Supernova Xmas Pud at Haversham Sailing Club

Supernova Xmas Pud at Haversham © Chris Hawley

Twenty one Supernovas took part in the traditional end of season friendly event the "Xmas Pud" this year held at Haversham SC.

It was a beautiful, bright, crisp Winter's morning and you could see your reflection in the glassy lake. RO Vic Hardingham, held his nerve and we sort of made it out to the start area. By the time the class flag went up a consistent F1-F2 had set in and stayed pretty much where it was for the rest of the day.

Race 1 was a normal race but with the indication being given at the briefing that results in this race would have an impact on what was to happen later. However, such machinations get cast aside once the hooter goes and race mode is engaged. It was ex-class chairman Paul Earnshaw that got his nose out in front and then pulled away, hotly pursued by Mike Gibson who eventually just pipped Paul. Alex Collins continued the good form he has shown this season to take 3rd in his striking new boat. Ash Farmer was 4th and Tim Hand 5th.

After a hearty lunch, the afternoon format was revealed: The competitors were divided into five teams of four; Puds, Santas, Robins, Crackers and Turkeys. Those that finished as the last five in Race 1 were appointed team captains and picked their teams in turns. For some there was that long forgotten feeling of waiting to be picked to play in goal in the school playground.

Sailing in teams means that at pinch-points such as marks you would in theory look out for your team members. It wasn't always clear that everyone had latched onto this idea! Two back-to-back races took place in this format with each team allowed to discard their worst result. This format of racing obviously suited Alex Collins winning both races with Tim Hand and Lewis Brailsford taking 2nd in races 2 and 3 respectively and Mike Gibson in 3rd in both.

In the end it was the Robins of Serena Stewardson, Mike Gibson, Lewis Brailsford and Chris Watts that were clear winners with 33pts from the Puds and Santas on 48pts (Puds on countback).

The Supernova Class association arranged for a splendid buffet for Prize giving. Somehow Haversham class captain Steve Swain managed to ensure that everyone went away with some sort of prize on what had been a pleasant good-spirited days sailing.

It was also the prize giving for the Noble Marine sponsored Supernovas Travellers series. The prizes were given out by class chairman Chris Hawley. Once again the clear winner of the 13 event series was Paul Earnshaw. The Traveller's traveller prize, for the most miles covered – and also 2nd in the Travellers series was Paul Undrell, The Chairman's prize awarded solely at the discretion of the class chairman went to Hedley Dowler who was been associated with the class since the very early days and this year has retired the familiar sail no 390 in favour of a shiny new boat.

It has been another excellent year for the class. A strong friendly Class Association, well supported open meeting circuit, record numbers (again) at the Nationals, new boats continuing to steadily roll out of the Hartley's factory in Derby and strong demand for 2nd hand boats. The class is looking forward to 2015 with the season kicking-off with the Winters Championships at Bowmoor on 21st February, a 16 event travellers series with a number of new venues (including two training days) from Exe SC to Scammonden SC and what looks like it could be another record National Championships at Paignton SC in June.