64th National Schools Week at Itchenor Sailing Club - Day 4

64th National Schools Week day 4 © Mary Pudney

64th National Schools Week day 4 © Mary Pudney

420s and Fireflys arrive for Itchenor Sailing Club's Schools Week Championships

The Feva fleet has now been replaced by Fireflys and 420s for the next few days at Itchenor's 64th annual Schools Week, sponsored by MPI Brokers and JDX Consulting. The senior championships of mostly 16-17 year olds has had a fantastic turn out with 39 Fireflys and six 420s from 17 different schools.

After Wednesday's practice day, today saw some great racing with six races completed for each class. Competitors arrived at the club to find balmy light winds and even some sunshine - quite a contrast to yesterday. Race officers Alastair Shaw (Firefly) and Mike Wigmore (420) were able to set up in a 10kt south westerly wind.

After one general recall after which the race officer moved to a black flag, Julian Fung and William Jacken (Rugby School) showed early pace to take the first race win for the Fireflys. They were challenged all the way by Gabriel Ing and Primrose Barker (Magdalen College School) who won race 2, whilst Tonbridge's Dom Lewis and Oscar Wright took race 3.

Following a lunch on the beach, the breeze piped up to 15kts with the odd puff which caused a few capsizes, but Alex Baxter and Ben Nicholl (Bartholomews) showed great speed to win two races, although RGS Guildford (Patrick Croghan and James Dickinson) capped a consistently strong day to lead overall.

In the 420s, it was Sherborne Boys' day, taking first and second overall (Ben Childerley and Nick Burt counting 4 first places).

For more information on Schools Week Championships contact the club office on 01243 512400.

Results so far:

420

Firefly