February sapper mag:Layout 1 21/1/09 16:17 Page 34
T
he SigneT is a 12’4” racing dinghy designed in 1961 by Ian Proctor for a competition run by the Sunday
Times. The wooden hull, designed for home building in an average single garage without the need for fancy
tools, is a lasting design. The SigneT was designed for all the family; it is small enough, with jib, to be handled by chil-
dren in moderate winds and its stability makes it ideal for training. Yet fully equipped, with Genoa and a 90 square foot
spinnaker, it makes for some very exciting racing. There are fleets in the UK , Australia, USA and South America.
The association runs a series of Open Meetings at various venues between May and September, as well as holding
a full week’s National Championships in early August each year. This year’s event was hosted by Chichester Yacht
Club and strong winds ensured close and exciting racing with the top three positions only decided on the last race.
I sailed SigneTs as a teenager (too long ago to remember!) then returned to the class a few years ago after buying,
and semi restoring, a sad looking boat. For the last three years, and under the banner of the Royal Engineers Yacht Club,
I have sailed in the National Championships with my crew, Steve Whiteside, a civilian engineer, with our best position
until now being 4th.
This years National’s started well with three wins, all in very strong winds, at the start of the week, a consistency we
were not able to maintain. By the end of the week, although we were in 1st place, two other boats could beat us if we
did not perform in the final race. We have always sailed better in strong winds, so our prayers were answered when a
nice Force 4 blew across the race course for the final race. Our plan was to shadow the boat in 2nd, as to win they had to
beat us by four places, in the end we managed a 2nd in the final race to become the 2008 National Champions, not exact-
ly Beijing standard, but the famous Danish sailor Paul Elvstrøm competed at Seoul aged 60, so there’s time yet!
The SigneT is a friendly class, which welcomes new members, whether as experienced sailors or novices. Both
individuals and families are equally welcomed in a fleet where all age groups race together in a competitive, but sup-
portive and friendly atmosphere. There are opportunities for beginners to sail with experienced members of the fleet
and also for non-racers to cruise.
Non-sailing supporters are equally welcome and many lasting friendships are made
on the bank.
For further information on the SigneT dinghy go to the website at
http://homepages.rya-online.net/signet or contact me on DII(F) DESSUV-
CMCSO2DM@mod.uk
For information on Corps dinghy sailing opportunities contact
Maj Adam Shallcross, REYC Dinghy Secretary on Chatham mil
94661 2973, or visit the Royal Engineer Yacht Club website at
http://www2.army.mod.uk/royalengineers/sport/reyc/index.htm
Mr Steve Whiteside
Major Simon Mann
Two Men in
34
By: Major Simon Mann
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