Osprey Welsh & Midlands Championship at Tata Steel Sailing Club

Roger & Jamie Blake, 2024 Wilkinson Sword Travellers Trophy Winners © Jayne Willis

The Osprey fleet headed to Tata Steel Sailing Club in South Wales for its final event of the year, the Welsh and Midland Championships on the 26th & 27th October. They were met with light winds and sunshine all weekend that kept crews on their toes looking for the ladders and trying to avoid too many snakes.

Saturday's racing was dominated by Alex & Nick Willis who kept moving and displayed remarkable consistency. They were pushed hard by DJ Edwards & Ollie Harding who had jumped into a loan boat and quickly found the turbo button.

Roger a&nd Jamie Blake completed the podium for the day. Meanwhile, back in the pack most boats had their moments of glory and gloom in equal measure.

After a good evening sampling Port Talbot beer at £2 a pint, the fleet was raring to go on Sunday. The wind waited until extra time to make an appearance and two interesting races were held.

The Murrays were on a charge towards the front of the fleet after spending the last few months wandering around golf courses.

In the last race with all to play for the fleet let loose on the start line resulting in black flags, three disqualifications and several recalls. DJ & Ollie resorted to some dirty tactics to try and stop the rampant charge of Nick Willis, now helming. Nick & Jonathan brushed DJ & Ollie's blocking aside and took the final win, but unfortunately lost the regatta on a technicality.

It was an interesting and challenging weekend. Tata SC were excellent hosts and it was good to see the Mumbles fleet coming back to life in readiness for next year's Osprey National Championship.

This year's competition for the Wilkinson Sword trophy, a magnificent plinth mounted sword that was much admired at this year's RYA Dinghy Show went to the wire with the Welsh and Midland Championship being the last event. Roger & Jamie Blake were the worthy winners with Alex & Nick Willis second and Richard Marshall plus a plethora of crews third.

There is a rumour that yet another wedding cake will be cut with this mighty beast in the not too distant future.

Overall Results: