Supernova National Championships 2024 at Plas Heli - Day 1
by Chris Hawley 28 Jun 2024 15:51 BST
28-30 June 2024
The 100 or so competitors were generally grateful that the storm of the previous day had passed overnight. There was nervous anticipation at the prospect of a hard day's sailing ahead - 3 races in 15-20 knot breezes and a very lumpy sea state, a lovely parting gift from the previous day's wind.
With some opting to stay ashore, a reduced fleet launched in perfect conditions of the sheltered bay. Some competitors decided to check the underside of their hulls on the way out to the start line, keeping the RIB crews in their toes.
Once the fleet had acclimatised we were off with our first gate start of the weekend. Chris Williams lead us out, thankfully he had opted for a fluorescent bib as most of us didn't realise the start had actually happened.
The first mark was so far away it was a spec on the horizon and this caused a bit of confusion as a gaggle of pre race favourites including Cliff Milliner, Will Gifford, Mark Hartley and Gavin Young overstood the mark by some margin and had to fight their way back through the strength of the mid fleet.
At the front Peter Mackin and Alex Hagen Collins were excelling at the windward mark, but on the run Peter capsized. There was plenty of position changing in very tight racing through the fleet.
After the second (very hard) beat it was two huge flat out reaches to complete the triangle course. With the waves this was epic, or scary, depending on your perspective. Catching up the wave in front of you caused a few to take an early bath.
At the end of the race Alex held on to the win with Sam Knight taking second and Steve Hawley in third.
Special mention to Tom Williams from Bartley in his first sea race and first nationals, finishing 10th (we think, results TBC) and earning himself the responsibility of being the gate boat in the next race.
The race Committee decided to call it a day and sent the fleet home, with several boats being towed in tying up the RIBs.
We aren't sure what the next two days hold, but hopefully we can get some good racing in, given the slightly lighter forecast.