International Canoe UK Nationals at Stone Sailing Club - Preview
by Gareth Caldwell 28 Aug 2015 09:46 BST
3-6 September 2015
After the Europa Cup held last month in Germany, the IC returns to British waters with their Nationals being held on the Blackwater at Stone Sailing Club.
The first race of a four day competition is next Thursday, and rumour has it that quite a number of boats are arriving early to gain some insight into the tidal flow conditions... or is it the home produced food and fine ale from the Stone Inn?
Stone Sailing Club can be looked upon as the spiritual 'home' of IC sailing, with the boats locally built by Tony Miles always attracting attention. There is a friendly reception awaiting the fleet, and the long range weather forecast looks promising. The front runners have pledged attendance; Robin Wood fresh from Europa Cup success, Phil Robin with a third place in Germany and in the midst of sail development, and Colin Brown ex Europa Cup and National champion who has been training in the sunny climate of Ullswater.
Included in the Championship is a long distance race of at least 17 miles, and the fleet boasts an array of trophies to rival any fleet in the country, with the 'who's who' of sailing having had their names engraved on them.
An interesting few days lies ahead.