025
Northampton Sailing Club is excited to present the inaugural Colander Cup - with a chance to win £300 - supported by FM Sailing.
Have you ever dreamt of taking part in a 'Top Gear' style challenge on water? Well, now's your chance! Head to Northampton Sailing Club on Saturday 10th May 2025.
The Colander Cup is an event designed to make sailing accessible and fun. The rules are simple: any sailing dinghy purchased for or worth less than £300 (if already owned) is eligible. It's all about fun, racing, and bringing new life to some great but inexpensive boats.
Event Format:
- 4 Sprint Races before lunch.
- Long Distance Race in the afternoon with a Le Mans-style start.
- The results will be based on the Great Lakes handicap system.
- The overall winner takes home a colander full of cash!
How Did the Idea Come About?
The idea for this fun event came from a simple conversation over a drink. Looking for an exciting challenge, the FM Sailing team browsed the likes of Ebay, Gumtree, Marketplace, and Responsible Boat Disposal for dinghies within a £300 budget. They were amazed by the gems they found, proving that boat shopping can be just as thrilling as sailing itself!
This event isn't just about racing; it's about showing that sailing doesn't have to be expensive. Many people invest in the latest gear, but sailing can be enjoyed on a budget too. The Colander Cup levels the playing field and ensures that everyone, regardless of their budget, can have a blast on the water.
Moreover, FM Sailing wants to tackle the issue of abandoned boats in sailing clubs. For just a few hundred pounds, these boats can be given a second life and used to promote the sport we love while also reducing waste.
Example of a Budget Boat in Action
Take Fresh Abendstern of FM Sailing, who found a Laser 2 for just £107 on Ebay. Despite the modest price, the boat has already been racing in Plymouth and posting impressive results. So far, Fresh has spent none of his remaining £193 budget, and the boat is racing with the same equipment it came with.
The Colander Cup is the perfect opportunity to get involved in sailing without breaking the bank! We're looking forward to a day of exciting races, new friendships, and plenty of fun.
Further details and registration (free to register) can be found at www.fmsailing.co.uk/colander-cup.