Well the Mirror section had an eventful year in 2008. As promised the Mirror Armada Programme run by the Class Association came to Beaver. In general the input by Angus, Lilly and Becky was a resounding success, offering some informative training that allowed all standards of sailor to improve.

This was reflected in the 15 Mirrors that took part in the Mirror Open, seven boats coming from the Club. So well done, everybody should be proud of themselves for making the event such a successful day.

As Beaver sailing Club has obtained the Volvo Champion Club status i hope the Armada Programme will return to us again in 2009.

Now to the racing. In the early part of the year Ray Baskerville came back to the racing circuit and showed us all how to race. He was victorious on the first 3 Sundays. However, through injury Ray had to stay land locked for majority of the season. I am quite honest about this when i say Team grayson would have been pipped at the post by Ray for the Spring Points.

In July 2008 Bob Towler attended the Scottish Championships representing Beaver. In light conditions which suited his weight! He came 6th out of 18th overall but was crowned Mirror Scottish Championship, Single hander Champion, a cracking result.

The Summer Points saw Ray still out of commission, but this did not stop Team Grayson and Malcolm Ellwood having a nip and tuck battle for the trophy. At the last Team Grayson just came ahead of Malcolm to claim victory. 

During one race, Bob Towler and Team Grayson where neck and neck coming to the windward mark. I’m sure Bob thought he was in an ancient warship as I’m convinced I heard the words ‘ramming speed’, before tacking and trying to take me out. In the ensuing mayhem I nearly named my boat ‘The Bathtub’, as it filled with water and I heard Bob shout ‘Oh Sugar’ as he met a watery end. 

In the background Paul Julings, formally ‘The Black Pig’ bought Geralds Trident GRP Mirror and started worrying us all, putting another fast boat out on the water. 

A further positive for the Mirror fleet was the emergence of Eddie and Reg and then Emma and Reg winning the Summer and Autumn Junior Points Series respectively, in a Mirror. I hope that this will encourage other juniors to see what a fun, competitive and really enjoyable boat the Mirror is to sail (when all three sails are flying!!). 

Also Gerald Brown bought Bill’s newer Trident GRP Mirror and started racing again with great success, again worrying the Mirror fleet for the 2009 season. 

To conclude, following the success of 2008 as Mirror Captain, I am looking forward to an exciting Mirror Class in 2009, with some very competitive boats out on the water, together with the Mirror Armada Programme, bringing other Mirror owners to a greater standard of sailing.