Leader National Championships at Netley Sailing Club
by Jane Wharmby 2 Jul 2002 18:30 BST
29th and 30th June 2002
The 2002 Leader National Championships took place at Netley SC on 29th and 30th June 2002 in winds ranging from F3 to F6, providing the fleet with some very exciting racing, plenty of thrills and spills and new National Champions.
The first race started in a pleasant Force 3 breeze. Mike Fitzgerald and Tim Dormer got off to a flying start but were over the line and had to turn back. Roger Kenchington and Chris Davies then led the fleet to the first mark, with Chris and Jane Wharmby close on their heals. The Wharmbys overtook Kenchington on the next beat and, as the wind strengthened, gradually pulled away from the fleet. In a strong gust, Paul and Helen Dickinson capsized at the gybe mark allowing Jon Armitage and Dave Boyle and Chris Cook and John Reading to fight for 5th place. At the front, Wharmby held his lead until the finish, with Kenchington 2nd and 2001 National Champions, Mike and Tom Sherwen, third.
The wind continued to strengthen and Race 2 saw Wharmby first to the windward mark, a lead which he held to the end of the race. Kenchington and Davies and Fitzgerald and Dormer were never far behind and enjoyed very close racing with some exhilarating planing reaches, which Fitzgerald and Dormer exploited with impressive spinnaker work, in gusty conditions, to close the gap and take 2nd place.
The Wharmbys weren’t to have it all their own way. On Sunday morning Kenchington and Davies made the most of a very good start to establish a significant lead on the first beat, crossing the finish line first in strengthening winds. Wharmby, took second place closely followed by Fitzgerald and Dormer, with the Sherwens never far behind.
With the top positions still undecided the final race took place in Force 6 winds and competitors struggled in the gusts to stay upright. Wharmby, with the Championship now firmly in his sights, established and held an early lead, taking line honours with Fitzgerald and Dormer in 2nd and Kenchington and Davies 3rd.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Helm | Crew | Club |
|---|
| 1st | Chris Wharmby | Jane Wharmby | Milton Keynes SC |
| 2nd | Roger Kenchington | Chris Davies | Porchester SC |
| 3rd | Mike Fitzgerald | Tim Dormer | Dell Quay SC |
| 4th | Mike Sherwen | Tom Sherwen | Deben SC |
| 5th | Chris Cook | John Reading | Porchester SC |
| 6th | Paul Dickinson | Helen Dickinson | Melton Mowbray SC |
| 7th | Jon Armitage | Dave Boyle | Milton Keynes SC |