Lightning368 National Championships - Preview

This coming Saturday and Sunday (September 6th and 7th) sees the 2014 Lightning368 National Championships take place at Northampton SC.

This season we've seen a good few new helms into the class - many of whom have been giving the regular front-runners a good challenge, which lends this year's Nationals an intriguing edge as an increasing number of sailors could genuinely challenge for the top prize.

Current Grand Prix series leader Alexander Baxter has to be counted as a genuine challenger, despite his tender years (and if he can borrow a boat in time after recently selling his championship leading craft). If he makes it to the weekend, he heads a good list of possible winners.

Richard Palmer, of Cookham Reach, burst onto the Lightning scene last year with some fantastic results and has matched these this year so must not be discounted by any means.

Paul White will, doubtless, be out to avenge his close defeat to Robbie Claridge this year - the annual battle between these two is always a joy to watch to be honest. Great sailors and great guys who really sum up Lightning368 sailing - competitive, close, fair but always fun.

What about Matt Hopkins? - something of an all-or-nothing season thus far, but he has the skills and speed to challenge, as does Dad Simon - who would probably prefer a windy event but has the tactical nous to tread his own path and is always there or thereabouts.

Caroline Key and Penny Yarwood lead the ladies challenge - again, both of these more than capable of stringing table topping results together.

So, all seems set for a very competitive event then. With three races scheduled on each day and (at the time of writing) perfect Lightning weather forecast of bright sunshine and F3 breeze, a cracking weekend should be had by all.

Open to all Lightning368 Association members, so why not pop down and join in? Even if it is just for Friday night's pre-event discussion about the twin-rudder, foiling developments...or was that the wine talking?