UKLA National Championships at the WPNSA - ILCA4 Fleet day 1
by Barney Procter 25 Aug 2020 15:29 BST
24-26 August 2020
An excellent day for sailors and spectators alike. Winds were gusting 25 knots and an awkward short Portland chop, tested the sailors and equipment with only a few breaking down.
Three races were ticked off by PRO, Paul Jackson, with great aplomb. The windward marks were laid just off the harbour, which afforded the "cheque-bookers" a grandstand view of their little investments.
We were not disappointed by the returned Portuguese contingent, who were eager to earn their corn. Oliver Wilcox, Jack Graham Troll and Freddy Howarth set a high bar and shared the top three positions between them with some great technical racing, barring, of course, Freddy turtling twice in Race 1 but still finishing 8th.
Rutland Sailing Club had a great day with the Tylecote brothers battling it out and only a point between them, the younger, Jamie, being just on top lying 6th. Island Barn Sailing Club had a strong showing with Henry Koe and Luca Franklin separated by two points and lying 9th and 10th. Hunts Sailing Club had the third strongest showing with Terry Hacker and Ben Knights lying 4th and 13th.
The ladies were not intimidated by the conditions with Carys Attwell, Honor Procter and Anya Morris notching up excellent results, lying 12th, 14th and 15th and Carys taking a 5th place in race 3. All showed courage and perseverance dealing with challenging conditions. We can expect more from this tight tussle.
The stage is set for the remainder of the regatta. Tuesday - all racing cancelled, with gusts over 40 knots as Storm Francis comes through. Wednesday will be the deciding day. Will the Portuguese celebrities take home the silverware, or will a newcomer spoil the party?
Results so far can be found here.