Osprey National Championship 2023 at Hayling Island Sailing Club - Day 1
by Osprey Class Association 3 Sep 10:38 BST
2-5 September2023
The fleet under spinnaker on day 1 of the 2023 Osprey Nationals at Hayling Island © Tim Hampshire
A fleet of 49 boats gathered to participate in 2023 Osprey National Championship in the class 70th Anniversary year at Hayling Island Sailing Club.
With high pressure spreading over the South coast the first day of racing could have been a washout. In the event a light Easterly allowed racing to get under way on time, albeit a large shift to the SE on the second beat turned the fleet inside out.
The second race looked even more at risk but a shifty 8 knot SE saved the day. All credit to Matt Rainbeck and Phil Angrave who nailed the starts, aced the shifts and won both races easily. Consistent sailing by Chris Gould and Dan Martin got them a 3rd and 4th to be second overall.
Sunday looks like more of the same.
Looking at ChiMet looks like getting the second race was completed just in time! Turns out it was shortened at gybe mark, or we'd probably still be out there!
The fleet all seemed close together returning ashore from the photograph taken from the beach.
The results after the two races on the first day can be seen at www.sailwave.com/results/ospreyclass/2023NationalChampionship-Results.htm, continue to watch to see how the ups & downs of fortune pan out over the next 3 days.
The top two overall have managed to edge out a bit of space between the rest of the pack, with third to 10th covered by just 7 points there is all to play for, with consistency in the Top 10 looking at the moment to be key.
The class are very grateful to the support from Hartley Boats, Craftinsure, Allen Brother, Clam Cleat, Fernhurst Books, Rain & Sun, Robline and Sea Sure.
All to play for tomorrow before the 70th Anniversary dinner gets under way at 7pm.