J105 UK Nationals at Royal Solent Yacht Club

A light wind start during the J105 UK Nationals at Yarmouth © Royal Solent YC Race Committee

Shaun Murphy's team on Slingshot win the J105 nationals at Yarmouth © Team Slingshot

The largest gathering of J105s in the UK descended on Yarmouth for their re-organised UK National Championship over the weekend of 1-2 July. After a briefing by the Chief Race Officer George Chapman the party commenced. The fleet were not put off by an early start on the Saturday or the 6 races planned for the weekend.

Saturday morning arrived bright with a slight breeze and the fleet went out to the race area, Christchurch Bay. The first race caught the majority of the fleet unaware, indeed only three crossed the line on time and one was there by coincidence! Preparation and pay attention would be advice many should consider! With much to do and Slingshot (Shaun Murphy) setting the pace, his lead grew and grew and with the wind dropping the remainder of the fleet converged seeing some great one-design racing, with Jump The Gun (Frank Curtis) second and Diablo-J (Nick Martin) third.

An early lunch and plenty of time for a water fight, many boats were caught out as being light on fuel and were “sitting ducks” or had not brought the necessary equipment. Just Aquaholix (Debbie/Jo and Siobhan) had learnt their lesson from Deauville International Week and were well prepared with their “Supersoakers”. J-Dream (David & Kirsty Apthorp) had a new tactic of catapults, but their aim was not good and they got a good soaking in return!

The wind came back after lunch and the second race was started, but unfortunately was shortened to make the most of the dying breeze. True Love (Colin Wall) led the fleet, followed by Slingshot and J-Dream. The third race of the day saw Slingshot on a roll and Voador (Simon Curwen) come back to form finishing second. Unfortunately this was to be the final race of the day due to the lack of breeze and race 4 was postponed to Sunday morning.

The crews raced back to Yarmouth as the television called, before the crews donned their party outfits. With high spirits, despite the other sport results, Diablo-J, the official entertainment committee for the class, utilised their crewmember DJ James Ewing who ran an excellent disco with music, wit and charm which saw every boat take to the dance floor. James takes bookings and comes highly recommended – Thank you James.

Sunday saw a slightly later start to allow for the tide, but the wind was still fickle and light. After setting a course four times the postponement flag was hoisted. Another opportunity for the games to commence and in 30degrees it was a welcome distraction. Many crews went swimming including Juliette (Rod Knowles) and their rubber dinosaur. With varying results amongst the boats, only Slingshot had produced truly consistent results and the remainder of places, were up for grabs. With racing looking unlikely out in the bay, it was decided to move inshore and with all credit to the race officer a single lap race was held. Voador (Simon Curwen), defending National Champion took first place moving him to 4th overall, with Wild Child (Jason Rolf) second and Bojangles (Derek Copeman) third in what was the final race of the UK National Championship 2006.

Boats adjourned to Royal Solent Yacht Club for an excellent BBQ and prizegiving. Support for the prizegiving had kindly been received from The George Hotel Yarmouth, The Clothing Room, Tack Tick, Elvstrom Sobstad, Wet & Wild, Norths, Murphy & Nye and Harken.

The J105s will now concentrate on 2-handed sailing until they reconvene at Cowes Week and then on to J-Cup.

Overall Results: