Noble Marine Allen RS300 National Championships at Brixham Yacht Club - Overall

Steve Bolland (shown with class chair Paul Watson) wins the Noble Marine Allen RS300 National Championships © Sally Campbell

Dave Acres with class secretary Sally Campbell at the Noble Marine Allen RS300 National Championships © Sally Campbell

Congratulations to Steve Bolland, from Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club - RS300 National Champion 2021! Massive thanks to Brixham for looking after the fleet so well both on and off the water, and for delivering exactly what the sailors asked for.

And thank you very much to our generous sponsors Noble, Allen, Rooster and Fernhurst Books - we couldn't have done it without you.

The Final Day

Unfortunately, the forecast of zero wind for the final day of the RS300 Nationals supported by Noble Marine, Allen and Rooster was disappointingly accurate. With Dave Acres already packing up and Paul Watson sportingly declaring that he wouldn't want the final result decided on the whims of any zephyr that might occur, the top three, also including Steve Bolland, all shook hands on the result before the official abandonment was announced.

Of the other main protagonists, Pete Mackin had packed up the night before and Harry McVicar was still in bed.

Despite the frustrating end to the regatta, the fleet had nevertheless enjoyed three days and ten races in pretty much perfect conditions. Brixham YC were excellent hosts and the provision of ice creams, doughnuts and pasties as we came off the water was much appreciated, as were the evening meals.

The sight of Commodore, Richard Spreckley, up to his neck in water catching boats as they returned to shore will also live long in the memory. It was very much appreciated, along with other members of the beach party and the efforts of PRO Sean Semmens and his team who put on excellent courses and turned round races quickly in some shifty conditions.

Thanks also to the competitors - it was a joy to be back racing again after such a long break - and, as ever, to the great Clive Eplett.

Photos from Gareth Fudge: gdjfudge.zenfolio.com/p210146455

Overall Results:

Day 1 - Dave Acres
Day 2 - Dave Acres
Day 3 - Harry McVicar
Team trophy - Thorney Island SC (Dave Acres/Mark Newton)
Wooden spoon - Steve Bolland (a total travesty!)
Endeavour - Cheryl Wood
Fidelis - Richard Le Mare
Apprentice - Chris Brook
Lightweight - Harry McVicar
Buddha Trophy for heavyweights - Dave Acres
Master - Steve Bolland
1st Lady - Cheryl Wood
Silver fleet - Chris Brook