Mirror Nationals at Itchenor Sailing Club supported by Strutt and Parker

Bertie Fisher and Felix Kent, winners of the Mirror Nationals © Mary Pudney

With 56 boats signed up including Dave Wade, multi National and European champion, Simon Hiscocks, Olympic silver medallist, and Martin Jones, International 14 winner among them, the Mirror National Championships is always a popular, competitive sailing event.

Teams came from Cornwall, Scotland and all places in between. Ages ranged from 6 to 60, highlighting the versatility of the boat. Event Director Tom Trevelyan said, "The Mirror is the best boat you can sail to develop all round racing skills. A thoroughbred."

There were all combinations of age and gender including this year's winners, a 13-year-old National champion team. Stiff competition and strength in depth meant little room for error.

Day 1 started off bright and sunny with a nice breeze blowing in from the East. After the daily briefing and a brief pause the fleet set off down towards East Head with spinnakers up making it quite a sight to see. The first race had a general recall, but was soon underway on a very true course with neither side showing much bias. A leader was quickly established, as Tim Rush led the fleet round the rest of the course and went on to win the race with his crew, Ellie Rush. In second was Melissa Heppell and Amelie Hiscocks, and third went to Angus and Florence Hemmings.

The second race started off with another general recall, after which the Race committee decided to put up the Black Flag, which did its job and the fleet stayed back off the line. The race started fairly smoothly, but the Itchenor tide had other ideas causing many, including locals, to overstand the windward mark. First place was strongly contested by many with Melissa Heppell and Amelie Hiscocks coming out victorious, David and Imogen Wade second, and Angus and Florence in third.

The third race was preceded by a trek down to Hayling Island as the Winner bank was no longer a major threat. This time the fleet was set a windward-leeward course, with a leeward gate and constant place changing creating much excitement as the race was fought out. After some great tactical decisions, Bertie Fisher and Felix Kent went on to win the race with a clear lead leaving the rest of the fleet to battle it out. The next places were taken by Archie Grant and Maddie Hantrais followed by David and Imogen Wade.

Mirror Nationals at Itchenor - photo © Mary Pudney

By 11am on day 2 there was no wind, nowhere to go. Everyone hoping for a breeze later, boats are rigged and ready. A last minute windshift caused a delay but following 2 general recalls and a Black Flag, the racing began.

First windward mark it is Martin and Henry Jones, Melissa Heppel and Amelie Hiscocks from Wpnsa, third is Chris and Alex Balding from Tamesis. Left side of the beat the only way to go, the only way to get tidal shelter. Second windward mark, first Martin and Henry Jones. And so it ended with Jones in first, followed by Heppell and then Baldwin.

The final day began without any breeze. Imagine the mixed feelings of over 100 competitors, not to mention 40 race, safety boat and shore team members. Bravely, race officer Peter Taylor called for the fleet to come, and was rewarded with a stable 5-8 knot breeze.

After another two generals, the black flag got them away. Again, left was the way to go and first at the top was 13 year old Bertie Fisher and Felix Kent. And so it continued. Never headed, they led all the way for two slow rounds before a welcome S flag gave them the race. Not far behind was Nigel Thomas and Sam Jones from Hill Head, and then Tim and Ellie Rush.

No sooner had the last boat finished than the wind went away. Moving to the now well covered Pilsey Sands, the wind faltered up and down. Race 6 got away but after over an hour no one had reached the first wing mark and the welcome N flag appeared. Back to Itchenor's splendid regatta tea and prizegiving.

So ended a wonderful 4 days, a worthy UK Mirror National Championships, and a very worthy 2016 National Champion team, Bertie Fisher and Felix Kent.

Bertie Fisher and Felix Kent, winners of the Mirror Nationals - photo © Mary Pudney

Itchenor Sailing Club is no stranger to world-class sailing, boasting National, International and Olympic medallists among its members including Ian Walker, winner of the 2014-15 edition of the Volvo Ocean Race, double Olympic silver medallist, double Mirror European Champion and National Champion in 2012.

Other members include Ben Saxton and Sophie Ainsworth who both attended Rio this year, and George Yeoman and Tim Saxton, with others, won the RYA Team Racing championships in March. Add in excellent race management, super socials, and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere and you have a super club to host the International Mirror Class National Championships for 2016.

Overall Results:
If you finished in the top ten at the Mirror nationals then enter your Gear Guide information here

For more news and information on Itchenor Sailing Club visit www.itchenorsc.co.uk