Rooster Elite One Design UK National Championship at Hayling Island Sailing Club - Overall

Champagne conditions prevailed for the final day of the Rooster Elite One Design UK National Championships. We knew it was tight at the top and with steady-ish winds ranging from 8-15 knots the quality of the racing didn't disappoint.

Russell, Greg & Zeb knew they needed to stay consistent to keep the pressure off, as the others had a worse discard. They rounded second at the top mark, in front of Team Musto, and behind Simon Childs in #15. By the gate Russell in #20 had taken the lead with #15 in second and 007 in third. Positions stayed the same until the last run when Team Musto overtook #15 to claim third.

Day 4 - Rooster Elite One Design UK Nationals at Hayling - photo © Debbie Jarvis

The second race of the day started in a 10 knots and Team Musto knew that they had to beat Russell to have any chance of taking the title. They were out in front at the windward mark but 007 and #20 were just behind. It was super tight at the gate with Joe & team 007 just in front of Team Musto.

Eddie Warden-Owen in #33 crewed by Martin Hughes & Andy Gray pulled up to third just in front of #20. The place changing continued and as the breeze built again Team Musto came out on top followed by 007 and #20.

Day 4 - Rooster Elite One Design UK Nationals at Hayling - photo © Peter Hickson

The final race of the championship was all about getting Russell, Greg & Zeb to finish below fifth whilst Team Musto and 007 had to win as both had discards in the 'teens'. It was a tall order but Martin & Russell engaged in a pre-start 'dog fight' with Martin incurring a couple of penalties and doing some 'spins'.

The result was that they crossed the start line last, and last but one. Martin climbed through to twelfth but the championship was lost and #20 sailed home from the top mark. The fight was now on for the final podium places.

Mike in #46 took his chance and lead from start to finish to secure third overall, whilst 007 close on his heels for the first lap dropped to fourth by the finish, this was enough to take second overall. Toby Straus crewed by Rob Cruilshank & Aidan Mitchell won the start by a whisker and ended the regatta with their best finish in second. Eddie in #33 finished third, one of six top ten finishes and had it not been for gear failure on day 3 his team would have made it into the 'chocolates'.

Day 4 - Rooster Elite One Design UK Nationals at Hayling - photo © Debbie Jarvis

HISC hosted a prize-giving dinner in the evening which topped off an excellent tightly contested championship. Russell said this, "was one of the toughest championships he'd ever raced."

Testament of the quality of the racing and calibre of the competitors.

Next year we are joining the Royal Thames Regatta in Cowes for our UK Nationals - can't wait.

Day 4 - Rooster Elite One Design UK Nationals at Hayling - photo © Sarah Smith

Overall Results:

Day 4 - Rooster Elite One Design UK Nationals at Hayling - photo © Debbie Jarvis