Hurricane 5.9 Nationals 2005 at Harwich Town Sailing Club

50 boats attended the Hurricane 5.9 nationals hosted by Harwich Town Sailing Club. 50 boats without the support of a major manufacturer, sponsor or any kind of lottery or national funding. This is an increase of 21 boats from last year’s even mainly due to the change in format from a full week racing to 4 days over a long weekend. With these kinds of numbers this should be more than ample proof to some so called catamaran commentators that the class is not dead but is very alive and well through the help and hard work of a few dedicated individuals. These numbers bring the class back to the levels they achieved in 2002 and which is still some achievement as it has just hosted it’s 18th Nationals. Boats as far a field as Helenburgh and Peterhead made the journey but the numbers did not include any Irish or Welsh boats who if they had of entered would have increased the numbers event further.

The weekend was always going to belong to Andy Webb and Paul Gray, and even before the event started it would take a brave man to bet against this pair, who were sailing from their home club on home waters. Fresh from his lifeboat award evening, in which Andy’s 16 years and 9 months as a lifeboat man was recognised during which time he saved 248 lives any other result on the race course would just be icing on the cake. Sure enough they did not fail to deliver and ended up winning the event with a race to spare and achieving a total score of 9 points over 8 qualifying races. Surely the dream scenario would be to see this crew in a RYA funded Tornado against the other Olympic hopefuls. The only obstacle to this would be normal things such as family, children and paying mortgages.

For the other mortals amongst the fleet, the charge was lead by the ever green pairing of Ashley and Julia Machin, although they pushed Andy hard you felt that he was playing with them and when required was able to turn on the speed just at the right time to take the lead and win the race. Ashley and Julia had to settle for 2nd with Grant and Adam Piggott 3rd, Kevin and Lloyd Turner 4th and Neil Connelly and Dan Tindale 5th. The team trophy was hotly contested with at least 7 teams able to qualify with a minimum of 3 boats. But in the end, it was the team from Stone Sailing Club who walked off with the silverware.

One highlight of the evening entertainment was the presentation of a new jib. The association thought owners would prefer tangible prizes, so the draw was based on the number of events each competitor had competed in. The more events, the greater the chance of winning the jib. This year, the jib was presented to Richard Hanmore and Matt Gregg from Stone Sailing Club, well deserving winners as they regularly support the open meeting circuit.

Harwich Town Sailing club held an excellent event. A small club run by a dedicated few, who do not normally host these large events, but due to the “Webby” influence agreed to run the event. It was great to see all the club supporting all the competitors including their “Home Boys”.

So the 18th Hurricane Nationals was another success with a going sailing atmosphere between competitors on and off the waters. The fleet now goes separate ways with some boats developing their SX rigs in time for the Fast Cat event at the end of May and other long distance races. The fleet comes together again at the end of July for the Europeans in Greece, where the racing will be just as competitive but in a hotter climate.

Overall Results: