Allen Europe class National Championships 2023 in Plymouth - Day 3

Allen UK Europe Nationals in Plymouth © Wendy Peploe

Allen UK Europe Nationals in Plymouth © Wendy Peploe

Another glorious day greeted the sailors on Saturday morning with sunshine and wind. The race committee opted to race outside the breakwater. What felt like a long sail out was worth the effort when we arrived with a lovely breeze and a much smaller swell than Friday.

Race 1 got under way at exactly the same time as a big shift came in, resulting in the whole fleet quickly tacking onto port and a drag race to the windward mark, with the O flag flying, free pumping was allowed and the fleet made the most of it for the reaches. Steve had hit top form and led, being closely chased by Jason Belben & Hector Cisneros. The 4 leading women had a close race all finishing within a boat length of each other to take 4-7.

Race 2 went after the second attempt, the first aborted as the wind decided to shift again just before the start, but we got away cleanly on the 2nd attempt. A change of course to windward leeward gave more options at the bottom gate. The leading trio once again were Steve, Jason & Hector, with a big chasing pack all having close racing.

Race 3 was following a similar trend the same 3 just off the front and a very tight pack of 10 all fighting it out.

However the highlight of the day was the newly Long distance race, a hardy bunch decided that 3 races just wasn't enough and raced the length of the breakwater and back to Cawsand Bay and then onto the Mount batten breakwater. Jon Tweedle took line honours and bragging rights over his brother.

Whilst Steve may have wrapped up the championships, there is still plenty to play for on Sunday, the Women's trophy is super close, the various age groups still have champions to be crowned and the much converted family prize is still to be decided.

With an early start of 9.55 warning signal, the students in the fleet opted for a night in Plymouth centre, the rest of the fleet enjoyed dinner and a few beers in the evening sunshine.

Results after Day 3:

More information at events.ksail.co.uk/2023/EuropeNationals