Harken Hadron H2 National Championships 2025 at Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy - Preview
by Keith Callaghan 30 Jun 09:26 BST
4-6 July 2025
Is this the view that the rest of the fleet will have of Richard Leftley at the Nationals? © Richard Bowers
The ninth H2 National Championships will take place next weekend, 4th to 6th of July. Sponsored by Harken UK, the event is being hosted by the WPNSA and we will be sailing in conjunction with the illustrious Finn class.
Last year's National and Inland Champion, Josh Hamer, is taking a sabbatical this year. Josh won both events in light winds - his speciality. But if it's to be light this year (and who knows? - the weather forecasts are currently all over the place) there are several helms who might take his place at the top.
Most notable amongst them is this year's Inland Champion, Ian Dawson. One of the earliest venturers into the class, Ian has an incredible record at the champs, with three second places and a third in the last 5 events.
If the wind pipes up to moderate, then several actors come into their own. Berry Wolfenden (fourth last year) is competitive over a wide range and could win the event if the wind speed varies each day.
Dave Barker is another keen and energetic competitor who could do well if the wind suits his light weight.
Richard Leftley will also be starting to make his mark as soon as the wind gets above a drifter. Richard has numerous open meeting victories to his credit and has been been runner-up more than once at the Nationals. His combination of weight, height and fitness make him a very serious contender indeed.
Steven Hendon, a relative newcomer to the class, made his championship debut last year, finishing third - the first of the heavier weight helms. I predict that if the conditions are more than 5 knots of wind then Steven will be well to the fore.
Tim Garvin is making a welcome return to the class in a borrowed boat and is another successful helm who will benefit form fresher conditions.
As the wind speed increases, another major player comes into the reckoning - Class Chairman Richard Le Mare. Second in 2021, Richard has not featured in the last three Nationals (all dominated by light weather), though on the one very windy day at the 2023 event he won both races. At the heavier end of the spectrum, the windier it gets, the faster Richard goes. But Richard Leftley, Steven Hendon and Barry Wolfenden will also be with him.
Harken UK have generously provided vouchers, beany hats and sun visors as prizes - thanks Harken!
Chris Brown, our Events Manager, has put in a great deal of effort to organise the racing and the shoreside events. We are all looking forward to an enjoyable Nationals - it's going to be a good one, whatever the weather. Watch Y&Y for daily reports.