Noble Marine Streaker National Championship 2026 at Sunderland Yacht Club - Day 2

Day 2 of the Noble Marine Streaker National Championship at Sunderland YC began with an overcast sky. Light winds were forecast all day and races 2 and 3 of the championship were completed before the breeze switched off completely.

Race 2 began with the black flag flying from the off and poor Steve Blackburn (West Lancs YC) was caught out. A lumpy swell which had developed overnight provided the fish with a nice supper, courtesy of Lianne Therkelson (Beaver SC).

James Sinclair leads Pete Gray in race 2 at the 2026 Noble Marine Streaker Nationals - photo © Phil Lingwood

James Sinclair (East Lothian YC) led the race from the start and secured the victory, with Ian Jones (Dovestone SC) and Pete Gray (Staunton Harold SC) finishing close behind. Duncan Glen (Spinnaker SC) had a great race, finishing in fourth.

Race 2 windward mark at the 2026 Noble Marine Streaker Nationals - photo © Phil Lingwood

Race 3 began with even less wind as the fleet lined up for the start. A big wind shift made it hard to cross the line on starboard, forcing everyone to quickly tack onto port. Those at the committee boat end got most of the fickle breeze and steadily made their way to the windward mark.

Finally, Team Beaver showed up! With only two tacks Martin Penty (Beaver SC) led the race, closely followed by Pete Gray and Richard Hanby (Beaver SC). Pete took the lead just after rounding the windward mark. None of the front runners risked gybing across as they wanted to stay with the tide, so they all pretty much followed Pete down the run.

On the next beat, Pete lost two places to Martin and Richard by tacking early, but generally there was not much place swapping overall. By the end of the final lap, Martin finished first, Richard second, Ian pulled through into third, so Pete was fourth.

Martin Penty leading race 3 at the 2026 Noble Marine Streaker Nationals - photo © Phil Lingwood

With the breeze no longer viable, the fleet were sent ashore and there was no further racing. Going into the final day, there's still everything to play for. Pete Gray is leading with Ian Jones one point behind. Phil Priestley (Yorkshire Dales SC) is currently third and Martin Penty is fourth.

Today's social highlight was Hartley Boats Bingo! with the main prize of a Streaker mainsail being won by Dave Adams from Broadstairs SC.

An early start has been scheduled for day 3 to enable an extra race, so we're all hoping the England match doesn't go to extra time and penalties!

Results after Day 2: