Notwithstanding the heavy showers which characterised the weekend, especially at Twickenham on Saturday and at the Cenotaph on Sunday, Race 1 was held in sunshine. The fleet was reasonably well behaved and got away first time with just an individual recall signalled. Andrew and Tom led from the start but finished to the sound of silence. They were the offenders on the start line. Meanwhile, Michael and Simon had to work their way up through the fleet eventually getting the better of Brian Lamb and Sam Pygall to take the winner’s gun. Martin and Donna Rouse-Collen (making their debut on the circuit for 2018) took third place.

Race 2, sailed after lunch in similar conditions, saw a race long battle royale between Andrew and Tom and Michael and Simon with the lead changing hands on several occasions. At the end of the race it was Michael and Simon who led by a short head. Third place in this race was taken by Bill Whitney and John Shelton. Competition was fierce throughout the fleet with several boats in close formation during the whole race and several calls for rights, especially at rounding marks.

The fleet dodged the showers on Saturday but there was heavy rain overnight and the forecast of stronger winds and showers on Sunday. Andrew and Tom could still win the event but needed to win the two final races. The wind appeared to be stronger than the previous day. A few teams dropped their rigs back a notch and everybody spent the day adjusting rig and vang tension to suit the gusts and lulls. Race 3 was another close one with Andrew and Tom and Michael and Simon vying for the lead. Once again Michael and Simon were leading when the fat lady sang, this time with Guy Marks and Mel Titmuss completing the podium. David Roberts and Tinu Cornish were the only casualties in this race after a collision, but fortunately no damage was done and they were able to compete in the final race.

With the event won, Race 4 was going to be for pride and the minor places. The race started in increasing winds with some new faces near the front including Mark and Jane Lee who were well placed until they came a cropper in the biggest rain squall of the day on the second beat. Andrew and Tom Wilson were also doing well until Andrew fell out of the boat taking his tiller extension with him (adding a DNF to their earlier OCS). Once again Michael and Simon took the lead to the finish although they were chased hard by Guy and Mel and Brian and Sam.

Michael and Simon therefore won the Bough Beech Finale and with it the National Circuit Series while Andrew and Tom consoled themselves by winning the Travellers Trophy. At the prize giving, Michael McNamara thanked Bough Beech SC for their hospitality and race management.

-Tim Townsend

(This report complete with full table of results can be found on the Racing Results page)

I love the fitful gusts that shakes
the clubhouse all the day
And from the mossy elm tree takes
The faded leaf away
Twirling it by the dinghy park
With thousands others past the Solo and the Lark

I love to see the shaking twig
Dance till the shut of eve
The sparrow on the Wayfarer rig
Whose chirps would make believe
That springtime was now flirting by
In summers lap with flowers to lie

I love to see the cottage smoke
Curl upwards through the naked trees
The sailors huddled in their coats
On dull November days like these
Through mist and rain crews rig their boats
And wish they’d had their porridge oats

I love to see the noisy start
As flapping sails become white wings
The fleet spreads itself apart
The leaders trim and ease their strings
The also-rans swim where they fall
The patient race team wait for all.

After a sailing season which has spanned Spring to Autumn, the Craftinsure Wayfarer Class National Circuit and Travellers Series comes to a head at Bough Beech SC this weekend (10/11 November) as the sailors wait to see who will be crowned National Circuit (best three results from eight including one fresh water and one salt water event) and Travellers Series (best results of eight events) champions for 2018.

As the poem suggests, Bough Beech usually delivers the full range of autumnal weather with at least one windy (or v windy) day. Rarely do we get anything as straightforward as a whole weekend of mellow fruitfulness. This means that we usually get a day for the crews who enjoy the light and flukes and a day for crews who are strong and brave.

The racing will be close as always but when the boats are packed away during the Sunday dusk for their journeys home, the fleet will gather in the warmth of the clubhouse for three prize givings; for the open meeting itself; for the National Circuit and Travellers Series; and for the prize draw (this year’s prizes include a new genoa from McNamara Sails, an undercover from Hartley Boats and insurance from Craftinsure – all our generous sponsors).

Who has podium potential? The Travellers Series seems pretty much stitched up but the Circuit Series could go down to the wire although Andrew and Tom Wilson from Datchet (current Southern and Eastern Area Champions) are in the box seat at present. Others to watch include Michael McNamara and Simon Townsend (current European, Inland and National Champions), locals Guy Marks (National Champion in 2015) and Mel Titmus, Bill Whitney and John Shelton from Shoreham (perennially at or near the top and current Western Area Champions), John Clementson from Chipstead (multiple Graduate Champion and former Mirror Champion) and Brian Lamb and Sam Pygall from Wilsonian (former National Circuit and Travellers Series winners). My guess is that the winners will come from one of these.

There are some wild cards too including Martin and Donna Collen from Upper Thames, making a return to the fleet after a summer racing their cruiser, Richard Stone and Catherine Gore from Medway, who will pray hard for light breezes and Brian and Liz McKenzie also from Medway who proved to be good all-rounders at the European Championships earlier in the year.

–Tim Townsend (and John Clare)

Sunday dawned as a frosty crisp morning with mist rolling over the water, picture perfect but not so good for the sailing. The wind direction was from the west, a much better direction for the lake.

As the mist cleared so did any trace of the wind, leaving a mirror finish. With two races forecast the postponement flag was raised in the hope that the wind would return in time to complete the schedule.

A light but patchy westerly finally settled in and a shorter course was skilfully set by the race officers. Racing got underway, the decision when and when not to raise the kite in fluky conditions proved paramount.

Positions swapped at the front and gave Bill and Lisa a win in race 4 with Brian and Sam in second and the Wilsons in an out of character third.

By the start of the last race, the wind had shifted slightly south and a course change was made again. The Wilsons had the trophy in the bag, but the remaining podium places were open to three boats.

The new wind direction meant more shifty conditions, and anticipating direction changes on the approach to marks proved critical.

In the end Brian and Sam pipped the Whitneys to end up second overall and the Whitneys managed fourth and finished third overall.

Andrew Wilson thanked the race team for doing their best in difficult circumstances and on behalf of the visitors thanked Swarkestone for their warm welcome.

They walked away with the brand New Swarkestone S.C. Trophy (with lid!) and their name will be the first to be engraved for this new Wayfarer open.

Nobody left empty-handed, however due to the generosity of our sponsors. Hartley Boats donations included a buoyancy aid and jacket amongst other goodies. Craftinsure donated a host of burgees and waterproof bags. A raffle was held and everyone had a prize.

-Nigel O’Donnell and Tim Townsend

(N.B – version with results is on Racing Results page)

Comments were made that Broads sailing requires a high level of skill, persistence and patience as well as quick reactions. Many of the Wayfarer sailors had never tacked quite so much and felt that their tacking skills were well honed by the end of the week.

The event was based at Clippesby Hall and boats were berthed at Thurne. A selection of destinations each day ensured that the fleet dispersed but that the UKWA members and the visitors could enjoy sailing in company and sharing insights and experiences. Westerly winds made for fast passages to Hickling Broad and Horsey Mere but required determination (or a motor) for the return.

Some boats went down to Stokesby and swept back on the flood tide. Many snaked up the River Ant to How Hill visiting the wherry Hathor or went for a spin on Barton Broad. A succession of destination broads and villages along the River Bure made for shorter trips and cultural visits while most people visited Ludham Village and enjoyed the heritage of Hunter’s Yard at some time.

Norfolk pubs were particularly popular with the overseas visitors looking for authentic experiences and warm beer.

Off the water, a hog roast and a talk by a Broads Authority ranger kicked off the week which was followed by music making led by the Danish delegation. Michael McNamara came to demonstrate how to get the most out of your cruising boat and then hosted two evenings at his sail loft making up and finishing a Wayfarer genoa each time.

An evening of foot tapping music was provided by the Shanty Buoys from Lowestoft and the week ended with a dinner at Dunstan Hall, Norwich to which transport was provided by two Routemaster buses.

We were delighted to be joined by Ian Proctor’s son Roger, who spoke about his father and his remarkable lifetime designing boats and also presented special centenary awards to three Wayfarers who have made the Wayfarer Class or the International Wayfarer organisation and rallies the success they are today.

The first start had to be stopped at 4 minutes as the wind flicked left giving excessive port bias to the line, but at the second attempt the fleet got under way in good order with the race being won by Andrew and Tom Wilson (Datchet), with Bill Whitney and John Shelton (Shoreham) and John Clementson and Paul Grace (Chipstead) second and third respectively. This race showed the eventual outcome of the championships as these three competitors had a most consistent set of results over the six race series to their credit. Simon Winn, by far the most senior racer in the fleet was going well despite the brisk conditions but capsized and with increasing winds, wisely did not compete further. All credit to him for entering the regatta in such windy conditions.

Race 2 got off to a clean start with Tim and Jacqueline Townsend (MYC) leading the way for most of the race but they were just unable to hold onto the lead at the end being overhauled by the Wilsons and Bill Whitney to finish a fine third. The windward marks were laid close to the Kingsnorth Jetty and it proved difficult to decide whether to go left into the strongly ebbing tide and get a clear wind or right and face disturbed wind from the obstruction of the jetty. As usual, the top boats made the correct calls.

For race 3, the Race Officer set a triangle/sausage course with Bill Whitney getting a win. John Goudie (Wilsonians) had an excellent race battling for line honours until the final mark, when he tripped over. Despite this setback, he and his crew showed that it is possible to right a Mark 4 Wayfarer in double quick time as they still managed to finish 14th.

The beat home after racing was long against a strong ebbing tide and we were all glad to return to the MYC for free beer sponsored by Shepherd Neame followed by a champagne reception hosted by Len Jones, unable to race following a hip operation the week before. The MYC gave an excellent dinner in the evening with a quiz compèred by the MYC Commodore, Mark Penny, where the wide ranging set of questions particularly on Kent topics proved a bit challenging for some of the visitors.

For Sunday, the wind was fresher, averaging 15-20mph. The RO set the course in Pinup Reach again giving good windward/leeward courses with no particular bias to the windward leg; reading wind shifts was important as ever. For race 4, there was a strong flood tide running and unsurprisingly, half the fleet were over the line and there was a general recall. With the U flag displayed, the fleet were more disciplined and got away cleanly at the second attempt. The Wilsons won the race but the run proved to be important as going straight up the course led to big gains and inverted the race positions for many of the competitors. Race 5 was again won by the Wilsons showing great consistency with John Clementson a fine second. The requirement to sail through the line on each lap caught out a number of competitors over the weekend including this author to his annoyance.

The wind increased for the final race and this was won convincingly by Guy Marks and Mel Titmuss (Bough Beech). There was then an easier sail home through Hoo Creek for a late lunch, boat packing and the prize giving. The Wilsons were the overall winners followed by Whitney/Shelton and Clementson/Grace. The best placed home boat was sailed by Richard Stone and Catherine Gore in sixth place overall

Thanks were expressed by the competitors for the excellent Race Management team headed by Jamie Blair before the drive home to rest weary limbs and backs.

Thanks to all the travellers and local boats for participating in an excellent weekend of sailing.

This area championship at Medway Yacht Club was the sixth in the eight boat Craftinsure Wayfarer National Circuit and Travellers Series. Leaders at this stage are the Wilsons with Whitney/Shelton in second place and Marks/Titmuss in third. With two events left the Wilsons will be difficult to overhaul but lurking outside the top ten at this stage is one team which could come into the reckoning if the stars are aligned.

The next event in the National Circuit Series will be the open meeting at Swarkestone Sailing Club, Derby (a new venue for the Wayfarers) on 6-7 October 2018.

-Stewart Coltart

(results table on Racing Results page)

Saturday morning arrived with a very respectable 17 entrants at Waldringfield, many with trepidation of what the day may have awaiting for them. The decision was made to go down river towards Felixstowe Ferry and race in the area known as “The Rocks”. This proved to be a wise decision resulting in a good course with long beats, runs and tight reaches. This race started as the weekend continued with Andrew and Tom Wilson (W11093) taking an early lead and quite quickly stretching this out to a good lead. Matthew Lake and Rachel Parkinson (W8200) were in second place closely pursued by Tony Geary and Keith Vincent (W11107) until Roger Challis and Mark Johnston (W10992) overtook during the third leg when they went lower on a spinnaker reach.

As promised race one winds were a good force 5 gusting 7 and by the end of the race Brian Lamb and Sam Pygall (W11170) managed to wriggle through to third place with Roger Challis and Mark Johnston holding second place and the Wilsons remaining in the lead. The weather resulted in only 10 of the 17 entrants starting the race and only 8 finishing, with 2 capsizes.

Race 2 started back-to-back and to the delight of everybody the winds were slowly increasing, especially the gusts! Roger Challis and Mark Johnston got the perfect start being only inches away from the Committee boat. Their lead was quickly taken by the Wilsons who were able to point extremely high, forcing Roger Challis and Mark Johnston to tack off and lose first place. Brian Lamb and Sam Pygall were close behind with very close racing taking place on the beats going through “The Rocks”. Competitors quickly learnt that avoiding the relatively short tacks to stay out of the tide as much as possible did not pay off with one mistake losing one or more places.

By the end of the race wind speeds were at the very top of force 5 and into 6 with gusts of force 7 and bottom end of 8. Race 2 only had 6 competitors finish and the rescue boats were again kept busy with capsizes.

Before Race 3 there was a well-earned break where the Race Officer canvassed views on what to do for Race 3. The decision was to give it a go and because of the more extreme forecast for Sunday hold 2 short races rather than the single one on the programme. Eight boats made the water for the 3rd race with some turning back almost straight away. The wind was now a lower force 6 gusting 8 with the tide having turned, so there was wind against tide, making sea conditions very rough and short. All the competitors that got to the race area saw the conditions and headed back home before the Race Officer had a chance to declare the race abandoned. There were no casualties getting back and everybody had earned the extremely delicious BBQ they would get in the evening.

On the Sunday morning the weather was as predicted, and a decision was made to have two races back-to-back. As the race started the wind was just touching a force 6 but although the gusts were a good 7 they did not feel quite as bad as the previous day. A total of 7 boats set out to race including Liz Feibusch and Will Cleverley (W11000) with cut-down sails. The Wilsons started in the lead with Roger Challis and Mark Johnston hot on their tail. This time Roger Challis and Mark Johnston managed to hold onto the Wilsons for a large part of the first beat before the Wilsons again pulled away. Going into the windward mark the Wilsons appeared to have severely misjudged the transit line so Roger Challis and Mark Johnston took the opportunity to tack for the mark much earlier only to find themselves sail into a large hole. Perhaps the Wilsons had not made a mistake! This resulted in Roger and Mark losing a lot of ground against Matthew Lake/Rachel Parkinson and Brian Lamb/Sam Pygall, with Roger and Mark then having to do a turn as they clipped the mark. This resulted in Matthew/Rachel and Brian/Sam moving into second and third place before Roger and Mark regained second place on the reach.

The positions remained the same with the Wilsons and Roger/Mark having considerable gaps between themselves and the next competitors until the leg before the penultimate leg where a huge gust came through just as Roger and Mark needed to gybe which they knew they would not survive. Instead they tried to drop the spinnaker which proved to be difficult and ended up on the Deben mud watching Brian/Sam and Matthew/Rachel sail by. Finishing position were 1st the Wilsons, 2nd Brian Lamb/Sam Pygall, 3rd Matthew Lake/Rachel Parkinson and 4th Roger Challis/Mark Johnston. Liz and Will came in 7th, meaning that Liz won the First Lady Helm award.

The Race Officer was intending to do the 4th race but less than a minute after finishing more big gusts came through resulting in Matthew/Rachel and Roger/Mark capsizing. With the sudden increase in wind and gust strength the Race Officer decided to cancel further racing. A very good decision as gusts were now up to force 8!

Final positions for the competition are given in the version of this report in the Racing Results section of the website – it is good to see that three different clubs were in the first 3 positions. 

As well as sailing on all but one of the days, Thierry arranged special tours of the museums and cemeteries, which proved to be a moving experience. It seemed as though wherever we went Thierry had friends in high places who were able to lay on everything needed to make our visit very special!

With Brexit on-going, we were all amazed by the demonstrable gratitude shown by the French after so many years. They are very keen to keep alive the memory of the sacrifices made for future generations. Our visits included the English cemetery at Bayeux, Pegasus Bridge at Ranville (Film: ‘The Longest Day’), the American Cemetery at Omaha beach, and the Canadian museum at Juno Beach. It was especially interesting to sail in and around what remains of the Mulberry Harbour (Port-Winston) at Arromanches.

We also were lucky enough to be able to visit the Bayeux Tapestry, prior to its forthcoming loan to England for a few months while they re-develop the museum where it lives, in the historic town of Bayeux. Great sailing in light winds, and lots of French food and of course ‘Cidre’. Thank you Thierry, and hope you can make it to the International Rally in September!

– Jerry Norman

Your intrepid reporter wasn’t so intrepid (again) and watched proceedings from the shore.

The equation was simple. If Mogens Just won both races he would win the title from Mac on countback repeating his victory from Heeg a couple of years ago.

Boats were rigged (some of the fleet with reefed sails and masthead buoyancy) and the fleet launched into a breeze which was in truth, by then, a touch less than the previous day.

Mac and Simon had their serious heads on. Mogens was seen doing some serious stretching before he launched.

Not long before the scheduled start a lone Wayfarer was seen sailing back into the harbour. This was Mogens whose back (injured while sailing a Melges) was causing too much pain for him to race. Indeed, Anders, his crew had helmed the boat home with Mogens sitting as still as possible and in obvious pain.

This could have been an anticlimax but Mac and Simon stayed afloat and delivered a masterclass in heavy weather dinghy racing, winning both races and with them the Championship. The boat-handling of all the boats who ventured out, especially those who flew spinnakers, was exemplary. It was a joy to watch.

Congratulations to Mac and Simon for retaining the European title.

Well done, also, to Brian and Liz McKenzie who sailed all the races and finished 6th overall and second placed UKWA boat.

-Tim Townsend 

Almost half the fleet thought discretion was the better part of valour while a couple of the fleet ventured out with reefed or cut down sails.

From the shore the leaders impressed as they flew down the run, skilfully flying their spinnakers and usually gunning successfully although even Mac and Simon managed to get one of their gybes horribly wrong; one of the Danish helms meanwhile managed to get his foot caught in the spinnaker sheet during the gybe with inevitable wet consequences.

A win and a second place apiece for Mac/Simon and Mogens/Anders means no change at the top with a couple of races to go in similar conditions tomorrow,

Top 5 after 8 races:

1st Mac and Simon (10)
2nd Mogens Just and Anders (11)
3rd Jorgen Iversen (36)
4th Christian Milert Hansen (45)
5th Niels Alslev (47)

-Tim Townsend 

Mixed results for the English boats. Mac still holds the lead after two wins and two disappointing results (when I told him I’d be delighted with a 3rd and a 4th he told me I didn’t understand!). Len and Pete had a difficult day as did the Coltarts. The McKenzies on the other hand had an excellent day.

The forecast is for stronger wind tomorrow and another 4 races because Saturday is looking very windy. Oh my!

Top 5 after 6 races:

1st Mac and Simon (7 points)

2nd Mogens Just and Anders Friis (8)

3rd Jorgen Iverson (25)

4th Bill Whitney and John Shelton (28)

5th Martin Bak and crew (31)

-Tim Townsend, UKWA Racing Secretary 

“The wind was – unusually – from the East; not the Beast from the East for a nice planing run, but a dying breeze, and only Puddle Duck managed to get the most from the favourable tide so as to avoid using their motor.

“We had 9 boats in all, with several going around for the first time. All four Tyler children (well, adults now) took part in different boats. It’s ten years since they were all sailing at a Wayfarer event – the 2008 50th anniversary year celebrations at Parkstone.

“The event won’t be held next year, as numbers were on the low side, and in two years time perhaps the up-and-coming cruising Wayfarers will want to join in.

“Alas we couldn’t find the dolphin that had been spotted by Hurst Castle – just plenty of large ships to keep us busy. A great day out!”

Chris – W28 ‘Chreselen’ 

In the event the weather did not play ball for the whole weekend but Bill Barker, the Race Officer, and his team did a fantastic job to complete six points races in challenging conditions.

Friday dawned a bit murky. The proposed schedule was to have a practice race followed by the first two points races of the Championships back to back. Because of the poor visibility the decision was taken to race in the harbour rather than in the bay. The fleet launched into a south-westerly of 8 to 10 knots. Unfortunately, as the practice race started, the weather closed in and it was difficult to see the windward mark and gybe mark. By the time the leaders were racing on the second reach of the triangular course their nearest competitors were very barely visible and the leeward mark could not be seen. The race was finished at the end of the first triangle and won (we think) by Brian Lamb and Sam Pygall who took home the Idler’s Bucket for their efforts. The fleet was then sent ashore in close company marshalled by the RIBs. Conditions did not improve and the first and second points races were postponed to the following day.

The forecast for Saturday was for better conditions and when the competitors arrived for the briefing it looked as though we may manage to sail four races and partly catch up with the schedule. In the event, a sea fog rolled in as the fleet was about to launch. The Race Officer sensibly postponed the racing until later in the afternoon. By 1600hrs the fog had dispersed and the fleet enjoyed three races before returning to the shore after 1900hrs. The first two of these races were sailed in 5 to 7 knots but by the time the third race started the wind was softening further. The Race Officer shortened the third race at the end of a very slow first reach but even then some boats failed to finish within the time limit and were given their places on the water. Most boats were towed home.

Sunday promised to have the sunniest conditions. The wind had gone round to the south east and before the fleet launched it looked as though it would be possible to complete four races by having an earlier start. Unfortunately, once again, Zephyros declined to play ball. The wind machine switched off just before the fleet launched and a further postponement was necessary. When the wind returned there was enough time to complete just three races. The first beat of the first race of the day was sailed in the strongest wind of the weekend with boats fully powered up. However, as before, the wind quickly softened and by the time third race started lottery funded conditions prevailed and several of the front runners sailed their discards.

In spite of all these difficulties, racing was close throughout the fleet. From the six completed races there were five different winners. The winners of the Championship overall won only two races but above all were the most consistent boat in the fleet. Congratulations go to Michael McNamara and Simon Townsend from Rollesby Broad SC who won the Championship once more. They also took home the Plymouth Trophy as winners of the fourth points race. Runners up were Len Jones and Peter Mitchell from Medway YC who also won the Aln Trophy for the second race of the Championship. In third place were former champion Guy Marks and Mel Titmus from Bough Beech SC who also won the first points race and with it the Lionel Monk Trophy.

The other race winners were Richard Stone and Catherine Gore from Medway YC who won the third points race and the Ian Proctor Trophy. Colin May and Sarah Wallis from Parkstone YC won the last completed points race and the Bill Hodshon Trophy.

It was interesting to see many new faces in the fleet this year, several of them performing very well. Not new faces, but not seen in a Wayfarer for a decade, were Geoff and Nick Hodshon who returned to the fleet for the first time since the 50th Anniversary Championships sailing their 60-year-old Wayfarer, Nipegegi, (W198). Together with their late father, Bill, Geoff and Nick have won the National Championships a total of five times in Nipegegi. Geoff, Nick and their sister Penny were delighted to present the Bill Hodshon Trophy to Colin and Sarah.

Similarly, Liz Feibusch competed in her boat and was very pleased to present the Wansfell Trophy to Monica Schaefer as the best placed lady helm overall. Monica and her crew, Miriam McCarthy from Greystones SC, Co Wicklow, also won the Hartley Boats Trophy as best placed overseas entry.

The winners of the Silver fleet and best placed newcomers were Ian Foxwell and Trevor Cox from Medway YC. Winners of the Bronze fleet were UKWA Cruising Secretary, Andrew (Boris) Morrice and Chris Yerbury from Bristol Corinthian YC. Mark and Jane Lee from Medway YC won the Pert Platter as best placed husband and wife team, Tony and Nathan Geary from Waldringfield SC won the Carrick Trophy as the best placed double generation team. Medway YC won the Club Team Trophy.

Of course, a Championship in a class like the Wayfarer is not only about the racing and taking home the silverware, although that’s important. It’s about renewing old and making new friendships, sharing stories and experiences. Frustrating though the delays might be, there were plenty of opportunities to drink tea or beer together, to visit the local area, to boat bimble or complete some more mundane chores. Datchet sailors went to watch the beach volleyball in Weymouth (I assume there’s not much sand in Slough, that’s why they went, right?), Mark Lee detuned and retuned his boat (very successfully as it turned out) and had time for a round of golf (a championship ritual) and Mike Mac managed to organise an alfresco haircut. Our hosts couldn’t have done more to feed and entertain us. The bar was often open, there were meals morning, noon and night and a live band on Saturday evening which compelled even the most dance-floor-shy to play air guitar in the dinghy park (he thought it was dark and couldn’t be seen doing the Shadow’s walk to the famous sound of Apache!). Thank you to everybody at Castle Cove SC for all their hard work. This was a fitting way to celebrate the boat’s 60th birthday.

– Tim Townsend

(To view this article with full results table included please see the Racing Results page). 

Summary. One practice race completed which was won by Brian Lamb and Sam Pygall (well done) but no points races. BBQ tonight and try again tomorrow.

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Day 2 – still foggy!

Fog persisted on day 2 of the Nationals which caused a further postponement. However, the PRO made an inspired decision to review the conditions at 1500 hours. The fog had started to disperse by then and we managed to get in three short races. Two of these were sailed in a reasonably steady force 2 but the wind was starting to soften by the third race and faded away at the end of the first beat causing the race to be shortened at the end of the first reach. Race 1 was won by Guy Marks and Mel Titmuss. Race 2 was won by Len Jones and Pete Mitchell while Race 3 was won by Richard Stone and Catherine Gore. Mike Mac and Simon Townsend finished second in each of the three races sailed.

Overall results so far (top five):-
1st Mike Mac and Simon Townsend, (6)
2nd Len Jones and Pete Mitchell (7)
3rd Guy Marks and Mel Titmuss (15)
4th Bill Whitney and John Shelton (18)
5th Richard Stone and Catherine Gore (20)

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Day 3 – final day

Sunday started early with a nice Easterly as we gathered at 9.00 ready to be released for up to four races. Unfortunately the wind then shut off and we endured yet another postponement for a couple of hours.

However we eventually got away and completed three further races before the cutoff.

Overall winners:
1st Mike Mac and Simon Townsend
2nd Len Jones and Pete Mitchell
3rd Guy Marks and Mel Titmus
4th Richard Stone and Catherine Gore

-Tim Townsend