Shearwater Nationals at Newhaven & Seaford Sailing Club

The 51st Shearwater National Championships were hosted this year by Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club. 19 boats with crew and accompanying families attended the week long competition, which began on Sunday 19th August 2007.

A practice race is held before the competition proper. This took place on the Sunday at 12.45hrs, in a fresh South-Westerly. Shaun and Dion Allen on Take5 were first away, closely followed by Jamie Farnborough and Alex Flay on Genesis, and Alan Howland and Jenny Allen on Alley Cat. The lead order did not change until the penultimate lap, with Alley Cat overhauling Genesis on the upwind leg, and gybeing inside Take5 on the down-wind to take the Gun, and “Pevenesey Bay Trophy”.

Race 1 of the Championships was started immediately after the conclusion of the Practice Race, in the same wind conditions and moderate sea. Take5 was first away at the Gun, arriving on the line at speed assisted with establishing a commanding lead early on. Geoff and Amy Tindale on Dilligaf lead the pack early on, closely challenged by Genesis. Take5 were unassailable in their lead to secure the Lilliput Trophy, but the minor places were hotly contested. Genesis taking second place. Malcolm and Murray Greenhill on Sheargold, and Jack Tindale and Emma Taylor on Think Pink secured third and fourth respectively, having successfully worked their way free of the remaining fleet.

Monday 20th August brought a postponement of Races 2 and 3, because of a North Westerly Force 6 gusting 7, which blew long into the night. The hospitality and facilities at Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club doing much to compensate, and busy the day ashore.

By Tuesday morning the wind had abated to a 10 knot North Westerly, with light showers. Race 4 began as scheduled, and Take5 repeated their performance of Race 1 from the start. Sacrificing position for speed at the start, and securing clear air quickly to consolidate an early lead. Genesis, and Greg and Alex Wilcox on Foreigner maintained close pursuit through out, but were unable to assail Take5’s lead to the final gun, and Shearwater Association Trophy.

The postponed Race 2 was run after a break for lunch in a freshening North Westerly. Again Take5 was first to the windward mark, quickly establishing a commanding lead with Genesis in close company. The pack began to close, with Diligaf , Alley Cat and Roger and Bonnie Crooks on Ruby, all overhauling Genesis, but unable to catch Take5 who secured the Marlow Rope Salver.

Following on immediately was the previously postponed Race 3. From the start Genesis found the favoured side of the beat, and ws first to the windward mark, closely followed by Dilligaf and Alley Cat and Take5 leading the pack. Genesis consolidated the lead to win the Eagle Of Lubeck Trophy, despite constant challenges from the pursuing fleet.

Wednesday dawned with bright sunshine, and not even a zephyr to break the seas oily surface. By midday it was apparent there would be little change, so the Race Officer cancelled racing for the day. Wetsuit and harness was swapped for buckets and spades, and fun at the sea-side.

Thursday brought a steady Force 5 from the North West and the start of the scheduled Race 6. From the gun Genesis was clear away and first to the windward mark, followed in close company by Think Pink and Take 5, with Derek and Grace Williams on UFO leading the pack. Revelling in the gusty conditions Take5 closed down Genesis, leaving Think Pink, UFO and Ruby to fight over the minor places. On the second beat Take5 was able to force Genesis over the lay line on the final tack, forcing Genesis to sail free in the blustery conditions, which resulted in her capsize when chasing Take5 to the windward mark Think Pink was able to defend second place despite being closed by Dilligaf, but neither could catch Take5, who secured the win and Founders Trophy. Despite the capsize, the crew of Genesis righted her quickly and still managed to finish in sixth place.

With moderating conditions the Race Officer elected to hold the postponed Race 5 before breaking for lunch. It was readily apparent that if Take5 could win this race, her crew would have secured the Championship, but the pressure did not show with Take5 first to the windward mark. Genesis followed with Alley Cat and Foreigner in close pursuit. Dilligaf and Think Pink leading the pack. Take5 built a commanding lead to take the final gun, Largs Trophy, and the Championships with two races to spare.

Race 7 commenced after a break for lunch, and very restrained celebrations by the crew of Take5, hungry for more silverware. Alley Cat was first to the windward mark, closely followed by Genesis and Take5. Sheargold and Nigel and Sarah Stuart on Simsek leading the pack. Alley Cat retained the lead, victory and Holyhead Trophy, despite constant pressure from Take5 and Genesis.

Friday brought the concluding Race 8 of the Championships, and battle for the minor places. Bright sunshine was accompanied by a steady Force 2 from the North West. Despite having achieved overall success Take5 was first away from a crowded start, and leading at the first mark. Closely followed by Alley Cat and Dilligaf. These three rapidly pulled away from the pack, benefiting from clear air. By the third lap Dilligaf had taken the lead from Take5, and was able to defend it despite advances made by Alley Cat, until the finish. Thus securing victory and the Stokes Bay Trophy.

A busy social schedule in the evenings accompanied the sailing, as well as the generous hospitality of the Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club members. Particularly thanks must go to Race Officer – Garry Hill and his ever cheerful assistant Josephine, as well as Class Chairman Greg Wilcox, for his co-coordinative skills and ever willing Shore Team.

In conclusion, congratulations to Shaun and Dion Allen for winning the 2007 Shearwater National Championships. They displayed un-erring focus despite disruptions to the sailing schedule, to deliver a comprehensive victory, and in some style.

Overall Results: