2025 Comet National Championships a Gunfleet Sailing Club

Gunfleet Sailing Club hosted the 2025 Comet National Championships from June 6-8, a three-day event attracting 29 entries (including 9 ladies) from as far afield as Cornwall and Scotland. The competition was hot, because 5 Comet National Champions were in the fleet. The club proved to be a fantastic host, and a memorable time was enjoyed by everyone. Special thanks to all involved, but especially to Commodore Richard Walker and Race Officer Keith Lamdin.

The conditions could be best described as challenging, with winds varying between force 4 to force 7, and very lively sailing was experienced by all. On the first day the competitors were confronted with a force 5 gusting 6 wind, from the south-west, which proved somewhat daunting to many of the visitors that had come from inland water clubs; the waves breaking quite aggressively on the shore. For those not used to open sea sailing it was a baptism of fire as they launched and headed for the line, a squad of Gunfleet members acting as launchers and recovery. In a closely bunched start, in squally conditions, it wasn't very surprising that capsizes occurred early on, keeping the three Club Safety Boats busy ensuring everyone was alright; retirements soon followed. Lead boats appeared quite early on, with Jack Daly, of Hampton Pier Yacht Club, making his presence felt and taking the winning gun. In second place was Peter Coop of Winsford Flash Sailing Club, whilst Gunfleet's Ken Potts came in third.

Winner of the 2025 Comet Nationals at Gunfleet, Jack Daly - photo © Colin Waddell

The wind abated just a little for the second race but a few competitors decided it was wiser to sit it out and watch the action from the shore. Capsizes were less evident but a number of boats retired due to conditions, and for Coop it was a race to forget as, beating hard up the windward leg at the end of the first lap, he came inside the Inner Distance Mark and was disqualified. Once again it was a win for Daly, Potts now second, and Nigel Austin of Cransley Sailing Club third.

2025 Comet Nationals at Gunfleet - An impressive site to see - photo © Colin Waddell

On the second day the conditions looked a little bit brighter, with a slight moderation in wind strength and a gentler sea, but some five minutes after the start a squall blew through, touching a force 7, followed by a downpour of rain, before dropping to a force 4. The competitors did well to cope with this, and after that things settled down. By now, risks were being taken as the boats tacked between the fishtail groynes; Daly catching his dagger board, causing mild damage, whilst Coop seized every opportunity to gain first place, second going to Daly, whilst in third place was Ian Gore of Up River Yacht Club. The second race saw winds gusting to force 6 at times, Coop taking first place, Potts second, and Ben Palmer of Baltic Wharf Sailing Club third. The final race of the day saw Daly back on the water having carried out running repairs, and he showed his prowess by taking first place, Coop second and Potts third. So it was all to play for on day three.

2025 Comet Nationals at Gunfleet - Andrew Dale of Eyott Sailing Club to windward of Crawley Mariners Yacht Club's Jeff Smith - photo © Kevin Jay

But first came our AGM followed by the tasty evening meal cooked by Gunfleet's ladies. Our Race Officer and President Keith Lamdin (also a former National Champion) was given Honorary Membership of the Comet Class Association. He announced that he was standing down as President, and there was unanimous support for Henry Jaggers as his successor. Committee members presented their reports, and our builder Andy Simmons provided his update and ideas on all things Comet. There was an upbeat discussion about future plans for our wonderful dinghy.

2025 Comet Nationals at Gunfleet - Chipstead Sailing Club's Lou Curry - photo © Kevin Jay

The third and final day saw a change in wind direction, necessitating a course change. The wind remained strong, but was more offshore. Sailing conditions looked quite benign from the clubhouse, but this was deceptive once out of the lee of the shore. The offshore wind meant the club line was too biased to be used. Therefore, the Race Officer opted for gate starts - the first time a gate start has been used at a Comet event. Potts was the pathfinder for the first race and Guy Wilkins of Chipstead SC was the pathfinder for the second race. The fleet coped well with this procedure. The reaching legs were epic, with maximum speeds being achieved, and gybing was extremely tricky. The wind abated just a little for the second race, but a few competitors decided it was wiser to sit it out and watch the antics of the remaining helms, while others elected to sail reefed. Daly sealed a well-deserved victory by finishing first in the final race, following a second behind Potts in the first race. Daly was returning to a Comet event after a break of around 20 years, though he had been practicing hard at his home club and had extensive sailing experience. Defending champion Coop claimed second with former champion Potts in third. First lady was Alex Gore of Up River Yacht Club, who sailed brilliantly to finish 11th overall and complete all 7 races.

2025 Comet Nationals at Gunfleet - Adam Kedge from Gunfleet enjoying every minute of it - photo © Kevin Jay

The event was an opportunity for all the Comet rigs to race together, and demonstrate the versatility offered by a reefable mainsail on a singlehander. We saw standard (original) full and reefed, Xtra (mylar), White Xtra (radial-cut dacron) in full and reefed mode, and Mino rigs. This enabled lighter helms to cope with the conditions.

In 2026 the Comet National Championships are taking place at Chipstead Sailing Club. A bumper entry is expected, because Chipstead has the largest fleet of Comets with many active helms (over 20 in some Comet starts there).

Overall Results: