Noble Marine Allen RS300 National Championships at Brixham Yacht Club - Day 1

Noble Marine RS300 National Championships at Brixham day 1 © Gareth Fudge / www.boatographic.co.uk

When visiting the English Riviera there is a certain amount of expectation when it comes to weather. The fleet were greeted with almost perfect sailing conditions on day 1 - if you ignore the drizzle and 300m of visibility.

Fortunately, by the time we'd got down to the start area, Torquay had reappeared and with it a nice F3 for the first race. Martin Harrison and Dave Acres had a good first beat, despite Dave having to bail out at the pin on the start. Probably distracted by the pod of dolphins that joined us in the final minute of the sequence.

Martin and Dave held these positions until the finish, closely followed by Steve Bolland in third, and then the rest of the fleet all within a couple of minutes.

The wind increased a little for race 2 and went slightly further west. Dave put the after burners on again and was never really challenged to the finish. Steve second, Martin third. Honourable mention must go to fleet newbie Chris Brooks for an impressive first beat rounding in third. Once he has worked out the downwind part of 300 sailing, he will surely be one to watch.

A short break between races 2 and 3 gave a few boats an opportunity to wash off their sails. An idea started by the 600 fleet; if it works in their boat, it must be quick.

Final race of the day and the wind had built slightly again. Richard Le Mare went off from the pin end like a stabbed rat. Copying his low and fast technique, Paul Watson rolled a few boats and the two quickly had some clear water between themselves and the rest of the fleet.

By the top mark it was Paul first with Richard hot on his heels. Dave and Steve quickly joined the party and after three laps of close racing, Paul held on for the win followed by Steve and the ever-consistent Dave.

Back to the club for ice cream, beer and some fairly unwelcome stairs to climb. More of the same tomorrow, possibly with a little more breeze.

More photos: Gareth Fudge's website

Results after day 1: