Craftinsure UK Wayfarer National Circuit and Eastern Area Championship 2025 at Medway Yacht Club

Elliot Marks and Sam Pygall nail a pin end start - Craftinsure UK Wayfarer National Circuit and Eastern Area Championship at Medway YC © Paul Babington

The Craftinsure UK Wayfarer National Circuit - Eastern Area Championships returned to Medway Yacht Club for the first time since 2023 over the weekend of the 12-13 July, drawing a strong contingent of visitors and fleet front-runners from across the country. This included recent 2025 Craftinsure open meeting event winners in the form of John Clementson and Mel Titmus (victorious at Datchet), Andrew Wilson (victorious at Banbury) and Michael McNamara (victorious at Whitstable).

Alongside these champions and open meeting winners, there was the scratch team of Elliot Marks and Sam Pygall (winners at Blackwater last year), the formidable husband and wife team of Nigel and Belinda O'Donnell and a welcome return to the fleet of Brian Lamb and John Goudie. A great visitor turn-out, supplemented by a strong home fleet meant the event had a 14-strong entry.

This event marked a significant moment for the club and the Wayfarer community, as it was held in memory of Richard Stone, a Wayfarer legend from Medway Yacht Club. Richard, who passed away earlier in the year, was a loyal supporter of Wayfarer racing both locally and internationally. His presence was deeply missed, but his spirit was felt throughout the weekend. Richard was a true stalwart of the Medway sailing scene, leaving an indelible mark on the waters and in the hearts of those who sailed alongside him. His passion for sailing was evident in every race he entered and every lesson he imparted.

Richard Stone, winning the Medway Marathon with Catherine Gore, in the past - photo © MYC

Beyond his personal achievements, Richard's legacy lies in his unwavering dedication to sailing and his community. He was known for his willingness to share his vast knowledge, nurturing young talent, and contributing to the vibrant spirit of the Medway Yacht Club. The club announced plans at the event to create a fund to purchase new Tera Boats for youth training, a fitting tribute to his commitment to developing future sailors.

Day 1 - Racing at Long Reach

On Saturday, after a fitting scattering of Richard's ashes from the committee boat before the start, racing commenced downriver at Long Reach in an Easterly F3-4 breeze and with the tide against the fleet. Boat speed was going to be a critical factor, while keeping upwind tactics as simple as possible. In Race 1, the local team of Chris Parish and Chris Passmore had a strong start and led the home fleet charge, leading at the windward mark by a clear margin.

Chris Parish and Chris Passmore lead to the first mark in race 1 - Craftinsure UK Wayfarer National Circuit and Eastern Area Championship at Medway YC - photo © Ami Mann

However, their moment of glory did come to an end and they were eventually overtaken by the front-running teams by the end of the first triangle. After 3 hard close fought laps, McNamara and Townsend set the tone for the weekend with a win in this first race, followed closely by Andrew and Tom Wilson. On this occasion Clementson and Titmus were edged out by the scratch team of Elliot Marks and Sam Pygall, who secured third place. Brian Lamb and Sophie Wantling showed some good speed despite being dumped on by Marks and Pygall at the start and rounded out the top five in this first race. Close racing across the fleet set up a cracking first day!

Race 2 saw the top four teams solidify their positions at the front after a drag race to the windward mark, showcasing consistent upwind speed and effective spinnaker handling downwind. McNamara and Townsend were kept honest by a chasing Team Wilson and this time Clementson and Titmus got the better of Marks and Pygall to finish in that order. UKWA Chairman and MYC member Tim Townsend, crewed by wife Jacqueline kept the top four honest in this one and came home for a well-deserved 5th place, coming ahead of another local team in the form of Brian and Liz McKenzie.

Local teams do battle upwind - Craftinsure UK Wayfarer National Circuit and Eastern Area Championship at Medway YC - photo © Paul Babington

McNamara and Townsend continued their dominance of day 1 in Race 3, completing a clean sweep of victories on the first day. This time it was a reasonably straightforward win but had the status quo at the front of the fleet getting challenged by the appearance of the O'Donnells, who rounded the windward mark in 3rd place and held off the majority of the peloton to take a handy 5th and a big move up the overall rankings.

After a cracking first day of close racing, the fleet had a very nice spinnaker run back to the club through Hoo Creek before enjoying some very nice coffee cake and beers gratefully provided by the event sponsors.

Brian Lamb, with Sophie Wantling, battles the O'Donnells - Craftinsure UK Wayfarer National Circuit and Eastern Area Championship at Medway YC - photo © Paul Babington

The day concluded with a lively BBQ on Saturday evening, providing an opportunity for the fleet to reconnect after a while being hosted by the wonderful club and share stories from both the event and events past.

Day 2 - Light Winds and Tactical Racing

Sunday brought significantly lighter and more variable conditions to the proceedings. The fleet returned to Long Reach hoping to complete three scheduled races to complete the series. Instead spent several hours waiting for competing breezes from the land and the sea to settle. Ultimately, only one race was held in a fickle south/south-easterly wind. Team Wilson sailed an excellent race to take the win from start to finsih, with McNamara and Townsend finishing second. This race was notable with fleet veterans John Goudie (with Alun Ames) and Brian Lamb (with Sophie Wantling) showing their experience and canny sailing on the Medway, finishing third and fourth respectively.

The top four race to the leeward mark - Craftinsure UK Wayfarer National Circuit and Eastern Area Championship at Medway YC - photo © Paul Babington

Prize-giving

With only four races completed of the scheduled six and no discards allowed, consistency ultimately proved crucial in determining the final rankings for the Eastern Championships.

With their perfect score on day 1 and runner-up position on the second day, Michael McNamara and Simon Townsend emerged as overall winners with three victories and a second-place finish. Team Wilson followed closely with three second-place finishes and a win. Clementson and Titmus, along with Marks and Pygall, secured third and fourth overall despite a challenging final race where both teams found themselves uncharacteristically down the rankings. The O'Donnells were the top husband and wife team in fifth. John Goudie with Alun Ames made a welcome return to the fleet in sixth, while Tim and Jacqueline Townsend claimed seventh and earned the Fairway Trophy as the top Medway Yacht Club boat.

Event winners Michael McNamara and Simon Townsend, with Commodore Catherine Gore - Craftinsure UK Wayfarer National Circuit and Eastern Area Championship at Medway YC - photo © Philip Clarabut

Overall, it was competitive and enjoyable racing across the fleet. Well done to all the competitors that included visitors, locals, veterans and first timers. A fitting event in memory of Richard!

Acknowledgements

The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors: CraftInsure, Shepherd Neame (beer), Allen Brothers (vouchers), and Pirates Cave (vouchers).

Special thanks to Race Officer Dan Fox and Assistant Race Officer Jamie Blair. The RIB crews were on standby for emergencies and towing, though the steady wind meant their services were only occasionally required.

Gratitude also goes to Toby the Bosun and his team for their hard work, the Medway Yacht Club Office for their support, and the Bar/Galley Team for providing early breakfasts and a delicious BBQ.

Second place Andrew and Tom Wilson, with Commodore Catherine Gore - Craftinsure UK Wayfarer National Circuit and Eastern Area Championship at Medway YC - photo © Philip Clarabut

Looking ahead

The remainder of the summer remains busy for the Wayfarers, with an International Championship in Denmark, opportunities to sail at a number of summer regattas (including Poole Week) and a national championship at Shoreham in early September. There is still time to enter these great events!

• Shoreham SC Nationals
• Wayfarer International Championship 2025
• Poole Week 2025

Third place John Clementson and Mel Titmus, with Commodore Catherine Gore - Craftinsure UK Wayfarer National Circuit and Eastern Area Championship at Medway YC - photo © Philip Clarabut

Overall Results:

Fairway Trophy winners Tim and Jacqueline Townsend, with Commodore Catherine Gore - Craftinsure UK Wayfarer National Circuit and Eastern Area Championship at Medway YC - photo © Philip Clarabut