Hadron H2 National Championship at Herne Bay Sailing Club - Day 2

Day 2 of the Hadron H2 National Championship at Herne Bay © Keith Callaghan

Following the breezy first day, Saturday was a slightly less testing affair, with a shifting 10-15 knot winds from the general direction of SW. Three races were scheduled and PRO David Henshall opted for a triangular course to attempt to complete all 3 within 3 hours - which he managed to do with one minute to spare.

Ian Sanderson's H2, 'Shifty Fades Away' has the sail number 111, which was precisely his tally in the races today - three firsts! A number of other H2 helms proved their speed to windward but Ian was untouchable downwind all day which proved decisive in the days results.

The first race was sailed in 15 knots of breeze and with last of the flood tide saw a significant chop as a result of wind against tide; the tide also played havoc at the windward mark with a number of boats being caught out and hitting the mark. Ian was clean away by the first gybe mark and whilst Alistair Glen and Richard Leftley gave chase it proved impossible to catch him.

The second race was run pretty much at high tide in about 10 knots of breeze, the beats required a delicate balance of boat speed especially on port to maintain speed into chop. The 17 Hadrons all rounded the windward mark within 90 seconds leading to a number of changes in position down the reaches with those experienced in sailing in waves rather than on lakes at a noticeable advantage. The second race ended with Ian in first, Alistair second and Richard coming home in third.

Between races the wind died and shifted significantly before being re-establish to the West and the fleet got away cleanly with the tide holding us all down wind of the line. The beats were dominated by those that were able to get a lee bow from the strengthening tide whilst those sailing a few degrees lower fell significantly behind.

Richard and Ian got away from the fleet on the final beat after heading further left than the rest and picking up both a nice lift and extra pressure. It was a two boat race down the last two beats with Richard using his extra weight to real in Ian but it was too little, too late and Ian won with Richard in second and Alistair coming home third.

The fleet retreated back to the comfort of the bar at HBSC and the joys of our AGM with plenty of beer, laughter and a delicious meal put on by the club.

Results after day 2: