The famous Bourneville MY&PBC will be running another New Zealand Postal Classic Heat, again on 22 April 2007. For details, contact John Newey on 07776 031 794 or at John.newey@virgin.net.

The first Footy UK Championship will be hosted by Gosport MYBC on the superb lake in Gosport on 29 July 2007. I know that Brett McCormack, one of the originators of the class, is wondering whether he can make it all the way from New Zealand! Come and join in the fun.

For details contact the host club's Events Coordinator, Robert Hobbs on +44 (0) 2380 255896.

Bill Hagerup is hosting the New England version of the Postal race in Laconia, NH, on the same day as Doug's race in Buffalo, April 22nd, 2007. Contact Bill at billhagerup@hotmail.com or phone (603)284-6642.

Xmas Good Cheer Causes Foul Up! Please note that the correct date of the Footy Euro GP in Bourneville is 16 JUNE, 2007, not 16 July. We look forward to seeing you!

The Colwyn Bay MYC of Llandudno, Conwy in the UK is holding a companion regatta to the 1st ANNUAL NEW ZEALAND POSTAL CLASSIC on April 22, 2007. Read details here.

The 35 mph south-westerly wind forecast was exciting as the BUG prototype has only been sailing in its small rig once and I was keen see how it performed. The Southwater lake is quite large, but is in a hollow where clay for the famous Southwater bricks was dug. It is also surrounded by trees so that the south-westerly wind reaches the water surface in a series of random swirls, downward gust forces and airless holes; nothing like the forecast. The rather out of focus photograph below shows the two leading boat's close together on virtually the same course but on different tacks! (See full story here)

The response to the 2006 design competition was very encouraging indeed with eight entries ranging from a pure fun concept to a variety of completed designs. Interest in design is alive and kicking! It would appear that the small size of the Footy class does encourage would-be designers to have a go and builders to transform their ideas into working boats. (see the full story here)

The Buffalo Model Boat Club (New York, USA) is holding a regatta April 22nd, 2007 in conjunction with the 1st ANNUAL NEW ZEALAND POSTAL CLASSIC. Visit their website for details.

First, a very merry Christmas to you all. And as you take Granny’s New Year Diary out of its wrapping, do the old girl a favour: put something in it.

The Footy Euro Grand Prix will be held in Bourneville (that’s in Birmingham for those who don’t know) on 16th July June 2007. If we get super-marvellous entries, it may even extend to the 17th.

We hope to get young skippers from Malta, Sweden, Belgium and the United States – as well as the UK. Despite the emphasis on youth, the Euro Grand Prix is a full blooded, all out event. Really serious guys are invited to come and get really serious!

I know that nobody ever does it (sighs heavily) but if people could give me an indication of interest (not commitment) at this stage, I would be terribly grateful and would digest my Christmas turkey better !!!!

Once again, Happy Christmas.

Angus Richardson Footy Class Secretary

Running April 1-30, 2007. click for details