Noble Marine Streaker National Championship at Staunton Harold Sailing Club - Overall

Staunton Harold served up the two key ingredients of a memorable Championship on the second and final day of the 2021 Noble Marine Streaker Nationals - sunshine and wind! With two races scheduled and only one point separating the top three sailors after day one, there was still everything to play for at the top of the fleet.

The first race of the day (race 4 of the Championship) saw southerly winds of 15 - 20 knots, allowing the Race Officer to set an ideal course with the start line immediately off the clubhouse and a beat up the length of the reservoir. With the pin end of the line heavily favoured, it was no great surprise to see an over-eager fleet brought back for a general recall.

The black flag was then in place as the fleet once again transgressed, with three boats sent ashore to sit this one out. The race got away at the third time of asking and it was Tom Gillard (Sheffield Viking) who set the early pace, leading Steve Blackburn (Leigh & Lowton / WLYC) at the windward mark.

As the race progressed, Tom stretched his lead while Martin Penty (Beaver) fought his way back from a challenging first lap to eventually reel in Steve and take second. While these three leaders from the first day were consolidating their podium chances, there was a tight battle for fourth between James Sinclair (East Lothian), Pete Gray (Staunton Harold) and Duncan McDonald (Newhaven & Seaford), eventually finishing in that order.

Plenty of spills at the Noble Marine Streaker Nationals at Staunton Harold day 2 - photo © Nick Threadgill

This left Tom and Martin on equal points going into the final race, although Tom was counting a higher potential discard. Martin, on the other hand, needed a boat between himself and Tom to hold on to his 2019 title.

Race 5 got away first time in similar winds but with some hefty gusts topping 25 knots at times. All but the very best sailors were left hoping to get their gybes in at a quieter moment! The leeward mark, just off the clubhouse, was often the windiest point of the course, providing some entertaining capsizes for those ashore and plenty for the rescue crews to keep an eye on.

Only 12 boats finished the race, but with all the top guys remaining to show how it should be done. Tom Gillard provided a masterclass in the conditions, sailing away from the fleet to secure the Championship. Martin Penty finished second, holding off James Sinclair who took third with his best performance of the regatta, despite a spectacular capsize on his last gybe.

Peter Matthews - Silver Fleet winner at the Noble Marine Streaker Nationals at Staunton Harold day 2 - photo © Paul Williamson

So, after the 'blip' of 2019, Tom Gillard reasserted his standing in the Streaker Class, winning his ninth National title. Defending champion Martin Penty took second overall and Steve Blackburn, third. Local sailor Pete Gray narrowly missed the podium, taking fourth at his first Streaker Championships.

Pete, along with Nigel Pepperdine and Alan Bennett, also secured the The Altogether Shield for Staunton Harold Sailing Club (top three from the same club). Elsewhere in the fleet, Peter Matthews (Waveney & Oulton Broad) took the Silver Fleet trophy coming twelfth overall, which was also enough to win the 'Tune it Up' trophy for the most improved sailor since the last Nationals.

The Cadzow Trophy for the best presented boat went to Chris Kelly's 'Baloo' (1549); Chris, from Snettisham Beach, is both new to the class and to sailing.

Chris Kelly in 'Baloo', best presented boat at the Noble Marine Streaker Nationals at Staunton Harold day 2 - photo © Paul Williamson

2021 will be remembered for many things, but for the Streaker Class it will be the year that Staunton Harold Sailing Club generously invited the Class back in October, having lost their July Nationals to zero wind. And what a great Championship it finally turned out to be! Thank you to all their volunteers, ashore and afloat, for a thoroughly well run and enjoyable event.

Next year, we head to old Streaker favourite Filey Sailing Club for our 2022 Nationals. Will Tom Gillard be able to match his dad's ten Streaker National titles or will the other Yorkshireman Martin Penty once again have his day... or will someone else spoil their party?! Save the date, 24-26 June 2022, and we'll see you all there!

Noble Marine Streaker Nationals at Staunton Harold podium (L-R) 2nd Martin Penty, 1st Tom Gillard and 3rd Steve Blackburn - photo © Neil Firth

Overall Results:
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Team Staunton Harold - winning club at the Noble Marine Streaker Nationals - photo © Neil Firth