The first round of the Volkswagen Touareg Laser SB3 Grand Prix series will be held over the bank holiday weekend, hosted by Sunderland Yacht Club.

Those travelling from the South coast will be joined by a healthy handful from the burgeoning Irish fleet keen to get some international competition prior to the Europeans in June, as well as the growing contingent of Scottish, Northern and Welsh boats. All competitors will be hoping to rack up some positive results early on in this four-event series.

The early indication is that Dan Geoghegan in “Champagne Blonde” will be the one to watch coming off his win in the Raymarine Warsash Spring Championships, but 2006 National Champion Geoff Carveth in “Palava” will be attempting to make amends for finishing second to Geoghegan in that event, and a close fight is expected between the two boats. But the local boats – not least of all John Outhwaite and his family crew – sailed well in Monaco earlier this year, and are certainly a force to be reckoned with, and Dave Clarke in “3 Steps Beyond” is always consistent. The Irish contingent, led by former Olympian Pete Kennedy, who has once more teamed up with Dave Cheyne in “Team CECO”, must also be in the running.

All in all plenty of quality boats promise some competitive racing, and Sunderland YC is warming up for some fantastic socials to kick off the season. Entry form and further details at: www.lasersb3.com