The opening races of the Garmin Hamble Winter Series hosted by Hamble River Sailing Club take place this weekend. The series, which runs from Sunday 9 October-Sunday 4 December promises to be one of the best yet with over 260 yachts on the startline and some magnificent Garmin electronics overall prizes to be won.

Hamble River Sailing is also hosting, for the first time ever within the Winter Series, the Hamble Big Boat Series also supported by Garmin for IRM and IRC yachts during two weekends in October (8-9/22-23). Among the 14 high profile entries in this 10-race series expect to see a good selection of classes including the likes of DK46Fidessa Fastwave- the overall winner of the 2005 RORC/IRC Offshore Championship – plus at least three Swan 45s and three Farr 45s in the production fleet (Class BB-1) who’ll be level rating.

The Autumn Championship for one-designs such as Prima, J/109, Mumm 30, 1720, 707, Laser SB3, J/80 classes, or any class that can muster a fleet of six or more entries, takes place next weekend (15-16 October) within the Hamble Winter Series. And the annual mid-series Charity Pursuit Race takes place on Sunday 6 November. This event, in aid of the Hamble Inshore Rescue, John Merricks Trust, and Sail4Cancer, starts at 1000 (slowest classes first) and prizes will be awarded to the first 10 yachts finishing who attend Hamble River Sailing Club after the race.

For those in Hamble this weekend, Hamble River Sailing is hosting a Beer and Steak Sandwich Party on Saturday evening at the clubhouse after the first race of the Big Boat Series.

For more details contact the sailing secretary at Hamble River Sailing Club on 023 8045 2070 or e-mail sailsec@hambleriversc.org.uk.