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Nationals at Bexhill - 2005 |
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2005
National Championships at Bexhill SC Bexhill Sailing Club hosted the 2005 Nationals. This was the first Nationals since de-selection from the Olympics and the entry of 21 boats, the highest for a number of years, was very pleasing and showed the Class is not dead. This was really down to both the Class Association and Bexhill SC ensuring that the event attracted as many UK Europe club sailors as possible - there are many out there who are not aspiring Olympians but enjoy racing a boat which suits a wide weight, height and age range. Saturday unfortunately brought a stiff force 5 on-shore breeze, which made it impossible to launch safely from the beach, and whilst the Race Officer sat on station for most of the day waiting for conditions to improve eventually racing was abandoned for the day. This did not stop intrepid Dave Kent from taking to the water and having a blast, with a safety rib trying to keep up! Despite many catchers awaiting his return to the shore they still missed him, with the result that boat and sailor were dumped onto the beach to the amusement of the assembled crowd. With the side show over, the fleet retired and watched the Town’s Carnival parade along the sea front - a very civilised end to the day! After the storm came the calm, and Sunday dawned with a light force 2/3 westerly. To ensure a Championship was undertaken four races were planned for the day. The fleet was a little too eager to get underway and Race 1 saw three boats OCS, including the retiring chairman Robert Laurie and incoming chairman Richard Eagleton. James Eynon led from start to finish in the light airs, closely followed by a new Europe youth sailor, Fergal Finlay, who finished second in his first Europe event. Katie Mapplebeck, who had recently returned from the European Championships, finished third. With dark clouds coming down the Channel, by the start of Race 2 the winds had freshened to a force 4 accompanied by a step chop. This change in conditions suited some of the older and more experienced Europe sailors and Robert Laurie led for the majority of the race only to be caught by James Eynon on the final run, with Tobin Dennis using his local knowledge to finish third. Race 3 was a repeat of Race 2 with Eynon and Laurie only yards apart at the head of the fleet all the way round, but Dave Kent was improving with his boat handling to take third in the heavier conditions. With three straight wins, Eynon was crowned 2005 National Champion. With an increasing wind and tired bodies a slightly depleted field started the final Race 4. Again Eynon and Laurie powered out ahead, opening up a sizeable lead over third placed Peter Ruff, who battled hard with Dave Kent. Results here. James Eynon has renewed his offer to run a training/coaching day for any group within reasonable reach of London. If any group of Europe sailors wants to get together and arrange this, contact James directly (if you need contact details ask using the "Feedback" form on the website.)
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