Hadron H2 National Championship 2023 at Highcliffe Sailing Club - Day 1

Ian Dawson sets off to dominate the first day of the Hadron H2 Nationals © Keith Callaghan

Twenty H2s arrived at Highcliffe SC on Friday September 15th for their first day of their 3 day championships and were greeted to a warm welcome from the club - and the weather.

It was a beautiful day for a sail, with warm sunshine and a 5-8 knot breeze. As described in my preview report, the light wind was going to favour some - but the majority of the fleet would be asking for more.

Sure enough, it was the lighter helms who dominated, with last year's runner-up, Ian Dawson, showing the younger competitors how to do it. Ian, (from Warsash SC) won race 1 and race 2 but had to concede top place in race 3 to Robin Parsons (Deben YC), who improved in every race, ending up with 4,2,1 and second over all. Josh Hamer (Glossop SC), another fancied in light to moderate conditions, also improved in each race, with 6,3,2, giving him third over all after day 1. Another notable achiever was Chris Turner, who finished in 7th over all in his first outing in his brand new Winder/Hipkin H2 'Atomic'.

Dougal Henshall interviews Ian Dawson after his very successful first day at the Hadron H2 Nationals - photo © Keith Callaghan

The evening was kicked off by a great talk by Dougal Henshall on 'Rule 42', including some amazing examples of abuse (none of which featured H2s!). A club barbecue then followed, as the sun set in perfectly over Christchurch harbour in a scene redolent of a Turner painting.

Day two promises a little more wind, giving Ian an opportunity to consolidate his lead but Sunday may bring stronger winds, which the heavier and younger helms will no doubt welcome.

Thanks to Wessex Resins for sponsoring prizes for the first 3 competitors.