2021 North Sails Contender Nationals in Plymouth - Preview
by Ed Presley 29 Jul 14:32 BST
4-5 September 2021
Contenders at Weston © Dougal Henshall
2021 sees the return of the Contender class to Plymouth, the hosts for the 2003 World Championships. The UK Contender fleet has not had their usual trip to the World championships that dominates the yearly schedule, so this year the Nationals have become the premier competition, with 50 boats expected.
Whether you're a race hardened warrior or a nationals newbie, with four days of fantastic sailing, welcoming après-sail and amazing sponsorship support, this event is perfect for all levels of ambition.
The Contender National Championship is being hosted by Plymouth Youth Sailing at the Mount Batten Centre, Plymouth on the 3rd to 6th September. This year we have joined forces with North Sails who are developing a strong presence at the front of the fleet and also providing lots of Prizes across the class.
The early entry fee is £125 with a discounted entry of £65 for anyone under 25 or if this your first nationals. For this you will get 10 races over 4 days, welcoming social, championship dinner, prizes across the fleet and even some free beer after racing. Late entry fee applies after 1st Aug so get registered now at https://www.mount-batten-centre.com/contender-nationals-2021/
For those of you that don't know, Mount Batten is a top-quality sailing venue which regularly hosts national championships and large regattas. Their centre is fortunate to have accommodation on site, and space for campervans that can be booked on 01752 404567, the car park has lots of space and no charges for leaving vehicles overnight. There is also catering facilities and a bar on site. Alternatively, there is a significant choice of accommodation in the area and a ferry service connecting the club to the Barbican. The centre will manage any restrictions in order to ensure safety. If the indoor socials become impossible as restrictions change, the centre will refund an appropriate % of the entry fee. Nothing will stop the sailing side!
The Nationals isn't just about the top few sailors, there is competition throughout the fleet with an influx of new members that means that the standings are very hard to predict. We hope this encourages some new faces to attend, regardless of their sailing ability. Mount Batten is a fantastic place to sail from with safe launching/recovery from slipways, so why don't you come along and give it a go?
Early entries close on 31 July 2021, late entry starts from Aug 1st until the day of competition.
Due to the testing year(s) we have had, this event provides a positive opportunity to get us back to a Contender strength, competitive fleet racing on the sea. if you are looking to improve your skills, against some of the best around at a superb venue, this is the event for you. Without a National Championship last year and with no overseas travel this one should be well attended. What possible reason is there not to attend?
Thanks go to our headline sponsor North Sails, as well as our builder Hartley boats and partners, Essex rigging, Kingfisher ropes, Bluewood interiors, BDS-UK and the Noble Consultancy.