Comet Duo 'Worlds' incorporating the UK National Championship 2026 at Cransley Sailing Club

Comet Duo 'Worlds' incorporating the UK National Championship at Cransley © Jess Clarke

Has it really been ten years since the first Worlds were held at Cransley SC (a wonderfully picturesque reservoir in the heart of rural Northamptonshire)?

We had a very healthy entry of 12 boats (out of 189 built by Comet Dinghies- the last being back in 2003) - including 2 visiting Duos from Eyott SC (Andy Dale/ Amanda Harris and Nigel Darby). As well we had an international element with Gretta and Jason Davies (representing Wales) and Jon Austin (representing USA - from Boston Harbour Sailing Centre) - truly global!. There were also a number of young sailors in the mix (Florence Henson, Florence Riley, Roo Stevenson and Finn Clarke - 3 of them first timers in the Worlds). 2 new helms in Mark Riley and Ed Henson (finally managed to convince the latter to join in after years of trying!).

The wind forecast was for a 16-20mph winds from the south - making for gusty conditions as it filters through the hills and trees on the southern side. Before the start Cransley's original Duo stalwart and former champion John Linnell tested the water temperature but doggedly carried on.

With a boat start in place (something a bit alien to those who sail at Cransley), everyone was a bit wary of the line, allowing myself and my crew, Finn Clarke to gain clean air. I should add that Finn is my 4 yr old grandson and has never raced/crewed before - and after the first mark said he thought "it (sailing) was fun but can we go back to the shore now?"!! I convinced him otherwise, and we managed to hold off Andy and Amanda, followed closely by Jon. In the fleet behind there was very close racing (bit too close with Ed and Roo Stevenson being t-boned by Mark and Florence Riley during a squall.

Race 1 - Comet Duo 'Worlds' incorporating the UK National Championship at Cransley - photo © Jess Clarke

A sumptuous lunch followed, with Sarah's infamous pasta bake and a glorious homemade apple and blackberry crumble being served to slow folk down.

It worked to a degree as the 2nd race saw our visitors from Eyott SC drop some places whilst the Austin brothers slugged it out in a very tense and nerve racking dogfight (both hitting buoys). Luckily Finn and myself managed to hold on - celebrating by breaking open a pack of Squashies!

John Linnell bounced right back into contentious for the podium places with a great 3rd place finish, with Gretta and Jason finishing their days sailing with a creditable 4th. John and Jane Townsend (also long time Duo sailors and former champion (Jane)) were posted another 8th just ahead again of the self proclaimed Chuckle Brothers (David Hodgson and Tim Fawkes). Ian Pidd who traded his Duo for a Solo (gasp!) sailed a club Duo and despite a spectacular capsize in the 2nd race was still raring to go for the final race (as were 9 others).

During the return to shore after Race 2 for afternoon tiffin, Jon Austin fell asleep and slid off the back of the boat, leading to a lengthy rescue (and forfeiting of his cake). He then repeated this with 2 minutes to go before the start of Race 3 and so had to sit on the turtled hull (as the centreboard disappeared) and watch whether his rivals for 2nd place could topple him. Unfortunately Andy and Amanda, after battling up to 2nd place, suffered a jib halyard failure, and despite a very fast onshore repair were unable to clawback enough. Nigel Darby had a flawless last race and just pipped John Linnell on countback for 3rd overall.

At this point I have to rewind to the first 3 legs of the last race when the above mentioned Chuckle Brothers found themselves unexpectedly in the lead at the start. First David the helm kept looking backwards with a big smile and then he started waving intermittently at the chasing pack. This continued on Leg 2 and half way down Leg 3 when his crew Tim also joined in - not really caring about where they were going, sail setting etc!! Very funny - reminded me of a scene out of the 1990's sitcom - Men Behaving Badly. Cant help thinking they would have finished slightly higher eventually if they hadn't used so much energy waving.....!

The tenacity prize of the day goes to Mark Riley who finished the last 2 laps without a tiller extension in a Force 4-5 at times. He did capsize a couple of times I think but hats off to you!

Nigel Austin and Finn Clarke, overall winners - Comet Duo 'Worlds' incorporating the UK National Championship at Cransley - photo © Jess Clarke

Big big thank you to the Race Officers Charles Clayton and Andrew Heald ably assisted by Mark Zealey and Richard Chapman on safety, to Sue Bull for sorting the results and to my long suffering better half Sarah for the delicious spread (with some top tiffin from Judy and Sophie I think) - and of course to our visitors and club sailors for sailing it in a wonderful spirit.

Lastly if you have a Comet Duo do let me know as we would love to trace as many of the 189 as possible. Thank you Andy Simmons for building them - and yes we still present the original AMS Marine Cup (bit like the claret jug in golf) to the winners!!!

Hope to see a few more next year.

Jon Austin, second overall - Comet Duo 'Worlds' incorporating the UK National Championship at Cransley - photo © Jess Clarke

Overall Results:

Nigel Darby, third overall - Comet Duo 'Worlds' incorporating the UK National Championship at Cransley - photo © Jess Clarke