Leader Dinghy National Championship at Reading Sailing Club - Overall

Leader Dinghy National Championship at Reading © Paul Robson

Leader Dinghy National Championship at Reading © Paul Robson

Day 2 started with Race 3 in light and shifty conditions with the wind constantly moving between a SW and NW direction. The course started with a very short beat to windward, followed by a zig-zag down the lake before returning on a broad reach.

1128 Nev Robson & Issy Jenkins took the early lead followed by 1214 Ben & Ben Rickards. At the end of Lap 1, 1128 Nev & Issy had a moment of confusion over the course being sailed which allowed the chasing boats of 1214 Ben & Ben and 1130 Roger & Sybil Morse to close the gap. During the second lap 1130 Roger & Sybil managed to pull into the lead whilst further down the fleet 273 Newton Anthony & Bob Lovell battled hard with 1083 Chris & Jane Wharmby. During Lap 3 positions changed again in the flukey winds as 1214 Ben & Ben taking the lead from 1083 and on the final reach 273 Newton & Bob were catching 1130 Roger & Sybil with speed.

Final positions 1st 1214 Ben & Ben, 2nd 1128 Nev & Issy, 3rd 1083 Chris & Jane.

Race 4 followed on without a break and the youth pairing of 1260 Hugh Leech & Hadey Lines had a great start and were second to the windward mark just behind 1196 Sally & Mike Newlove. As the breeze freshened the fleet came together at the reach mark leaving a number of boats completing spins for infringements allowing 1260 Hugh & Hadey to sail away in the lead being chased by 1196 Sally & Mike. Part way through Lap 2 the wind returned to being light and shifty with boats hunting for pressure on the reach to the leeward mark and any gains in the close racing. Gradually 273 Newton & Bob were catching the leading pair with tight racing to the finish line.

Final positions 1st 273 Newton & Bob, 2nd 1260 Hugh & Hadey, 3rd 1196 Sally & Mike.

With a break for lunch and refreshments the conversations turned to the results required for the last race, with the championships wide open for the taking and only 3 points separating the top 3 boats.

After a slightly delayed start as the wind started to build to a consistent 6 knots race 5 was underway with 1083 Chris & Jane making a good start and at the windward mark joined by 273 Newton & Bob and 1196 Sally & Mike. Over the next 2 laps 273 Newton & Bob pulled out a convincing lead from 1083 Chris & Jane and 1130 Roger & Sybil who were battling for second place. This continued through the race but with the gap to the leader being slowly closed all the way to the final run as all three boats entered the final mark together.

Final positions 1st 273 Newton & Bob, 2nd 1083 Chris & Jane, 3rd 1130 Roger & Sybil.

Overall Results:
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Prizes:

1st Small Craft Trophy - Chris & Jane Wharmby, Milton Keynes SC
2nd Dennis Mason Tankard - Newton Anthony & Bob Lovell, Reading SC
3rd Humber Mouth YC Rose Bowl - Ben Rickards & Ben Goulding-Rickards, Hickling Broad SC
4th Trowbridge Cup - Roger & Sybil Morse, Welwyn Garden City SC
5th Pollard Platter - Nev Robson & Issy Jenkins, Reading SC

First Crew, Ham Pier YC trophy - Jane Wharmby, Milton Keynes SC
First Lady Helm, Easterly Trophy - Sally Newlove, Reading SC
Junior Helm & Crew, Carousel Trophy - Hugh Leach & Hadey Lines, Reading SC
Endeavour, Bossy Phelps Cup - Tracy & Amy Thompson, Reading SC
Furthest Travelled, Trevor Widnall Man on Rock Trophy - Ben Rickards & Ben Goulding-Rickards, Hickling Broad SC

Many thanks to Virtual Rigger for supporting the event with the youth prizes. Many thanks to the Leader Class Association and Reading Sailing Club for the organisation and management of the event.