Harken Hadron H2 National Championships 2025 at Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy - Day 1

Chris Brown attempts a risky port tack start in race 1 on day 1 of the Harken Hadron H2 Nationals at the WPNSA © David Henshall

A 12-14 knot south-westerly breeze at WPNSA provided the competitors a thrilling start to the 2025 Hadron H2 national championships on Friday, 4th July.

Three races were sailed in Weymouth Bay. In race 1, Mark Tucker, sailing in his first H2 championships, showed the fleet the way to the weather mark - and by a significant margin. Richard Leftley rounded in second, some way behind, but on the off-wind legs of the trapezoid course he whittled down Mark's lead, finally overtaking him to win the race. Gavin Fleming, also sailing in his first H2 championships finished in third place.

The close finish in race 2 on day 1 of the Harken Hadron H2 Nationals at the WPNSA - photo © David Henshall

The second race saw a close combat between Richard Leftley and Class Chairman Richard Le Mare, with the former registering his second win - but only by a margin of a few meters. Gavin Fleming was again third, with Mark Tucker in fourth.

The start of race 2 on day 1 of the Harken Hadron H2 Nationals at the WPNSA - photo © Keith Callaghan

Richard Le Mare turned the tables on Richard Leftley in the last race of the day and Gavin Fleming moved up a gear to push Leftley back to third.

Tim Garvin, Steven Hendon and Barry Wolfenden also had consistently good results to remain in contention. With 5 more races scheduled over the next two days, and stronger winds forecast, the championship is still wide open.

Results after Day 1: