Europe class UK National Championships 2024 at Hayling Island Sailing Club - Day 1

48 Europes descended on Hayling Island Sailing Club for the UK National Championships sponsored by Allen & Synergy Marine. A new champion will be crowned and with lots of new sailors in the fleet the anticipation was building, along with the wind.

The fleet launched just after midday for a sleigh ride downwind to the race area, head South then turn right - with a number of sailors deciding to get some capsize practice in on the way out. The promised 16-18 knots, in reality was closer to 20-25 knots on the race course.

Europe UK Nationals at Hayling Island Day 1 - photo © Robert Deaves / www.robertdeaves.uk

The fleet were a little too keen in the first start, but the second attempt under a black flag got away cleanly.

Klaus Ronn Madsen from Denmark, led the way with a tight knit chasing pack of Jason Belben, Vincent Pham (French, but choosing to join the UK class association this weekend), Tom Morris (in the newest two-week-old Europe fresh out of the Synergy factory) and Alex Scholes.

Europe UK Nationals at Hayling Island Day 1 - photo © Robert Deaves / www.robertdeaves.uk

Some sketchy downwind legs, saw a number swimming and a few hairy moments, but the race finished with Klaus taking the win, followed by Jason and Vincent closing out the podium places.

Race 2 was definitely the windiest of all, with a 32 knot gust recorded on Chimet, Alex led comfortably from the start, with Klaus in 2nd and Jason Russell in his recently acquired boat in 3rd.

Europe UK Nationals at Hayling Island Day 1 - photo © Robert Deaves / www.robertdeaves.uk

Race 3 saw a slimmed down fleet, with a few returning to the club early, a number, including class legend Richard Eagleton, Klaus & Vincent were caught out with the U flag. Jason went on to take the win, with Carsten Wernecke from Germany in 2nd and Alex in 3rd.

Just outside the top ten the race for the women's title was very close, reigning champ Sue Ogg leading in race one, Lucy Boreham being top female in races 2&3, very closely followed Mandy Horton. All to play for, for that trophy within the main championships.

Europe UK Nationals at Hayling Island Day 1 - photo © Robert Deaves / www.robertdeaves.uk

For the youths, it's another close battle between James Clements & Thomas Peace (with Thomas also going for the classic rig trophy)

Once ashore the fleet were well entertained by a slide show of epic photos courtesy of Robert Deaves, a drinks reception laid on by the club members and funded by Simon Cox from Synergy.

An early night for the fleet, with slightly less wind forecast for Saturday this is rapidly becoming a championships to remember!

Results after Day 1: