JDX 470 National Championship at the WPNSA - Day 1

JDX 470 Nationals at the WPNSA day 1 © Bernard Clark

Day One of the JDX 470 Nationals saw a large fleet take to the waters at WPNSA. Under PRO Adrian Stoggall a course was set in the harbour making the most of the space to set a long windward / leeward course.

Race 1 got under way in near perfect conditions, with sunshine and a good breeze and was won by Martin Wrigley & Marcus Tressler with Arran Holman and Flora Stewart in second. Keen to achieve the 4 races scheduled for the day, the fleet were quickly turned round and Race 2 was under way within minutes of the last boat finishing race 1. It was won by Wrigley and Tressler. Jess Lavery & Alex Hughes were second.

Another quick turnround got Race 3 under way in the now freshening breeze. The wind picked up throughout the race and the blue skies turned grey as a front came across the course, bringing with it much stronger winds and rain. The fleet were, briefly, hidden by the mist and rain and the PRO and his team carefully monitored the fleet, ensuring they were safe. Race 3 was won by Jonny McGovern and Faye Chatterton with Vita Heathcote and Ryan Orr in second place.

With the front having passed and the wind dropping to a more manageable level the decision was made to press ahead and complete the schedule of 4 races for the day. Blue sky appeared and the course was reset to reflect the changing wind direction and decreasing wind strength. The race was won by Martin Wrigley and Marcus Tressler but is subject to protest. Jess and Alex were second.

A fleet social was held after sailing, with Class Chair Neil Marsden paying tribute to all those who had entered the event and those who had kindly made it possible for such a large entry through their generosity in lending boats.

Results after Day 1: