Splash Nationals at Blackwater Sailing Club

Close quarters racing at the Splash nationals © Keith Binns

Racing was held over two days at the Blackwater Sailing Club. Launching on the tide from the clubhouse a large fleet of Splashes made up of Dutch and English sailors competed over courses set in the tidal river in conditions that could only be described as ideal.

Saturday opened with clear skies and a light north-westerly wind, a complete contrast to the previous day, where the high speed ferry bringing the Dutch sailors into Harwich had been delayed by the rough conditions.

A fleet of 58 boats started the first race, with the lead being hotly contested by Jochem Haakman (NED 2238) and James Large (GBR 2155), James winning the battle only on the last lap. Considering that Jochem has only just come out of the Optimist fleet we will have to keep an eye on him in future. Mark Bonsink (NED 1790) finished third.

The second race, held over a similar course saw a different set of competitors fighting out the lead, Rik van Loo (NED 1477) winning from Laura van den Hondel (NED 2245) with Mark coming in third.

The third race saw David Jessop (GBR 1758) get his act together, and he fought his way to the front, beating Jacob Brubert (GBR 742) and Tom Barker (GBR 1066).

Sunday opened with less wind from the west, which, combined with a flood tide made the first start chaotic.After several tries and boats being black-flagged, the boats got away, three British boats making the most of the conditions, Jacob Brubert beating James Large and David Jessop.

The second race saw similar problems with the start, Jacob Brubert making the most of the conditions, leading home Mark Bonsink and Tom Barker.

The third race was shortened in dropping wind, everybody conscious of the need to get the Dutch contingent on the ferry. Laura van den Hondel (NED 2245) won from Anke Hufen (NED 845) with Jacob Brubert finishing third.

Overall Results: