Tasar Nationals at Porthpean Sailing Club Overall

The 2001 Tasar Nationals were hosted by Porthpean SC over the late May Bank Holiday. Usually the Nationals are held over a week but the 3 day, 6 race format was arranged because the Tasar Internationals (Worlds) will be held in August at Whitstable. This was the 4th time that the Tasars have visited Porthpean for their Nationals and it proved to be a successful event for all. Whilst most of the country basked in warm sunshine, Cornwall was subjected to low cloud and mist caused by the warm south westerlies coming up from the Azores. This did have the advantage of producing constant winds that varied from light to moderate wind strengths giving the sort of variety that suits everybody some of the time

A short practice race allowed the Race Officers Paul Beacon & Peter Pope to gauge the lengths of the beat and start line. This race was led from start to finish by Rien Zilvoid & Julie Nuttal. The First Championship race, used a conventional Olympic course set in a force 2, saw a tussle between the usual fleet leaders before another Dutchman Constantine Udo bidding for his 5th title took the lead, which he held to the end. Newcomers to the Tasar Clas, Richard Russell and Tig Williams, showed very good speed working their way up to second. Steve Mitchell/Kirsty Webber and David & Alex Morgan, both previous Champions finished 3rd & 4th. The second race, sailed immediately after the first, saw an even bigger lead and win by the Dutchman, with Russel finishing second, this time Morgan and Mitchell swapping places, for 3rd & 4th.

Sunday had 3 races scheduled with the first race set for 11.00. Unfortunately the day dawned to herald low mist which many thought would prevent any racing. Fortunately the cloud cover lifted enough to allow a “q” course to be set and racing commenced just after 13.00. The breeze for the first race was fresher allowing the planing Tasars to fly down the reaches. David Morgan again bidding for his 4th title revelled in the conditions winning with a lead that was the proverbial country mile. Behind a strong tussle between Russel, Udo and Mitchell developed, before Udo finished 2nd with Mitchell 3rd and Russell 4th. By this time it was obvious the eventual Champion was going to be one of these 4. Behind them Neil Spacagna, Rien Zilvoid and Mike Lyons were scrapping for places.

Race 4 saw a convincing win by Russell but ominously Udo finished 2nd, putting together a very consistent series. Zilvoid climbed into 3rd keeping Morgan & Mitchell behind him. Race 5 had a new leader Neil Spacagna & Natalie Capball at the Windward mark which they held for 4 legs, however his lead was whittled away, with the Morgans wining again followed by Mitchell & Russell.

The overnight leader board showed Udo leading, followed by Russell with the Morgans 3rd. The fleet went out to battle on Monday morning with various permutations running through the heads of the leading 3 contestants. In fact many others further down the field were considering their results and what the final race could do for them. The course this time was an Olympic type. The 6th race again was lead initially by Spacagna, but he was passed on the reaches by the Morgans. At this stage Udo was only 5th and Morgan was in Championship position, however Mitchell squeezed into the lead and Udo pulled through to 3rd. Mitchell held onto his lead, Udo could relax knowing that the prize was his for the 5th time. The sun came out and the 25th Tasar National Championship was duly concluded. Smiling faces from all proved the Championships a success and Porthpean SC could settle back into Club mode again.

Overall Results:

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