The Waldringfield Sailing Club Squib class was founded in 1970 and on Sunday 13th June, the present fleet celebrated this important event.  Two of the original fleet, Chris Thompson and Mike Spear, joined in the celebrations and Chris, aged 90, even took to the water in Squib 91 which is now owned by his daughter and son-in-law.

We started with 8 Squibs racing - Jumpin Jack, Gunpowder Gertie, Amble, Buckup, Tasmanian Devil, Inachus, Blue Touchpaper and Bucked Up - on an open water stretch of the river Deben, enjoying a light breeze.  Race officers Patrick Wilton and Mike Oldroyd put on 6 short races in 3 hours using a windward leeward course.  Exciting times at the start line and at the windward mark, all quite tricky due to the tide.  Spinnaker work improved as time went by!  Chris Arnold, having turned in an indifferent performance at the East Coast Champs at Felixstowe Ferry two weeks previously, felt more at home and turned in 5 firsts.

Racing over and it was time to enjoy a barbecue, many drinks and lots of chat whilst serenaded by a shanty band.  Many visitors, ex-Squibbers from Waldringfield and from our neighbouring fleets at Aldeburgh Yacht Club and Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club, joined us locals and a great day was enjoyed by all.  We hope that 40 years on, in 2050, Squibbers will still be enjoying their sailing at Waldringfield.