Tasar National Championships at Whitstable Yacht Club

Tasar National Championships at Whitstable © Nick Champion / www.championmarinephotography.co.uk

Tasar National Championships at Whitstable © Nick Champion / www.championmarinephotography.co.uk

Strong winds and gusts of up to 35 knots proved challenging for the 52 sailors who braved the water for the 2016 Tasar National at Whitstable Yacht Club last weekend (8-10 July). However, a little determination and a lot of impromptu on the water repairs saw 26 boats battle it out in a fast and furious weekend of sailing.

The first day of racing saw the least wind of the series and a good start for Liz and Roger Pescod who sailing their new boat won the first race after starting 3rd off the line. Whilst Constantijn Udo and Jan Slotemaker, one of the two Dutch crews to sail in this year's competition, managed to secure an easy win with a lead from the start in the second race.

On the second day, despite starting in 6th and lying a close 3rd around the last gybe mark one of strongest gusts of the weekend hit seeing the two leading boats capsize allowing Rod and Maureen Porteous time to slip through and blast down the final reach to win race three. Although being one of the boats hit by the gust, impressively, Neil Spagagna and Steve Gustice managed to limp over the line to 9th position with a 45 degree bend in the top three foot of their mast.

With only eleven boats still out on the water (some without full rigs) and the wind speed continuing to increase, racing for the day was abandoned.

On the final day, the first start was brought forward to take advantage of lighter winds. On race 4 the Porteous's made a brilliant clear start leading the fleet from the line, picking the shifts correctly on the favoured left hand side of the course to take a convincing win.

Tasar National Championships at Whitstable - photo © Nick Champion / www.championmarinephotography.co.uk

The Porteous crew continued their success to take the next race. Spracanga and Gustice sailed a consistent race 4 and 5, holding Udo and Slotemaker off to take second place in both races. With strengthening winds the final race was abandoned.

In his winner's speech, Rod said that in spite of the very tough conditions, the good courses, stiff competition and great sportsmanship demonstrated throughout the Tasar championship made for brilliant and rewarding racing across the fleet.

Big thanks are owed to Race Officer, Tom Bruton and the rescue boat crews, who were heavily occupied, as well as the food and catering team and event organisers.

Sailors are now looking forward to the Tasar Nationals at Porthpean, Cornwall next year and the World Championships taking place in Gamagori, Japan in 2018.

Tasar National Championships at Whitstable - photo © Nick Champion / www.championmarinephotography.co.uk

Overall Results:

Junior Cup – Luna Schutte
Ladies Cup – Liz Pescod
Rolling Pin and Masters Plate - Rod & Maureen Porteous
Grand Masters Plate - Constantijn Udo & Jan Slotemaker
Black Horse Trophy (Club Team) - WYC