420 National Championship at Restronguet Sailing Club - Update
by Andy Shorrock 26 Aug 2015 18:52 BST
23-27 August 2015
Restronguet Sailing Club in the beautiful Carrick Roads near Falmouth welcomed the 420 fleet for the 2015 Nationals with racing in Falmouth Bay scheduled from Sunday 23rd to Thursday 27th August.
Day one's sailing took place in a sunny Falmouth Bay in a westerly wind of between 8 and 14 knots. The fleet was as competitive as ever with these (mostly) young sailors not giving an inch, however it was the master Neil Marsden crewed by Nick Devereux who led the fleet home in race 1, the long standing class coach and enthusiast showing the youngsters how it is done.
The day overall belonged to Jenny Smallwood and Danielle Thomas with a 3,2,1 closely followed by Max Clapp and Ross Banham with a 2,1,5. Several teams showed flashes at the top of the fleet but with a 15 race series scheduled, consistency will prove to be crucial.
Day two dawned very wet with plenty of breeze forecast. 4 races were sailed in a blustery North westerly wind of 18-19 knots with a peak gust of 29 knots during the racing.
The day belonged to Joe Burns and Matt Shorrock with a demonstration of power sailing to score 4, 1,1,1 to charge up the leaderboard. Clapp/Banham also had a good day despite a U flag disqualification to lead the fleet overall. European silver medallists Martin Wrigley and Marcus Tresler won race 4 to remain in right in the hunt for the title.
Day three again started wet (Cornwall anyone?) and after a short delay to allow visibility to improve the fleet headed into Falmouth Bay. They were greeted by a large seas state and 23-29 knots of breeze from the south west. The gusts hampered the fleet and they were soon sent ashore for further instructions.
A windward/leeward race course was set in the Carrick Roads for race 8 and the fleet enjoyed a blustery race. With peak gusts of 31 knots this was no for the faint hearted. Clapp/Banham eventually triumphed closely followed by early leaders Burns/Shorrock. Marsden/Devereux sailed a controlled race to complete the top 3.
With 2 more race days to go and up to 7 races the championship remains open.
Results after 8 Races: (top six)
1st 55242, Max Clapp & Ross Banham, 18pts
2nd 55663, Joe Burns & Matt Shorrock, 30pts
3rd 55189, Neil Marsden & Nick Devereux, 32pts
4th 55107, Martin Wrigley & Marcus Tressler, 35pts
5th 53645, James Clemetson & Will B-T, 60pts
6th 55634, Robbie & Alex King, 65pts
For full results see gbr420.uk/2015/08/420-nationals-day-3-results