Vortex National Championships at Rutland Sailing Club

Vortex Inlands at Rutland 2018 sess the same faces as the 2019 Nationals © Vortex Class Association

The Vortex fleet of seven (the weather had put one or two off) joined the other asymmetric fleets on a very cold and blustery weekend at Rutland.

Phil Whitehead blasted off the line and was not to be caught with Jonathan Carter second and John Turley third. The second race was a repeat affair with Phil winning from Jonathan Carter with Steve Cochrane coming a creditable third. By now most were feeling the cold between the races.

The third race saw Phil (having missed the briefing) misunderstand the new course and decided to put in a further loop whilst in the lead. Unfortunately Alex Glendinning followed him, and Jonathan (who attended the briefing) went on to win with some confusing results.

The fleet retired for a well-earned rest in the Wheatsheaf for the AGM, meal and pint. We were joined by Chris Tillbrook an ex-Vortex sailor who was now sailing in a 49er.

Sunday brought sunshine but a brisk force 4 to 5. Too much for some. The first race saw Alec pipping Jonathan on the line followed by Phil who had started to have spinnaker problems. Meanwhile Mike Collins had broken his tiller extension so had to retire with John.

The second race saw Jonathan taking Phil as now his spinnaker halyard has stripped, but managed to fend off Alec and Angus Winchester.

Only four boats were left in the last race of the day, Phil now with no spinnaker. Jonathan led all the way round to become this year's winner, Phil was second and Alec third overall.

An very enjoyable weekend catch-up for the fleet with trying weather and boat issues for some.

Overall Results: