IOM Met and Southern District Championships round 3 at Datchet Water Radio Sailing Club

IOM Met and Southern District Championships round 3 at Datchet Water © Nigel Barrow

Datchet Radio Sailing are the hosts for the IOM World Championships in 2026 and put on stellar conditions for this round of the district championships. The event was run by PRO Hugh McAdoo, Jim La Roche, Phil Holiday (in the boat), Richard Jones on scoring and Nigel Barrow.

When the competitors rolled up from 8.30 there was an immediate debate on which rig to use. The anemometer was showing 8-13mph with the usual Datchet chop built up over ¾ mile of open water. This would encourage one to change to a smaller rig early to maintain control of the boat.

The wind at Datchet tends to come across the reservoir in waves meaning sometimes it was A rig (the biggest) and sometimes B rig. After the briefing by Hugh McAdoo, final decisions were made and all bar one boat set up the B rig which remained the rig of choice all day.

Looking down the entry list there were a couple of family battles between father and son Stollery and between the brothers Guerrier. Also of interest was the new enhanced Proteus design from the pen of Craig Richards which would have a good test in the wind, waves of Datchet and some competitive Britpops, Ventis and K2s.

Craig could be forgiven for struggling at the start of the event, as earlier, his car had broken down and had to return home to collect his wife's car. Nevertheless, he just made it on time.

So, with most competitors on B rigs, racing commenced. Austin Guerrier opened with an easy win in his K2 followed by Josh King and Craig Richards. Then the story was about who could be the most consistent over the series of 13 races.

As the day progressed the podium was fought over by Craig Richards, David Lindsay and Josh King. Craig proved to be the most consistent posting six wins and all other results in the top three bar two races. In race 8 after a particularly gusty race 7, he elected to change to his smallest rig. A brave move as only one other boat changed down. Whilst he changed rigs the wind eased and his race was doomed, posting an eighth. He changed his C rig again back to B rig as soon as he finished.

IOM Met and Southern District Championships round 3 at Datchet Water - photo © Nigel Barrow

Dave Lindsay showed great speed in his Vickers V12 and was always challenging for podium places although he could not match Craig's consistency with 6 races outside the top four.

Josh King posted two wins and several podium results but had seven races outside the top four which consigned him to third.

Regarding the family battles, going into the last two races the Stollerys were tied and the Guerriers very close on points. In the end, Dad won over son and Austin won the battle of the brothers.

This was Datchet at its best. Sunshine, wind from the best direction and if we get these conditions at the IOM Worlds next year, it could be one of the best championships ever.

IOM Met and Southern District Championships round 3 at Datchet Water - photo © Nigel Barrow

Overall Results:

IOM Met and Southern District Championships round 3 at Datchet Water - photo © Nigel Barrow