GBR Radials at the 42nd Palamos Christmas Regatta 2017

Arthur Fry close to the lead at the windward mark in choppy conditions during the Palamos Christmas Regatta © Alan Williams

The GBR Laser Radial Squad was represented by Arthur Brown, Molly Sacker, Matt Beck, Arthur Fry, Tom Renny, Tom Pollard, and Matilda Nicholls. Also joining the Group was P3 sailor Clem Thompson. Ali Young was also at the Regatta, along with a group of the world's best female Radial sailors, so it was going to be a tough event, and a great learning opportunity.

Palamos is well known for its strong north to north westerly Tramuntana wind, and swell offset from the right. This year was no exception with a number of 20+ knots days and a challenging sea state to deal with.

There were about 45 boats on the start line, with all Laser fleets mixed together. Starting was challenging, with a difficult sea state, strong wind and very pin, or very boat biased lines, combined with professional sailors on the line. The upwind legs were generally long, fast reaches and it was tricky downwind, often with challenging gybes at the gate. At some point in the regatta, the GBR sailors were all in good positions near the front of the fleet; the challenge was to be consistent.

(l-r) Arthur Brown, Matt Beck, Tom Pollard, Ali Young, Arthur Fry, Tom Renny during the Palamos Christmas Regatta - photo © Alan Williams

The female fleet had 6 races and a medal race. The youth males had an extra 2 races scheduled; only one took place, as the last race was abandoned, after the Tramuntana died away and a southerly sea breeze momentarily filled in.

Thursday was an interesting day because the population was voting for a new Catalonian government...

Ali Young dominated at the front of the fleet, particularly in the stronger wind, to take the overall win. Clem Thompson was 10th overall.

Molly Sacker, Ali Young, Matilda Nicholls during the Palamos Christmas Regatta - photo © Alan Williams

In the Youth Male, Arthur Fry was 2nd (1st U17), Matt Beck 4th (3rd U17), Arthur Brown 6th, Tom Pollard 7th (4th U17) and Tom Renny 13th.

In the Youth Female, Matilda Nicholls was 2nd, and the youngest female competitor; Molly Sacker was 4th.

Thanks to the parents for organising the transport to and from the UK, and the RYA for its support.