Noble Marine Streaker Golden Jubilee National Championship at Rutland Sailing Club - Days 1 & 2

The fleet launch during the Noble Marine Streaker Nationals at Rutland © Charlotte Coop

102 Streaker sailors arrived at Costa del Edith Weston for the Noble Marine Streaker Golden Jubilee National Championships. This is the largest Streaker fleet ever to be seen on the water.

The Streaker was designed 50 years ago by the late Jack Holt. A smaller lighter boat was required when Jack was finding the Solo too much to handle. The original design in plywood with a simple rig. The boat which is sailed today has evolved over the years from plywood, GRP, composite and now FRP hull. The hull has retained the original lines but the interior has evolved to a clean cockpit that we see today with a tapered mast and optional carbon boom.

Over the years countless people have been involved with the class. Many committee members will have debated the rule changes and manufacturers will have evaluated the risks. Class secretaries have administered the membership and would have spent many hours in front of a computer and treasurers the thankless task of "balancing the books."

It would be unfair to mention names as many people have contributed. To neglect a name would simply be unjust. You know who you are and we hope you can gain some satisfaction in seeing over 100 boats on the water. You have contributed to this championships success. Thank you.

Well what's been happening in the racing. Day 1, no wind, a mirror like Rutland and racing cancelled.

Day 2 dawns with 25 degrees, sunshine and 7/8 knot breeze, an optimistic race officer, Adam Petit, called the sailors for a briefing. "Right chaps, we going to for 6 races in two flights, 12 starts" and boy did he do a good job, time couldn't permit a full 12 starts but 10 were managed. A real credit to Adam and Ben Falat and their teams for such professional race management.

How can one possibly give a race report, the author has trouble even knowing where he finished never mind about anybody else.

With the results of 5 races the leaderboard is headed by Tom Gillard with 4 firsts. However Martin Penty is not too far behind with Ollie Groves a good 3rd.

Archie Burton and Giles Therkelson Smith making up the top 5.

Staunton Harold's Peter and Rachael Gray, not in the same boat, are 6th and 7th respectively. Wonder who will have bragging rights for the journey back to Burton?

Every championships does have a walk of shame and I'm afraid this one is no different. We have heard about Phil Priestley splashing out on the new boat. The money has been well spent with a 5th, 4th and 2nd. However a major "love in" with the pin end start boat dented a higher than 10th overnight position.

Class chairman Neil Firth must get a mention managing a 4th and 2nd, love to report my result but just forgot the specs and just can't quite see where I finished.

All to play for on Sunday when we move from the Qualification Series to the Final Series, with the top 51 all racing in Group A start for two races to decide the championship. The Group B start will decide the places from 52 onwards.

Watch this space for the full report after today's racing... and more photos!

Results after Day 2: