RS Feva Inland Championships at Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club

RS Feva Inland Championships 2015 © Peter Newton

RS Feva Inland Championships 2015 © Peter Newton

RS Feva Inland Championships 2015 © Peter Newton

On the 20th of June, 55 boats from all over the country came to Chew Valley in the sunny West Country for the annual RS Feva Inland Championships. Day 1 dawned bright, and gusty conditions meant we saw a full range of wind strengths. This allowed all the sailors to harness the full scope of the Feva's ability, with both high and low modes coming into full effect on the runs.

In the first race, we [4890, Fin & Dan Armstrong] crossed the fleet, and banked early gains before continuing to lead for the remainder of the race. Close behind was the newest pairing of the fleet, team Jameson/Black, and 3rd went to one of the many local boats, Alice and Louis. With ever more gusts pushing over the trees, the race officer tried to get the second start underway quickly – yet it took two general recalls before the fleet was racing again.

Under a U-flag, we started as the pin-end boat, port-tacking the fleet for the second time and extending our lead to finish a full 2 minutes ahead of Matt Caiger and Niamh Davies in 2nd. Freya and Henry showed consistency, with a 3rd to back up the 2nd in the race beforehand.

The last race of the day was by far the windiest, and the fleet did well to cope with the tough conditions. We managed to take the lead on the first beat, and although George Tardrew and Freddy Simes did their best to knock us off top spot, we held them back to get a final 1st of the day. Henry and Freya had a superb final run, and managed to take George + Freddy on the finishing reach to secure 2nd place.

After a hearty barbecue from the Chew catering staff, the fleet got ready for a second day's racing. Going into day two we were on top with a perfect scorecard, and behind us were Freya Black and Henry Jameson (on 7 points) followed by Caiger/Davies and Leckie/Bristow (both on 15 points). The racing was still wide open, and with another three races on the second everything was still to play for. The breeze was almost identical to the day before – though it was a little stronger - and large, punchy gusts were still a key feature - especially on the runs.

Despite the fact that the sun wasn't shining as much as the day before, sailors were just as keen to get out on the water and the first race was soon underway. We managed to start the day well, taking our fourth bullet of the regatta with Matt + Niamh and Freya + Henry completing the top three.

The penultimate race saw a local Bristolian boat fire out in front – Ryan Bush and Abigail Campbell - and lead the opening lap. A tough battle for first place ensued in the latter stages of the race with both us and Ryan fighting for the win. We managed to outdo them on the hoist, getting another first and securing our victory.

The wind had built steadily over the day, and the final race was sailed in some of the breeziest conditions of the event. We finished the race 1st - with Matt + Izzi hot on our tails and the Dyer brothers in 3rd.

Overall, the weekend was one of the finest Inland Championships ever run, and special thanks has to be given to Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club and the entire race committee for such a brilliant time. Grateful thanks also goes to Magic Marine UK for the prizes they donated.

In third place after all 6 races were Matt Leckie and Izzi Bristow, second overall were Henry Jameson and Freya Black, and the 2015 Inland Championships went to my brother Fin Armstrong and I. Jess Jobson and Caitlin Webster managed to squeeze past Emma + Izzi for first ladies, also taking top junior boat. First local boat went to Alice Edmonds and Louis Gibbs.

Overall Results: