2000 Class Association UK National Championships at Royal Torbay Yacht Club

The 2000 Class Association held their UK National Championships at the top sailing venue of Torbay, hosted by the world-class Royal Torbay Yacht Club. The event took place over the 8-13 August attracting 47 entries in total, including three Junior entries.

A special mention to the Armed Forces in supporting the event with the Royal Navy entering two boats, British Army eleven boats and the Royal Air Force four boats. Many personnel were experiencing their first National Championships having only learnt to sail in the last few months!

Whilst many classes have decided to reduce their Nationals in duration, the 2000 class still held a five-day event with a lay day. Many families came along and the location of Torquay has many local attractions nearby to keep the non-sailors happy. The Royal Torbay Yacht Club was available to all to use for the week.

The entry fee included a Commodore reception supper, Monday night sailing supper, all supported by a packed social calendar. A huge thanks to the volunteer membership at Royal Torbay Yacht Club who made it feel like a home from home.

2000 Class Association UK National Championships at Torbay - photo © Tania Hutchings / www.50northphotography.co.uk

The first couple of days of the event saw the competitors face a strong breeze with rain showers between races with the Race Officer Bob Penfold postponing a race within a minute to go until the start, to allow very ominous rain clouds to pass. I've never experienced rain like it! Many put their boats into the 'hove to' position and sat through what can only be described as 'biblical rain'!

During the first couple of days of racing the 'F' flag was used. The 'F' flag is available so that families can be part of the family's series and not be compelled to compete if the wind is typically beyond 20 knots combined with a sea state assessment.

After two days of racing, the results were very close throughout the whole fleet. The top four placed boats were only separated by a couple of points.

The next few days of the event saw a respite in the wind speed and with the direction coming from the SW this made for very tactical racing and tested the sailors in the fleet with shifty wind conditions, although one race was abandoned due to the wind shutting off during racing to the frustration to many; that's dinghy racing!

Praise has to be made to the Race Officer Bob Penfold and his team who delivered excellent racecourses throughout the week.

Cake and fizz for the 2000 Class Association UK National Championships at Torbay - photo © Kev O 'Brien

After five days of very challenging conditions and highly competitive racing throughout the fleet, Rob and Sarah Burridge secured the crown as successive National Champions for 2021. Paul Cullen and Fresh Abendstern secured second place for the successive time also. A huge congratulations to brother and sister team Darren and Natalie who were in third place - Natalie was returning to national championship sailing after taking time out from competitive racing after having a child.

In all, the event was fantastic and everybody had a great time. The 2000 class would like to thank the Royal Torbay Yacht Club for their hospitality and excellent event management. A special thanks to Tania of 50 North Photography for the high-quality pictures capturing the event. If you would like a print then head over to the website and place your order www.50northphotography.co.uk

I think that the quote of the week was from a member of the shore team who supported the sailors in launching and recovery. During the prize-giving whilst receiving the gift as appreciation for their work, he said, "You guys [2000 Class Association] have a very special atmosphere," and "Great ambassadors for the sport." His words are appreciated and reinforce that the class association is a great family class that provides quality support to all the members whether you're a seasoned sailor or new to the sport.

2000 Class Association UK National Championships at Torbay - photo © Tania Hutchings / www.50northphotography.co.uk

Next year's UK Nationals are already planned, taking place at Castle Cove Sailing Club, Weymouth on the 13-19 August 2022. The event is attracting a lot of attention with people already booking their accommodation.

There are still lots of quality events taking place in 2021. The highlight being the National Inland and Welsh Championships which are taking place on the 16-17 October at Cardiff Bay Yacht Club. Book now to avoid disappointment.

If you want more information about the 2000 Class Association then head over to www.2000class.org or www.facebook.com/2000classassociation

Thank you and hope to see you on the water soon.

Rob and Sarah Burridge win the 2000 Class Association UK National Championships at Torbay - photo © Mark Foley

Overall Results:
See also - Family, Newcomer and Youth fleet results

2000 Class Association UK National Championships at Torbay - photo © Mark Foley