Raymarine supports Olympic inspired Sailing Festival, GJW Direct SailFest 2013

Raymarine, a leading marine electronics manufacturer, has announced its involvement with the all new annual sailing festival, GJW Direct SailFest. Taking place in Weymouth, Dorset on the August Bank Holiday weekend at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), SailFest has evolved to become a continuing legacy of the Olympic Games.

Commencing Friday 23rd August  to Monday 26th August, there will be two days of handicap racing on the Olympic waters, with fleet starts for any class set to attract a significant number of boats.

On Bank Holiday Monday, the event will culminate in the Raymarine Long Distance Pursuit Race, the winner being the boat that crosses the line first after exactly 2½ hours of racing. Using a mixture of fixed navigation marks and inflatables, the race officer will set legs appropriate to all boats competing, from Picos to trapeze boats. All boats competing will be fitted with trackers and the course will be designed to ensure racing passes close to spectators on the shore, as well as the outer reaches of the harbour.

Ahead of the Raymarine Long Distance Pursuit Race, Raymarine will be holding a training day on Friday 23^rd August, focussing on how to get the most out of the Raymarine Micro Compass, demonstrated by Raymarine ambassador Annabel Vose in her 470.

Harry Heasman, UK and Ireland sales manager at Raymarine said, “We are delighted to be involved in the exciting and prestigious GJW SailFest event over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The racing and coaching aspects of the event are the perfect fit for Raymarine and the new Raymarine Micro Compass range – we’re looking forward to meeting everyone there and working closely with the organisers and the WPNSA to make it a huge success for all.”

Used by many of the olympic classes, Raymarine’s Micro Compass’ two tier, dual-angled screen displays the boat’s heading, how far above or below the mean course, and how much the boat is being lifted or headed. With this and the race in mind, Raymarine is offering a Micro Compass for the first boat to cross the finish line, and other additional spot prizes for the runners up.

Brenda Coult, event co-ordinator said, “So many of the SailFest competitors are already familiar with the Raymarine Micro Compass but freely admit they perhaps do not make the most of its potential as a race tool. Raymarine's presence at the training day, as well as their sponsorship of the pursuit race, is proving very popular with the competitors.”

For more information please visit: www.raymarine.co.uk.