Hadron H2 Open at Chichester Yacht Club

Chichester Hadron H2 Open © from Yogile

Chichester Hadron H2 Open © from Yogile

With 22 Hadron H2 entries (dominated by the local Chichester fleet) but no wind forecast, it was time to get on the prayer mat.

Fortunately, sufficient wind arrived for a Class training session on the water on Saturday, led bit the duo of Richard Leftley and Richard le Mare. Many lessons were learned, rigs keenly re-tuned and the racing on Sunday reflected how level the class is becoming, despite the addition of many new members.

After a wise postponement from the ever wise local PRO Nick Colbourn, racing commenced in 8kn TW, later building to a mighty 12kn underpinned by an increasing ebb tide. In race one the tide sent a good number of boats over the line while the fleet headed for the west shore. The ability to roll tack with grace and elegance was well tested and local hotshot Martin Orton eventually took a 1st place followed by Richard Leftley, after a most uncharacteristic finishing error by Ulysses legend Ian Dawson from Warsash.

Race two was held in more breeze and a strangely slack tide. With a clean get away and the whole fleet hiking it was the opportunity for the larger helms to shine. New boy Mark Tucker got into first gear and showed the effectiveness of the Saturday training by taking 2nd place with Rich Le Mare taking 3rd. Very tight racing, with the accompanying Europe fleet making for a very busy race course!

Chichester Hadron H2 Open - photo © from Yogile

For race three the breeze died back and with the tide now in full ebb the beats became a case of getting out into the main stream so tactics were less important. The lightweight helms were still hiking and there was only one outcome. Martin and Ian got clean away for a 2,1 and new boy Tucker once again made the podium. Surely someone to watch for the Hadron H2 Nationals in Weymouth, in July. After a countback, the eventual event prizewinners were; 1st Martin Orton, 2nd Richard Leftley, 3rd Ian Dawson.

We would like to publicly acknowledge the extensive help in organizing and running the event from Ian Brooks and Nick Colbourn.

Overall Results: