Supernova class 2019 season round-up
by Chris Hawley 3 Nov 14:37 GMT
Llangorse Supernova Open © Seren Gomm
It feels like just the other day that the 2019 Supernova season kicked off with the Winter championships - now it is November and the season has drawn to a close.
As ever, the Supernova Committee have taken a moment to look back on the last year, which has been another fantastic one for the Supernova Class.
Noble Marine Travellers Circuit
From March to October we facilitated the Noble Marine Travellers' Circuit - a varied set of events which cater for all needs. Over the year there were 14 events, great turnouts and around 130 individual competitors. There were some new names appearing including another pro Merlin sailor, Ben Hollis (who won the final event).
We also provided two training days for FREE to members which featured RYA coaches.
Event Winners:
- Cotswold - Cliff Milliner
- Bough Beech - John Reed
- Bartley - Sam Knight
- Hunts - Matt Biggs
- Bolton - Alex Collins
- Scammonden Dam - Garry Butterfield
- Swarkstone - Richard Fairbrother
- Carsington - Cliff Milliner
- Attenborough - Gavin Young
- Bowmoor - Cliff Milliner
- Girton - Garry Butterfield
- Combs - Gavin Young
- Llangorse - Gavin Young
- Haversham - Ben Hollis
Massive congratulations to Dave Stephen from Bartley Sailing club who took part in every single event! Dave managed to win the Travellers Traveller trophy beating the reigning champion and long time winner of this trophy, Nick Whiles.
Overall it was very tight at the top and the new "highpoint" scoring system has proved very successful. Last year's winner Garry Butterfield from Bartley Sailing club showed he really was a man to beat with two event wins. In the end though, the rugged determination and a strong finish from Gavin Young (Cotswold sailing club) was enough to beat Garry to the top of the podium. Gavin was absolutely chuffed to have won the overall series and had this to say:
"What a fantastic series, great sailing with great people at some fantastic venues. I really enjoyed visiting the clubs this year just like I used to when I first sailed the Supernova. It is so good to spend time with everyone with fantastic sailing, mixed with really friendly pub meals, club lunches and banter. We have a great class with a friendly open nature with very competitive sailing throughout the fleet, bring on 2020."
Garry also had this to say:
"The Noble Marine Travellers series achieves an ideal balance between being competitive and friendly. All of the top guys are ready to help so competing in it is the best way to improve your sailing."
Championship events
Oxford Carriers Winter Championship
We started the year in February with our Winter Championships (sponsored by Oxford Carriers). 36 boats made it to Bowmoor for a super light drifter of an event. Unusually Cliff Milliner from Cotswold Sailing Club wasn't at the top of the Bowmoor podium, it was local youth hotshot Charlie Sansom who took the crown. Well done Charlie and everyone who took part in the very challenging conditions.
National Championship
The big event during the year was the national championships at Paignton. We had over 100 boats pre-registered again, the fourth year in a row!
The event was just epic, such a professional setup with the club working superbly well with the Association. We really have got these big events nailed and feedback throughout the fleet was brilliant.
The overall winner was Cliff Milliner. Cliff was great over the whole weekend and absolutely deserved the win - this makes him our most ever successful national champion. Cliff also did the Association very proud at the recent Endeavour championship.
The team prize was retained by Bartley, bucking the recent dominance of Cotswold and Bolton.
Sea Championship
The class ventured to a new venue this year for its seas championship, Snettisham. Sadly the weather was awful, we mean really awful - insane wind, waves and rain. The weather put off a massive number of competitors, included some who had made the drive! Overall it was Gavin Young who survived the event and took the win.
Inland Championship
The class made a welcome return to Northampton for the inland championships. It was another great event with a well support AGM. Wind was excellent, albeit a tad shifty, on the Saturday. Sunday was a real drifter. Cliff Milliner continued his dominance of the event and won the inlands for what felt like the 10th time in the row.
We would like to thank our sponsors for all of their help and support over the year.
Looking forward
As we move into 2020 we have another exciting year ahead, with Class Association membership continuing to look healthy. The builders have a steady flow of new boats coming out which is supporting continued growth of this fantastic and exciting class.
The Travellers' Circuit is close to being finalised which will include some great events, free sea coaching and 4 championship events. Our big event of the year, the national championships, is taking place at the start of July in Plas Heli. The early bird special entrance package is expected to be launched on 1 December and will run until the dinghy show at the end of February.
Check out www.supernovadinghy.org or find us on Facebook for the latest news and events.